General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article

Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Keyboard Unboxing Video

Posted: 06 May 2014 04:16 PM PDT

Razer Blackwidow UltimateMeet the world's first green mechanical switch keyboard

Hardcore gamers and MMO players alike will be pleased to know that Razer has been paying attention to what gamers expect from their keyboards. In response, Razer has designed and engineered the world's first mechanical green switch keyboard that is aimed at producing high levels of actuation for gamers seeking first blood. We got our hands Razer's top-of-the-line Black Widow Ultimate Gaming Keyboard and decided to do a little unboxing video for you guys and gals.  

Unlike the Feenix Autore, the Blackwidow Ultimate features individually backlit keys with Razer's signature green lighting. The keyboard also sports five programmable keys with macro recording, a game mode key, media and audio keys, USB 2.0 passthrough, audio out and microphone in jacks and 1,000Hz ultrapolling. 

The keyboard measures 18.72 wide by 6.74 inches high and 0.79 inches deep. The keyboard currently retails for $140 and can be found on the company website or on newegg.

How to Clone a Hard Drive/SSD

Posted: 06 May 2014 03:52 PM PDT

Clonetrooper

3 free and easy tools to transfer your data from one drive to another

You just bought a brand new shiny SSD and want to throw it into your aging mid-tower PC. But wait, the horror of having to reinstall Windows again and all of your applications begins to set in. If you don't want to deal with the hassle of reinstalling Windows, you can use a simple cloning utility to clone your old drive to your new SSD. We've rounded up three free cloning utilities that are easy to use so you don't have to go through the effort of reinstalling your OS and applications all over again. 

Note: Before you attempt to clone your hard drive or SSD, we highly recommend backing up all your data first. In addition, make sure the drive you are cloning to has enough storage space to take all the cloned data. For instance, you wouldn't want to try and clone a 2TB HDD on to a 256GB SSD now would you? 

Terminology:

Before we walk you through the steps, let's first explain some of the terms we will use so you don't get confused. 

Cloning: Cloning is defined as copying the contents of one storage drive to another storage drive or to an "image file." 

Source Disk: The drive that will have its content cloned to another hard drive or SSD.

Target Disk (a.k.a. Destination Disk): The drive that will receive the cloned image from the source disk.

Samsung Data Migration:

The first data copying method we'll go over pertains to Samsung Data Migration. So make sure you plop that new Samsung SSD in along with your old OS drive you want to clone from. 

Note: You will need a Samsung SSD installed on your machine for this software to work.

Step 1: Download the installer from http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/samsungssd/downloads.html

Step 1

Step 2: Run the installer and click "I accept" at the end of it to agree to the terms and conditions.

Step 2

Step 3: Once the software is installed, it will launch and ask if you if you want to update to the latest version. Click on Update and you will begin downloading the newest patches for it.

Step 3

Step 4: After the update is complete the software will have you install patches and will have you agree to the Samsung terms and conditions again.

Step 4

Step 5: From this window, you will select the Source Disk and Target Disk. The Target Disk must be a Samsung SSD, but the Source Disk can be any C: Drive you currently have your OS on. Once you've selected your disks, you can start cloning by clicking Start and the cloning process will begin. Note: Leave your computer alone while you're cloning the OS, as you may corrupt the clone if other processes are being run at the same time. This goes for the other cloning utilities as well. 

Step 5 

After the software is done cloning, you can shut down your PC and boot from your newly-cloned SSD.

Macrium Reflect:

The second method we will discuss uses the program Macrium Reflect and will work with any drive, regardless of brand. So before you begin, make sure you plop in that new drive along with your old drive you want to clone from. 

Step 1: Go to http://download.cnet.com/Macrium-Reflect-Free/3000-2242_4-10845728.html?part=dl-&subj=dl&tag=button and click on the green Download Now button.

Step 1

Step 2: Click on the download button in the Macrium Reflect Download Agent and then run the software's installer.

Note: Make sure to read the fine print throughout the installation process to not install any adware. Cnet's Download.com has become infamous for sneaking it in (Here are some general tips to avoiding installing malware/adware).  

Step 2

Step 3: Open up the software and click on Clone this disk… Once you do this the software will let you choose which disks you want as your source and target disks. When you have selected your disks, click next to start cloning your drive.

Step 3

Macrium Reflect useful tips:

Rescue Media

Creating bootable rescue media: Macrium Reflect can also help you make bootable rescue media. This tool is located under Other Tasks. We always recommend making recovery media, just in case your hard drive or SSD fails on you. 

Disk Image

Creating an image of your hard drives: Under Backup Tasks, you can also create a disk image of your hard drive or SSD too. 

Acronis True Image WD Edition Software:

The third cloning method involves using Acronis True Imaged WD edition software. You will need a WD storage drive for this to work. So make sure you plop that new WD drive in along with your old OS drive you want to clone from.  

Note: You will need to have a WD hard drive installed on your machine for this software to work.

Step 1: Download the Acronis True Image WD Edition Software from http://support.wdc.com/product/downloaddetail.asp?swid=119 

Step 1

Step 2: Run the installer

Step 2

Step 3: Launch the software and select Clone disk.

