COUGAR Launches the GX V2 Series of 80Plus Gold Gaming PSUs

COUGAR, leading German brand of power supplies and PC accessories, have launched their new high-end series of power supplies specifically targeting demanding gamers, the COUGAR GX V2 series. The 80Plus Gold certified GX V2 series comes as 600 W/700 W/800 W/900 W/1050 W versions and provides up to 93% peak efficiency. This is the highest efficiency standard possible in the industry at the moment.

One major upgrade in this revision is COUGAR's patented VORTEX fan, which in the GX PSUs series comes in a 140 mm series hydro-dynamic bearing, which not only dramatically improves lifetime but also reduces potential noise to a minimum. Also internal electric filtering has been further improved to lower ripple and increase efficiency.

The rugged black coating in combination with the gold vent grill add to the overall robust and aggressive appearance of these units, thereby effectively increasing the game-style looks.

The advanced modular cable management is further improved by utilizing new flat cables that simplify installation as well as reducing air friction in order to maximize airflow. This gives gamers the power they need, and flexibility of easy upgrades they demand.

Automatic dynamic load distribution multi-12V rails provide power separately to the GPU and CPU. Particularly in multi-graphics setups this improves the performance and safety of the 12V rails considerably for systems with high-end graphics cards in SLI or CrossFire mode by warranting high voltage stability to keep components safe.






Buffalo Intros Colorful Compact USB Hubs

Buffalo Japan released a set of colorful new USB 2.0 hubs under the BSH4U17 series, to expand the ever more limited number of USB ports notebooks come with. The hub is bar-shaped, and comes with a short USB 2.0 cable to the host. It features nail mount holes so it could be hung up to walls. Measuring 93 x 38.5 x 14 mm (WxDxH), the hub weighs about 40 g. It is available in four color options: piano-black, pearl-white, hot-pink, and indigo, all priced at 1,720 JPY (US $21.5).

KINGMAX Launches 8 GB DDR3 Modules, Makes Affordable Quad-Channel Happen

KINGMAX, a world renowned leading brand of DRAM and flash memory, adds another new product to its Nano Gaming Ram series: 8GB overclocking memory modules in one stick. This is the largest capacity in one stick and the only DDR3 memory modules which doesn’t need heatsink for cooling. 8GB DDR3 memory modules with speed faster than 1600MHz also support Intel XMP – Extreme Memory Profiles. Further, 8GB DDR3 memory modules are compatible with Intel X79 platform, enabling quad channel memory setting and allowing memory upgrade up to 32GB. KINGMAX also announces standard desktop 8GB DDR3 modules.

For professionals and enthusiasts who need to work on high quality images or need mass computing, it is most awkward when applications require more memory than real memory can afford. The KINGMAX 8GB DDR3 memory modules with surpassing capacity are designed to solve abovementioned difficulties and to help computer system work much more smoothly and faster. Gamers and overclockers, who like to pursuit ultimate speed, are able to operate quad channel memory setting on the latest Intel X79 platform to boost the system equipped with Intel 2nd Generation Core i7 Extreme performance to the next high level.

KINGMAX memory modules products are rigidly screened and tested before leaving the factory. All memory products are made by lead-free process, compliant to EU RoHS and conformed to CE. As KINGMAX is devoted to the highest quality for years, its memory modules has been credited for 100% compatibility and stability as well as outstanding overclocking performance from consumers. All memory products provide life warranty to guarantee consumers the most satisfaction.

Product Introduction
Nano Gaming Ram Series : DDR3 1600MHz 8GB Overclocking Memory Modules
  • Replaces tradition heavy heatshink by Nano Thermal Technology
  • 240-pin DDR3 1600MHz
  • Bandwidth: 1600MHz (12.8GB/sec)
  • CAS Latency:1600MHz:CL=9
  • Capacity: Single Channel:8GB / Dual Channel:16GB / Triple Channel:24GB / Quad Channel:32GB
  • Voltage:1.5V
DDR3 1333 MHz 8GB Desktop Memory Modules
  • 240-pin DDR3 1333MHz
  • Bandwidth: 1300MHz(10.6GB/sec)
  • CAS Latency:1300MHz:9-9-9-27 CL=9
  • Capacity: Single Channel:8GB / Dual Channel:16GB / Triple Channel:24GB / Quad Channel:32GB
  • Voltage:1.5V
For more product information, visit this page.

VLC Media Player Version 2.0.0

The VideoLAN team has this weekend released the 2.0.0 version (codename Twoflower) of their VLC open source media player. This build includes a heap of updates including reworked Mac and Web interfaces, a new rendering pipeline for video, multi-threaded decoding for H.264, MPEG-4/Xvid and WebM, new filters, support for 10 bits codecs and two new languages (Telugu and Kurmanji), subtitles improvements, (experimental) support for Blu-ray discs, and hundreds of bug fixes.

