This beta supports the voltage control of HD 7X50 card, if you get the card, you may try to play it.

Changes list includes:

• Fixed sub-zero temperatures reading on certain custom design MSI graphics cards with LM96163 and NCT7718W dedicated thermal sensors.
• Added workaround for bug in AMD drivers causing unofficial overclocking to be reset to defaults after adjusting PowerPlay settings. Now unofficial overclocking settings are being forcibly reapplied after applying new PowerPlay settings.
• Hardware abstraction layer (HAL) architecture has been improved to provide compatibility with future NVIDIA graphics cards series.
• Now multi-GPU overclocking and fan control settings synchronization is performed at HAL level instead of display driver wrapper level to improve HAL architecture extendibility and provide compatibility with future NVIDIA graphics cards series.
• Shared control memory format has been upgraded to v2.0. New format provides power limit adjustment support and forward compatibility with future NVIDIA graphics cards series.
• Now it is possible to override group names for values displayed in the On-Screen Display or in Logitech keyboard LCD display.
• MSI On-Screen Display server has been upgraded to v4.3.3. New version gives the following improvements:
  o Fixed issue causing gamma correction to be applied twice under certain conditions and causing video to appear too bright when capturing video with gamma correction option enabled.
  o Output video dimensions are no longer being forcibly cropped to be multiples of 16. Now cropping is optional and can be enabled via GUI
  o Dedicated 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 frame downsampling routines have been replaced with unified arbitrary downsampling routine. Now MSI Afterburner provides arbitrary frame downsampling functionality and allows selecting 360p, 480p, 720p, 900p, 1080p frame sizes for both 16:9 and 16:10 aspect ratios. Please take a note that arbitrary frame sizes list is user extendable so you may add your own custom frame sizes if necessary via the configuration file.
  o Improved tabbed text formatting provides better compatibility with custom group names.

Download

Read the review here.

So, let’s get to the good stuff and fire this baby up!

Changes in this Version

• Added GeForce GTX 560
• Added Quadro FX1800
• Added Quadro 4000
• Added Quadro 5000

Download

The Alpine 64 PLUS provides a perfect cooling solution with its optimized heatsink to dissipate heat from the CPU. Its high performance 92mm PWM-controlled fan operates at a fan speed range of 600 to 2000 RPM - reaching a maximum cooling capacity of 100 Watts. With a noise level of only 0.4 Sone even at full load, you can hardly hear any sound from this cooler. Furthermore, it comes with a pre-applied ARCTIC MX-4 thermal compound and a transport-proof mounting system for quick installation and maximum user-friendliness.

The Alpine 64 PLUS is simply what power users are looking for when it comes to having sufficient cooling at the lowest noise level at an affordable price. This cooler is compatible with AMD Sockets FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2 and 939. Not that you will ever need it, this cooler does come with a six-year limited warranty with an MSRP at 14.95 USD/ 10.94 EUR, excl. VAT.

Specifications:

• Max. Cooling Capacity 100 Watts
• Heatsink Material Aluminum
• Fan 92 mm, 600 - 2,000 RPM (controlled by PWM)
• Bearing Fluid Dynamic Bearing
• Noise Level 0.4 Sone
• Current / Voltage 0.22A , 12V
• Dimensions 115 (L) x 98 (W) x 70 (H) mm
• Net Weight 430 g
• Compatibility AMD Socket FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2 and 939

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2012 – “Entering 2012, Lenovo/IBM’s rise in reliability will be an important boost for the company. Although Apple’s market share has risen over the last 12 months, its reliability has declined. The comparatively smaller Toshiba and Samsung are illustrating interesting reliability trends worth watching over the coming year,” stated David Milman, CEO of RESCUECOM. For 2012, Rescuecom now includes all manufacturers with a market share of at least above one percent in this report.

The computer reliability report scores for 2012 are:

1. Lenovo/IBM (281)
2. Toshiba (190)
3. Samsung (156)
4. Apple (151)
5. Asus (126)
6. HP/Compaq (100)
7. Dell (68)
8. Sony (64)
9. Acer (40)

The Rescuecom Computer Reliability Report is a factual, unbiased review of today’s personal computer manufacturers. Rescuecom defines reliability as the physical reliability of the computers plus the after the sale computer support of the manufacturers.

The Rescuecom Computer Repair Share Score is calculated by taking the U.S. Computer Market Share of the manufacturer, dividing it by the percentage of calls Rescuecom receives for service of the manufacturers and multiplying by 100. By considering the number of service calls as a function of each manufacturer’s market strength, Rescuecom is able to determine and score the reliability of computer manufacturers.

