EA: New Online Gaming Content Codes Could Expire Before Even Being Used

If you're buying an Electronic Arts game, be prepared for the Online Pass that came with it to have already expired. This was the recent experience of a NeoGAF member who bought a brand new copy of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit from Amazon, only to find that he got an error message saying that the code was either incorrect or no longer valid. Gaming website Joystick picked up on this and asked an EA advisor about this situation. It turns out that it's EA's corporate policy to have some of these codes expire, but that no one should be faced with this, as a rule. However, if they are, then they can get a new one for free, by either downloading it or getting it from EA directly. Checking the EULA shows that at the moment, there is only one game with this restriction. It's only Dragon Age 2 (packaged) which has a time-limited an Online Pass code and that it expires on March 31, 2012:

ONLINE PASS SERIAL CODE EXPIRES MARCH 31, 2012. EA ACCOUNT, REGISTRATION WITH ENCLOSED SINGLE-USE SERIAL CODES, INTERNET CONNECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT REQUIRED TO PLAY AND TO ACCESS BONUS CONTENT (IF ANY) AND ONLINE FEATURES AND/OR SERVICES. SERIAL CODES ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE ONCE USED. EA ONLINE PRIVACY POLICY AND TERMS OF SERVICE CAN BE FOUND AT EA.COM. YOU MUST BE 13+ TO ACTIVATE SOFTWAREAND REGISTER FOR AN EA ACCOUNT. EA MAY RETIRE ONLINE FEATURES AFTER 30 DAYS NOTICE POSTED ON EA.COM/2/SERVICE-UPDATES.

Note that it doesn't say anything about a replacement code at all. Only by contacting EA does the customer have any idea what to do about this, which can be very frustrating.

The advisor didn't explain why these codes are designed to expire and it's hard to see exactly why. However, maybe it's to increase security of the product somehow, perhaps in a similar way that passwords at workplaces usually expire after a certain amount of time? Regardless, it's another inconvenient hoop that the honest gamer who's shelled out their hard-earned money has to jump through. In particular, one can see how these games that find themselves in the bargain basement a year later will all have expired codes, which will only be renewed at EAs discretion. Imagine the disappointment and frustration for the customer to see the online features being proudly advertised on the box, only to be denied at the point of installing the game. Then, it will be even more annoying should they contact EA about this only to be told that this feature has been removed. A feature like this could make or break a sale, so allowing such a situation potentially opens up EA to lawsuits for false advertising, since they are selling games that have had features removed by stealth. At the very least, such a customer would be entitled to a refund, which the shop would then be unlikely to give, because the box has been opened...

AMD Realizes That Bulldozer Has 800 Million LESS Transistors Than It Thought!

AMD's new flagship Bulldozer "FX" series of processors have turned out to be mediocre performers in almost every review and benchmark going, sometimes even getting bested by the existing Phenom II and certainly no match for their Intel competition. To add to this tale of fail, it now turns out that AMD didn't even know how many transistors they have! Anand Lal Shimpi of AnandTech received an email from AMD's PR department and this is the revelation he had to share with us:

This is a bit unusual. I got an email from AMD PR this week asking me to correct the Bulldozer transistor count in our Sandy Bridge E review. The incorrect number, provided to me (and other reviewers) by AMD PR around 3 months ago was 2 billion transistors. The actual transistor count for Bulldozer is apparently 1.2 billion transistors. I don't have an explanation as to why the original number was wrong, just that the new number has been triple checked by my contact and is indeed right. The total die area for a 4-module/8-core Bulldozer remains correct at 315 mm².

Yes, something as basic as how many transistors are in their flagship product wasn't known about until months after the launch! This kind of info would be common knowledge within the company by the time the first tape-out is ready during the design and testing phase, so surely this cannot be and there must be some other explanation? If this is an attempt to make the processor look better by showing it "doing more with less", then this PR stunt has backfired spectacularly and it would have been better to have left the "error" as it was. Paradoxically, FX processors are a sales success and are flying off the shelves as we just reported, here.

AMD Bulldozer A Surprisingly Sell-Out Sales Success. Victims: Phenom II & Athlon II

AMD's new Bulldozer "FX" series of processors may be very lacklustre performers in reviewer's benchmarks and have garnered considerable scorn in enthusiast circles, but they're a very good performer for AMD's bottom line. Incredibly, they are selling out as soon as shops get them in stock - and they are not even priced very competitively against Intel's offerings, so perhaps the "It's an 8 core CPU!!" marketing is working well on the uninformed "enthusiast" after all? Mind you, what enthusiast, however uninformed, wouldn't know exactly how these products perform? Every tech website and computer magazine has covered these chips by now. The mind boggles.