VLC 2.0.0 is available here for Windows and Mac OS X (or just OS X).

Screenshots



BioWare and Razer Unveil Mass Effect 3 Product Line

Award-winning developer BioWare, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. along with Razer, the world leader in high performance gaming hardware, reveal today peripherals and gear created for the highly anticipated Action RPG Mass Effect 3.

Fans of the Mass Effect series can arm themselves for the all-out galactic war with the Razer Mass Effect 3 Edition peripheral line which includes a Razer Imperator gaming mouse, Razer Vespula dual-sided gaming mouse mat, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate gaming keyboard, Razer Onza Tournament Edition Xbox 360 controller, and Razer Chimaera Xbox 360 gaming headset. The cutting-edge peripherals will give fans of the series a competitive advantage in the epic battle to save the galaxy from the ancient alien race known only as the Reapers.


"BioWare is pulling out all of the stops for Mass Effect 3 to ensure it's the best and boldest game in the series," said Robert 'RazerGuy' Krakoff, President, Razer USA. "With our official line of peripherals and gear for Mass Effect 3, we're giving fans the best gaming weaponry and hardware to meet the challenge head on – and come out victorious."

"With Mass Effect 3 we're delivering a truly epic experience for both the existing fans and newcomers into the series," said David Silverman, Marketing Director for BioWare. "Mass Effect 3 is an all-out Galactic war and partnering with Razer gives us an opportunity to raise the stakes even higher and provide gamers with a product line that will certainly help them take Earth back on March 6."

Fans can also receive gear to protect and safeguard peripherals and gadgets from the intensity of the intergalactic warfare in Mass Effect 3. The Razer Mass Effect 3 Edition gear line includes a sleek, hard protection case customized for the iPhone 4/4S, and a sleek N7 messenger bag for ample storage. Both the Mass Effect 3 peripherals and gear line are emblazoned with Mass Effect iconic N7 design, bestowed only to the highest-ranking soldiers of the Systems Alliance military, worn by Commander Shepard on his armor. Mass Effect 3 peripherals are available now for pre-order from Razerzone.

For more information, head to www.razerzone.com/me3.

Mass Effect 3 arrives on the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and PC in North America on March 6, 2012 and in Europe on March 9, 2012 and is available for pre-order now at participating retailers. Fans who pre-order have the opportunity to arm themselves with cutting-edge in-game weapons and armor to prepare for the all-out galactic war. For more information on Mass Effect 3, please visit www.masseffect.com, follow the game on Twitter at www.twitter.com/masseffect or "like" the game on Facebook at www.facebook.com/masseffect.


About the Mass Effect 3 Razer Imperator Ergonomic Gaming Mouse

Mass Effect 3 drops players into an all-out galactic war where the Reapers have taken Earth, and only you as Commander Shepard can take back Earth and prevent the entire galaxy from complete annihilation. Use the Razer Imperator Mass Effect 3 Edition gaming mouse as your tech-blade, an extension of your arm and with its 6400 dpi 4G Dual Sensor System dispatch the ruthless enemies before they end humanity's existence.

Price: US $79.99 / EU euro 79.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - Pre-Order Now
Worldwide - March 2012


Product features:

- 6400 dpi 4G Dual Sensor System
- Rubberized contoured thumb grip for added control
- Ergonomic right-handed design
- Adjustable side buttons
- Razer Synapse Onboard Memory
- Up to 200 inches per second /50g acceleration
- Seven independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
- On-the-Fly Sensitivity adjustment
- Zero-acoustic Ultraslick mouse feet
- Approx. size in mm: 123 (Length) x 71 (Width) x 42 (Height)




About the Mass Effect 3 Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The Razer BlackWidow Mass Effect 3 Edition gaming keyboard is a state-of-the-art weapon with its full-fledged heavy-duty mechanical key infrastructure. When it delivers crisp, tactile feedback and faster keystroke actuation, this revolutionary, fully backlit gaming keyboard helps Commander Shepard get the mission done with razor-sharp efficiency.

