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Speaking with PC Zone magazine, Gas Powered Games boss Chris Taylor that, apart from the Seraphim in Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance, they won’t be able to add new factions to Supreme Commander’s sequels due to RAM size limitations.

“I’ve been told by my engineers that for Supreme Commander 2, I don’t have enough memory in a PC with 4GB of RAM to have more factions”, said Chris Taylor. “I’m like, ‘That’s insane!’, so we’ve got to work that one out”.

32bit Computers can have a maximum of 4GB RAM installed. This limit is uplifted to 16.8 million terabytes (17.2 billion gigabytes) in 64bit PCs.

“We’ll return to the SC universe again,” Taylor added, “but we’ll just have to see when that day is. Maybe when everybody has 64-bit processors…”

Intel today introduced five new Intel Atom processors and Intel Centrino Atom processor technology for Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) and embedded computing solutions.

The technology package includes the Intel Atom processor (formerly codenamed “Silverthorne”) plus a single-chip with integrated graphics called the Intel System Controller Hub that enables PC-like capabilities, an uncompromised Internet experience and long battery life in smaller devices that can fit in your pocket. Manufacturers around the world are planning to ship Intel-based MIDs beginning this summer.

MIDs are truly mobile devices that enable the best Internet experience in pocketable devices. MIDs will allow consumers to communicate, entertain, access information and be productive on-the-go, and are expected to represent a new class of next-generation, Internet-based portable video players, navigation devices, converged tablets and other consumer products.

Formerly codenamed “Menlow,” Intel Centrino Atom processor technology includes the company’s first-ever Intel Atom processor (formerly “Silverthorne”). The processor - Intel’s smallest and the world’s fastest chip under 3 watts - has a thermal design power range of 0.65 to 2.4 watts (versus 35 watts for today’s typical laptop), average power range of 160-220 milliwatts (mW) and idle power range of 80-100mW.

These dramatic low-power levels are achieved as a result of several major processor design power management techniques such as Intel Deep Power Down Technology (C6), CMOS mode, and Split I/O power supply. When combined with Intel’s unique and reinvented 45nm high-k metal gate transistor formula, the chips are very energy efficient and smaller in size, and enable longer battery life and sleek designs.

“Today is a historic day for Intel and the high-tech industry as we deliver our first-ever Intel Atom processor and surround it with a great package of technology,” said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the Ultra Mobility Group. “Mix in the incredible innovation coming from our fellow device makers and software vendors, and we will change the way consumers will come to know and access the World Wide Web. These forthcoming MIDs, and some incredible longer-term plans our customers are sharing with us, will show how small devices can deliver a big Internet experience.”

The Intel Atom processor (formerly codenamed “Silverthorne”) will come in speeds up to 1.86 GHz, support Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology, and select SKUs will support Intel Hyper-Threading technology. These capabilities make it the fastest processor in the sub-3 watt space, enabling a rich user experience with fast Web page downloads and support for the latest Web technologies such as Adobe Flash and JavaScript. The Intel System Controller Hub is a ground-up, highly integrated low-power solution that features advanced low-power 3-D graphics features, hardware accelerated 720p and 1080i HD video decode capabilities, Intel High Definition Audio, and a combination of PC and handheld I/O capabilities such as PCI Express, USB Host and Client, and SDIO. Intel Centrino Atom processor technology also enables manufacturers to integrate a range of wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, WiMAX and cellular data.

The technical features of the Intel Atom processor and Intel System Controller Hub will help to create an array of MIDs that offer a range of functions and variety of pocketable devices. The processors are also designed for fan-less, small form factor devices for embedded applications such as in-vehicle infotainment systems, portable point-of-sale devices for retail and more rugged computing devices such as robotics for industrial manufacturing. For embedded applications, Intel will include longer 7-year life cycle support.

Morph, a joint nanotechnology concept, developed by Nokia Research Center (NRC) and the University of Cambridge (UK) - was launched alongside the “Design and the Elastic Mind” exhibition, on view from February 24 to May 12, 2008, at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Morph is a concept that demonstrates how future mobile devices might be stretchable and flexible, allowing the user to transform their mobile device into radically different shapes. It demonstrates the ultimate functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering: flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces. Dr. Bob Iannucci, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia, commented: “Nokia Research Center is looking at ways to reinvent the form and function of mobile devices; the Morph concept shows what might be possible”.

Dr. Tapani Ryhanen, Head of the NRC Cambridge UK laboratory, Nokia, commented: “We hope that this combination of art and science will showcase the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience. The research we are carrying out is fundamental to this as we seek a safe and controlled way to develop and use new materials.”

Professor Mark Welland, Head of the Department of Engineering’s Nanoscience Group at the University of Cambridge and University Director of Nokia-Cambridge collaboration added: “Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together.”

