Introduction As we all know, digital audio has been around for awhile and is pratically a standard on most of our audio devices. Unfortunately, there are still select motherboards out there that don’t offer a digital output, so we’re stuck using an analog connection and laptops that only offer an analog audio jack. Cambridge Audio has the solution with their DacMagic XS. It’s a pocket size device that connects via any USB port and converts the audio to a digital signal.   Before we get started, let’s see what Cambridge has to say about it. Listening to music on your computer is brilliant – instant, easy access to all your digital files and a world of streaming services, internet radio and video sites. The cheap headphone output of a typical laptop or computer is simply not good enough to get the best from your headphones. The DacMagic XS USB DAC / Headphone Amp is an instant upgrade to any computer’s sound output. It connects quickly and easily to any USB port and allows you to hear your favourite music and movies with every drop of detail, exactly as the artist intended.

DirectX hasn’t seen an update for a very long time. PC gaming on the other hand, has seen some very interesting changes over the past years, but more significantly in recent times would be the Steam Machine and AMD’s Mantle technology. These two offer a direct competition to Microsoft so it’s no surprise that they’ve had to find a way to respond and quickly. Without going into too much of the speculation that’s already out, it seems that DirectX 12 may well be a direct response to Mantle technology. The Steam Machine obviously offers competition, but it also requires that games be designed to run for a Linux based OS and is less likely to fill the niche for work at home procedures. Mantle could be much scarier for Microsoft, because if game developers design to it, there could be very little need to upgrade to a new version of Windows while still enjoying peak performance from the latest AMD graphics cards. To modestly explain why this works, Mantle allows more graphics processing to go straight to the GPU rather than having to use the CPU as the middle man. Still run Windows 7? No big deal because you have the latest AMD drivers with Mantle software. DirectX 12 hasn’t revealed details yet, but if it tries to garner the same kind of performance that Mantle does, it will be easier for Microsoft to pin it to newer versions of Windows, forcing consumers to upgrade in order to keep peak performance out of their hardware. While this all ma...

Computer mice are such odd peripherals. So many variations to suit different personal preferences, resulting in a difficult time trying to guess which one is best for you. Having seen a decent number of mice in my days, suffice it to say I’ve seen both good and bad, and plenty in-between. Particular models become popular amongst users, making a name for themselves, and often taking on the established industry. One of the up-and-coming companies which seems to have a good understanding of what makes a good mouse, is Rapoo. Today we have a chance to review the Rapoo 7100P Wireless Mouse with adjustable DPI. Despite the difference in DPI, the other major difference is that this new product utilizes optical sensors rather than laser internals. This has several pros and cons, which we’ll discuss in more detail, but the overarching point to realize here is you get nearly the same mouse for less money. We’re certainly fans of getting good value, so let’s take a closer look at the Rapoo 7100P and find out if it's really is a bargain.

  Dual Swing Door Full-tower PC case – Thermaltake Urban T81     Taipei, Taiwan – March 7, 2014 – Thermaltake, being an industry leader in computer chassis, thermal solutions, and power supply units today officially releasing the new adoption of the Urban with the new Urban T81 –Thermaltake presents an update of its Urban line with the new Urban T81 – an elegant, high-impact design. Beautifully architectured, the T81 is engineered for one solid purpose: To provide enthusiasts with the ability to build the highest performing systems while retaining a simple, elegant, and commanding appearance. It is not merely a PC chassis; it is an exemplar of modernist design. Dual Swing Door Design Inspired by automotive “suicide doors” , the T81′s novel door panels are an innovative and inspired design that sets it apart from any other chassis . Likewise, the front door panel’s brushed aluminum finish masks extrusive drives and devices, producing a unified aesthetic of modern sophistication.  Fully Modular Concept A highly customizable 5.25” & 3.5” drive bay enables users to freely interchange the 3.5” hard-drive cages to suit one’s need, or remove 5.25” & 3.5” drive bays to gain maximum interior space for maximum airflow or the addition of liquid cooling systems  Sleek I/O Port The sleek, brushed aluminum I/O port section provides two of the latest SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports, along with four USB 2.0 ports. The integrated fan hub and...

For those of you still running Windows XP, Microsoft would like for you to think about switching over to a newer Windows operating system. I know, XP still works just fine for many things, and still exceeds for some uses. However, come April 8th, Microsoft is ending their support for this iconic operating system. Soon, Microsoft plans to notify users of the operating system by pop-up on their desktop, providing users with a link to the end-of-support page. This page gives more in-depth information about what will happen on April 8th. Microsoft says the pop-ups will keep coming up on the 8th of every month after April, unless the message is disabled by the user. What is going to happen when support is dropped? Well, you will still be able to use your operating system just as you had been before, but Microsoft will not be releasing any more patches, system updates, or security updates. In a further attempt to persuade users to migrate to newer operating systems, Microsoft will be offering a free data migration tool to make your switch to Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 much easier. In order to provide this service to the public, Microsoft has teamed up with Laplink to produce the data migration tool named PCmover Express for Windows XP. Microsoft Senior Marketing Communications Manager, Brandon LeBlanc released this blog statement, “This tool will copy your files, music, videos, email, and user profiles and settings from your old PC to your new device, transferring a...

