Hardware Roundup 2.4GHz, 8MB cache monster is Kentsfield
SOMEWHAT SHELLSHOCKED we report that
Xtremesystems has a preview of Intel's next generation CPU, the four-in-one Kentsfield processor, with 8MB cache, running on the MSI 975X motherboard.
The CPU is clocked at 2.4GHz and overclocks to 3.2GHz on stock voltage. As you might guess, the CPU still has some rough edges and you can expect the final version will be clocked at a higher speed. For those who thought that Conroe was a Fad, then wait for Kentsfield.
Trustedreviews tests the
Sandisk Sansa e260 which is presented as the Nano Killer. Gordon Kelly says that the e260 is much better than the iPod itself. It is fatter than the iPod but packs more punch including the ability to play videos with the included software, it has a smoother playback and a far superior battery life. The iPod influence is there but goes beyond Apple iconic product.
Bjorn3D reports on the
MCX159-CU from Swiftech. It is a heatsink/cooler for chipsets rather than for CPU. It features a pure copper heatsink together with a Sunon 40mm fan with a suggested 1.8BA noise level. The HSF comes with a number of accessories. It does a great job cooling the chipset but at 7670rpm, it is noisier than the spec list suggests. Also bear in mind that it might interfere with your existing computer components.
Bit-Tech checks the
One Laptop per Child project. They cover past examples of projects which were aiming at providing cheap computers for the masses - the Simputer which never really made it despite being marketed as the perfect solution and the lesser known Ndiyo. The OLPC aims at providing a cheap - $100 - laptop which will be powered by AMD's CPU and uses Linux as OS.
Belgium website
Madshrimps.be has a roundup of Intel CPU heatsinks. Obviously, we're looking at LGA 775 models.They come from Thermaltake, Scythe, Titan, Datacooler, Globalwin, Zalman and Thermalright. They use a 3GHz P4, the 530 model. Results are beyond any doubt, most are better than the Intel Standard Cooler. Also look at the hint that Madshrimps posted, the longer the name, the worse it performs. There's a software review at The Moditory. The
Uniblue Registry Booster is a shareware that allows you to clean up the Windows Operating System Registry, with the ability to back-up registry before changes made. There's also an application called the registry defragmenter. The software apparently outperformed the reviewer's expectation.
The INQuirer