June 16 - 23, 1999
Archive

• NVidia TNT/2 Reference Driver (Win9X - version 1.91 - 957 KB)
  
  
  

SUNNYVALE, CA--JUNE 23, 1999--AMD today announced that it has commenced shipments of its new seventh-generation microprocessor, the AMD Athlon™ processor, to computer manufacturers. Formerly code-named the AMD-K7 processor, the AMD Athlon processor is initially available in speed grades of 600, 550, and 500 MHz.

"For the first time in the history of the computer industry, AMD leads the competition in delivering an entirely new generation of processors that offers not just higher clock speeds, but higher performance and processing capabilities clock-for-clock based on a more advanced architectural design," said W.J. Sanders III, chairman and chief executive officer of AMD. "This announcement is truly a watershed for AMD and the entire industry because it heralds new choices based on superior processor technology for system platforms in the enterprise space."

In large part a routine maintenance release, PowerStrip 2.51 nevertheless includes a number of small refinements as well as preliminary support for the Intel752, Permedia3 and MGA-G400. Amongst other things, the new release refocuses on gamma correction - now enabled by default - and includes support for custom refresh rates at resolutions up to 2048x1536, and frequencies as low as 50Hz, for chips from 3dfx, Intel, Matrox, NVidia, Rendition and S3. The 647kb package gives real meaning to the word "unified", by transparently providing clock controls, performance tweaks, custom refresh rates, screen adjustment, gamma correction, power management, memory optimization, and user-defined monitor profiles to some 60 chipsets from 13 different chiphouses under 4 distinct operating systems - including Windows 2000.

• Powerstrip (Win9X/NT - version 2.51 - 657 KB)
  
  
  

For the rest of us, the 100 MB Zip drive, no matter what flavor, is simply not a viable product anymore. CDRW drives have been steadily dropping in price and have become faster and easier to use. Moreover, the cost per megabyte for the Zip media is roughly 25 times greater than that for a blank CD. The 250MB Zip drive is a nice step forward, however, Iomega does not yet offer a USB version of the Zip250.

The 300A has only ever been able to run at 464MHz stable with good cooling applied.    We had once gotten it to 504 but only with the L2 latency so high that it effected the performance of the CPU and still was NOT stable.  So where did the MC2000 and MC1000 get us?

Both coolers got us to a STABLE 527MHz.    Yeppers.  I think I will shut up and let that sink in for a minute....

There are many ups and downs on this card, but the best part is the speed.  Not at default but with the overclocker in mind.  The ability to run at 160/160 perfectly increased speed surpassing that of other TNT2's tested so far.   With AOpen tweaking the driver utilities, and enabling you to do a lot of tweaking yourself it is a great buy.  Plus there is a on-board fan for extra coolness.   On the downside there is no good software bundle, if you can even call PowerPlayer a bundle.  The manual sucked totally, so if you are new in the hardware scene I might recommend getting someone else to install everything for you.  If I had to recommend this card to someone I would tell the hardware savvy to go for it, or at least someone who knows what they are doing.

• Spectra Series Driver (Win9X - version 3.02.02 - 860 KB)
• Spectra Series Driver + Apps (Win9X - version 3.02.02 - 6 MB)
  
  
  

From the above, you can see that the new 6416 is 50% faster than the previous speed champion, the Yamaha 4416. The time was measured the moment the READ/WRITE LED started to light up till the time the disc tray popped out.

• ATi Rage128 Tweaker (Win9X/NT - version 1.0)
  
  
  

• Intel 810 Chipset Overview

• EPoX EP-BX3 Mainboard Review

• Tyan S1598 Specifications

• Future Systems DriveSpan
  
  
  

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 22, 1999---S3® Incorporated (Nasdaq:SIII - news) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:DIMD - news), a leading supplier of PC Multimedia and Internet connectivity solutions. In a strategic move to capitalize on high-growth areas, S3 expects to emerge as a key player in the Internet appliance and home networking markets. S3 also plans to maximize the two companies' multimedia strengths to become a total solutions provider (silicon, software and PC boards) for its graphics business.

