Assembled with love by Asus for fans of the Republic of Gamers line, the Tytan CG8890 is no doubt a Toshiba PA3534U-1BRS PC exception, whether in terms of configuration effort or aesthetic, with its system overclocking hot well staged. Delirium but the manufacturer is really a perfect product? Is it worth the € 5,000 required? See this in more detail ...

The first face to face with the Asus ROG Tytan of intimidating, and actually quite annoying. Indeed, there are few really heavy boxes to be delivered to us, those that require you to seek the help of a colleague to bring the monster to the lab. Colleague who will not hesitate to ask you how often you use your membership card to the nearby gym ... And muscles must once again put to good use to succeed in the Tytan out of the box and manipulate the photo shoot rigor. Casually, near 2000W lighting was quickly off his sweater.

"I saw a big beast ..."

But despite the efforts, the pleasure of discovery remains present, because there is something impressive during the unpacking. We know the Asus ROG Tytan of, and for good reason, we have tested the model CG8580. Yes, but now it is the Sony VAIO VGN-AR630 , which is equipped with a configuration more balèze with a GeForce GTX 690 and a Core i7-3960X and above which has the famous opening mechanisms motorized walls and cover, hiding many small additional fans to better cool the configuration during periods of extreme stress, in addition of course to add a pinch of geek style 100% to the bike.

This is definitely a machine that does not go unnoticed. Firstly, it is obviously quite impressive size that strikes. Full box weighs approximately 24 Kg, and measures 57 cm high, 36 cm in width and 63 cm deep. These are maximum dimensions identified as the Tytan is far from being a stupid cube. Very angular, sleek design is intended, such as VGP-BPS14 laptops in this range inspired by American stealth fighters, and it fits perfectly with the image that can be overclocked from a configuration-oriented "gamer". The idea of ​​this computer with Asus ROG is clear: to offer lovers of beautiful objects an original configuration and very muscular without requiring them to leave or the screwdriver or the Dremel. And who says PC uncompromising also says need to incorporate components of high-end experience to deliver the highest performance possible, but also justify a high selling price.

A choice of more components "ROG"

As such, the Tytan CG8580 was able to show a bit disappointing, especially for fans of the Asus ROG range. In fact, many did not understand how a computer that has a personable Republic of Gamers logo could for example not be fitted with a ASUS ROG motherboard, motherboard that is yet the market reference Asus , one which is the world leader. Idem, the onboard graphics GeForce GTX 680 was a reference, not a model in the colors of factory overclocked Asus ROG. Brief remarks that the manufacturer has taken into account the time comes to prepare the list of components for Tytan CG8890, as we shall see.

But before plunging his hands into this monster, you must first remove its walls connected by cables to the configuration, via a control card installed to manage the spreading mechanism and automated ventilation. Once the configuration is laid bare, we find the housing base, a gray metal cage much more classic than that suggested the appearance of Tytan. Inside, we see the first presence of a watercooling system for the processor (it would also be interesting for config 'at this price, and given its positioning as other components benefit from this cooling mode ...), installation kit quad-channel RAM (16GB G.Skill DDR3 2133 MHz, as to fully exploit the Core i7-3960X and X79 chipset), mounting a GeForce GTX 690 dual-GPU (this is not ROG, but the GTX 690 is only available in the reference model ...) and the sound card Xonar Phoebus, or the participation of two SanDisk SSD U100 128 Go mounted in RAID 0 for speed storage part, also complemented by a Seagate 2TB Everything plugged into a VGP-BPS13 motherboard high-quality and comprehensive oriented "gaming", the Rampage IV Formula Asus ROG stamped ATX format. The rear panel wants comprehensive (USB 3.0, eSATA, RJ45), with the presence of a PS / 2 port which necessarily interested players (anti-ghosting), or a Clear CMOS button resets the BIOS settings if mishandled.

The side of the processor, in addition to the watercooling system which is mounted above (including the pump operator and a heater installed in the rear topped with a 120mm fan quite noisy at full speed), you can not miss the Turbo Gear overclocking a system of pre-programmed and can not be changed. Indeed, if the Core i7-3960X Intel processor (Sandy Bridge-E with 6 physical cores with HyperThreading) is clocked at 3.3 GHz output box, it is overclocked to 3.8 GHz base in Tytan the CG8890. After first press the button "speed" of the case, it is automatically increased to 4 GHz, while the noisy opening system implements walls from the Tytan in "Transformers." A second press of the button changes the hot processor to 4.2 GHz, the maximum frequency. If the system does not require overclocking to restart his machine is a definite plus, however we regret that the machine's BIOS does not allow the user to define itself the level of overclocking at all levels. Overclocking the VGP-BPS12 Battery  reference does not benefit the other hand, with a GPU clocked at 915 MHz, and climbing on our test configuration at 1019 MHz GPU Boost.

