Corsair XMS2-5400UL, Carmack's QuakeCon keynote, and more!
The security scare of the week, Zotob(the worm) hasn't had the effect that was predicted. While early reports claimed it was spreading fast, that doesn't seem to be the case at the moment. Trend Micro estimates that the original version of the worm(Zoto.A) has infected about 50 computers world wide, while the first variant(Zotob.B) has only infected about 1,000 systems. They claim it has to do with the operating system, with the worm causing problems primarily with Windows 2000. Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 are said to be in no danger. So folks, you can turn the sirens off for now, unload a couple of those firewalls, and take your pointer off the Windows Update icon.
Intel To Deliver Dual-Core, Hyper-Threaded Server Platforms Earlier Than Expected
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 15, 2005 – With development ahead of schedule, Intel Corporation today announced it is accelerating the availability of dual-core, hyper-threaded Intel(R) Xeon™ processors and Intel Xeon processors MP. The new processors will help improve server responsiveness, speed and multi-tasking by allowing software to manage information from up to four "brains" per Intel processor. In addition, Intel has begun a broad evaluation program of thousands of dual-core platforms for software developers and enterprise customers.
"As they did with dual-core PC processors earlier this year, Intel engineers have executed exquisitely, and because of that we'll bring our dual-core Intel Xeon processor platforms to the marketplace well ahead of schedule," said Kirk Skaugen, general manager of Intel's Server Platforms Group.
Originally due in 2006, Intel plans to introduce the dual-core Intel Xeon processor MP, codenamed "Paxville," for servers with four or more processors later in 2005. Paxville will provide more than 60 percent better performance over previous generations and will use the Intel(R) E8500 chipset, which has been architected for dual-core performance and was introduced earlier this year.**
For dual processor servers, Intel plans to ship a premium dual-core Intel Xeon processor, codenamed "Paxville DP" in 2005. Paxville DP will deliver up to 50 percent improved performance over previous generations and will use the Intel E7520 chipset.***
Paxville DP is targeted at early adopters and evaluators of dual-core technology and is to be followed by a broader family of dual-core Intel Xeon processor-based platforms, codenamed "Bensley" for servers and "Glidewell" for workstations, in the first quarter of 2006. Bensley and Glidewell are targeted to complete an extremely aggressive transition to dual-core top to bottom in Intel's entire server and workstation line-up.
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Asetek WaterChill 3/8" ID Power Kit CPU/GPU/NB Waterblocks w/ Triple 120mm Radiator @ PimpRig
"My initial expectations of this kit is that in it's complete configuration it will provide very reasonable performance but that better performance could be achieved with a little "twinking" of the components. I am a believer that there is more to be lost by water cooling the Chipset then is to be gained by it in most circumstances. That being said, many enthusiasts operate their systems in warmer environments and the addition of the Chipset cooler would be a welcome option indeed for these folks."
John Carmack's QuakeCon 2005 keynote @ The Tech Report
"Carmack spoke live and in person at QuakeCon this year, after having missed the last two years due to illness in 2003 and the birth of his child in 2004. He was back in typical form, delivering his speech without notes, seemingly off the top of his head. The speech was still crystal clear and reasonably well organized, as one might expect from a renowned programmer. His topics included next-generation game consoles, the problems with physics acceleration, and what he'd like to see in future graphics hardware."
Corsair XMS2-5400UL @ Bytesector
"Today, I am going to be taking a look at their one up, PC2-5400 CL3 memory which should be able to produce some serious bandwidth with those low timings. While DDR2-667 doesn't seem like much anymore with DDR2-1000 stealing the spotlight, let's not forget that there isn't yet a chipset which officially supports more than DDR2-667, and that this may be just the thing to jump start your new system."
Crucial Ballistix DDR2-1000 @ Hardware Zone
"Crucial is the second vendor to hit retail with DDR2-1000 modules in the form of their Ballistix series. Sporting a stunning build, its stock performance wasn't quite that stature. However it can operate at rather aggressive settings to give its sole rival some good competition."
How Much Bandwidth is Required for VoIP Phones? @ BFR
"A long-standing question for potential VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) consumers is "How much bandwidth does a VoIP phone require to make quality telephone calls?" Well we look to provide that answer in this article."
