You’re no noob. So when you’re new processor and cooling unit comes packed with some generic thermal paste, you’re smart enough to toss that gunk and grab something a bit more powerful. While each person has their own personal favorite, Noctua’s NT-H1 pro-grade TIM solution is definitely one to consider regardless of whether you’re going for extended component life or to push your system to the limit.
Having a hybrid composition made up of different micro-particles allows for the NT-H1 to be perfectly optimized for use inside a PC. The compound has a much lower thermal resistance than most, allowing for it to work at temperatures other thermal paste aren’t even remotely effective at.
With the debate ever raging on as to how to apply thermal paste, it’s nice to see that NT-H1 stands firmly behind the dot method. Instead of wasting NT-H1 by spreading it manually across the surface, their instructions recommend that you put one drop onto the center of your CPU prior to installing your cooling unit and simply let the pressure spread it out for you. This works very well in general with most thermal paste, but I found the NT-H1 much more responsive to this method then prior compounds used.
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Posted in
Reviews
Tags: cpu, heat, heat paste, Noctua's NT-H1 pro-grade TIM solution, NT-H1, Thermal Paste
NZXT hands down makes some of the best gaming cases hands down. So when they sent us the Tempest, considered to be one of the best cases out their for high performance gamers and modders, we sat and stared at it for awhile until we determined that it was in fact okay to touch it.
At first glance, you may think to yourself, “Sharp case, but what’s the big deal?”. Besides the fact that calling it “sharp” is an understatement, this case is packed with features that easily crown it the King of Airflow as their description so aptly puts it. The NZXT Tempest didn’t get that name without fighting for it either, as the case itself comes with 6 fans: dual 120mm intake fans, dual 140mm exhaust fans, and two additional side and rear 120mm fans. Surprisingly, they run more quietly then my air condition.
What’s really great about this specific case is it’s E-ATX support. If you haven’t looked at any of the new video cards hitting the shelves, get ready to either buy a new case or move everything out of the way. Luckily, if you have an E-ATX case like the NZXT Tempest, you’ll be all set room wise, regardless of whether you have a newer or older video card. The Tempest has several pre-drilled holes inside of it as well, allowing neat freaks like myself to lay much of the cabling behind the motherboard tray. Now, not only does the inside of my system look sweet when you see it through the side panel cut out, but the airflow is actually increased. If you’re bored, try setting it up with the cables normally and monitor the temperature, then set them up the way the Tempest is meant to be and see the difference.
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PC Cases
Tags: e-atx, NZXT, nzxt tempest, tempest, xoxide
As technology continues to advance, we’ve seen the prices drop on many different devices and components along with the size and speed of these devices increase as well. The desire for portability has increased greatly, leaving the gap between what was once just for desktop computing and not for laptops, little more than the restrictions of developing a suitable external video card. So when the average gamer finds themselves wondering how best to share his or her 1TB worth of games, movies, and music (all attained legally of course) with friends or even another computer, the previous options where limited to network sharing or transferring through an external hard drive.
Taking the concept of an external hard drive but keeping the versatility of putting that drive back into your computer has been something we geeks have sought after for quite some time. Luckily, the Thermaltake BlacX has the entire situation covered.
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Posted in
Reviews, Storage
Tags: blacx, ide, sata, thermaltake
Have you ever gone to the beach on a hot sunny afternoon with a cooler full of hotdogs and hamburgers to toss on the grill only to find that everyone else has the same idea and of course beat you to all the grills? Well that wont happen again with this cool grill you can just fold and go.
It folds up to about the size of an older laptop so it will fit almost anywhere. With this foldable grill you will always have a space to cook your dinner. Just make sure that you leave plenty of time for this cool new summer time gadget to cool off, no need to burn your hands over a hot dog.
Posted in
Misc. Gadgets
Tags: backpack, fold up, food, grill, meat, picnic
The retro style is huge in the design world but so are flat screen TV’s so how can you mesh the two together to get the style you want with the modern amenity you desire? This cool new retro flat screen is just the way to keep the style of your home in sync with that great television you have always wanted.
This TV comes with a 42in plasma screen TV house in a retro style set that is sure to leave your friends in awe and possibly fool anyone who comes to rob you. After all who would want an old outdated TV or at least one that looks like it is out dated?
Posted in
HDTV
Tags: chic, decor, HDTV, lcd, retro
If you are planning on taking your bird on a trip whether it be for the day or for several days then this portable bird cage is just what you will need. This backpack like bird cage will allow you to take your bird anywhere you are going. It comes with places to hang toys for your feathered friend along with a convenient bottom tray that comes out for easy cleaning.
But one thing to be careful of is to make sure that the bird you want to take with you will fit in this bird backpack/cage as it is only big enough for about a medium size bird. Sorry big birds this one just isn’t for you.
Posted in
Wearables
Tags: backcage, backpack, bird cage, birdpack