Razer is all about gaming hype. They proudly boast that their products are “For Gamers, by Gamers.” The problem with hype though, is that it’s usually designed to make people spend more money than they need to. Take phones for example. A new phone every two years can get pricey but cellular companies are trying to diminish that wait so consumers can have a new phone every year! When I heard Razer designed a new keyboard, I smirked a little, and when I saw the video spots, I even laughed. All I can say now is, “I have to have one!’ While the exploding key in the video might have been a little over the top, the features of this keyboard are quite mouth-watering. The actuation point distance of the keys was trimmed, making it faster to press the key, but that’s only the first juicy bit. The really interesting feature is the reset distance. The standard mechanical distance to reset a key is 0.7mm, but the Razer switch is only 0.4mm. Key spam away because this keyboard is going to know the difference between fast clicking and actually holding down the key. The other nice feature is the lifespan, showing around three times the number of keystrokes standard mechanical switches can take before breaking down. To say that I want to own one of these keyboards is an understatement. It’s true that this amount of precision is probably overkill for the standard gamer while e-sport “athletes” will get the most out these features. ...

Are you tired of continuously reconnecting cables to your laptop, but don't want to buy the specific docking station for your laptop? Or, perhaps you have multiple systems that you use daily. Personally, I run multiple systems from home and constantly switch between systems that require more then a remote desktop connection. Diamond Media has a solution for these scenarios. Introducing the DS3900 Docking station! Cconnected via a USB, the DS3900 allows you to keep your primary peripherals connected to the dock and switch over with a single cable swap. Before we get started, here's a little about Diamond.

TRENDnet® Ships Extreme Performance AC1900 Wireless Router TORRANCE, Calif. -March 6, 2014- TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, today announces the availability of the extreme performance AC1900 Dual Band Wireless Router, model TEW-818DRU – which offers unmatched performance, powered by a 1 GHz processor, high power radio amplifiers for extended wireless coverage, and Gigabit Wireless AC networking speeds. The TEW-818DRU is designed to provide the optimum wireless experience in a busy connected home. Video tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF8M3O8hPHQ TRENDnet’s TEW-818DRU creates two extreme performance wireless networks – an ultimate performance 1.3 Gigabits per second (Gbps) Wireless AC network, to connect all Wireless AC devices over the fastest wireless speeds available today; and an extreme performance 600 Megabits per second (Mbps) Wireless N band, to connect everyday wireless devices such as tablets, smart phones, and computers. High performance wireless amplifiers maximize wireless home coverage and Beamforming technology directs the highest wireless signal strength to each user’s specific location. On the wired side, the router features all Gigabit Ethernet ports. It also offers one USB 2.0 port and a 5 Gbps USB 3.0 port, to network high performance USB 3.0 storage devices and other peripherals. The wireless networks and management interface are pre-encrypted with unique passwords – thereby eli...

AMD is very proud of their budget lineups. Their APUs make great affordable entertainment or gaming systems, so why not add more range to the budget end? The new AM1 platform will support quad and dual-core APUs. There was some mentions of “Kabini” and “Jaguar” as well as proclamations of these chipsets supporting all the latest and greatest in the Windows world. If these statements seem like they lack enthusiasm, it’s because they do. While there is most likely room for more budget end components, the real problem is AMD still isn’t giving anyone the slightest bone on what they plan for the high end CPU market. In case you didn’t remember, AMD said that their FX series of chips would not get a steamroller update at the end of last year. This is bad news for anyone who builds higher end systems. The FX-8350 was a great chip, especially if you were in the market for an overclocking system, but didn’t want to spend over $1500. The FX-8350 combined with an Asus Crosshair V Formula-Z Motherboard would cost just over $400, but gives you tons of overclocking potential so you could spend your dollars on more high end cooling systems. True, this only applies to those enthusiasts who live for overclocking, but then again, this is an overclocking website and we here at PureOverclock believe in overclocking. Another disappointment is Intel has consistently owned the high end CPU market for some time, which has given them complete cont...

COUGAR’s New Ultimate Gaming Mouse and Keyboard Win iF Design Awards   March 6th 2014, Taipei – COUGAR, leading PC case, power supply and computer peripherals brand has won design awards for two new gaming peripherals, an ultimate gaming mouse and an ultimate gaming keyboard. It took two years for COUGAR to develop the first aluminum framed gaming mouse, the 700M and keyboard, the 700K, and both have won the iF (International Design Award) of 2014. The iFDesign Awards are considered the design “Oscars” in the IT/PC industry.   Design Concept behind the COUGAR Gaming Mouse 700M is one of a “vertebrate” with metal support for “bones”. This allows for customized ergonomic adjustments and players can transform the feel of it in accordance with customary gestures giving the right height. There is also a unique design idea for the side angle sniper button. At 45 degrees, the lateral force can be slower, so this design provides for a more accurate aim. The “magazine” and “muzzle” shape of the cable connector and its strain relief add to a more game-like feel.   Design Concept behind the COUGAR Gaming Keyboard 700K was inspired by military “stealth warships” technology, the design is created from elements of geometric facets: mechanical key modules are mounted on an exposed, bent aluminum structure with premium anodized surface treatments, enabling more efficient typing bolstered by providing the players wrist support points. Intuitive ke...