Unfortunately, the victims of this unwarranted success are the decent Phenom II & Athlon II processors, which have always been priced very well, giving good value for money and are good sellers. The reason is that the manufacturing plants share equipment between these old 45 nm products and the new 32 nm ones, creating a conflict between them, so one must go. It therefore makes sound business sense for AMD to discontinue selling the old product in favour of the new, expensive one which is flying off the shelves. AMD will stop shipping all Athlon II's and Phenom II's to distributors, but with one exception. The "Zosma" 6 core Phenom II X4 960T will continue to be available until stocks run dry. This has two cores disabled, making it a "quad" core CPU, but with luck they might be unlockable. To state the obvious, if one is considering buying one of these discontinued chips, then they'd better not wait long.

 

IBM to Produce Micron's HMC in Debut of First Commercial, 3D Chip-Making Capability

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Micron technology Inc. announced today that Micron will begin production of a new memory device built using the first commercial CMOS manufacturing technology to employ through-silicon vias (TSVs). IBM's advanced TSV chip-making process enables Micron's Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC) to achieve speeds 15 times faster than today's technology.

Micron's Hybrid Memory Cube features a stack of individual chips connected by vertical pipelines or “vias,” shown above. IBM’s new 3-D manufacturing technology, used to connect the 3D micro structure, will be the foundation for commercial production of the new memory cube.

IBM will present the details of its TSV manufacturing breakthrough at the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting on December 5 in Washington, DC.


HMC parts will be manufactured at IBM's advanced semiconductor fab in East Fishkill, N.Y., using the company's 32nm, high-K metal gate process technology.

HMC technology uses advanced TSVs — vertical conduits that electrically connect a stack of individual chips — to combine high-performance logic with Micron's state-of-the-art DRAM. HMC delivers bandwidth and efficiencies a leap beyond current device capabilities. HMC prototypes, for example, clock in with bandwidth of 128 gigabytes per second (GB/s). By comparison, current state-of-the-art devices deliver 12.8 GB/s. HMC also requires 70 percent less energy to transfer data while offering a small form factor — just 10 percent of the footprint of conventional memory.

HMC will enable a new generation of performance in applications ranging from large-scale networking and high-performance computing, to industrial automation and, eventually, consumer products.

"This is a milestone in the industry move to 3D semiconductor manufacturing," said Subu Iyer, IBM Fellow. "The manufacturing process we are rolling out will have applications beyond memory, enabling other industry segments as well. In the next few years, 3D chip technology will make its way into consumer products, and we can expect to see drastic improvements in battery life and functionality of devices."

"HMC is a game changer, finally giving architects a flexible memory solution that scales bandwidth while addressing power efficiency," said Robert Feurle, Vice President of DRAM Marketing for Micron. "Through collaboration with IBM, Micron will provide the industry's most capable memory offering."

Additional information, technical specifications, tools and support for adopting HMC technology can be found at micron.com.

HDD Parts Shortage Lessens: HDD Prices To Drop?

Nidec Corp, manufacturer of hard disc drive motors and other HDD components, has reported that after just six weeks since the Thailand floods hit, nine out of its ten factories are operational again, although not all are yet at full capacity. Supplies of HDDs should therefore slowly improve as the parts shortage eases, hopefully with the welcome consequence that the price should drift downwards. Nidec issued this statement about the situation:

We will continue our efforts to further improve the utilization of the factories whose operations have resumed and to bring the company’s other flood-stricken factories back into operation to the earliest extent possible. The exact amount of damage and the effect of the floods on the company’s performance are being assessed currently. We will continue to report on any actual or potential impact on the company’s business performance in a prompt manner.

There's more info in this Nidec update (PDF) and at xbit labs.

Team Announces Xtreem LV Quad-Channel, Dual-Channel OC Memory

Team Group Inc. gives enthusiasts the best present of the year that is Releasing 4 masterpieces of OC memory all in one, including Quad-Channel memory which is compatible with the latest Intel X79 platform, and the highest-level Dual-Channel memory on the market.

Team Group releasing 2 masterpieces of Quad-Channel OC memory at the same time, among OC memory, Team Xtreem LV DDR3 2400 CL9 uses selected chips and passes stringent testing, its low latency of 9-11-11-28 and 1T’s Command Rate brings you greatest fun at high speed performance. It is the limited edition and it also the highest specification in Quad-Channel Memory module in the market which is surely the dream product for all the OC gamers.