``Today's announcement represents a significant strategic shift for S3, which was focused solely on the PC graphics market,'' said Ken Potashner, president and CEO of S3 Incorporated. ``By merging the strengths of both companies, we intend to create a major force in the industry for Internet appliances, broadband communications, home networking and complete graphics solutions.''

3D Blaster TNT2 Updates/Fixes (not for Ultra version):

• Solves intermittent system lockups during soft reboot or reinstallation of drivers
• Also solves system lockups when using applications such as Creative Digital Audio Center
  
  
• 3D Blaster Riva TNT2 Driver (Win9x - Rev 1 - 2.9 MB)

3D Blaster Savage4 Updates/Fixes:

• Latest Windows 95/98 driver (v1.02)
• Full support for multiple-monitors
• Proper texture rendering in Half-Life v1.09
  
  
• 3D Blaster Savage4 Driver (Win9X - Rev 1 - 2.6 MB)

3D Blaster Savage4 BIOS Updates/Fixes:

• Resolves system lockups for users of Gateway Pentium 2000 MMX system and Intel 440FX motherboard
• Also corrects system lockups when using the 3D Blaster Savage4 16MB (Card Model: CT6905) in games such as Quake and Incoming
  
  
• 3D Blaster Savage4 BIOS Update (Rev 1)

Blaster CD-RW 4224 Firmware Update:

• CD-RW 4224 Firmware (Win9X/NT4 - version 1.36 - 520 KB)

PC-DVD Encore Dxr3 Decoder Updates/Fixes:

• Support for single processor x86 Windows NT4.0 (English language).
• PC-DVD navigator software for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT4.0.
  
  
• PC-DVD Dxr3 Driver (Win9X/NT4 - 5.3 MB)
  
  
  

• Hercules TNT/TNT2 Driver (Win9X - version 1.68.188 - 1.8 MB)
  
  
  

• G400 Upgrades Press Release
• G400 Software Bundle Press Release
  
  
  

The type of graphics quality that the Xentor32 offers doesn't come cheaply, with the card priced at £179.99 including VAT. That said, the Xentor32 is not the most expensive 3D card - Riva TNT2 Ultra-based and otherwise - on the market, with one or two of its rivals offering no significant performance advantages for around £20 more. If you want to play games at 640x480 resolutions, or none of the games you want to play use resolutions higher than that, save yourself some money and buy a Savage4-based card. Those needing the best graphics performance currently available however, at pin sharp resolutions up to 1600x1200 in full screen, should seriously consider the Maxi Gamer Xentor32 when making their choice.

Diamond has a great job with the Viper V770 Ultra, giving a truly gamer’s card with high performance and plenty of games to get you going with. Best of all, the prices on this card on the street are less than $190. This makes the card an easy purchase, considering that you get plenty of games and more for such a low price. I do have to admit that I find the lack of TV-Out kind a noticeable error on Diamond’s part, but if you are not in need of TV-Out it is a mistake that can be overlooked.

The NIC's are D-Link DFE-540TX and feature their own ACPI compliant DL10040 PCI busmastering chipset. A wake on LAN header and cable is included for users whose motherboards support this feature. A standard RJ-45 connector on the back of the card provides the connection to the network. These cards auto sense a 10Mbps or 100Mbps connection for the greatest flexibility. Link and activity LED's on the back of the card provide some status information that can be useful when troubleshooting a network problem. The cards are tiny - some of the smallest PCI cards we've seen - and will fit fine in any PCI slot.

Following in the footsteps of the the AOpen AX6BC and Abit BX6 Revision 2, Transcend has included a full complement of FSB speeds - 66 / 68 / 75 / 83 / 100 / 103 / 112 / 117 / 124 / 129 / 133 / 138 / 143 / 148 / 153 are all available from Transcend's own partially jumperless CPU setup found under Chipset Features Setup. All FSB speeds that need it are available with and without a 1/4 PCI multiplier. That PCI bus speed is very clearly indicated next to each FSB speed. Settings below 100MHz are only available when the 66/100MHz jumper is set for 66MHz operation. Similarly, those above 100MHz are only available when the board is configured for 100MHz operation. Note that Transcend also sells a version of the board without all these bus speeds available.