In analyzing the computer reliability scores for 2012, RESCUECOM sees the market making important shifts. It will be worth watching Samsung to see if they can maintain reliability as their market share continues its ascent. Over the years Lenovo/IBM has performed well on the Rescuecom reliability report, while Dell, HP and Acer have suffered declines.

The most reliable computer manufacturers (in order of reliability), along with the data which was used to calculate reliability scores are as follows:

1 - As of the date of this report, and for future reports, the computer repair share percentages and computer reliability score does not include "Other" computer manufacturers. This change does not affect the order of the ranking. "Other" is defined as all manufacturers that have below 1.0% market share.

"The industry trend towards Small Form Factor and Home Theatre PCs is well-established, but there's still a lack of suitable high-quality quiet CPU coolers", explains Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. "Building a powerful PC always requires a capable CPU, which in return demands a competent cooling solution. But who wants his HTPC to sound like a jet engine? This is precisely where the NH-L12 steps in."

Thanks to its exquisite dual fan setup consisting of Noctua's highly optimised NF-F12 (120mm) and NF-B9 (92mm) premium fans, the NH-L12 pushes the bar in terms of low-profile quiet cooling performance. Alternatively, the NH-L12 can also be used with the NF-B9 92mm fan only in order to reduce the overall height to 66mm. This way, the cooler is suitable for many typical µATX or Mini-ITX enclosures and ideal for whisper-quiet HTPC systems.

The NH-L12's NF-F12 and NF-B9 fans support PWM for convenient automatic speed control. In addition, the maximum fan speed can be reduced to 1200/1300rpm using the supplied Low-Noise Adaptors for even quieter operation. Bundled with the award-winning NT-H1 thermal compound and Noctua's SecuFirm2™ multi-socket mounting system, the NH-L12 packs everything a premium quality quiet cooler needs into a highly compact package.

Price and Availability
The NH-L12 will be available immediately at a recommended retail price of EUR 49.90 / USD 59.90.

The PowerColor LCS HD7970 dissipates the heat from the nickel coated copper base which fully covers the key components, enhancing anti-oxidizing ability and allowing GPU temperature under 50°C even under full load. Moreover, with acetal surface of water block design, preventing moisture damage to ensure the longer life cycle.

Compatible with the latest GCN architecture, the PowerColor LCS HD7970 is ready for DirectX®11.1 and PCI Express 3.0, delivering ground-breaking gaming performance. Engineered with support for AMD Eyefinity Technology 2.0 and HD3D technology, it enables a “wrap around” gaming view with stereo 3D technology to put you right into the game.

PowerColor LCS HD7970 packages a high-flow 3/8" and 1/2" fittings (barbs) to maximize water flow with captured o-rings to prevent leakage. Gamers can customize their own liquid cooling system using these two fittings.

This card is now available for pre-order at Overclockers UK for a steep £599.99 (718EUR).

The TMEIII is the next evolution of the hugely successful TherMax Eclipse CPU cooler series. The increased number of heat-pipes combined with a higher number and density of dimpled fins and crowned with two (2) high airflow, Nano Bearing DC fans for extreme cooling performance. Five (5) U-shaped 8mm all-copper heat-pipes are in direct contact with the CPU heat-spreader (heat source), rapid heat transfer to the 45 aluminum dimpled fins providing a larger surface area for optimum heat dissipation. The TME III is supplied with two (2) 12cm BlackStar 7 blades, high quality precision Nano - Bearing DC fans, providing high airflow and sufficient cooling. These fans are PWM controlled to provide the best sound / cooling ratio possible. Compatibility is guaranteed with multi-platform mounting for all current Intel and AMD micro-processors. The TME III brings cooling power to an all-new level. Another amazing product from Spire – Powered by Innovation.

Main Features:
* Five (5) 8mm all copper U-shaped sinter-powder heat-pipes
* Heat-pipe base direct contact with all of the processor area
* Straight lined heat-pipes allowing air to easily pass through
* Stamped aluminum wide fins for best surface rate
* Dimpled surface fin for increased heat transfer rate
* All black-Nickel coated heat-pipes to preserve killer looks from oxidation
* Two (2pcs) 120mm BlackStar 7 blade DC fan included
* High Quality, Long MTBF precision Nano - Bearing
* Supports AM2/AM3 socket 939/940/ 775/1155/1156 & 1366/2011
* Best cooling performance on hot CPU’s up to TDP 150W
* PWM fan speed control, 4 Pin Mainboard Connector

Compatibility:
The TME III Cooler is compatible with the latest ATX and Micro ATX boards based on the Intel Micro-processors sockets 775/1155/1156/1366/2011 and for AMD Micro-processors AM2/AM3/940/939 for AMD (not G34 compatible).