Price: US $139.99 / EU euro 139.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - Pre-Order Now
Worldwide - March 2012


Product Features:

- Full mechanical keys with 50g actuation force
- Individually backlit keys with 5 levels of lighting
- 1000 Hz Ultrapolling / 1 ms response time
- Programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
- Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key
- 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
- 5 additional macro keys
- Gaming optimized key matrix for minimized ghosting
- Multi-media controls
- Braided cable
- Audio-out / Mic-in jacks
- USB-passthrough
- Approx. size in mm: 475 (Length) x 171 (Width) x 30 (Height)
- Weight: 1.5 kg





About the Mass Effect 3 Razer Vespula Dual-Sided Gaming Mouse Mat

In Mass Effect 3, Commander Shepard and his team will face their greatest challenge yet - the Reapers. The Razer Vespula dual-sided gaming mouse mat is the perfect way to ensure that you're prepared for each battle. Get neck-breaking acceleration under your mouse with the SPEED side to hit the enemies before they can react, or deliver precise headshots with the measured movement of the CONTROL side. Exclusively designed in pitch-black finish with the iconic N7 logo and stripes displayed on Shepard's Armor, the Razer Vespula Mass Effect 3 Edition readies both you and your mouse for the war to take Earth back.

Price: US $34.99 / EU euro 34.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - Pre-Order Now
Worldwide - March 2012


Product features:

- Non-slip, anti-reflective, abrasion-resistant hard coat
- SPEED surface for faster mouse movements
- CONTROL surface for precise mouse movements
- Comes with a gel-filled wrist rest
- Approximate Size : 320 mm / 12.61" (Length) x 260 mm / 10.24" (Width) x 20 mm / 0.79" (Height)
- Approximate Weight: 332 g / 0.73 lbs




About the Mass Effect 3 Onza Tournament Edition Xbox 360 Gaming Controller

The Onza TE Mass Effect 3 Edition provides enhanced combat effectiveness through adjustable resistance on both analog sticks and the addition of two fully -programmable multi-function buttons. Quickly fire biotics from the extra shoulder buttons to disable enemies, and use analog sticks calibrated to your preferred tension. An improved D-pad, Hyperesponse buttons, and a 15-foot lightweight braided cable, round-off this perfect weapon for Mass Effect 3 on the Xbox 360 and PC.


Price: US $59.99 / EU euro 59.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - Pre-Order Now
Worldwide - March 2012


Product features:

- 2 Adjustable resistance analog sticks
- 2 Multi-Function Buttons (MFB)
- 4 backlit Hyperesponse action buttons
- Precision D-Pad
- Non-slip rubber surface
- Quick release USB connector
- 15 foot, lightweight, braided fiber cable
- Approx. size in mm: 109 (Length) x 154 (Width) x 60.5 (Height)





About the Mass Effect 3 Razer Chimaera Xbox 360 5.1 Wireless Gaming Headset

Whether tuning into the immersive sounds of the various exotic in-game locales featured in Mass Effect 3, or to get the one-up on enemies through audio cues and pinpoint positional audio – The Razer Chimaera 5.1 Mass Effect 3 Edition gaming headset takes you into the game full throttle by way of your ears. As you hear the Reapers closing in all around you, be ready to take the fight to them. 

Price: US $209.99 / EU euro 209.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - March 2012
Worldwide - March 2012


Product features:

- Wireless Headset
- Circumaural Design with 50 mm Driver Units
- Volume & Mic Control Buttons on the Headset
- 3 Preset EQ
- Detachable 2.5 mm Microphone Cable
- Dimensions: 200 mm (Width) x 204 mm (Height) x 88 mm (Depth)
- Inner Ear Cup Diameter: 55 mm / 2.16"
- Approximate Weight (including batteries): 369 g / 0.81 lbs

Headphones

- Radio Frequency: 5.8 GHz
- Dolby Headphone / Dolby Pro Logic II / Dolby Digital
- Wireless Range: 33 ft / 10 m
- Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32O at 1 kHz
- Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): 105 dB +/- 2 dB
- Drivers: 50 mm, with Neodymium Magnets
- Batteries: 2 AAA Batteries (Up to 8 Hours Battery Life)
- Charging Time: 3 Hours

Microphone

- Frequency Response: 130 - 10,000 Hz
- Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): -42 +/- 2 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >55 dB
- Pick-up Pattern: Uni-directional

Hardware Requirements

Xbox 360
- Available Optical Port

PC
- RCA to 3.5 mm Cable
- Available 3.5 mm Headphone Jack
- Available 3.5mm Microphone Jack








About the Mass Effect 3 iPhone 4 Protection Case by Razer

With a hard-shell design inspired by Commander Shepard's iconic N7 Onyx Armor, and complete with segmented protection plates, your iPhone 4 is getting the best protection to take on every intense firefight, battle, and hard knock Mass Effect 3 and your life can throw at it.