Earlier in Q1, Intel revealed plans for their dual mode mobile processor technology (code named Geyserville), which allows a mobile PC to operate at a higher frequency when plugged into a wall outlet and automatically switch to lower power and frequency when running on a battery. Maximum performance mode and battery optimized mode allows for an automatic change between the two and voltage AND frequency are changed when you switch between AC and battery power. By reducing the voltage and frequency Intel feels that with relatively minor Processor speed reductions that power consumption will drop significantly enough to enable a longer battery life. Of course the current battery life of most Mobile PCs is only 4 hours and certainly needs improving upon. Intel is banking on this technology, especially in the high-end sector… But (here we go) Geyseville is obviously going to be a big pain in the royal behind for end-users wishing to play games obviously.

What do you think the final price for the Voodoo3 PGC kits will be?

The final price is going to be anywhere between $300 and $349. $349 sounds unrealistic, but I just want to be safe on that one. The kit includes two Voodoo3 2000 PCI cards, the internal connection, the external dongle, the drivers and the manual. 

• SoftFSB (Win9X - version 1.6 Beta 9)
  
  
  

The K7 is the company's most powerful and complex assault on Intel's X86 juggernaut yet. The 120-person K7 team completed the design in 17 months, said Dirk Meyer, chief architect of the K7 and a veteran of MPU designs at Intel and Digital Semiconductor. With 500-, 550- and 600-MHz versions already being sampled to many personal computer OEMs, the K7 appears set to move into the real world. And AMD has a system bus, licensed from Digital, which adds to the technical merits of the processor.

While owners of TNT2 and UltraTNT2 cards might be thinking twice about their choice now, we know it usually takes longer to bring a better overall product to the table. Guillemot took their time refining this card and that is evident in the quality of the overall product. We think Guillemot might be able to do to NIVIDA's UltraTNT2 what Canopus did to 3dfx's Voodoo line of video cards with their Xentor 32 model. It's glowing feature is for persons not wanting to spend over $250.00US for a video card and the $30US/42CA rebate is very enticing. For an ending price of under or around $199.00 you really owe it to yourself to get this card. We plan on marrying this card and going on a nice honeymoon to 3D enhanced ville. Sure the divorce will most likely happen down the road, but for now we can't wipe the lovely smile off our faces! If you're looking for a long term partner, you'll be happy to find the Xentor32 features a 3 year limited warranty covering parts and labor.

A desktop version of the Coppermine -- the generic codename given to a 0.18-micron Pentium III with on-chip level 2 cache -- was originally expected to ship in September at 600-MHz using Intel's 0.25-micron process. Instead, a 600-MHz Pentium III without on-chip cache will ship in September, and the Coppermine's ship date will be pushed out until about November, an Intel spokesman said.

• Windows 9x w/ Drivers only (859 KB)
• Windows 9xs w/ Drivers & Applications (6 MB)
• Windows NT 4.0 w/ Drivers Only (627KB MB)
• Windows NT 4.0 w/ Applications Only (3.6 MB)
  
  
  

• AOpen PA3010A 16MB
• Leaktek Winfast 320 II PRO 32MB
• Creative Labs 3D Blaster TNT2 Ultra 32MB
  
  
  

1. Fixed noise in some hires modes, i.e. 1280x1024x16bppx100Hz

2. Improved stability and reduced noise on TV-out (BEAST SuperCharged).

3. Fixed failure in Nokia monitor test program.

4. Corrected several DOS box issues on TV-out.

• Hercules Terminator BEAST BIOS (version K3G - 48 KB)
  
  
  

Good performance, excellent utilities and a decent software bundle make this card a sure seller, even at it's somewhat high price. (MSRP $249.00) While I wouldn't want to scare anyone out of purchasing the Asus V3800-TVR,  it wouldn't be my first choice for a super7 system, especially those based on ALI's Aladdin V chipset.  I'm sure that there are those out there who will swear by the TNT2-based graphics cards but, even with their outstanding picture quality, the incompatibilities with the non-Intel chipsets can lead to frustration when the system locks mid-game. We'll be checking out as many TNT2-based graphics cards as we can get ahold of over the next few weeks and you can be sure that bug fixes and BIOS updates will be forthcoming.

Priced at a mere $16, the Super Slot Fan is worth every penny. It not only does its job cooling a video card or CPU but it helps reduce the overall system temperature, something that is widely needed in today’s market. Furthermore, this upgrade comes with few downsides, since it doesn’t add any noticeable or distracting noise and comes with dual power connectors. If you can spare an expansion slot (or two), the Super Slot Fan is definitely worth picking up.

This release includes three minor bug fixes from the June 14th release. They are:

• Fixed error message that occurred when switching from 3dfx driver to Creative miniGL driver.
• Fixed gamma correction calculation error.
• Fixed distorted graphics when switching to "left-handed" display in Quake 2.

This is a beta release of an optimized mini-GL driver for both the 3D Blaster Banshee and the 3D Blaster Voodoo2. We have developed a single mini-GL driver that now supports the following games:

• Daikatana Demo
• Half-Life
• Heretic II
• Hexen II
• Kingpin Demo
• Quake (GLquake)
• Quake II
• Quake III Test 1.05
• Sin

• Download the Creative mini-GL Quake III driver
  
  
  

• ASUS V3800 Driver (Win9X - version 1.81 beta - 1.9 MB)
• ASUS Live 3800 (Win9X - version 3.2 beta - 1.5 MB)
  
  
  

The Matrox Millennium G400 is an incredibly future-proof card. With the revolutionary features that it offers, it gave us excellent performance as well as outstanding image quality. Users who would buy this card are those interested in image quality, without having a huge emphasis on framerates. While slower CPU systems may want to think twice, fast, high-end systems can squeeze out good performance. The choice, then, becomes whether or not framerates are the absolute necessity, as the Millennium looks to be a much more balanced card with a variety of functions, only one of which is gaming. Business users will find the sharp 2D and DualHead capability pleasing, while gamers will find its image quality excellent and 3D performance a leap above the G200 that it replaced.

Promise decided there had to be a better way. They took note of the fact that the most common hard drives and CD-ROM's were all IDE - after all, every motherboard in recent memory has built-in IDE support. So they designed a case that would hold an IDE device, included a custom ISA IDE card, and named it the Xconnect.

The RIOWORKS XDG-LS ran side by side with the Epox GXB-M and performed, amazingly enough, identically to the GXB-M in virtually all tests (scores differed by no more than 2%).  This also means that the stability of the XDG-LS was on-par with the GXB-M, while that doesn't mean it's ready for use in a server that gets millions of requests per day, it does mean that RIOWORKS is ready to be taken seriously, and they do have the products to back them.  It seems like RIOWORKS has accomplished in 3 months what some manufacturers still haven't accomplished after being in the industry for years, the ability to deliver on their claims.  They claim to be able to produce cost effective motherboard solutions without sacrificing stability, and they deliver just that.

The AOpen AX6BC was a top notch board, and the AX6BCPro builds on that, by retaining all the reliability, speed, and stability we have come to expect, but the all new Pro version wears its newly found overclocking credentials with pride. The Pentium III @ 560 was totally stable, as was the P2-300 SL2W8 at 4.5 x 117 - the first time this has ever been 100% on any board. Clearly the extra work on the capacitors has borne fruit here, and of course, the voltage tweaks work wonders for overclocked stability :)

• Creative labs MiniGL
• ASUS V3800TVR Deluxe
• Pioneer 6x SCSI DVD
  
  
  

• Skywell's MagicTNT2 32MB
• Corsair's PC133 SDRAM
  
  
  

The highest capacity drive in the family, the 5,400 RPM Deskstar 37GP 37-gigabyte (GB) model can hold either seven full-length feature films, the text on a stack of paper four times higher than the World Trade Center in New York City, or all of the music on 740 CDs in MP3 format, turning a PC into a state-of-the-art jukebox.

Of course, 133MHz will have to be introduced concurrently with the "Camino" 820 chipset, which is being held back due to availability and pricing of Rambus Direct RAM. Intel has no intentions of supporting the current initiative towards PC133 or DDR SDRAM, but we'll see where the market pushes on that issue. Depending on 820 delays, Intel may decide to release Coppermine P3s at 100MHz FSB SECC2 first, in order to quell the rising tides, and stall for 820.