MSRP:
USD 64.95 / EUR 48.99

Product Includes:
TME III Heat-sink, Two (2) 12cm BlackStar 7 blades nano-bearing DC Fans, 8 Anti-Vibe rubber fan mounts, BlueFrost thermal interface compound, Intel universal mounting set, AMD universal mounting set, Motherboard back-plate, User installation manual, Warranty registration card.

R295 Highlight Summary
New features and performance since last WHQL-certified driver

• Game-changing performance boost of up to 45% in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, “the fastest selling title in Steam’s history”
• Up to 2x performance Mass Effect 3 with SLI technology.
• GeForce-exclusive quality enhancements with ambient occlusion support for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Diablo III, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
• New 3D Vision and SLI profiles for over 50 titles.
• New PhysX software for the best experience in top PhysX titles like Alice: Madness Returns and Batman: Arkham City.

R295 Highlight Details

Performance

• Increases performance by up to 45% in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (measured with GeForce GTX 560 at 1080p Ultra settings in indoor scenes vs. 285.62).
• Updates the NVIDIA Control Panel ambient occlusion support for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to a higher performance profile.
• Boosts Mass Effect 3 SLI performance to up to 2x.

Ambient Occlusion

• Adds ambient occlusion support for Diablo III. See the comparison screenshots on GeForce.com.
• Updates the ambient occlusion support for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to a higher performance profile (also in 290 beta drivers). See the comparison screenshots on GeForce.com.
• Adds ambient occlusion support for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (also in 290 beta drivers). See the comparison screenshots on GeForce.com.

NVIDIA SLI

• Adds or updates SLI profiles for:
• Mass Effect 3
• Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
• The Darkness II
• F1 2011
• Oil Rush
• Red Faction: Armageddon
• 7554
• Trine 2
• WRC 2: FIA World Rally Championship 2011
• Afterfall: InSanity.
• ArcheAge
• Core BlazeFreeStyle 2 – rated Good
• The Haunted Halls Reach – rated Excellent
• Insane 2 - rated Excellent
• King Arthur II – rated Not Recommended
• Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning – rated Fair
• Kong Fu Ying Xiong – rated Fair
• Love Beat – rated Good
• Marvel Super Hero Squad Online – rated Good
• Microsoft Flight – rated Fair
• Perpetuum – rated Fair
• Post Apocalyptic Mayhem – rated Fair
• Prototype 2 – rated Fair
• Q.U.B.E. – rated Excellent
• Quan Qiu Shi Ming – rated Excellent
• Red Bull X-Fighters - rated Excellent
• rFactor 2 (mod mode) – rated Good and updated convergence
• Risen 2: Dark Waters - rated Fair
• Saints Row: The Third – Rated Not Recommended
• Shadow Company: Left for Dead – rated Not Recommended
• Special Force – Rated Good
• Tera – rated Good
• Top Gun: Hard Lock – rated Not Recommended
• Tropico 4 – rated Good
• Worms Blast – rated Good
• If you are using 3D Vision with the 3D Vision USB emitter, please read this FAQ for more details on installation.

NVIDIA PhysX

• Updates PhysX System Software to 9.12.0209 for improved compatibility with Alice: Madness Returns and Batman: Arkham City.

  GeForce Forceware 295.73 64-bit WHQL
  GeForce Forceware 295.73 32-bit WHQL

  We have a discussion thread open on these drivers right here.

Intel is retaining the 2.5-inch and mSATA form factors, but the 2.5-inch drives are now only 7mm tall, instead of 9mm of the 311 series. The SATA interface is still at 3Gbps, but the reason for is simply because Intel doesn't have a new SSD controller of its own. The reason Intel is sticking with SLC flash for its caching drives is most likely because the company is expecting a high wear and tear ratio on this type of SSDs and as such using cheaper NAND flash would mean that the drives would wear out quicker.

As for pricing, well, things haven't changed much, with Intel's MSRP of the 20GB models coming in at US$99 (S$125) and the 24GB models being slightly more expensive at US$119 (S$150).

OCZ-SANRAD VXL drastically alters the available options for storage in the enterprise datacenter by allowing any PCIe-based OCZ Z-Drive R4 model including the newly introduced Z-Drive R4 CloudServ, to be utilized as a accelerator for traditional iSCSI and FC storage. This eliminates the need for costly tier-1 SANs in a wide range of enterprise IT infrastructures from application virtualization to virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).

