As PC enthusiasts and modders show their prowess online, many entry-level tinkerers want to have the same visual and performance gains acquired through modifying their PC cases. However, Adding windows, extra fans and alternative buttons can be an intimidating prospect to the newcomer on the scene. However, manufacturers have been quick to satisfy the needs of those who desire all the bells and whistles, but aren't ready to plunge right in with a dremel tool, a sheet of lexan, and a box of fans.

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• VIA to introduce new RISC-based processor in 1Q 2003
• LG.Philips LCD unveils 42-inch TFT LCD, world’s largest TFT LCD
• Microsoft set to ease copy protection in Media 9
• AMD, Fujitsu may merge flash memory operations
• Hynix spanks UK counterfeit memory chip dealers
• Lindows: As Windows as we want to be

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The GeForce2MX chip contains two separate and independent video tracks, CRTCs (Cathode Ray Tube Controller), one transferring data to the integrated RAMDAC (Random Access Memory Digital to Analog Converter) and the other to the external DAC (a TV encoder is used as such in the video card supporting TV-Out). Thanks to such architecture independent signals can be formed on both outputs of the GeForce2MX video card equipped with TV-Out. For example, a first monitor can display an image in 1280x960 at 85Hz and a second one (or a TV screen) can give a picture in 800x600 at 50Hz. At that time such talents were typical of only the Matrox G400 DualHead video card.

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Usually, newer, faster technology is reserved for a higher-end range by the manufacturer. However, this is certainly not the case with nVidia’s latest MX-8X series. The 8X stands for AGP 8X which is being introduced in nVidia cards for the very first time. Normally, one would expect the latest technology in their Ti series of cards, but nVidia chose to introduce it with their budget MX series first. Today, we have two cards based on the 440MX-8X GPU- the first one is by MSI and is simply modeled as MX4408X while the second one is from Gainward and is modeled a bit confusingly as Pro/600-8X XP.

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Well, the hype is over, the speculation gone and the argument finally settled - atleast for now. As it stands, ATi have the 3D power chipset market in their ever strengthening palm. However today we aren't looking at the blockbuster chipset making all the fuss, today we are looking at the 'budget' version of the new Radeon core labelled the 'MX440 killer'. With features equalling, if not surpassing, any of those competing in the market, the Hercules 3D Prophet 9000 Pro might be just what the doctor ordered.

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It has been some time since Plextor has broken their string of SCSI only offerings, much to the benefit of EIDE users. Plextor IDE CD-R/W products now quadruple the speed of their SCSI counterparts, with this 48x writer leading the pack. With each new model we see more than just an increase in speed, with today's drive sporting new options such as Mount Rainier support. Other enhancements to this drive include a much lower seek time, and the use of CAV writing techniques so both data and audio can be written at a blistering 48x as opposed to only a 24x audio write. Among other qualities, Plextor drives have posted some of the lowest Digital Audio Extraction times I've ever seen.

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The 241MP is very feature rich. It has all sorts of inputs, both digital and analog vga inputs, 2 component video in's one for your HDTV tuner and one for your DVD player, as well as a regular RCA video in and an S-Video in. Then of course there is also the cable TV hook up.

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To sum up all of my ramblings about this monitor, basically you cannot go wrong with the performance and the unique styling it has to offer. If you're in the market to buy a high-quality, eye-catching, and unique monitor I think you've found what you're looking for.

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With the release of the Radeon 9700 PRO and the anticipation of the NVidia NV30, prices of video cards have dropped significantly across the board. Perhaps the most significant drops have been with the GeForce 4 and Radeon 8500 series. These cards still have a lot of life in them, and can be wise purchases for the budget or mid-range gamer. Let’s take a look at the features of these cards.

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The product I'm talking about are 80mm Aluminum Fan Filters. They are perfect for an intake fan or a intake blowhole, anywhere there.

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While enclosures from companies such as Lian-Li and Kingwin continue to rack accolades for innovative design and superb functionality, the price of these units are very high and can break the budget of any PC construction plan. Fortunately, our friends at KoolCases have found an enclosure that includes a factory installed widow mod that retails for a very moderate price. Falling in the sub $75 dollar range does not mean that the enclosure is equivalent to a stripped out hunk of metal, as this case also includes a swing-out motherboard tray.

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Stock CPU's have gotten alot better lately. Not long ago they consisted of whimpy, undersized aluminum heatsinks with tiny underpowered fans. I have to give Intel and AMD kudos for vastly improving their stock cooling solutions - they have come a long way in a short time. But what if you still aren't satisfied and want something with a bit more chill?
Well, Thermaltake certainly knows their stuff when it comes to cooling, and the Volcano 7+ one of the better CPU heatsink/fan combo's I have seen lately.

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AGP 3.0 is the third generation of accelerated graphics for the Intel-compatible computers and will be officially introduced on 11/12/02. In contrast to AGP 2.0 the AGP 3.0 specification isn't just a derivation of an existing standard. AGP 3.0 is incompatible to AGP 2.0 – in theory. However, compatibility can be forced by implementing the "Universal AGP 3.0 Motherboard" standard.
Another major difference is, that most of the specification's enhancements are quite irrelevant for the gaming community, whereas the professionals will be truly grateful.

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The short version is I tried to score a mail in rebate by purchasing a second copy of UT2003 and returning it to store A with the original copy’s receipt. Well, I got busted, now I have two copies and only need one. So, it’s giveaway time! Between now and Thursday October 17th, you can get your name in the hat to win a copy of the latest greatest first person shooter out, Unreal Tournament 2003 from the Overclocker Café’.

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Coolermaster have been on the aluminium case scene for some time now. They have rapidly developed a reputation for high quality/great looking cases. They have been leading the field for some time, but not a company to rest on its laurels, they are constantly increasing and changing their product line. Today we have a look at one of their new cases the ATCS-111C-SX1 which is an ATX mid-tower case made out of aluminium.

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