As most here will know, GPU is short for graphics processing unit, a piece of hardware that is dedicated to rendering graphics. Years ago, when the personal computer first found its way into homes, dedicated GPUs did not exist. All graphics were displayed and manipulated by the CPU (the central processing unit). As a result, only primitive images could be displayed, without performance issues. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the first dedicated GPU was invented.
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Hardcore Computer Reactor Custom PC
Hardcore Computer is a manufacturer of high-end custom computers. Their latest offering is the Reactor model. The system boasts the current most powerful components, including a Core 2 Extreme processor, up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, up to three GeFoce GTX 280 GPUs, Creative Labs X-Fi audio, Wi-Fi antenna options, CMOS battery and BIOS reset switches, and much more. However, what makes this system stand out the most from other custom computer options is the fact that all the heat-producing hardware components are completely immersed in a custom dielectric fluid (Core Coolant).
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OCZ Releases Triple Channel DDR3 Memory Kits
It looks like OCZ is first out of the gate with a triple channel memory kit for the upcoming Intel Core i7 processors / Intel X58 Express Chipset motherboards. The new, hand-tested 3GB and 6GB kits are designed specifically for the new platform, and use an optimized combination for low voltage requirements, speed, and latency to deliver optimal performance.
Posted inComputer Software
Free Firefox Web Directory Form Filler Extension
As we have previously noted in the best Firefox extensions article, we are now providing free access to the powerful web directory form filler extension for Firefox. It is being made available free here exclusively (the extension sells normally for $150).
Posted inComputer Software
Recommended Firefox Extensions
We have compiled a list of what we consider to be the best extensions for Firefox. When evaluating extensions for recommendation, not only do we consder the functionality and features of the extension, but we also test to ensure it works well with all the other extensions we recommend.
Posted inTechnology
Reading University Turing Test Searches for a “Thinking” Computer
Alan Turing wrote a seminal paper in 1950 titled ‘Computing Machinery and Intelligence’. In it, he states that a thinking computer is impossible to distinguish from a human in text-based conversation. Alan Turing further hypothesized that a 30% chance existed a computer could be mistaken for a human in a five minute conversation by the end of the 20th Century.
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OpenOffice.org 3.0 Released
OpenOffice.org has now concluded months of beta testing and officially released the 3.0 version of the office suite. It is immediately available for download from the official site. Downloads are available for Windows, Linux, Solaris, and Mac OS X.
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Century Japan 4.3″ USB LCD Monitor and Photo Frame
Century Japan has released a handy 4.3″ USB LCD monitor. The unit is designed as a secondary display. Imagine you’ve been hard at work all day, but you’re expecting a specific email or IM. You’re tired, and want to go sit in the recliner you have in the room. Rather than having to pop up to your desk every time you hear your email/IM notification sound, just look over at the small LCD display sitting beside you.
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Compwnent USB Classic NES Controller
Here at Gadget Advisor, we are big fans of the classic Nintendo games, such as Dragon Warrior, Final Fantasy, and Super Mario Bros series. When you have played a certain gaming console more than any other, you get used to its controller. For those most comfortable with the classic NES controller, the Compwnent USB Nintendo NES Controller is ideal for PC game-play.
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Thermaltake Blacx Hard Drive Dock
The Thermaltake Blacx Hard Drive Docking Station functions as an external hard drive enclosure, but with the brilliant benefit of being able to quickly and easily insert and eject the disk drive without having to get inside the hard drive enclosure. The unit has many useful purposes for providing extra disk space anywhere needed.
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Possible Intel Core i7 Processor Release Date
The Fudzilla web site has posted information that states the Intel Core i7 processors will be released on November 17th, which is apparently a week later than the date Intel originally planned. X58 motherboards and triple-channel DDR3 memory kits are certainly soon to follow.
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Toshiba Portégé R600 – World’s Lightest, Fully-featured Notebook
At 2.4lbs, Toshiba claims that the new Portégé R600 is the world’s lightest full featured notebook. The system packs quite a punch into the small package.
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ASUS Rampage II Extreme X58 Motherboard
As we all eagerly await the release of Intel’s Core i7 (Nehalem) processors, news is beginning to surface regarding the X58 motherboards. Thus far, the best performing motherboard seems to be the ASUS Rampage II Extreme, with is, of course, specifically designed for the Intel i7 processors.
Posted inComputer Software
AI RoboForm Web Form Filling Software Review
There are a number of options for web form filling, especially if you use Firefox since there are a few different free extensions available. However, RoboForm excels in features in ease of use above all other options we have evaluated.
Posted inComputer Software
Opera 9.6 Web Browser Released
Opera has today released the 9.6 version of the desktop web browser software. The web browser is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac based computers, with 38 localized versions.
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Razer Lycosa Mirror Special Edition and Razer Arctosa Gaming Keyboards
Both of the new Razer keyboards are powered by the same advanced and powerful technology/features used in the popular Razer Lycosa. The Razer Lycosa Mirror Edition keyboard differs with the addition of a high-gloss mirror finish and enhanced backlighting. The Razer Arctosa, on the other hand, offers a more minimal approach as a basic version of the original Razer Lycosa.
