Biostar Microtech International has claimed that its Biostar Sigma-Gate VR8603TS21 graphics card with V-Ranger software helped CornerJack, a France-based overclocker, break the 3Dmark06 world record for the GeForce 8600GTS.The overclocker was able to overclock to respectable core 1023MHz and 2320 MHz memory clocks with V-Ranger technology, which makes it possible to modify the voltage of the memory and graphics processing unit (GPU) in real time. The utility is available on a wide range of Sigma-Gate cards including the VR8603TS21, VR8602GT21, VR8502GT21, V7602GS21 and V7303GT, according to Biostar. Biostar Sigma-Gate VR8603TS21 graphics card specification Item Details Interface PCI Express x16 Memory type DDR3 Memory size 256MB Engine clock 540MHz Memory clock 1400MHz Memory bus 128-bit RAMDACs 400MHz Max resolution 2560 X 1600 Output S-Video, DVI and D-Sub Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007Biostar Sigma-Gate VR8603TS21 graphics cardPhoto: Company

GeCube launched its HD 2000 V-Fins series graphics cards, the GC-VX26PG2-D3 and GC-VHD24PL2-D3. V-Fins series graphics cards have an exclusively designed V-shaped heat sink pair with an air-vent bracket to speed up the natural airflow and lower the graphics chip temperature, according to GeCube.The V-Fins series graphics cards support UVD (universal video decoder) technology and 1080p/1080i resolutions and Blu-ray and HD-DVD playback, noted the company. GeCube V-Fins Series graphics cards specifications Product Name GC-VX26PG2-D3 GC-VHD24PL2-D3 Chip RV630PRO (65nm) RV610LE (65nm) Core/Memory frequency 600MHz/800MHz 525MHz/800MHz Unified shader Yes Yes Shader model 4.0 4.0 Direct X 10.0 10.0 Memory bus 128-bit 64-bit Memory type DDR2, 256MB DDR2, 256MB (HyperMemory to 1G) Interface PCI Express x16 PCI Express x16 TV-Out S/HDTV-out S/HDTV-out (thru extensive S-video cable) DVI Dual DVI (2 Dual Link, HDCP) DVI (Dual Link, HDCP) D-Sub Yes (by dongle) Yes (thru cable) Integrated audio Multi-channel audio(5.1 surround) by DVI to HDMI dongle (optional) Multi-channel audio(5.1 surround) Native HDMI support HDTV HDTV by S to YPbPr cable (Optional) HDTV by S to YPbPr cable (Optional) Cooling Dual slot V-Fin heatsink Dual slot V-Fin heatsink Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007GeCube GC-VHD24PL2-D3 graphics card with V-Fin heatsinkPhoto: CompanyGeCube GC-VX26PG2-D3 graphics card with V-Fin heatsinkPhoto: Company

Hannspree, an affiliate of HannStar Display, recently introduced three new Xm-S series LCD monitors, HANNS Boston and HANNS New York, and HANNS glaze in the Taiwan market.HANNS Boston and HANNS New York, two 19-inch widescreen LCD monitors are now available in the Taiwan market with price tags of NT$6,690 (US$202) and NT$6,490, respectively, according to the company.The HANNS glaze 19-inch monitor will hit the market later in October but the company has not yet determined pricing, noted Hannspree.In related news, a recent Chinese-language Commercial Times report, quoting a survey from DisplaySearch, said that Hannspree shipped about 89,500 LCD TVs in the first quarter of 2007, ranking twenty-third worldwide while the brand also grabbed eighth place in the Asian LCD TV market during the period. The paper also indicated that nearly 50% of its LCD TVs are shipping to Europe. Hannspree new 19-inch LCD monitors specification Product name HANNS glaze HANNS Boston HANNS New York Screen size (inch) 19 19 (widescreen) 19 (widescreen) Resolution 1,280 × 1,024 1,440 × 900 1,440 × 900 Brightness 300 cd/m2 300 cd/m2 300 cd/m2 Contrast ratio 1,000:1 700:1 700:1 Response time 2ms 5ms 5ms Viewing angle (H/V) 170/160 150/140 150/140 Pricing (NT$) - 6,690 6,490 Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007HANNSpree Boston Photo: Company HANNSpree New York Photo: Company