Of course, for all this power, it was mighty power. That of Tytan CG8890 disappoint in appearance (block gray metal, old), but reassures side characteristics. Phew, because the non-TDP CPU overclocked to 130W is indicated, the graphics card is 300W ... Do not worry, the food here is manufactured by AcBel present, displays of power and 900W 80Plus Gold sticker, this which certifies a very decent performance. With maximum 713W from the socket Meter in accordance with our load test CPU overclocked to 4.2 GHz + GPU, it remains quiet even on the supply side based on a yield of only 80%, there is a little leeway given the level of certification.

By analyzing the assembly of these components, we realize that there is so much opportunity in this case to future changes in configuration. Indeed, the sony vgp-bps9 motherboard having beautiful example be compatible 4-Way SLI, the tower only 7 slots for expansion cards, two of which are already occupied by the GTX 690, while a third slot is reserved sound card Xonar Phoebus. At the front, there is already a bit more space even if the 4 x 5.25'', 3 are already used (Blu-ray HDD Rack 3.5'' extractable and control board side panels). As for 3.5'' bays occupied by racks for easy installation of hard drives, they are present in number 5 with three drives already installed. At the assembly itself, it is relatively clean and well put together, it is not integration systems sometimes seen in the sphere of workstations or Apple Mac Pro, almost without visible cables, compartmentalized, etc..

Power to spare, and a lot of noise ...

However, what we can not remove the Tytan CG8890 is its firepower. Indeed, various tests and benchmarks which we submitted showed that it was indeed extremely powerful machine. With such a configuration, it is better you tell us. Some history scores grandstanding? One can start with a score of 13,859 points in 3DMark 11 (Performance Preset), a total of 5377 points in hp pavilion dv6  7, or 10.92 points in the CPU benchmark of 14,310 points in CineBench and Fritz Benchmark.

More practical tests also confirmed the very good skills to do everything, not just to play. So while it may take more than 3 minutes of fairly standard configurations to complete our reference made in Photoshop CS5, it took only 50 seconds to Tytan. And in Handbrake, encoding a video in High-Profile which usually takes about 4 minutes was held here in just 1 minute and 20 seconds. With over 86 fps average in Unigine Heaven DirectX 11 everything thoroughly, the  Pavilion DV4 confirms its top-flight performance, and you can be sure you will not a priori framerate problems for a long time on fashion games. And all these figures are those obtained at 3.8 GHz! Only disappointment, SSD Raid 0 on which the system relies. A configuration that allows for storage certainly reach impressive sequential speeds (769 MB / s read in Crystal Disk Mark), but that does not help the treatment of random files, and thereby depress IOPS quite drastically. Which, nevertheless, does not prevent the Tytan CG8890 be swift and responsive machine.

Before looking at the price of this machine exception, you must know that this power dissipation is also pay in a currency other than greenbacks: the noise! Indeed, the Tytan CG8890 offers a sophisticated cooling system and that eyeful, but also shows that noisy. While it is true that the beast absorbs and releases a lot of Watts therefore necessarily a lot of calories, it is very successful in maintaining its main components to acceptable HP 484170-001 operating temperature. Thus, at rest and 3.8 GHz, while it pulls 153W on the outlet, the Tytan CG8890 CPU remains at 41 ° C and GPU at 36 ° C in a room at 22 ° C, while already producing still 41.7 dB (in a room at 35.3 dB PC off). At full load, the turbine audible enough watercooling kit proves even more noisy fan and coupled to the GTX 690 which begins to run harder, you climb to 49.8 dB for consumption of 624W. It blows hard, but GPUs are stabilized at 84 ° C maximum, and the CPU at 72 ° C.

Turbo mode at 4.2 GHz, the topography is almost the same, except that the Tytan is even noisier. Inevitably, its doors are open and the back of the hood is raised to take advantage of the additional eight small fans, they run at low speed, it produces no less for all new noise. Remains that the fans are installed inside the housing which are the noisiest. Result, at rest in this config 'overclocking, the computer consumes 228W, CPU is 46 ° C and the meter back a measure of 46.4 dB. Charge, we fly: 713W, 55.3 dB and 75 ° C for the CPU. Unchanged for GPU temperature. The conclusion is clear: the Tytan CG8890 is properly cooled, fully assumes its various stages of overclocking, but it makes noise, lots of noise when fully pressed. Asus ROG is no magic to this level.