Team Xtreem LV DDR3 2400 CL11 Quad-Channel memory adopts strictly tested original chips and functions steadily operation at full capacity with an ultra high frequency and brings you the ultimate satisfaction of extreme performance. In addition, it supports the X79 chipset of the new Intel high-level processor Sandy Bridge-E (LGA-2011) to bring the excellent performance for the Core i7. It perfectly meets enthusiast’s high standards of gaming and OC.

Team Xtreem LV Dual-Channel OC Memory to satisfy different levels users
Team Xtreem LV DDR3 2600 CL10 that offers the highest standards in the current market, with 2600 MHz speed rate and 20,800MB/sec transmission bandwidth. It has passed strict product tests with many motherboards before delivery, ensuring it will properly function to perform the best OC capabilities.

And Team Xtreem LV DDR3 2133 CL9 with low voltage of 1.5V, and covered in the exclusive X-shaped super slim aluminum heatsink, its heat dissipation sink has been maximized to achieve balance between high speed and steadiness when operating. Furthermore, the brand-new packaging in red and black have intensively highlighted its power and quality.

As a leading provider of memory storage products to the consumer market, Team Group is committed to providing the best storage, multimedia and data sharing solutions. All Team memory module products come with a lifetime warranty, repair and replacement services. For more information, please visit the Team website at www.teamgroup.com.tw.

Samsung Announces High-Performance mSATA SSDs for Ultra-Slim Notebook PCs

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in advanced semiconductor technology solutions, announced volume production of SSDs (solid state drives) that support the Mini-Serial ATA (mSATA) interface. The drives are designed for use in ultra-slim notebooks such as Ultrabook PCs.

“Samsung’s compact mSATA SSDs will provide performance of the highest quality in helping to deliver the advanced ultra-slim PCs that consumers have been wanting,” said Myungho Kim, vice president of memory marketing, Device Solutions, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung plans to continue providing timely delivery of advanced SSD solutions, while preserving its leadership position in the SSD market for notebook PCs.”


Combining Samsung’s new high-performance mSATA SSDs with the latest multi-core processors will help PC manufacturers to substantially improve performance of their Ultrabook-class portable PCs up to that of notebook PCs, in meeting ever-increasing consumer needs.

The new Samsung mSATA SSDs* will be available in 256, 128 and 64 gigabyte (GB) densities as main storage devices, and also at 32GB for caching. They measure 50.95 x 30 x 3.8 millimeters and weigh a mere eight grams.

The new SSDs will be part of the highly popular Samsung PM830 product family that was introduced earlier this year. They make use of Samsung’s advanced 20 nanometer class** NAND flash memory components which incorporate the toggle DDR interface.

Utilizing high-performance SATA 6Gb/s controllers based on Samsung’s own technology, the new mSATA SSDs can operate at the industry’s highest sequential read and write speeds of 500 megabytes per second (MB/s) and of 260MB/s respectively, under optimum conditions. This is, more than six times the speed of hard disk drives typically offering a data transfer rate of 80MB/s. The Samsung SSDs also enable faster system boot-ups (in the 10-second range) and will transmit five DVD files in about a minute.

In addition, the Samsung mSATA SSDs feature an advanced hardware-based security solution including 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) protection, which will prevent unauthorized access to data on a lost or stolen notebook PC.

Beginning this year, the market for Ultrabook-class mobile PCs has been growing rapidly and is expected to expand beyond that of tablet PCs as early as next year due to outstanding performance characteristics, more advanced processors and use of the Windows 8 operating system. According to market research firm IHS iSuppli, the Ultrabook share of global notebook shipments will exceed 40 percent in 2015.

For more information about Samsung Green SSDs, visit www.samsung.com/GreenMemory and www.samsung.com/us/oem-solutions.

LG Expands its Glasses-Free 3D Monitor Lineup

LG Electronics (LG) extends its glasses-free 3D monitor lineup with the 25-inch DX2500, which incorporates glasses-free parallax barrier 3D and head-tracking technologies. With the DX2500, LG becomes the first in the industry to receive TÜV Rheinland certification for a glasses-free 3D monitor.

"LG is taking glasses-free 3D monitors mainstream with the DX2500," said Si-hwan Park, Vice President of the Monitor Division at LG's Home Entertainment Company. "With the DX2500, we are making the LG brand synonymous with glasses-free 3D monitors. In 2012, we'll continue to expand our range of glasses-free 3D monitors featuring different designs and advanced functions."

For optimal viewing of 3D images, existing glasses-free 3D products generally require viewers to stay within a tightly restricted angle and distance. However, the DX2500 has removed this restriction with the parallax barrier 3D and head-tracking technologies, allowing viewers greater freedom of movement, enabling a more comfortable user experience.