Price: US $24.99 / EU euro 24.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - March 2012
Worldwide - March 2012

[B]Product features:


- Heavy duty silicone protection for your iPhone 4 from the elements
- Rubberized finish for better grip
- Mass Effect 3 inspired design


About the Mass Effect 3 Razer Messenger Bag

Constructed with tear-resistant, weather-proof heavy-duty 1680D ballistic nylon, the Mass Effect 3 Razer Messenger bag gives your gaming laptop and gear total protection from intergalactic warfare.


Price: US $79.99 / EU euro 79.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com - March 2012
Worldwide - March 2012


Product features:

- Armored with a tear-resistant, weather-proof heavy duty 1680D ballistic nylon outer shell
- Water-resistant TPU inner lining for added durability
- Single shoulder sling design for added mobility
- Built in compartments for up to 15" laptops, gaming peripherals and portable gaming devices.
- Durable inner lining protects electronic devices and provides ample shock absorbency while on the road




Roccat Kulo Headset Includes New Donut-Shaped Earpads

Roccat Studios released a new package of its Kulo USB surround gaming headset that packs donut-shaped earpads. Made of soft velvet and cushioning, these replacement earpads make extended gaming sessions with the Kulo more comfortable. Being an on-ear headset instead of around ear, Kulo applies pressure on the pinna, which could be unfomfortable after a few straight hours of gaming. These earpads help spread the pressure more evenly, even if they don't necessarily turn the headset into around ear.





 

Sharkoon Teases with DarkGlider Gaming Mouse

Sharkoon released the first picture of its upcoming high-end gaming mouse, named DarkGlider. The teaser pic reveals the mouse to be right-hand oriented, and using a laser-based tracking mechanism. The top-left corner of the mouse, next to the left-click button, reveals a small LCD display with a readout "6000", possibly indicating its resolution to be 6,000 dpi. Apart from its three main buttons, the mouse has a 2-axis scroll-wheel, sensitivity adjustments, macro selection, and two side buttons. Sharkoon will announce the DarkGlider at this year's CeBIT event, in March.


ASRock Introduces Fantastic Scout Mode in its Top Gaming Sound Card - Game Blaster!

World's top 3 motherboard manufacturer, ASRock Inc., specially partners with Creative Technology Ltd, the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer, to introduce the most trusted sound card in mobo industry - Game Blaster!

Gamers need so much more from their rigs. ASRock Game Blaster was designed to exceed the expectations of even the most dedicated gamer. It is the first sound card coming with both Creative 7.1 CH HD Sound Core3D Audio and Broadcom Gigabit LAN in the world.


Creative Sound Core3D 7.1 CH HD Audio

Powered by Sound Core3D quad-core audio and voice processor, the revolutionary Game Blaster delivers the first-class sound experience to extreme gamers! This breakthrough audio chip even brings some exciting features, allowing gamers to enjoy pure gaming audio, such as THX TruStudio PRO™ sound technologies, CrystalVoice and EAX 1.0 to 5.0 solid sound technologies.

Scout Mode

Designed for performance gaming, ASRock Game Blaster also supports the state-of-the-art Scout Mode technology. It is a proprietary technology that allows you to hear your enemies from further away, giving you a distinct tactical advantage in combat. With Scout Mode, ASRock Game Blaster facilitates faster access in the heart of battle and allows gamers to get precise control to elevate their games. Can't wait to enjoy this exciting technology? Simply download the latest driver from ASRock website, and experience this amazing tool right now.


Broadcom Gigabit LAN

ASRock Game Blaster was unprecedentedly equipped with a Broadcom Gigabit LAN. Broadcom Gigabit LAN not only focuses on high performance, but also ensures extremely low power consumption to enhance eco-friendly environment. Coupled with Game Blaster and ASRock motherboard, serious gamers will get benefits of 2 LAN supports. Connected 2 LANs together, users can enjoy Dual PCIE Gigabit LAN feature with teaming function effortlessly.



ASRock Game Blaster is setting a whole new standard for gaming audio. It's been designed for incredible sound experience and precise accuracy. The ASRock Game Blaster has lots intelligent features including Creative Sound Core3D single audio chip with Scout Mode™ and Broadcom Gigabit LAN. It's aimed to unleash the maximum gaming performance.

For more product information, please visit: http://www.asrock.com/mb/spec/Card.asp?Model=Game%20Blaster

Samsung Introduces Stylish Branded Memory Cards

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, announced today that it is now shipping a new line of advanced SD and microSD cards that are ideal for digital imaging and mobile devices. The seven new models of SD and microSD cards are now available as part of either the High Speed Series or the Plus Extreme Speed Series, both of which deliver up to 24 MB/sec read speeds on cards with a capacity of 4 GB or higher.