ASRock recently launched its 2Core1333-2.66G and 2Core1333DVI-2.66G motherboards bundled with Intel dual-core processors that support a 1333MHz FSB (front side bus) and 2.6GHz overclocked core frequency, according to sources at ASRock.The two motherboards adopt the Intel 945GC A2 chipset, which features support for Intel dual-core Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, Pentium Dual Core, Pentium 4, Celeron and Celeron D processors and supports a FSB of up to 1333MHz (Intel officially only supports up to 800MHz), and dual-channel DDR2 memory up to 4GB and an integrated Intel GMA950 graphics engine, noted the sources.The ASRock 2Core1333DVI-2.66G will be bundled with a DVI Graphics-HDCP card for DVI output. ASRock motherboards bundled with Intel CPU specifications Model 2Core1333-2.66G 2Core1333DVI-2.66G CPU support Bundled with selected dual-core CPUs operating at FSB1333 / 2.66GHz Supports Intel dual-core Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, Pentium Dual Core, Pentium 4, Celeron and Celeron D processor with FSB up to 1333MHz Memory Dual-channel DDR2 memory up to 4GB 4 DIMM slots Dual-channel DDR2 memory up to 4GB 2 DIMM slots Chipsets Northbridge: Intel 945GC A2 Southbridge: ICH7 VGA Intel integrated GMA950 graphics engine Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007ASRock 2Core1333DVI-2.66G bundled with Intel CPUPhoto: CompanyASRock 2Core1333-2.66G bundled with Intel CPUPhoto: Company

Thermaltake Technology recently announced its 3.5-inch Max4 SATA HDD rack, which can be easily installed in any 5.25-inch drive bay and supports all of today's mainstream SATA hard disks with a transmission speed of up to 3Gb/s.Patented designed connectors reduce poor attachments from the HDD to the SATA interface, thereby increasing the life of the interface disconnect/removal up to 50,000 times. The smart ejection mechanism on the rack provides gentle and smooth insertion and ejection of hard drives, according to Thermaltake.Front panel ventilation holes on the Max4 SATA HDD rack are designed to maximize the lifespan of the HDD by keeping it cool, even in a state of continuous use, stated Thermaltake. The design and surface of the Max4 HDD rack compliments any color computer chassis, noted the company, adding that the fan-less design reduces noise and LEDs display status and power information of the rack. The HDD rack also has an anti-theft lock allowing for safe storage and security, stated Thermaltake. Thermaltake 3.5-inch Max4 SATA HDD rack specifications Item Details Product number N0023SN Case type 3.5" SATA HDD Weight 470g Dimension 42×149×184mm�@ Material Stainless and plastic Interface SATA to SATA SATA compatibility SATA-II, SATA-I Transfer rate 3Gb/s Power source 4 pin Molex power connector Accessories SATA and power management cable Security keys Screws Manual Source: Thermaltake, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007Thermaltake 3.5-inch SATA HDD rackPhoto: Company

Transcend recently unveiled its JetFlash V35 line of multicolored USB flash drives with capacities ranging from 1-8GB.The drives come in a variety of translucent colors and have dimensions of only 58.3×17.3×8.8mm to fit into a shirt pocket or tight-fitting stacked USB ports on a desktop or notebook computer, according to the company. The drives weigh 8g.The V35 is currently available in 4GB (green apple), 2GB (peppermint) and 1GB (cherry) capacities priced at US$62.90, US$35.90 and US$21.30 (untaxed), respectively. An 8GB (grape) version is also planned. All drives are backed by a lifetime warranty, according to Transcend.Transcend's JetFlash V35 line of USB flash drivesPhoto: Company

Asustek Computer introduced the Asustek EAH2600PRO/HTDI/256M and EN8600GT/HTDI/256M graphics cards that feature bundled high-quality HDMI adaptors certified by HDMI Licensing.Both models utilize specially designed cooling fans and heatsinks to dissipate heat efficiently for better cooling in comparison to reference design boards, noted the company.Each card features either AMD's Avivo HD or NVIDIA´s PureVideo HD technology, to provide hardware acceleration for video decoding, noted the company.The Asustek EAH2600PRO and EN8600GT also come with the exclusive Asustek GamerOSD. This feature is able to deliver GPU overclocking and chat options from onscreen displays during gameplay. Additionally, it also provides users with the option to record live gaming action or live broadcasting over the Internet, added the company. Asustek HDMI certified graphics cards specifications Model EAH2600PRO/HTDI/256M EN8600GT/HTDI/256M Graphics engine ATI Radeon HD 2600PRO GeForce 8600GT Video memory 256MB DDR2 256MB DDR3 Engine clock 600MHz 540MHz Memory clock 1GHz(500MHz DDR2) 1.4GHz (700MHz DDR3) Memory interface 128-bit 128-bit Max resolution 2560×1600 Up to 3840×2400 Bus standard PCI Express X16 PCI Express X16 VGA output Yes, via DVI to VGA adapter Yes, via DVI to VGA adapter HDTV output Yes, via HDTV out cable Yes, via HDTV out cable TV output Yes Yes Dual DVI output Yes Yes HDCP compliant Yes Yes Adaptor/cable bundled DVI to HDMI Adapter DVI to HDMI Adapter Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007Asustek EAH2600PRO/HTDI/256M Photo: CompanyAsustek EN8600GT/HTDI/256MPhoto: Company

Faraday Technology has launched its first ARM v5 instruction set architecture (ISA) compliant processor, the 32-bit RISC FA626TE. This processor is specially designed to target applications like infortainment, PNDs (portable navigation devices), IP set-top-boxes (STBs), industrial PCs, high-speed network and storage SoCs. The first hard core which reaches the worst case clock speed of 533MHz is available now in UMC 0.13-micron process, according to the company. Faraday expects its next versions for 90nm at United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), running at 667MHz and 800MHz in the worst case, will be available in early fourth quarter and the end of 2007, respectively. For ARM's v5 ARM9 family, to reach any speed beyond 650MHz is only doable at 65nm semiconductor processes. However, this requires very expensive mask costs and lengthy manufacturing time. Faraday's FA626TE is thus designed to enable 667 MHz and 800 MHz clock speed in today's mainstream 90nm process. "We are very glad with the delivery of this high differentiated v5 processor core, " said Charlie Cheng, vice president of marketing at Faraday. "As one of just a few architectural licensees in the ARM ecosystem, it's our responsibility to expand the ARM ISA into new territories, and in this case, reaching beyond 800 MHz to encroach into PowerPC and x86 architecture territories," he added.

D-Link has introduced a 48-port stackable managed switch that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) to its xStack series of switches.The D-Link xStack DES-3052 is a managed 48-port 10/100 Layer 2 stackable switch with four Gigabit ports, and two Combo SFP slots. The DES-3052P version of the switch includes PoE support across all ports."More and more SMBs are looking to enhance the security of their networks, and need a high-density managed switch that will support both their networking, security, and PoE needs; with its support for ACLs, RADIUS authentication, guest VLANs, and IP-MAC binding, the DES-3052P provides a very cost-effective solution," said George Cravens, Technical Marketing Engineer, D-Link.Each port on the DES-3052P can also support up to 15.4W of power to PoE enabled devices, budgeting a total of 370W throughout all 48 ports, according to D-Link, adding that this can eliminate the need to place devices near power outlets and help clean up loose wires and cables. For any devices that are not PoE enabled, PoE Adapters such as the D-Link DWL-P50 can be used to provide power to non-compliant devices, stated the company.The DES-3052P supports security functions and its D-Link Safeguard Engine incorporates mechanisms to detect an attack against the CPU of the switch and takes corrective measures against the attacking interface, according to D-Link. It also provides support for Access Control Lists (ACLs), 802.1Q Virtual LANs (VLANs), and guest VLANs for improved security and bandwidth utilization. VLANs provide a means of securing each broadcast domain, segregating them from each other, which in turn prevents users on one VLAN from gaining access to resources on other network segments, noted D-Link.D-Link's DES-3052P supports a variety of ways to prioritize the packets to ensure QoS in a busy network. In addition, it supports a number of standards-based management protocols including SNMP, RMON, Telnet, web-based GUI, SSH/SSL protocols, and DHCP Relay Option 82. Management is via Single IP Management (SIM); a tool that allows multiple switches to be configured, monitored, and maintained from any workstation using a single IP address.Both the DES-3052 and DES-3052P are available now for purchase at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$889.99 and US$1419.99, respectively. The new switches are available through the company's network of value-added resellers and distributors.The D-Link DES-3052P managed 48-port 10/100 Layer 2 stackable switchPhoto: Company

Silicon Integrated System (SiS) has announced that Micro-Star International's (MSI's) MS-7317 motherboard, which adopts the SiS671 chipset, has entered volume production. The MS-7317 motherboard is designed for the mainstream market, according to SiS.The motherboard supports Intel Core 2 Duo processors with 800MHz FSB and single-channel DDR2 667 memory up to 4GB. It includes the integrated Mirage 3 graphics engine, which supports DirectX 9 and SiS Real Video technology.The SiS968 southbridge on the motherboard supports a PCI Express x1 slot, and also provides two SATA connectors, high-definition (HD) audio and Gigabit Ethernet, according to SiS. MSI MS-7317 motherboard specification Item Detail CPU support Intel Core 2 Duo processors with 800MHz FSB Memory support Single-channel DDR2 667 memory up to 4GB VGA Integrated Mirage 3 IGP Chipsets Northbridge: SiS671 Southbridge: SiS968 Source: MSI and SiS, compiled by Digitimes, August 2007MSI MS-7317 motherboardPhoto: Company