Of course, all this comes at a price, very salty in this case since the Asus ROG CG8890 Tytan displays a label of € 5,000. As often during such test configurations, so let out the calculator and references our price comparison-Street Hardware to see if such a bill is justified, and try to evaluate the overhead required by Asus A3000 for very special benefits this machine. € 950 on average for the processor, € 900 for the graphics card, € 350 for the motherboard, € 170 for food, 270 € for the storage part, 70 € for the watercooling kit, € 70 for the Blu -ray, € 160 for the sound card, 130 € for the whole keyboard / mouse, and € 130 for the system ... we arrive at € 3,200.

If we put aside voluntarily dealer margin and the costs associated with marketing and logistics, there is still Asus ROG is paying a high price its case "Transformers", the assembly of the machine and following softwares installed immediately, the system overclocking hot. It would therefore have been possible, even if done in excess, to opt for a 3-Way SLI GTX 680 (GTX 680 TOP three kind DirectCU II Asus € 500 room ...), the motherboard being compatible 4-Way SLI. But the housing offering only seven slots for girls, and sound cards and WiFi in addition, there was a clear need to make a choice.

Tags: Dell XPS M1210, Inspiron 1300 , Latitude E6500 Battery

Test: Asus Maximus Formula V

Introduction

It's been almost four months Intel has launched its new platform "mid-range" which replaced the socket LGA 1155 platform based chipsets P67/Z68. In that time, an impressive number of motherboards based on the new chipset Z77 was born, the war between the various manufacturers are well underway. A few months after testing the Maximus Gene V, which proved to be one of the Z77 motherboards fastest, we received the model ATX Asus ROG range, the Maximus Formula V. Tour of ...

ROG, and more ...

Like all motherboards ROG range, the box (barely larger than the motherboard) the "M5F" is composed of two compartments: one containing the  Dell XPS M1530  motherboard itself, and one for all bundle. At the rear of the latter, one can find the innovative features put forward by the manufacturer, such as Thermo Fusion, SupremeFX IV mPCIe Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Combo Dual-band 4.0 and finally GameFirst II. Autand features more or less useful that we will be able to enjoy the benefits.

The Maximus Formula V adopts a black PCB and components red or black, with a sports car look. It incorporates a socket LGA-1155 and operates the Intel Z77 (that you'll understand). This XPS M1330 motherboard standards eATX (extended ATX) and therefore measures 30.5 x 25.7 cm.

Map all angles

We can distinguish the LGA 1155. The older generation processors Sandy Bridge (i5 2400, 2500, 2500K, i7 2600K, 2700K ...) are, as explained above, 100% compatible with this chipset that is the basis for the Ivy Bridge processors. Cooling systems are of course identical to those found for P67 motherboards (LGA 1155) or even P55 (1156). Food processor, integrated graphics processor and memory is completely controlled by the new functionality Extreme Engine Digi + II. Just like its sister the Maximus Gene V, it includes 12 power phases for the CPU and graphics.

The card has four ports DIMM supporting DDR3 dual-channel 2800MHz up (or 3000 MHz speed only works on some processors). These ports are powered by two phases. Asus uses its mounting strips with clips without pin mechanism on one side, as on all its latest motherboards. This Dell Latitude E5500 mounting system facilitates retrieval of memory modules when you have big fingers and it does not use excessive force on the graphics card!

On the Z77 there are also LED display system diagnostics. And like all models ROG. Was entitled to Start and Reset buttons. Practice when the card is installed on a test bench. In addition to the 24-pin power connector, there is a connector that allows us to activate or deactivate the LN2 (liquid nitrogen) using a jumper. This enables better control of the extreme overclocking motherboard and enables additional functions hidden in the Bios. As Ivy Bridge processors like the cold ... this feature is extremely useful when overclocking pushed under liquid nitrogen.

Like other motherboards from Asus, the M5F is also provided with the small button GO ensures better compatibility with different types of DDR3 can be found on the market. Close DIMM slots, you can easily get Latitude E6400 different voltages of the card using a multimeter without having to search the different measurement points of tension around the map. We have the right to these different measuring point 2 land VPLL, vCCSA, vCCIO, vDRAM, in vIGPU finally vCore.

Intel Z77 chipset is cooled by a small black radiator not too high so as not to interfere with different graphics cards. Intel Z77 chipset does not much heating, a larger radiator would not be necessary. Compared to the Extreme version the card has a single removable Bios function but has however USB bios flashback which I invite you to read the tutorial here on the forum Asus ROG France. It allows to update the BIOS of the motherboard without a processor, without memory, etc.. Simply plug the ATX power cable and have a USB drive containing the BIOS on your motherboard. Practice!