As part of this launch, OCZ will be arranging live demonstrations on-site with enterprise customers to showcase how data can be accessed by virtual machines up to 25 times faster than a traditional SAN alone, while also allowing seamless migration of virtual machines from one physical host to another without loss of access to the flash cache or a cliff-like performance drop. As an example, in virtual desktop infrastructure, VXL and the Z-Drive R4's flash based storage is able to complete boot storms of hundreds or even thousands of users significantly faster than what is achievable with typical SAN storage.

"Combining OCZ-SANRAD VXL software together with the Z-Drive R4 PCIe SSD enables the delivery of a complete virtual performance system for enterprise customers looking to efficiently distribute flash resources across virtual machines to maximize the performance of their key applications," said Dr. Allon Cohen, VP of Marketing-Enterprise, OCZ Technology. "In contrast to other caching solutions, the Z-Drive VXL bundle does not require agent or driver installation on each VM. And, because cached data is treated as a virtualized storage entity, it can be migrated seamlessly between ESX servers along with the virtual volumes without performance loss. The result is a replacement for tier-1 SAN based storage that can be deployed seamlessly into existing infrastructures that is both simpler and more cost effective to maintain."

VXL fully supports VMware vMotion, and guarantees cache migration where cached data is treated as a virtualized storage entity and can be migrated between VMware ESX servers along with the virtual volumes without performance loss. For ESX, Microsoft Hyper-V and Citrix XenServer hypervisors, VXL does not require separate operating system agents to be installed in each virtual machine like other solutions, simplifying IT management and deployment from one central system. VXL ensures automatic support for any OS supported by the hypervisor including all modern versions of Microsoft Windows, all major Linux distributions, OpenSolaris, and FreeBSD among others.

VXL provides robust tools for enterprise IT management including integration with VMware vCenter virtualization management console, as well as Storage Pro software for remote consolidated management of any OCZ Z-Drive R4 and CloudServ in the datacenter. Additionally, VXL provides dynamic policy-based caching tuned specifically for critical applications including Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SQL Server, and other enterprise-class server applications. With these enterprise IT management features, VXL transforms the way storage is managed in the cloud and in enterprise-class datacenters.

OCZ is now demonstrating the exciting Z-Drive R4 and VXL virtual performance system solution to clients.

First sampled in September 2011, the GK107 will appear in a variety of N13 GeForce M GPUs, N14 Quadro M GPUs. In addition, GK107 will also make it to the desktops as D14 or GeForce 600. There will be two variants of GK107, GK107-200 GPU in D14M2-20 and the top bin GK107-300 in D14P1-10 SKU. The GK107-300 variant will be powered by GDDR3 or GDDR5 memory, while the GK107-200 will sport 512MB of DDR3 RAM.

At first glance, the GK107 PCB and heatsink is very similar to the ones used for the GeForce GT 440 (GF108 based, which the GPU GK107 will replace) with identical dimensions. Like the GF108, the GK107 will feature a 128-bit memory interface. The heatsink + fan system will also be similar - a shroud-less heatsink with an 11 blade axial fan, albeit with minor modifications for GK107. Legacy VGA output will be dropped for 1 DVI-I DL output, 1 DVI-D or HDMI out, and a third port with either mini-DP or mini-HDMI.

The two variants of GK107 are likely to be branded GeForce GT 6x0, and may well be two of NVIDIA's final entry-level GPUs with AMD's A-Series and Intel's HD IGPs starting to cannibalize the entry-level market. PCB screenshot courtesy goes to vr-zone.

Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series, 100-series, 200-series, 300-series, 400-series, 500-series, and 600-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory.

• Includes the latest PhysX runtime builds to support all released PhysX content.
• Changes & fixed issues in this release
  • Updated SDKs for Batman Arkham City, Alice 2 and other 2.8.4 applications.
  • Fixed a bug that caused Alice 2 to crash.
• Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on all GeForce 8-series, 9-series, 100-series, 200-series, 300-series, 400-series, 500-series, and 600-series GPUs with a minimum of 256MB dedicated graphics memory.
  Note: Some applications may have higher minimum requirements.
• Experience GPU PhysX acceleration in many games and demos, some of which are highlighted in PowerPack downloads here.
• Supports NVIDIA PhysX acceleration on GeForce for SDK versions 2.7.1, 2.7.3, 2.7.4, 2.7.5, 2.7.6, 2.8.0, 2.8.1 and 2.8.3 (requires graphics driver v196.21 or later).
• Supports control of your GPU PhysX configuration from the NVIDIA display driver control panel. (Requires graphics driver v196.21 or later).
• AGEIA PhysX processors users should use and install older PhysX system software such as version 8.09.04. Note – AGEIA PPU acceleration support for 2.8.1 SDK or earlier, and Windows Vista and Windows XP only.

We have a discussion thread open on these drivers right here. Download right here.