Vista update KB940510 detects

Motherboards, Processors, and Memories

• Kingston HyperX DDR3-1625 2GB Memory Kit Review at ThinkComputers.org
• Intel SkullTrail Super High End PC Platform Review at Madshrimps
• Corsair Dominator DDR3 1800 at Technic3D
• AMD 780G Chipset - Gigabyte MA-78GM-S2H Motherboard at Legit Reviews
• Asus Striker II Formula nForce 780i SLI at HotHardware.com
• Review: Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 and E8200: The New Oldie vs. The Old Novelty at Digit-Life
• Crucial Ballistix 2GB PC3-12800 Kit Review at ASE Labs
• BFGTech GeForce 9600 GT OC 512MB at bit-tech

Video Cards

• Diamond Viper ATI Radeon HD 3870 512MB Video Card at BmR
• MSI GeForce N9600GT OC Graphics Card at Tweaktown.com
• MSI R3650-T2D512-OC (Radeon HD 3650 512MB) at Hardwarezone.com
• Getting NVIDIA ForceWare 174 To Work With GeForce 8 Cards at Tech ARP
• VVIKOO GeForce 8800 GT Max 1024 MB at techPowerUp
• XFX 8400GS 256MB Video Card Review at Gamepyre.com

Peripherals

• Razer Piranha Gaming Communicator Review at HardwareLogic.com
• Logitech Z Cinema Speaker System Review at techgage.com
• Zalman ZM-RS6F USB 5.1 Surround Headphones/Headset Review at Tweaknews.net
• Thermaltake BlacX HDD Docking Station Review at Hardware Secrets
• Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini Review at OCC
• Logitech MX5500 Revolution Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse at Bluetomorrow.com
• Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Review at Digital Trends
• Alpahcool LC-Display 240x128 Pixel blue neg. Black at Rbmods
• Freecom ToughDrive Pro U & F 250GB at Hardwarezone.com
• Lapworks Attaché Laptop Stand Review at OCC
• CoolJag Mini LED Flash Review at OCC

Misc

• BeInSync Professional at TrustedReviews
• OCIA.net Forum Grand Re-Opening Giveaway at OCIA.net
• Competition Over Hdtv Technology Heats Up at Blu Ray Guide
• Turning Point: Fall Of Liberty (Xbox 360) at Gaming Heaven
• Timeshift PC Review at Gamepyre.com
• Measuring Fedora's Boot Performance at JPhoronix.com
• Sins of a Solar Empire at TrustedReviews
• Vista update KB940510 detects "bad" OS at Tweaktown.com

New AMD mobile CPU coming?

According to the Engadget, AMD is apparently planning to release new Turion, Athlon, Sempron mobile CPUs.

This latest batch consists of four Griffin-based chips, which are spread across the company's Turion 64 Ultra, Turion 64, Athlon 64, and Sempron mobile processor lines. On the Turion front, the processors are each said to boast DDR2 800MHz memory, along with clock speeds ranging from 2.0GHz to 2.4GHz, and power consumption between 32 and 35 Watts.

The lone Athlon 64 chip, on the other hand, clocks in at 1.9GHz, with 1MB of L2 cache, DDR2 667MHz support, and a power consumption of 31W, while the Sempron rounds things out with a power consumption of 25W, 512KB of L2 cache, and a clock speed "starting from" 2.0GHz. No word on prices for the processors themselves just yet, but as Laptoping points out, AMD has announced that Puma / Griffin-powered laptops would begin shipping sometime in the second quarter of this year.

Source: Engadget

SiS191 LAN Driver (Hasee Notebook etc...)

SiS191 Gigabit LAN & SiS190 LAN Driver

File Name sgl205.zip Version v2.05 Release Date 2008-03-11 Support Products SiS966L, SiS965L, SiS966, SiS965, SiS968, File Size 5,068KB Support OS Windows Vista Basic/Premium, Windows Server 2003 64-Bit Version, Windows XP 64-Bit Edition, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, Windows ME, http://www.sis.com/download/download_step1.php?id=155880

RV770, Swift to Bring Back AMD's Lost Market Share

Advanced Micro Devices intends to get back the company's lost graphics market share with the advent of its highest-end graphics processor in the RV770 family. According to AMD, the company expectsits shares to rise substantially immediately after the new graphics cards are released on the market.