Thermo Fusion to "watercooler" its power stage ...

In the picture above we can distinguish one of tips watercooling system used by Asus to cool the power stage of the processor. This watercooling system is called "Thermo Fusion" and according to Asus much more effective than single radiator cooled only by the flow of air in our boxes. For those who do not have watercooling circuit, the cooling system can also be used as a simple radiator, obviously.

Level of expansion slots, Asus has opted for three PCI Express 3.0 16X (16X a map, two maps 8X-8X, three cards 8X-4X-4X), a PCIe 4X, three PCIe 2.0 1X and a PCIe mini port 2.0 1X on the module mPCIe Combo. The card has no PCI slots. Note that the card is compatible with AMD CrossfireX technology, Nvidia SLI and Virtu LucidLogix MVP.

On the rear panel of the card, there is an extensive connection. It therefore has the right to a Clear CMOS button, a button ROG Connect on / off, four USB 2.0 ports (one port can be used ROG Connect port), four USB 3.0 ports, an eSATA port and a gigabit LAN RJ45. We also find the audio outputs 8 channels IV and Supreme FX audio ports S / PDIF In / Out Optical. Outputs on the card is equipped with an HDMI port and a DisplayPort.

On this map, Asus offers us ten SATA ports, two SATA 3.0 Gb / s (black) and six SATA 6.0 Gb / s (red). The last two ports are present on the rear panel of the card, it is an eSATA 3.0 Gb / s and mSATA port 3GB / s on the module mPCIe Combo. Asmedia ASM1042 controller and the Intel Z77 are responsible for managing the six USB 3.0 ports. The Latitude E6500 four ports located on the rear panel and two additional ports can be used by the USB 3.0 connector on the front panel of the case.

The card has a power connector IDE named EZ-PLUG to bring more power to the graphics card in a multi-card configuration. Close controller Supreme FX IV, one can distinguish the system by LED backlight is already on the Maximus IV Formula. When the card is turned on, the left side will illuminate red for a guaranteed effect tuning ...

Tags:  Dell Studio 1555, Dell Studio 1558, Inspiron 1300 Battery

The war was launched tablets and Christmas 2012 could be the scene of clashes between the ruthless largest manufacturers. Will there many survivors there in January? Is that Santa Claus is a Apple fanboy or an Android addict? These questions, we will answer later. For now, let us on one of the stars of this holiday season, the Nexus 7 Asus and Google. On paper, it has all the necessary qualities: perfect format for mobile use, enticing features, Android Jelly Bean 4.2 and, most importantly, an attractive price: 199 € for the 16GB version, € 249 for 32GB and € 299 for the 32GB with 3G +. At first glance, therefore, it is the 7-inch tablet at the moment. After spending a week in the shelling, this reputation is usurped it? This is what we will try to find out. Note that this is the 16GB version is tested here.

An object well finished, but some gaps on the connection

With almost 20 cm high, 12 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick, with a weight of 340 grams, the Nexus 7 fits perfectly in one hand and immediately finds its place in any bag. By comparison, the Kindle Fire from Amazon (its direct competitor) weighs 400 grams. Only the iPad mini can boast of being lighter, with only 308 grams on the scale. Useless to argue any longer: in terms of weight and size, the Nexus 7 is faultless. The back of the tablet has a plastic coating dive pleasant to touch, makes (some) think leather. It also allows you to avoid the risk of slipping when the catch a little abruptly. Rounded shapes remind them about the Dell Vostro 1400 and finish seemed very satisfactory. The only downside to the location of buttons and volume switch on the side, which seemed a little high and forcing the coup to slightly reposition his hand to reach them. A slight lack of ergonomics that we end up being quickly accommodate.

               
See the complete gallery (13 photos)

In terms of connectivity, Asus and Google seems he decided to optimize maximum manufacturing costs and, where fans will be delighted simplicity, all the fans of hack will be disappointed. The Nexus 7 is in the simplicity and proposes, all in all, a mini-USB Host and 3.5 mm jack. And that's all. On this point, the tablet is behind the Kindle Fire HD, which itself has micro-HDMI port to send only content on the TV. Lack obvious here, as the Nexus 7 could be a perfect mobile media player. The radius of regret, we can also mention the lack of micro-SD port which would have increased the storage capacity of the device at low cost. Damage.

A beautiful screen messy, autonomy satisfactory

With a size of 7 inches and displays a definition 1280 x 800 IPS capacitive screen of the Nexus 7 won largely at first glance. The colors are true and hot enough, while the contrast is very good. This Pavilion DV2000 slab is clearly part of the top of the basket in the category of 7-inch tablets. In use, however, two things we regret, unfortunately common on this type of equipment: fingerprints coming soon and highlights important when there is a little light. The maximum level of brightness, meanwhile, could be a bit higher. Anyway, the screen of the Nexus 7 is one of the strengths of the unit.

 
THE mini-USB port of the Nexus 7, and its screen which clearly fingerprints

Autonomy is another important aspect of a tablet format. We had high hopes, and overall we are not disappointed. In video playback, the Nexus 7 is for a little more than 5:20 (on 720p) with Wi-Fi turned on in the background. Daily, if you use the camera so diligent and varied (games, Internet video playback, listening to music ...) you can have between 8 and 9 hours of battery life. Basically, a true addict Nexus 7 will reload at the end of the day to enjoy a decent hope. A typical use, it will be connected to a power outlet every two or three days. A very respectable average.

Performance at the rendezvous

Despite its small size and price, Nexus 7 enjoys an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core, 1GB of RAM, the presence of an NFC chip and a 1.3 megapixel front sensor. This is certainly a Tegra 3 version T30L "only" 1.2 GHz, but our benchmarks have shown that rivaled the machine power, especially regarding the Inspiron 6000 battery performance of the CPU and the graphics, as you can see in the screenshots below.

 
SunSpider Benchmark AnTuTu 0.9.1 and 3.0.2 show excellent results

In practice, it is difficult to take the Nexus 7 in default. The Tegra 3 displays an almost total fluidity on 3D games more greedy (as long as they are optimized for the Nvidia chip) and video playback in 720p and 1080p is without any addict, a time hardware decoding enabled (though, oddly, the 1080p playback with VLC does not work well but goes perfectly with another soft). Ago when the memory is saturated few jerks open applications that are felt and the transition from one job to another may make a second. But overall, the performance of the Nexus 7 seem excellent and can take full advantage of Jelly Bean.

 
Whether in a game (here Dead Trigger) or in a video in 1080, the Nexus 7 provides.

Jelly Bean, a resounding success

Upon first use, the Nexus 7 shows its desire to become a reader of essential content. The widget library appears on the first window and some free books available can be started immediately. Generally, Jelly Bean 4.1 (after 4.2.1 update) has an interface fully in line with the tablet and we can only rejoice. Google has streamlined certain aspects to make the whole more intuitive and easy to access, but retains its basic OS "free" to the delight of hackers. Primarily designed to be used in portrait mode, Jelly Bean has some welcome news, as the replacement of the Android browser with Chrome, Dell Inspiron 1525 managing multitasking more visual, fluid and fun, and of course, the arrival of Google Now. And intelligent personal assistant, Google Now wants both a calendar, a reminder, a directory, a weather service ... Anyway, it's a little confusing at first glance, but in practice, Now optimize your journeys restaurants advise you when you are in the same geographical area, reminds you of your appointment when you arrive at work, and if you are friendly with him, you just tuck the evening by telling you a story ... In short, his omniscience can fear, it is true, but the performance is commendable. More generally, Jelly Bean seems to be a sort of culmination for Google, which has managed to excel on both the usability and simplicity of the range of possibilities.

So should it crack?

To recap: a 7-inch screen perfect for use in portrait mode, dimensions that just falls into the hand, a nice OS to use and very powerful, incredible performance for this price range ... The Nexus 7 hits hard and

HP Pavilion DV4  arises dream as a tablet to view content, and play. For those who want to do more (photo, writing, production of all kinds), you should know that the format is not very specific ideal. The lack of backbone prevents camera simply take snapshots and keyboard rather limited, can not type text in an optimal way (even if the automatic correction proves effective). This is obviously clean all shelves of this size, but we must be aware of. As it stands, the Nexus 7 is both an excellent reading light, a very good media player and a portable game console powerful.

Difficult to find fault with the Nexus 7. If we can blame him for some faults of taste, as the absence of micro-SD port or screen a little too messy, these complaints are that these defects chipotages and tiny compared to the qualities of the tablet from Asus and Google. It's simple, for this price, it will be difficult to find more efficient and complete with global access to the Play Store. A great success, which confirms the interest of major manufacturers for tablets powerful and affordable.

Tags: Dell 451-10584 Battery, Dell 312-7414 Battery , Dell 312-0910 Battery