Step 3

Step 4: Select which cloning option you want from Automatic or Manual. The Automatic option clones your entire disk, while manual lets you pick and choose what data you want cloned over to your new drive. 

Step 4

Step 5: Select your Source Disk and Destination Disk and then you can begin cloning your drive. 

Step 5

These are but three cloning tools, there are many others such as Seagate's DiscWizard ( for Seagate drives) along with other free storage cloning tools such as G-Parted and Clonezilla.

Know of any other free cloning utilities? Let us know in the comments below!

Cooler Master Launches V1200 80 Plus Platinum Power Supply

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:52 AM PDT

Cooler Master V1200 PSUA high wattage PSU with 80 Plus Platinum certification

Cooler Master today unveiled its V1200 Platinum, the newest addition to its V Series of power supplies. As the model name clearly implies, this is a 1200W PSU with 80 Plus Platinum certification, meaning it's certifiably efficient -- up to 93 percent at 50 percent load. Cooler Master also equipped its newest PSU with a new auto/hybrid easy switch controller so users can change between fan control modes on-the-fly.

There's a 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) "silent" fan keeping things cool. The silent setting keeps things noise free when temperatures are within safe limits.

Up to 100A is available through a single +12V rail. For systems running multiple graphics cards, there are a dozen PCI-E 6+2 pin PCI-E connectors, meaning you can run 4-way SLI or CrossFire with this PSU, Cooler Master says. You'll also find fully modular flat ribbon cables to make cable management a bit easier.

No word yet on when the V1200 will available to purchase or for how much.

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CyberPowerPC Strikes at Small System Market with Fang Mini Series

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:07 AM PDT

Fang Mini PC"The Fang Mini is no toy, but a fully functional PC," CyberPowerPC says

Boutique system builder CyberPowerPC today stuck out its Fang Mini series of NUC-like PCs. These compact systems measure a scant 4.5 inches by 4.3 inches by 2.4 inches -- small enough to fit in your hand but with enough venom to strike down not only daily computing chores, but also a bit of 3D gaming and 4K video watching, CyberPowerPC says. And unlike the NUC, you can configure a Fang Mini PC with AMD inside.

There are two models available. The first is the Fang Mini R9 with an AMD A8-5557M quad-core APU inside. It also sports AMD Radeon R9 M275X graphics, 8GB of DDR3 memory, 1TB hard drive (7200 RPM), 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI and DisplayPort output, GbE LAN, four USB 3.0 ports, 3.5mm headphone jack with SPDIF support, and Windows 8.1. It's available now for $799.

The second model is the Fang Mini Pro with an Intel Core i7 4770R quad-core processor tucked inside. It uses Intel Iris Pro Graphics 5200, but is otherwise identical to the Mini R9. This one is also available now and goes for $889.

"The Fang Mini is no toy, but a fully-functional PC with plenty of ports to support all of your devices in a footprint that's smaller than the power supply of a traditional desktop system," CyberPower PC says.

Fang Mini PC Opened

These systems are also somewhat customizable -- you can opt for more RAM and choose from a variety of storage options, along with a few other tweaks.

You can sink your teeth into a Fang Mini system its landing page at CyberPowerPC.

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MSI's Ultrathin GS60 Ghost Pro Laptop Tackles 3K Gaming, GS70 Stealth Does Full HD

Posted: 06 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

MSI GS60 Ghost ProMSI expands its gaming laptop line with two new models

It takes some monster hardware to push games at 4K, and on the flip side, most modern parts have no trouble pushing pixels at 1920x1080, otherwise known as Full HD 1080p. In an attempt to fill a niche in between those two resolutions, MSI today announced the availability of its GS60 Ghost Pro, a 15.6-inch gaming laptop with a 3K WQHD+ (2880x1620; 16:9) resolution.

This spunky laptop measures just 15.35 inches (W) by 10.47 inches (D) by 0.78 inches (H) and weighs 4.36 pounds. It doesn't quite make the Ultrabook cut, but it's certainly an ultrathin and highly portable system, though you'd never guess it by glancing at the hardware.

In and around the GS60 Ghost Pro you'll find an Intel Core i7 4700HQ processor, 16GB of DDR3L-1600 memory, Nvidia GeForce GTX 870M graphics, either a 128GB mSATA + 1TB HDD combination or dual 128GB SSDs in a RAID 0 + 1TB HDD combo, Killer E2200 Game Networking, SD card reader, three USB 3.0 ports, 720p HD webcam, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Steel Series full-color backlit keyboard, two Dynaudio Tech speakers + a subwoofer, and Windows 8.1.

If you're content to game at 1080p, MSI also fleshed out its gaming laptop line with the GS70 Stealth Pro. It wields a 17.3-inch display with a 1920x1080 resolution and features the same hardware except for an extra USB 3.0 port (four total) and an option for three 128GB SSDs instead of two.