The AMD roadmap specifies that the next generation of graphics processors will be announced during the second quarter of the year, and unofficial sources even claim that it has been slated for release sometime in May. The preliminary tests, combined with the technical specifications, claim that the RV770-based graphics cards in the Radeon HD 4800 family can deliver 40 percent more graphics power than any other graphics product from AMD.

The latest report issued by the Jon Peddie Research consulting company reads that the graphics division of Advanced Micro Devices (the former ATI) continues to bleed market share. On the other side of the fence, Nvidia has managed to gain additional market share during the fourth quarter of the last year. The company now accounts for 71% of the total shipped units, a 7 percent increase as compared to the previous quarter. AMD only managed to ship less than 30 percent on the graphics cards market.

However, Nvidia is not the only threat that AMD has to face in the graphics business, as Intel is also aiming at delivering new generations of chipsets with integrated graphics cores. AMD responded to Intel's integrated graphics cores for mobile processors with its own Swift micro-architecture, part of the Fusion platform, that integrates graphics and computing cores on the same silicon.

The Swift micro-architecture will come in two flavors, depending on the number of cores: the dual-core chip will be called the Black Swift, while the single-core counterpart will be named the White Swift. Both chips will be built on the K10 micro-architecture and are expected to hit the shelves during the second half of the next year.

AMD Details Next-generation Platforms

AMD's desktop platforms detail the switch from AM2+ to AM3 (Source: AMD)

Desktop offerings from AMD will largely include dual and tri-core K10 processors (Source: AMD)

Not willing to yield anything to Centrino, AMD's "Puma" and "Shrike" initiatives will bundle all of the company's newest mobile technology into one ubiquitous platform (Source: AMD)

Long gone is the talk of 4x4; AMD discusses its platform programs with a mainstream approach

AMD yesterday held its 2007 Financial Analyst Day in which it revealed its updated corporate roadmap. AMD has a flurry of new platform releases planned out for 2008, 2009 and 2010 and, contrary to previous analysts days, the company had no problem detailing its initiatives in full depth.

AMD’s recent Spider launch marked AMD’s first foray into the enthusiast market with its next-generation K10 architecture. AMD, however, has two more enthusiast platforms planned out for 2008 and 2009.

Towards the second half of 2008 AMD will release its second K10-based Enthusiast platform, dubbed Leo. Leo will feature quad- and triple-core 45nm Deneb and Propus cores manufactured on a 45nm process node. The chips will support DDR2 memory, HT 3.0 and run on the same AM2+ package as current Phenom processors. The platform launch will also consist of 790FX/790/770 chipsets with SB700 south bridges, and AMD’s new R600-based graphics processors.

In the first half of 2009, AMD plans to update its Leo platform. The largest change in the "Leo refresh" will be AMD’s move to DDR3 and the new AM3 package. The platform launch will also consist of a new RD890 chipset with the SB800 south bridge. AMD will also launch its next-generation ATI R700-series graphics processors at this time.

AMD also announced its new mainstream desktop platform, dubbed Cartwheel, scheduled for quarter of 2008. The launch will consist of quad-, triple-,and dual-core K10-based Toliman and Kuma cores. The new chips will be manufactured on a 65nm process node. AMD’s RS780 DX10 integrated graphics chipset will also be launched along with optional R600-series graphics processors with Hybrid Graphics functionality and Vista Premium certification.

In short, AMD’s Hybrid Graphics technology permits users to combine integrated graphics with specific discrete graphics cards that support Hybrid Graphics to form a cost-efficient CrossFire.