The partnership between Nokia and the University of Cambridge was announced in March, 2007 - an agreement to work together on an extensive and long term programme of joint research projects. NRC has established a research facility at the University’s West Cambridge site and collaborates with several departments - initially the Nanoscience Center and Electrical Division of the Engineering Department - on projects that, to begin with, are centered on nanotechnology.

Elements of Morph might be available to integrate into handheld devices within 7 years, though initially only at the high-end. However, nanotechnology may one day lead to low cost manufacturing solutions, and offers the possibility of integrating complex functionality at a low price.

Plenty of interesting demonstration pictures are available through the screens tab.

AMD today announced the availability of the industry’s most advanced motherboard GPU, the AMD 780 Series, delivering a rich computing experience for casual gamers and multimedia enthusiasts as the core of quiet and energy-efficient PC designs.

When paired with an AMD Phenom 9000 series quad-core processor or Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor, the AMD 780 Series delivers significant enhancements in gaming and high-definition experiences for mainstream PC customers. The AMD 780 Series motherboard GPU is scheduled to be widely available from more than 40 AMD partners at launch. Global OEMs are expected to offer AMD 780 Series-based PCs starting in Q2 2008.

The AMD 780 Series motherboard GPU is a core platform component for both the AMD desktop PC platform codenamed “Cartwheel” and AMD notebook PC platform codenamed “Puma” which are both scheduled to launch in Q2 2008.

“The launch of the AMD 780 Series marks an uncommonly large step forward in mainstream PC capabilities. Starting today, consumers can attain superior HD video and casual 3D gaming experiences, as well as remarkable energy efficiency,” said Phil Eisler, corporate vice president and general manager, AMD Chipset Division. “The release of the AMD 780 Series is in keeping with the AMD vision that computing can deliver The Ultimate Visual Experience and now at mainstream PC price points.”

Gamers looking to scale their performance with the addition of a discrete graphics card can achieve superior performance with ATI Hybrid Graphics Technology. This technology harnesses the graphics power of both a discrete graphics card and the motherboard GPU in tandem, delivering in some applications up to 70 percent improvements in 3D performance. In addition, the AMD 780G chipset is the second generation AMD chipset to feature AMD Overdrive, a simple user interface that brings performance tuning to the masses.

“AMD continues to deliver innovative hardware technology so that consumers and game enthusiasts can enjoy improved graphics experiences on Windows Vista,” said Kevin Unangst, senior global director of Games for Windows, Microsoft. “The new 780G series chipset provides enhanced performance scalability in DirectX 10 to gamers of all types, from casual to hardcore, so that everyone using DirectX 10 on Windows Vista can have a fantastic gaming experience that is tailored to their needs.”

The AMD 780G chipset brings a full HD experience with support for the latest and most demanding formats, including VC-1, MPEG-2 and H.264 to the mainstream PC. Featuring the AMD Unified Video Decoder (UVD), it directs HD playback to the better-suited GPU rather than to the CPU so consumers may enjoy a smooth HD viewing experience - no lag, stalling or dropped scenes - in the latest HD-DVD and Blu-ray titles. As a cool and quiet solution, AMD 780G-powered PCs may be placed in the living room as part of a home theater. In addition, PC’s built around the AMD 780G can give consumers tremendous flexibility with a broad range of video interfaces, including DisplayPort, DVI and HDMI, and with support for AMD Surroundview consumers may connect to multiple monitors.

As the world’s first chipset to deliver 55nm process technology, the AMD 780 Series motherboard GPU delivers optimal power management both in idle, or when playing Blu-ray movies, without compromising performance. This motherboard GPU provides more computing power than the previous generation, yet draws less energy at idle, making the AMD 780 Series- based PCs ideal for consumers and enterprises looking for cool, quiet, energy efficient PCs.

Speaking with Reuters, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 group product manager Aaron Greenberg dismissed the possibility of an Xbox 360 Blu-ray drive attachment.

Exactly one week ago, Sony Electronics US president Stan Glasgow revealed that they are discussing Blu-ray adoption with both Microsoft and Apple. Later on, Microsoft’s chief executive, Steve Ballmer, told the Mix08 conference that the company was in talks over possible moves for supporting Blu-ray in Windows.

“Toshiba has moved on. We’ve moved on, and we’ll support Blu-ray in ways that make sense,” stated Steve Ballmer.

But it seems that Microsoft intends to support Blu-ray in Windows only. Xbox 360 fans will have to do with digital downloads through Xbox Live. “Xbox is not currently in talks with Sony or the Blu-ray Association to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience,” said Aaron Greenberg. “We’re the only console offering digital distribution of entertainment content.”

Any hardcore gamer who tried to overclock his pc knows that the greatest limitation to how far you can go is your ability to keep the system cool. Needless to say, the size of cooling systems and fans is a major limitation for laptops and handhelds’ processing powers.

Dan Schlitz and Vishal Singhal of Thorrn Micro Technologies, Inc. are working on a new solid state cooling system that is 35 times more efficient than existing fans.