"The GS70 Stealth Pro and GS60 Ghost Pro 3K are the epitome of portable gaming notebooks," says Andy Tung, President of MSI Pan America. "We've packed smoking speeds, deadly graphics and amazing customization power into featherlike notebooks that will withstand any challenges during the heat of battle."

MSI GS60 Ghost Pro Side

MSI's GS70 Slealth Pro is available for $2,200 (three 128GB SSDs in RAID 0 + 1TB HDD) and $2,100 (two 128GB SSDs in RAID 0 + 1TB HDD); the GS60 Ghost Pro is available for $2,200 (two 128GB SSDs in RAID 0 + 1TB HDD) and $2,100 (128GB mSATA + 1TB HDD). You can find these models on MSI's website.

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Michael Dell Thanks Customers for Thrilling Ride as Company Turns 30 Years Old

Posted: 06 May 2014 06:55 AM PDT

Michael DellPioneering PC maker celebrates 30th anniversary

Dell is currently the world's third largest supplier of PCs and the No. 1 shipper of computer monitors around the globe. Not bad for a company that started off with a modest $1,000 and team of one back in 1984. Michael Dell reflects on his company's humble beginning as Dell celebrates its 30th anniversary this month, noting that "it's been a thrilling ride" up to this point. He also took a moment to thank customers.

"Our customers use Dell technology every day to do amazing things. You are making scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs. You are launching businesses and creating jobs, you are finding new and better ways to manufacture, transport, educate, secure...the list goes on and on," Michael Dell states in an open letter on Google+.

"I want to personally say thank you for being a part of our 30-year history. We value your business and appreciate you trusting us to deliver solutions that help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be," Michael Dell continues.

Though it's been a long and bumpy road, Michael's biggest challenge is navigating a changing landscape as mobile form factors bully into traditional PC territory. This is one of the reasons why Michael wanted to buy Dell out, which he ultimately did with the help of investment partners. In transitioning from a public to a private operation, Michael can make decisions without being scrutinized by shareholders.

"As we accelerate our strategy and build momentum across our business, I want you to know that the best is yet to come. Together we can achieve great things. Here's to the next 30!," Michael Dell says.

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Newegg Daily Deals: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600, Acer 23-inch LCD, and More!

Posted: 06 May 2014 06:27 AM PDT

G.Skill Ripjawsnewegg logo

Top Deal:

Still wondering what the fox says? So are we, but let's not think about it too much lest we break out into song in front of our co-workers. Now, if you want to know what the RAM says, we can tell you. RAM says, "Buy me now while I'm cheap!" It's true! Just check out today's top deal for an 8GB (2x4GB) kit of G.Skill Ripjaws X Series DDR3-1600 Desktop RAM for $77 with free shipping (normally $90 - use coupon code: [EMCPEPH35]). This kit runs tight at 8-8-8-24 and has XMP support.

Other Deals:

EVGA SuperClocked GeForce GTX 760 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 Video Card for $250 with free shipping (Free Watch Dog Game with Purchase)

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit for $130 with free shipping (normally $140 - use coupon code: [EMCPEPH53])

Acer 23-inch 5ms HDMI Widescreen LED Backlight LCD Monitor for $130 with free shipping (normally $140 - use coupon code: [EMCPEPH55])

AMD FX-4300 Vishera 3.8GHz (4.0GHz) Socket AM3+ 95W Desktop Processor for $100 with free shipping (normally $110 - use coupon code: [EMCPEPH27])

Lenovo Leaps into Chromebook Category, Launches N20 and N20p Models

Posted: 05 May 2014 09:08 PM PDT

Lenovo N20p ChromebookLook who's getting into Chromebooks

Having looked on from the sidelines while several other OEMs jumped onto the Chromebook bandwagon early, Lenovo is now ready to punch its ticket into the category. Lenovo's launching two consumer Chromebook models, including a traditional clamshell N20 model and a multimode N20p featuring Laptop and Stand modes. Outside of the form factor tricks and touch support, both versions come with the same hardware specs.

Both models sport an 11.6-inch display with a 1366x768 resolution; the N20p kicks it up a notch with 10-point multi-touch support. Other features include an unidentified Intel Celeron processor, integrated Intel graphics, up to 4GB of DDR3L memory, up to 16GB of eMMC storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.02, 1MP webcam, stereo speakers, audio combo jack (headphone and microphone), two USB ports, HDMI output, 2-in-1 memory card reader, and up to 8 hours of battery life.

The N20 (2.8 pounds) and N20p (3.1 pounds) measure 11.6 inches by 8.34 inches by 0.70 inches.

Lenovo N20p Chromebook Open

"Our first consumer Chromebooks perfectly complement people's changing mobile digital lifestyles," said Dilip Bhatia, vice president, worldwide marketing and design, PC Group, Lenovo. "Equipped with thousands of apps, the N20 and N20p Chromebooks are also fast, secure and incredibly simple for anyone to use and manage. With touch and two unique modes on the N20p Chromebook, users are getting a great technology experience at a handsome price."

Lenovo says the N20 will be available in July starting at $279 and the N20p in August starting at $329.

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