Position tracking in the DX2500 works via a camera embedded in the monitor, which detects changes in the user's eye and head position in real-time. Based on this information, the monitor calculates the angle and position of the viewer and adjusts the image to display the optimal 3D effect. And with an advanced 2D to 3D conversion function, DX2500 users can view unlimited 3D content such as movies, photos and games all with a single mouse click.

Now available in Korea, the DX2500 will be launched worldwide in early 2012.

NZXT Phantom 410 Case Released

The original NZXT Phantom has been a huge success, spawning multiple versions in many different colors. NZXT now presents their newest case with the same genes by the name of Phantom 410. The case features the same stylish and modern looks as its bigger brethren, but at a much smaller overall size. Thus, the chassis is intended for an ATX mainboard while adding a windowed side panel to the mix.

NZXT revolutionized the case industry with the Phantom Big-Tower, which offered a daring new look - noticeably different than anything else on the market. With the unique design and a long list of features, the Pantheon Big-Tower quickly became one of the most popular cases for those looking for a stylish and modern chassis. With the Phantom 410, NZXT now offers the same beautiful design in a smaller form factor.

The obvious difference between the Phantom 410 and the original Phantom Big-Tower is the size, as it is intended for ATX, mATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. With a width of 21.5 cm, a height of 52 cm and a depth of 53.2 cm, the Phantom 410 is not only a bit smaller but also a full 9 cm shorter than the bigger Phantom.

Hidden behind the door of the Phantom 410 are thee 5.25 inch slots. In comparison the Phantom offers 5 such bays. Nonetheless, most users will find that the Phantom 410 still offers more than enough bays. On top of that, six screw-less internal 3.5 inch bays, with the ability to install 2.5 inch SSDs in each are also present within the 410 variant,

Each drive rests on separate trays which are to be pulled out from the motherboard side of the chassis, with the connectors facing away of the windowed side as well for a clean interior look. The upper hard drive cage, consisting of four bays, may be pulled out, allowing for graphic cards of up to 40 cm length to be installed. With this bay inside the chassis, there is still enough space for units with up to 30.5 cm.

A unique factor of the Phantom 410 is the ability to install a 120 on he side of the hard drive cage in the interior of the chassis. This does not only improve the air flow across the installed storage devices, but also moves much needed cool air across the graphic cards and motherboard. The fan may be tilted up to 20°, allowing for the air to be directed towards the hottest components within the system. In addition to the three pre-installed fans, the Phantom 410 may take an additional five may be placed within the case to maximize air flow if need be.

The fan speed may be adjusted with the simple but effective controller found on the top of the chassis. Up to four cooling units may be connected to this device, allowing the user to set the performance level easily. In addition to this controller, the Phantom 410 features two USB 3.0 connectivity with an internal 20-pin header along with USB 2.0 and Audio I/O.

Even those wanting to install water cooling setups may do so as the Phantom 410 chassis offers space for a 240 or 280 mm radiator in the ceiling. Additional openings in the rear of the chassis allow for water cooling tubes to be routed out of the enclosure. Even with the compact size, the Phantom 410 still offers an impressive list of features - much like its bigger brother.

The NZXT Phantom 410 Midi-Tower should be available from the 9th of December for a price of 99.90 Euro. exclusively at www.caseking.de. It will be available in white, black and red.

Intel 2012 Core Processor Model Names Confirmed on Roadmap Slide

Earlier this week, a report tabled the model numbers of Intel 2012 Core processor family based on the "Ivy Bridge" silicon. Its processor model number scheme consisted of Core i5/i7 3000 series, targeting various market price points. Many of these model numbers are confirmed on the latest roadmap slide detailing the Core processor family for 2012. We are also getting to see what the nomenclature of next-generation Core i3 processors could look like.

The slide shows that Ivy Bridge processors will start selling in Q2 2012, which is consistent with reports of an April 2012 launch. Intel will begin with Core i3-32xx (xx = TBD), i5-3450, i5-3550, i5-3570K, i7-3770, and i7-3770K. Around this time, there will be a market transition among cheaper Core i3 parts. In Q3 2012, i5-3470 and i5-3570 will displace i5-3450 and i5-3550; while a faster Core i7-37x0K processor will displace the i7-3770K. The market transition among some Core i3 parts will continue in Q3. Q4 2012 will largely resemble Q3, except that the lower-end Core i3 lineup will have fully transitioned to Ivy Bridge. There will be no changes in the LGA2011 Sandy Bridge-E HEDT lineup, except that an affordable quad-core part will be added in Q1 2012. For quick reference, we re-posted the table from the older report.