“The RSD5 is one of the most significant advancements in electronics cooling since heat pipes. It could change the cooling paradigm for mobile electronics,” said Singhal.

The RSD5 utilizes a phenomenon called corona wind. Corona wind is produced by passing current through a series of live wires that generate a micro-scale plasma (an ion-rich gas that has free electrons that conduct electricity). The wires lie within un-charged conducting plates that are contoured into half-cylindrical shape to partially envelop the wires.

Within the intense electric field that results, ions push neutral air molecules from the wire to the plate, generating the corona wind.

“The technology is a breakthrough in the design and development of semiconductors as it brings an elegant and cost effective solution to the heating problems that have plagued the industry,” said Juan Figueroa, the NSF SBIR program officer who oversaw the research.

The researchers were able to control the micro-scale discharge to produce maximum airflow without risk of sparks or electrical arcing. As a result, the new device yields a breeze as swift as 2.4 meters per second, as compared to airflows of 0.7 to 1.7 meters per second from larger, mechanical fans.

“The technology has the power to cool a 25-watt chip with a device smaller than 1 cubic-cm and can someday be integrated into silicon to make self-cooling chips,” said Schlitz.

This device is also more dust-tolerant than predecessors. While dust attraction is ideal for living-room-scale fans that provide both air flow and filtration, debris can be a devastating obstacle when the goal is to cool an electrical component.

S3 Graphics today announced the S3 Graphics Chrome 430 GT desktop cards.

The first of the S3 Graphics Chrome 400 Series to market, the Chrome 430 GT combines advanced 3D graphics and HD multimedia performance with extreme power-efficiency and rigidly low thermal specifications.

Based on the low profile PCI Express Gen 2 graphics card specification, the Chrome 430 GT is suited for small form factor PC designs and energy-conscious PC users who wish to upgrade their PC to provide incredible HD playback and the latest DirectX 10.1 graphics engine.

The S3 Graphics Chrome 430 GT outperforms ATI’s Radeon HD 3450 and Nvidia’s GeForce 8400 GS by over 20% in 3D benchmarks and rendered frames-per-second in the most popular DX10 and DX9 games.

Using proven low power 65nm process technology from Fujitsu, the Chrome 430 GT remains power efficient with low thermal emissions when rendering Microsoft DirectX 10.1/OpenGL 2.1 graphics applications or providing users with true Hi-Def 1080p Blu-ray entertainment.

“S3 Graphics has once again delivered an outstanding product, leveraging our graphics, video, and power savings core competencies,” said Dr. Ken Weng, GM for S3 Graphics. “The feature-rich Chrome 430 GT challenges the current discrete graphics landscape, bringing new functionalities previously seen only on high end desktops, bringing new meaning to the terms ‘affordable gaming’ and ‘home entertainment’.”

The S3 Graphics Chrome 430 GT Display connections allow dual-link DVI (DVI-D/DVI-I), VGA, and 1080p widescreen HDTV support.

The Chrome 430 GT also utilizes the ChromotionHD 2.0 scalable video engine to perform smooth decoding of MPEG-4/AVC (H.264), MPEG-2, VC-1, WMV-HD, and AVS video for Blu-ray and HD content. To further enhance operation for home theatre applications that demand cool-and-quiet operation, the Chrome 430 GT features PowerWise technology for a power smart design to minimize heat dissipation without compromising performance or features.

The S3 Graphics Chrome 430GT is priced at $59 and is currently available online from GStore, S3 Graphics’ retail affiliate: https://s3gstore.s3graphics.com/

Nvidia has notified its board partners that its new Hybrid SLI technology has been delayed.

“We are still experiencing delays in getting the kits sent as the product is experiencing delays, drivers are being fine-tuned and sales tools are being finalized”, reads the delay notification.

Nvidia then promised that samples will reach vendors in the second half of April, which means that Hybrid SLI should be available at retail by the end of May.

Cards that currently support Hybrid SLI include the GeForce 8500 GT as well as the GeForce 8400 GS. The chipsets that support Hybrid SLI include the NVIDIA nForce 720a and the nForce 730a.

I was in need of a new memory for my computer. So i surfed the web for some online sellers for valued memory there i found memory deal. So I Got My Computer Memory Deal from them. And i was satisfied with their services and product quality. I guess I Found My Best Deal on Memory. Well you might be curious of the memory products memory deal offers so here they are Samsung, Hynix, Qimonda, Micron, Elpida.

Well my computer got stupid again for no reason. So i decided to remove everything. I inverted my motherboard so now it looks like a BTX type of motherboard similar to chiboy’s. It was a lot easier to hide the wires this way. and its a lot cleaner. But theres one hard part which is the 4pin connector to the motherboard. I did gave me a headache. Installed XP without problems. Had everything working again. Hope its going to be stable for a long time. My HTPC is also on its way. Stay tuned!