Styled with a brushed metal design, Samsung's beautiful new line of SD and microSD cards are built with "Best-in-Class" performance. Able to meet the growing demand for high speed and high capacity memory in modern devices, the new cards are ideal for today's digital cameras, camcorders, smartphones and tablets. With (up to) 24 MB/sec OR (max) read speeds, users can transfer 1 GB of images in as little as 42 seconds. In order to ensure their reliability, Samsung has designed both lines of memory products to be waterproof, shockproof, and magnet proof, allowing them to withstand some of the harshest conditions. All models are guaranteed to survive up to 24 hours in water, withstand the force of a 1.6 ton vehicle (3,200 lbs), and resist up to 10,000 gauss (slightly less than the power of a medical imaging magnet).

"It is our goal at Samsung to deliver superior performance, reliability and a stylish design across all of our product lines, including our memory line," explained Reid Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Samsung Electronics America. "Utilizing our 19 years of experience in memory manufacturing, we've built both lines of SD and microSD cards for performance. With read speeds of up to 24 MB/sec and max write speeds of 13 MB/sec (High Speed Line) and 21 MB/sec (Plus Extreme Speed Line), as well as meeting our '3-proof' reliability standard, these cards represent the ultimate in digital imaging and mobile computing storage. As the #1 memory supplier in the world and manufacturer of so many high performance portable devices, we are committed to ensuring consumers realize the best possible experience with those devices."

High Speed Series - Specifications

SD Card

 
microSD Card


Plus Extreme Speed Series - Specifications

SD Card


microSD Card
 

 

2K Games Announces Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings Expansion Pack

2K Games announced today that Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings, the expansion pack for the award-winning Civilization V, is being developed for Windows-based PC. Developed by Firaxis Games, Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings introduces new gameplay content, enhancing the Civilization V experience and providing even more ways for players to achieve world domination. The Gods & Kings expansion pack spans the breadth of human civilization, taking players from founding the first Pantheon of the Gods and spreading religion across the world, to deploying spies in enemy cities to steal information and technology.

“Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword set a precedent in new content and game features in a Civilization expansion pack. 2K Games is continuing that tradition with Gods & Kings,” said Sarah Anderson, senior vice president of marketing for 2K. “The Gods & Kings expansion is the quintessential Civilization V addition, making Civilization more addictive than ever before.”


Sid Meier’s Civilization V: God & Kings takes players through time as they engage in new quests and global competitions, interact with new types of city-states, and master exciting new systems for land and naval combat. Nine new civilizations; nine new wonders; three original scenarios; and dozens of new units, buildings, technologies and resources have also been added, offering even more ways for players to expand their empire on their quest to rule the world.

“Our team has a strong vision for bringing religion and espionage to Civilization V and the incomparable Civ community has expressed their enthusiasm for these features as well,” said Sid Meier, director of creative development for Firaxis Games. “We’re excited to deliver this robust expansion pack that will give players countless hours of new gameplay experiences and more reasons to take just one more turn.”

Key features include:
  • Expanded Epic Game: The core game experience has been greatly expanded with the addition of new technologies, 27 new units, 13 new buildings and nine new Wonders.
  • New Civilizations and Leaders: The expansion features nine new civilizations including Carthage, the Netherlands, the Celts and the Mayans, each with unique traits, units and buildings. Gods & Kings also adds nine new leaders including William I, Prince of Orange, Boudicca and Pacal the Great.
  • New Game Scenarios: Three new scenarios let gamers experience the medieval period, the fall of Rome, and embark on a new adventure in Empires of the Smoky Skies, a Victorian science-fiction scenario.
  • The Return of Religion: A first for Civilization V, players seek out Faith, choosing a Pantheon of the Gods and creating Great Prophets to found and spread their customized religion across the world.
  • World Domination: The fight for world domination is more dynamic than ever. Gods & Kings features a reworked combat system and AI that places more emphasis on a balanced army composition. Additionally, the navy is now split into two different ship types, melee and ranged, making coastal cities vulnerable to a surprise naval attack.
  • Enhanced Diplomacy and Espionage: Establish embassies at foreign courts for closer ties or clandestine operations. As the religions of the world start settling in and the world moves into the Renaissance, spies can be unlocked to establish surveillance of foreign cities, steal advanced technologies from your strongest competitors, or garner influence with City-States through election rigging, or even a coup.
  • City-States: Two new city-state types have been added, Mercantile and Religious, adding new gameplay to a greatly expanded quest system to further the narrative of the game and making diplomatic victories more challenging.
Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available for Windows PC in late spring 2012. For more information on Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods & Kings, please visit www.civilization.com.