War is Brewing

"So long as there are men, there will be wars."
-Albert Einstein

The next one will commence when GPU manufacturers meet CPU manufacturers.

Not long ago, Intel, the world's superpower in the CPU industry, declared war on Nvidia and ATI/AMD when it stated that it will produce its own graphic cards. Just as AMD acquired ATI, Intel is giving computer graphics a shot.

On the other hand, Nvidia, currently the market leader in graphic technologies, proudly boasted that its upcoming innovations will sweep the need for CPUs away. Just how Nvidia is going to accomplish this is only a matter of time. Nvidia is looking particularly aggressive nowadays.

Never before have anyone seen an SLI setup on an Intel chipset based motherboard. Why did Nvidia acquire Ageia? And have you seen their integrated graphics technologies on each other's chipsets? We can see that these two companies never sat too well with each other. These are timeless "domino pieces" that will spark an inevitable war.

When CPUs and GPUs unite as one, the war will come to both graphic and processing fronts.

What will be the result when these two Goliaths pit against each other? A catastrophic one to us consumers? Let's hope not.

Whose side are you on?
T'ang

Fat & Slim

That’s it! I have finally gotten a hold of my PSP Slim and Fat. Yep, that’s two PSPs. Essentially, I only own one – the Slim, but I somehow managed to borrow the other from a Korean friend. I must say that I am really am lucky to have the Fat: my brother and I had a hell of a time WLAN gaming!

Frankly speaking, both systems exceeded my expectations by a mile. The pinnacle of the exhilaration has got to be the built in Wi-Fi. Prior to my purchase of my PSP, I actually anticipated for the Wi-Fi wireless gaming (or WLAN) to be a total flop, and it was there with the sole purpose of being a marketing gimmick; just to appeal to potential buyers. How wrong I was - the wireless functionality is reliable, speedy and hassle-free to say the least.

In case you would want to know, the PSP Slim runs on version 3.71 of the M33 custom firmware (arguably the finest firmware). I was hoping that Amos was right, when he told me that the pre-modified PSP will most probably run M33 firmware. Now, my worries of not being able to play ISO and CSO games have at long last been put to bed.

As for the functionality of the PSPs, I’m thoroughly stupefied. With an Internet browser, a multi-format video player, a music player, a photo viewer, and of course, a game player, what more could you ask for? Furthermore, it has the capability to make Skype VOIP calls and can function as a wireless PS3 controller. Not only that, with my custom firmware, the PSP opens the door to countless 3^rd party apps that I can run, rendering the PSP’s functionality limitless. No wonder why Amos bought another Fat after his former one got stolen by a repairman, lol.

Note: My Internet browsing experience with the PSP is pretty bad though, it comes nowhere close to the PC and iPod touch.

The Slim has quite a number of nice additions when directly compared to the Fat. Of which, the most outstanding is the reduction of its size and weight. Hands that have been seasoned with hours of gaming with the Fat will instantly notice the alteration. The micro stereo speakers have been moved up to the front now, but the infra-red sensor has been eliminated.

Wrapping up, given the notable functions of the PSP, it is most assuredly a fine addition to my growing line of tech gadgets.

Now, if you would excuse me, I have to go kick some ass!
T’ang

Amos' Build IT

edit: Amos has got the Razer DeathAdder instead of the Lachesis due to his preference for ergonomics to style and design (which I think is an absolutely smooth decision; it's needed for hardcore and intense gaming, period). Plus, additions to his PC include a Logitech X-530 5.1 speaker setup, an NZXT enclosure (which bears no resemblance to an Alienware chassis, wink wink), and a flashy blue LED 120mm exhaust fan.

The finalised build
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Amos Oh Boon Kiat has recently ordered a new PC (presumably from PlutoTech Singapore I guess), which I must say is quite remarkable. In fact, it's even slightly more formidable than Bryan's self-built (as always) PC. Another thing to take note of, is that Amos' originally planned built actually included an Nvidia 8800Ultra and possibly an Intel Quad Extreme! LOL! But then, I convinced him otherwise and right now, he has a sensibly more down-to-earth build. Glad to be able help, Amos! Anyway, what he has now can justly live up to the Bang for the Buck motif.

Here are his specs:

Graphics Card: Nvidia Geforce XFX 8800GT 512MB
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Motherboard: MSI P7N Diamond (780i chipset)
Memory: 4GB DDR2 CORSAIR
HDD: Seagate 7200.11 500GB Barracuda ES2 32MB cache
Optical Drive: Liteon 20X 20A1S SATA Supermulti Box
Sound Card: Creative X-Fi XtremeAudio (came with mobo)
OS: Vista Home Premium 32bit
Mouse: Razer Razer DeathAdder - updated
Keyboard: Razer Lycosa
Speakers: Logitech X-530 - updated
Chassis: NZXT Apollo - updated
Estimated Price: S$3000+ <--- Dammn, that's one costly build haha

Plus, here's a link to his anarchist blog.

Happy fragging buddy!
T'ang

(image from http://past-the-exit.blogspot.com/)

One Moment Ago - One Wild Idea

In fact, assessing my video card choice, I can actually SLI two 9800GTXes. This may be possible as they "only" cost around 350 US; that's roughly the price of a 512MB GTS.

Whoa! Hold your horses! Two of the highest end single GPU cards at my disposal? I'm overwhelmed. Truthfully, I had never got the slightest thought that I would be purchasing such an overpowering rig. Playing the world's most graphically demanding game, Crysis, at mind-blowing frame rates? That's one of mine (insert: lol).

In reality, this is hardly justifiable. Right now, I've got to get back into the studying 'swing', for several tests are now at hand. But at the end, who knows?

Gulp! 3riple cards?! This is TOO much to ask for!

"There never was much hope. Just a fool's hope"
T'ang

(image from http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_9800gtx.html)

A Reschedule is in Order

Yes, I do think one is obligatory. It has been 4 months since I was supposed to get my Canadian PC. As I mentioned in my previous update, this is mostly due to Intel’s quads which refused to show their faces till now. With the Q6600 successor, the Q9300, emerging in quantities, the other two models (still only available as OEMs currently) are closely tagging along.

However, there is another impediment in view: my upcoming provincial examinations. With just no more than 2 months to go till they arrive at my doorstep, I do think that now is an ideal time to splurge all my cash and time on a rig. This is particularly true with habit-forming games (Crysis, World in Confict, Call of Duty 4 and all) waiting to be installed.

Urrggh! Can't wait!

But guess what, it may after all be a blessing in disguise! Intel’s upcoming chipset, the P45, is slated for release mid-June. Plus, after seeing the performance of the 9800GTX (the so-called 8800GTX successor, which I earnestly think is unworthy for such a quintessential position), I think Nvidia has pushed the G92 Graphics Processing Unit to its limits, for it will not produce any more significant performance gains. Perhaps it’s best to wait till Nvidia (or maybe even ATI) releases a fresh innovatory GPU.

What do you think?
T’ang