This update requires the installation CD to be installed before running the update.

Added features:

Provides Dolby Digital decoding from external SPDIF Input.
Speaker settings in Creative Audio Mixer are synchronized with Windows Multimedia setting.
New presets and effects added

Fixes:

Reduces excess reverb in MIDI while using software synthesizer
Removes glitches when playing MIDI using SoundFonts®
Removes distortion during AC-3 playback
Performs recording without playback
Improves multi channel wave file playback
Hardware acceleration of Open AL.
Fixed audio distortion and slow start up when resume from standby
Fixed elevation bug causing muffled sound in some games

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ATI is launching their latest Radeon 9500 Pro, 9700 & 9500 which are based on their R300 chip used in the 9700 series. As you can see from our quick guide below the ATI Radeon 9500 Pro core clock speed is slower, the memory clock speed is slower and the memory bus is smaller. They do support Microsoft's DirectX 9 gaming API.

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Almost all of us would like to have a modified case, but not all of us have the time or skills to pull off a professional looking job. Come join TweakTown as they take a look at the Xoxide LL60 Enclosure. Based on the vaunted Lian-Li PC60 case design, the folks at Xoxide can feel your pain and try to make something special out of something already special. Let's see if they can pull it off!

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At this point of time, AGP 8X is more loved by a company’s marketing department than by their technical department- just like when AGP 4X was introduced. You’re not really gonna see your 3D Mark scores double or anything, however, it will be useful in the long run when newer graphics cards start demanding more. But just like Serial-ATA and Gigabit LAN (technologies that you’re not going to use right now), AGP 8X is a selling point. That’s pretty much the story behind NV28- nVidia’s GeForce4 Ti4200 GPU supporting AGP 8X and we look at it on a card by ASUS modeled V9280S.

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Most overclockers strive to push their equipment just a little bit faster; a 400 MHz overclock just isn't good enough, we want 401 MHz, and then 402 MHz... As we push our equipment faster and faster it produces more heat, this heat of course can take it’s toll on the electronics within the computer. ..To battle heat, we'll buy the best aluminum case, the best heat sink with a 185 cfm fan, a dozen case fans, and even go as far as to use a pelter or water cooling setup. Even with the best, there is still more that can be done to help cool your CPU, GPU, system chip, and other components. It's a process known as "lapping".

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The fan itself is clear, which is new to me (but you've seen them everywhere lately). What is weird is that it feels more plasticy than a normal black fan. Now I know that sounds pretty stupid, but if you had one, you'd know what I mean. It is 80mm, normal size. The average speed of the fan is at a scant 2,600 RPMs. Air flow is 34CFM with a 30dBA noise. The fan is much more quiet than my Sunon 80mm, but you can tell that the airflow is less. Even so, I got these for the lights. My case was bare after my EL inverter burned out.

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It seems as if SOYO, of late, have attempted to differentiate themselves in the crowded motherboard arena by loading their premium DRAGON motherboards with more extras than you can shake the proverbial stick at. Add to that a distinctive look and more accessories than Elton John has wigs, and you get the idea that you're not just buying a motherboard, you're buying what can almost amount to a work of art.

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Just a few months ago, the nVidia Ti4600 was untouchable. How things have changed with the Radeon 9700. Will the speed crown pass back to nVidia in the future? Already, the rumored specs of the NV30 look pretty darn good, and it may well be the case that nVidia will be back on top, but I wouldn't count on this card to come out for quite some time. Then again, ATi has already demonstrated the R300 with DDR-II, and perhaps we'll see something updated in the 9700 in the near future. This is all just speculation, but let's look at the facts. The Radeon 9700 Pro is no doubt, the fastest video card on the market that you can buy... today.

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"The Coolermaster ATC 111-SX1 Aluminum Case is one amazingly crafted piece of art! Not only does it look great it also has that quality feel which so few cases exhibit. With lots of drive bays, fans, a removable motherboard tray and all aluminum alloy construction it's one of my favorite cases. Watch the Video to find out more..." ~3dGameMan.com

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