[H]ardNews 1st Edition

ABIT Reviewage:

While integrated graphics mainboards are not high on the enthusiast list of must-haves, they do bring something to the party that is worth thinking about. When you are ready to upgrade to a new mainboard, having integrated graphics on your old mainboard make the transition into a server case, folding box, or Aunt Sally's PC that much easier. MBReview gives the ABIT i845GE the go ahead.

The Abit BG7E clocks in with a total of 92 points, enough for the MBReview.com Editor’s Choice Award. The BG7E certainly lives up to the Abit slogan of “Speed, Stability, Power”.

9700 Pro Reviewage:

If you don't know how good it is by now, you really should read up. With usable 4XAA and 16XAF, the 9700 can pretty up some even mediocre-looking games. GamingHorizon has the 411. Best thing is, this is the shortest VidCard review I have ever read.

VIA NEDs?

OK, by definition, they are not NEDs, but they are drivers available on the VIA FTP that are not announced on their site. Maybe they are just shy and did not want to tell us about their new v4.40 AGP driver. Consider we suggest caution on official driver releases, you might want to back up your back up when playing with this one. Thanks t0ad.

HSPaste Reviewage:

I remember back when we used nothing but bologna grease to smear in between our CPUs and HSFs. Now days it has just got all plumb fancy...dagnabit.

As for which one to buy, for performance Nanotherm Silver XTC is worth your consideration. In terms of ease of use and cleaning up, the XTC, Ice II (and Blue II), and Arctic Alumina would be my choices.

Feeling Worn?

The Big Bad Ocers Down Under give a update to their once favorite mousepad to let us know how it fared over time and abuse.

Switching to my old Ratpad or even the bare top of my desk reduced this effect noticeably.

Don't worry guys, the new RatpadzGS is almost upon us and we will be making sure all the web guys get their mitts on them....even Down Under. Also a lot of you have been asking about current style Ratpadz. We have stopped production on them and will not be producing any more.