Scythe Announcing 3 New Rev. B CPU Coolers For Socket LGA 2011

Japanese cooling expert Scythe has today announced the revision of the popular CPU Coolers Scythe Mugen 3, Mugen 3 PCGH and Ninja 3. Scythe has upgraded the CPU Coolers to Rev. B. Users can easily differentiate the new version from the old ones by the added suffix "Rev. B" in the names: Mugen 3 Rev.B, Mugen 3 Rev.B PCGH and Ninja 3 Rev.B. New Revision B brings support to the recently announced Socket LGA2011 and therefore compatibility to Sandy Bridge-E CPUs.

All three Scythe CPU Coolers are utilizing the 4th version of Scythe's Flip Mount Super Back-Plate (F.M.S.B.) allowing firm mounting for current sockets. Mainboards which are using the Socket R (LGA2011) are already equipped with a pre-installed backplate and do not require the Scythe Flip Mount Super Back-Plate. In this case a convenient and easy mounting is accomplished by attaching four screws directly to the socket which are then fixed using a small wrench. Required screws as well as wrench are part of the accessory supplied with Scythe's Rev. B CPU Coolers.


Even though brand-new sockets are added to the compatibility list, prior sockets are still supported. Scythe is trying to keep the tradition of supporting prior sockets such as socket LGA775 and AM2 even for the new Rev. B CPU Coolers. New Scythe Revision B CPU Coolers will be available and shipped starting next week. Suggested MSRP for the three models as following:

• Mugen 3 Rev.B (SCMG-3100): 36,00 EUR (excl. VAT/TAX)
• Mugen 3 Rev.B PCGH (SCMG-3PCGH): 42,00 EUR (excl. VAT/TAX)
• Ninja 3 Rev.B (SCNJ-3100 ): 36,00 EUR (excl. VAT/TAX)

For more information, visit the product pages of Mugen 3 Rev. B, Mugen 3 Rev. B PCGH Edition, and Ninja 3 Rev. B.

A-Data Launches Waterproof and Shock-Resistant USB 3.0 Flash Drives

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash application products, has launched a new USB 3.0 Flash drive, the S107. The S107 offers a new approach to shock-resistant designs and SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interfaces, with a sporty outlook and dynamic design to satisfy the needs of active consumers who want to express their own personal style.

Targeting the modern crowd with an on-the-go and mobile lifestyle, the S107 combines a sporty modern look with military grade shockproof and water-resistant construction. The S107 drive exterior is constructed of a unique silicone rubber, providing excellent reliability, making it ideal for traveling and excursions. Users need not worry about data loss from accidental drops or spills, which can cause irreparable damage in conventional storage devices.

In performance terms, the S107 utilizes the new generation USB 3.0 transfer interface, achieving read speeds of up to 100 MB/s. Compared to a standard USB 2.0 device, back up of data files is three times faster, with enhanced performance significantly reducing transmission time by 70%.

The S107 comes in an outstanding curved arc design and vibrant colors to allow users’ to pursue their personal tastes in sporty fashion. It also combines practical design features, such as a convenient slot at the back of the drive for holding the cap when the drive is in use. The drive is available in two color schemes- scarlet red and wild blue. Initial capacities available will be 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB.

Additionally, purchasers of ADATA USB drives are eligible for free download of the latest Norton Internet Security 2012 antivirus software (60 day trial), utility backup software UFDtoGo and enjoy demonstrates an elegance and charm of modern technology.

Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Prices:

• S107 8GB USD 20
• S107 16GB USD 30
• S107 32GB USD 65

Corsair Announces Vengeance High-Performance Memory for Laptops

Corsair, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced a line of high-performance memory upgrade kits for power laptop users.

Operating at speeds of 1600 MHz and 1866 MHz, the new Vengeance laptop memory upgrade kits are an ideal solution for notebooks equipped with a 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor. Vengeance laptop memory is designed to be plug-and-play, with no BIOS adjustments needed to instantly take advantage of the faster memory speed.


The new Vengeance high-performance memory upgrade kits for laptops are designed to work with any PC or notebook which accepts standard DDR3 SODIMMs, and are backward compatible with notebooks and laptops which use first-generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors. Even on older notebooks, customers can still take advantage of the ability to upgrade to 8GB of memory using only two memory slots, and enjoy the confidence of Corsair's renowned service and support.

"As more complex applications and games are available in the market, many laptop users are looking for an easy way to improve their system performance in order to have the best experience." said Thi La, Vice President of Memory Products at Corsair. "Our new Vengeance high-performance laptop memory kits allow performance-minded customers to boost their memory performance and capacity in an instant."

Corsair Vengeance memory kits will initially be available in the following configurations: