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Intel Core i5 661 Processor 02-08-2010

Codenamed Clarkdale, the new LGA 1156 i3 / i5 chips are built on the Westmere 32nm process, joining the previous 45nm Bloomfield and Lynnfield releases in the Nehalem family. Another new idea Intel implemented in these chips is adding a GPU core directly on the processor alongside the CPU. Three new chipsets were also introduced that allow you to run one of these GPU-equipped processors without a discrete video card. Intel Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading make an appearance in the i5 series as well. All of this and more just ahead as we take a detailed look at the Intel Core i5 661 processor.

Silverstone Grandia GD05 HTPC Case 02-04-2010

A visit to SilverStone's website reveals they currently offer four different series of HTPC cases and a whopping thirty-two models! The GD05 we have for review today is part of SilverStone's Grandia series of "mainstream" HTPC enclosures. These are designed for the multimedia PC builder on a budget, that still accommodate a standard micro-ATX board, full-size power supply and video card. The last case of this type we reviewed here at OCIA.net was the GD02 almost two years ago. While there have been two revisions between that one and the GD05, they all share a similar chassis and seem to differ mainly in style. Join me as I take a closer look at the SilverStone Grandia GD05.

NZXT Hades Crafted Mid-Tower Case 01-29-2010

Last week we took a look at the NZXT Tempest EVO, and today we have up for review the latest in their Crafted series, the Hades. Not since the Lexa Blackline have we seen an NZXT case with red lighting. Whether this switch from the all too common blue LEDs has any significance in the naming of this case or not, red is definitely becoming more and more popular with the various case manufacturers. The Hades is a nine bay, mid-tower design that like many in NZXT's Crafted series, has sculpted front and side panels. Black is the only color available and there is no side window, however there are several other features NZXT has incorporated into this case that are worth a closer look.

Thermaltake SpinQ VT CPU Cooler 01-27-2010

Nowadays CPU coolers come in every imaginable size and shape. While some still retain the same basic format, many now sport heatpipes and exotic coatings, even the processor OEM coolers. And some are just downright strange looking, like the Thermaltake SpinQ. The SpinQ VT is slightly different from the original SpinQ in that it tilts the cylinder vertical. The number and dimensions of the fins remain the same, as does the 80mm centrifugal fan, other than LED color. And despite Thermaltake's advertised spec that the fins are now copper as well, the SpinQ VT weighs in at almost 175g less than the SpinQ.

NZXT IU01 USB Expansion 01-22-2010

In addition to their current case lineup, NZXT produces several different types of accessories, from cables to power supplies, cooling fans to fan controllers, and other case accessories as well. The item we have for review today falls into that last category, the IU01 USB Expansion module. As NZXT points out, the IU01 addresses an issue common to most gaming PCs, a lack of substantial power and expandability from front panel USB. While it is not uncommon for motherboards to have several USB headers, cases often only have one or two sets of front panel USB ports to connect to them. Some USB devices may also have higher voltage requirements than can be provided from the motherboard through a traditional USB port. This is where the NZXT IU01 can really help.

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