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ASUS G71 Quad-core Gaming Notebook
The ASUS G71 notebook was designed specifically for the gaming market. The machine emphasizes audio quality and video performance to offer a complete gaming experience. Features include an Intel Core 2 Extreme processor QX9300, DDR3 RAM, dedicated NVIDIA graphics, and a Blu-ray optical drive.
Posted inComputer Software
RealNetworks Ordered to Stop Selling RealDVD
RealNetworks recently released the RealDVD software that provides DVD copying functionality for customers. With it, DVD owners can make a single copy of a video for hard drive storage. RealNetworks claims the software offers the required encryption security to protect DVDs copied with it from being illegally shared online.
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CyberPower Gamer Xtreme XI Desktop PC
The CyberPower Gamer Xtreme XI is a factory-overclocked gaming machine that boasts impressive specifications. The customized gaming system is based on Intel’s Core 2 Extreme platform and includes a 4GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 quad-core processor, 1600FSB and 4GB DDR3 RAM to match, dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 280 1GB PCIe x16 video cards, two 500GB 7,200rpm hard drives or two 64GB SSDs, Blu-ray optical drive, and 7.1 channel audio.
Posted inGadgets
Garmin GPSMAP 640 GPS Navigation System
Garmin is a pioneer in the GPS navigation system market. Their latest entry is called the GPSMAP 640. The GPSMAP 640 is ultra-portable, powerful, rugged (even water-proof), and touch-screen navigator equipped (super-bright 5.2” WVGA).
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Kingston HyperX PC3-16000 (2GHz) DDR3 RAM
Kingston has released an affordable, ultra high-speed DDR3 memory kit with a frequency of 2GHz. The 2GB HyperX PC3-16000 memory kit, priced at $227, offers PC enthusiasts cutting edge, Enhanced Performance Profile (EPP) capable RAM with CL9-9-9-27 @ 1.9v timings.
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DViCo TViX M-6500A Network Media Player
We have reviewed numerous options in network media players, ranging back to the now defunct GoVideo D2730 Network DVD Player. While every option has a shortcoming here and there, the DViCo TViX M-6500A Network Media Player is overall the best option we have thus far reviewed.
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Nintendo DSi
Nintendo has officially announced an upgrade to the DS portable gaming console. It is called the DSi, maintaining the trademark double-screen (DS). The new unit features a larger 3.5″ display, while becoming 12% thinner than the previous DS model.
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Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote Control
As we utilize more and more electronic devices in the digital home, controlling them becomes an important issue. No one wants to keep up with or sort through a dozen different remotes for various devices in a home entertainment system and surrounding electronic equipment. The Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control is the perfect solution.
Posted inComputer Software
Free Computer Associates (CA) Internet Security Suite Plus 2008 Software
Newegg is currently offering the Computer Associates (CA) Internet Security Suite Plus 2008 for $40, with a $40 mail-in-rebate and free shipping. Just to confirm that there’s no typo here, that means the software is completely free after the rebate. The CA Internet Security Suite offers virus protection as well as spam, spyware, and more.
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Evaluating Online Backup Services
After an extensive review of online backup services, we have determined the all-around best online backup service for those serious about online backup protection. Criteria for this evaluation included data transfer speed, software features, service capabilities, etc.
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Shuttle D10 Desktop PC with 7-inch Touch Screen Display
Shuttle’s small form factor desktop PCs have maintained a similar, rectangular design for years. The Shuttle D10 is no exception, other than the addition of a built-in 7-inch touch screen display! The D10 is Shuttle’s first computer that boasts an integrated 7-inch (800×480) LCD touchscreen display. The display can be used to view photos, movies, music, video, etc. It was designed with surveillance and simple entertainment center functions in mind.
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PC Remote Controller II
The PC Remote Controller II is a computer remote control that also functions as a mouse for the PC. It features four programmable buttons that can be used to open software applications, and operates such multimedia software as Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, KMPlayer, TTPlay, WinDVD, and PowerDVD. The unit seems particularly well suited for handling media and presentations. The PC Remote Controller II is now available for $21.
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Buffalo MiniStation Shinobi
At the time of this writing, the Buffalo MiniStation Shinobi is the world’s smallest hard disk drive (not flash drive). The drive has a thickness of only 5mm, and weighs a mere two ounces. It features a stylish glossy black housing as well as TurboUSB technology, which delivers up to 20 percent faster transfer speeds than standard external drives. The Buffalo MiniStation Shinobi is compatible with Windows and Mac PCs and is available in 30GB ($120) and 60GB ($170) capacity models.
Posted inTechnology
The 50 Most Significant Moments of Internet History
CNET’s Crave web site has posted the 50 most significant moments of Internet history. It’s definitely an interesting collection of events that we can recommend checking out.