• Watchdogs rap RIAA's file-trade assault
• Computer Grids Promise Leap in Computing Power
• Fujitsu to spin off PCB business in October
• Epox introduces SiS648 motherboard
• AMD organises X86-64 developer symposium
• Australia spends less than Intel on R&D

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As you read all over the 'net the other day, AMD announced it's newest "certified for SMP" processor, the Athlon MP 2200+. Running at an actual clock speed of 1800mhz (or 1.8ghz), this is not only the fastest Athlon MP to date, it is also the first MP processor to be graced with the new "Thoroughbred" core. For those of you not in the know, the T-bred core was AMD's die-shrink to a .13 micron process. Other than a lower voltage requirement, smaller core and reduced heat output, the T-bred is otherwise identical to its predecessor, the "Palomino".

We haven’t heard much from NVIDIA lately, though rumors about NV30 seem to dominate hardware discussion boards. Similarly, even the excitement surrounding nForce2 has subsided in light of newfound graphics competition from ATI. After patiently watching ATI tantalize the mainstream, enthusiast, and mobile markets, NVIDIA has put the finishing touches on a new driver package that bolsters performance and enhances the functionality of its entire graphics family. Will it be enough to divert attention from the RADEON 9700 Pro?

One of the big producers of 80mm heatsinks is Thermalright. From their original AX-7 heatsink that I reviewed here there was a huge success, a great number of sales and a large media response from overclocking sites. So Thermalright decided to release a few more 80mm models, which brings us to the focus of this review, a roundup of 3 of their finest 80mm socket A heatsinks; the AX-7, the SLK-800 and the CB-7.

The graphics cards that will be coming out over the next months will be the baseline for all new games and technology for the next 2-3 years. Coupled with the new cards on the horizon we are also looking at new technological leaps in the motherboard and CPU market with AMD's Hammer coming nearer to completion. New games with next-gen engines are beginning to appear which offer vastly superior quality to anything we are currently used to.

It should be noted that some inexpensive cards, for example from Sparkle, has not worse quality as compared with the market's giants, and they are in quite good demand. Well, Soltek joined this group. Let's look at it closer.

Gainward are delighted to announce that the award for Best PC Hardware of 2002 was presented for the Gainward GeForce4 Powerpack! Ultra/750XP Golden Sample. The Ultra750 XP Golden Sample has won numerous PC Magazine and Internet Accolades worldwide. James Monjack, UK Managing Director commented “ Receiving this high-profile award continues to reinforce Gainward’s position as the brand of choice for consumer graphics.”

The guys over at Upgrade Yourself Computers have given us the chance to review Powerleap’s PL-iP3/T – Slot 1 to Socket 370 Adaptor. This device allows you to update that old Slot 1 processor up to the newer Socket 370 format, increasing performance, without having to fork out the cash for an entire new system.

The dual CCFL comes with a lot of pre-installed components. Most notably the black split loom, which keeps all the wires nice and neat. Also, you can see that they took the extra step and covered the 3 inch long inverter with a thick rubber heat shrink to protect from accidental shocks, which is easily removed in case you want to change the CCFL's that are connected.

While CD drives have become rather stagnant as far as speeds are concerned, the CD-R/RW market is still gaining speeds faster than one can keep up with. Join TweakTown as they take a look at the newest offering from TDK; namely the veloCD 48x16x48. With blistering speeds and some very nice additional features, it may be the drive to beat in the near future. Come see what makes it so special!