In 2009, AMD will refresh its Cartwheel platform with 45nm quad-, triple-, and dual-core Popus, Heka and Regor cores. Mimicking AMD’s update schedule for its enthusiast platform, the refreshed Carthwheel platform will support DDR3 memory and come based on the AM3 interface. The platform features an RS780 chipset with a new SB800 south bridge along with optional R700-series graphics processors and Hybrid Graphics Technology.

Two is the number of the day, and that is no exception when talking about AMD’s mobile platform roadmap.

In Q1 2008 AMD will introduce its Puma notebook platform. The platform launch will sport new dual-core Griffin processors along with the AMD RS780 chipset and integrated DirectX 10 graphics via AMD’s M8x graphics chip.
In 2009, AMD will elevate its game plan in the mobile segment with the release of its first Fusion-derived mobile chips. Consumers will begin seeing the first fruits of AMD’s Fusion efforts, which AMD has touted for over a year now.

The Shrike platform launch will feature AMD’s third-generation Stars core dubbed Swift. Swift, manufactured on a 45nm process node, will feature three K10 microprocessor cores and one graphics processor core. The platform will also feature M9x graphics with integrated DirectX 10 support along with support for DDR3. Like other AMD technologies, the Swift's shift to DDR3 will require a new socket, dubbed FS1.

Absent from these roadmaps is the AMD 4x4 initiative. AMD announced it will no longer pursue the knocked-down server platform for desktop enthusiasts last month -- just one year after it announced plans for three more generations of the technology.

AMD Launches "Puma" Mobile Platform

AMD today paper launched its Puma platform in a press event streamed live over the web. Puma is AMD’s third-generation mobile platform based on AMD’s Griffin processor and RS780M chipset.

AMD first broke news of its Puma platform in April of last year. Information at that time was mainly about the platform’s CPU, Griffin, and the only details revealed about the CPU were rather conceptual in nature.

Puma is AMD’s first attempt at a “complete” mobile platform. Whereas AMD’s previous mobile platforms had a diluted set of requirements, Puma’s specifications are stronger than previous mobile AMD platforms.

In order to be branded as part of the Puma platform, notebooks must come with a Griffin CPU, RS780M chipset and WiFi adapter -- a discrete graphics card is optional. Since AMD believes in offering its partners “diversity”, it chooses not to follow the route paved by Intel’s Centrino, which requires a Core 2 processor, GM965/PM965 chipset and an Intel wireless adapter to be branded as a Centrino notebook.

Currently, AMD’s Griffin processor, which is officially named Turion Ultra, is only dual core. Although there is a possibility of a quad core Griffin processor, as of right now it is not on AMD’s roadmap.

Griffin chips currently feature 1MB L2 cache per core along with support for DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 SO-DIMM memory (up to 8GB). The two cores communicate with each other via an internal crossbar switch. In addition, the CPU runs on AMD’s updated HyperTransport 3.0 specification.

In order to reduce power draw, AMD says that Griffin features three independent power planes. One power plane is given to each CPU while the third one is taken by the Northbridge. To further help promote power efficiency, AMD says each core can also run at independent frequencies. AMD claims that the cores can dynamically shift frequency levels while executing a thread.

The RS780M includes an integrated Direct X 10 graphics controller which AMD says is four to five times faster than Intel’s X3100 IGP, and brings support for HDMI and HDCP + Audio to Puma via AMD’s Universal Video Decoder. The chipset also features built-in support for two display controllers. Puma does support DisplayPort functionality; however, it is up to each individual board maker to implement in the feature.

To help save power when running off of battery power, AMD says its PowerXpress technology dynamically switches, without any reboot, from external graphics to integrated graphics. According to the company, the change happens instantly and unnoticeably when changing power sources, however, the option is provided to disable this feature. Likewise, Hybrid Crossfire technology will allow you to use a discrete graphics controller with the integrated graphics controller for increased gaming performance.

As AMD’s answer to Intel’s Santa Rosa, analysts predict that the launch of Puma is crucial to the company’s success and financial well being.

AMD says that Puma plays a pivotal role in the period leading up to the release of its Fusion chips. According to AMD, the tighter integration of the CPU and chipset in Puma serves as a milestone to Fusion.

AMD says that it has over 100 design wins with Puma and that systems will ship at the end of Q2. Puma-based notebooks will be included on notebooks ranging from $699 to $2,500 at launch.

DirectX End-User Redistributable 9.0c - March 2008

Microsoft DirectX is a group of technologies designed to make Windows-based computers an ideal platform for running and displaying applications rich in multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, 3D animation, and rich audio. DirectX includes security and performance updates, along with many new features across all technologies, which can be accessed by applications using the DirectX APIs.

At the core of DirectX are its application programming interfaces, or APIs. The APIs act as a kind of bridge for the hardware and the software to "talk" to each other. The DirectX APIs give multimedia applications access to the advanced features of high-performance hardware such as three-dimensional (3-D) graphics acceleration chips and sound cards. They control low-level functions, including two-dimensional (2-D) graphics acceleration; support for input devices such as joysticks, keyboards, and mice; and control of sound mixing and sound output. Because of DirectX, what you experience with your computer is better 3-D graphics and immersive music and audio effects.

Additional Information:
- The DirectX redist installation includes all the latest and previous released DirectX runtime. This includes the bi-monthly D3DX, XInput, and Managed DirectX components.
- The DirectX runtime cannot be uninstalled. We recommend Windows Me and Windows XP users create a "System Restore" point before installing.

Simply put, DirectX is a Windows technology that enables higher performance in graphics and sound when you’re playing games or watching video on your PC.

Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows 2000; Windows 2000 Advanced Server; Windows 2000 Professional Edition ; Windows 2000 Server; Windows 2000 Service Pack 2; Windows 2000 Service Pack 3; Windows 2000 Service Pack 4; Windows 98; Windows 98 Second Edition; Windows Server 2003; Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1; Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition; Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition; Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition; Windows Small Business Server 2003 ; Windows XP; Windows XP 64-bit; Windows XP Home Edition ; Windows XP Media Center Edition; Windows XP Professional Edition ; Windows XP Service Pack 1; Windows XP Service Pack 2; Windows XP Starter Edition; Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Homepage - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/default.mspx

Size: 64.9 MB

Download for WinXP/XP x64/Vista/Vista x64

Use Right-click on Download and "Save Target As..."

µTorrent 1.7.7 Build 8179/ µTorrent 1.8 Build 8891

Alpha µTorrent is an efficient and feature rich BitTorrent client for Windows sporting a very small footprint. µTorrent was designed to use as little cpu, space and memory as possible while offering all the functionalites expected from advanced clients. With BitTorrent, you can download files faster and contribute by sharing files and bandwidth.

Features of "µTorrent":
· Multiple simultaneous downloads
· Smart bandwidth usage
· File level priorities
· Configurable bandwidth scheduling
· Global and per-torrent speed limiting
· Quickly resumes interrupted transfers
· UPnP support (WinXP only)
· Supports popular protocol extensions
· Trackerless support (Mainline DHT)
· Localized to different languages
· Typical memory use less than 6 MB
· Incredibly small: about 250 KB

Changes in µTorrent Version 1.8 alpha (build 8891), 2008-03-07:
- Feature: seed to peer ratio column
- Change: remove one hour cap on interval and min_interval
- Fix: re-hash after hash failure would sometimes be incorrect

Changes in µTorrent Version 1.8 alpha (build 8872), 2008-03-06:
- Fix: more connection parse errors

Changes in µTorrent Version 1.8 alpha (build 8855), 2008-03-05:
- Fix: encrypted connection parse error
- Fix: rare crash with metadata requests

Be warned, this is an alpha, not a beta, so bugs are to be expected, and it is not to be considered feature complete. Don't test this on private trackers without explicit permission from staff, if you value your account. Please test and report bugs/crashes/etc. Thanks.

Homepage - http://utorrent.com

Size: 256 KB

Download µTorrent 1.8 Alpha

Download µTorrent 1.7.7 Build 8179 - Final