PC Modification & Review Zone

Arctic Cooling G-1 Thermal Compound/Glue

2011-06-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

Arctic Cooling G-1 Thermal Compound/Glue

The Arctic Cooling G-1 Thermal Compound/Glue is a godsend for any serious PC modder, as it has many uses from sticker little RAM heatsinks to your memory sticks to keep them running cool, to cooling components on the motherboard, such as chipsets, MOSFETS, etc.

Its simple and easy to use, you just mix the 2x different sachets, 1x grey, 1x white together in the little plastic mixer which comes with the set, you then use the plastic wand which is also supplied to mix the sachets together, give them a good mix and then put it to use within the 15 minutes set time, and use it to stick the desired heatsink, ramsink to the component and in no time you have a good solid seal which is thermally passive so it lets the heat go straight through it to the conductor which then helps to dissapate the heat.

Its cheap, and if you ever want to remove it, its not a problem and its peels off nice and easy unlike many other thermal glues which goes rock hard and is very nasty to remove without damaging components, etc.

A very good buy and highly recommended especially for all the PC Modders out there today.

Specifications

Thermal Conductivity (W/mk) 4.3

Temperature Range -45℃ to 200℃

Viscosity (poise) 320

Gravity 2.4 g/cm3 at 25℃

Dimensions (Packaging) 90 L x 30 W x 30 H mm

Net Weight (3 sets): 9 g
Item Number ORACO-TG00201-BL

UPC 0872767004153

Weight 0.5 kg

Acousti AcoustiPack Multi-Layer Material Pack

2010-04-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

AcoustiPack Ultimate Multi-layered Material Kit is a specially designed soundproofing solution for your PC, wether you have a Micro ATX case or a Full Tower System, there should be enough material in this kit to help reduce the noise which is generated from within such as system fans, CPU fan, power supply unit fans, etc.

The material is dense, yet flexible, it has a self adhesive backing which sticks the material to the inner sides and roof, etc., of the PC case. If you have awkward shaped panels, then there is no need to worry as the material can easily be cut with a scissors or a craft knife. We advise you to measure it all first, as its best to measure twice and cut once.

The adhesive backing is strong, but does allow you to re-adjust the positioning if you dont get it right on the first go for example. The material and adhesive backing follows the International UL94 flammability standards which are very stringent. So you know you dont just have a quality product that does the job, and is easy to use, but is safe aswell.

Acousti are that confident that their product is not only fit for the job but does it well, you also get a 2 year warranty.
The kit comes with instructions but is pretty much self explanatory to install.

You get three sheets in the kit; 2x 2-layer (4mm thick) sheets and 1x 3-layer (7mm thick) sheet made from Acousti's latest generation materials.

This is a great piece of kit, not only for PC Audio Enthusiasts, and Musicians, but Gamers aswell.

The product helps to mass load the case panels, which helps to absorb the noise. It will absorb some of the sound, and some will get reflected. Both helping the overall sound level coming from the actual unit.

Out of the various Soundproofing Material packs we have tested in the past such as the Akasa PaxMate, and various generic versions. The AcoustiPack Ultimate is by far the best, it doesnt totally eliminate all noise generated by the PC but it reduces it by far the best.

It is a great buy and if used with a nice heavy duty steel panelled case, you will reduce noise to a minimum, couple this with low noise fans, power supplies, etc., You wont be far off a "Silent PC" system. It can be used on other systems such as XBox's, Playstation's, etc.

The possibilities are endless for its uses, so long as you pay attention and dont block any airflow holes, etc., You should be safe to use it on a variety of applications.

Here are just a few examples;

XBox 360, Playstation, Sky Digital Box, HiFi Seperates such as DAC's, Amplifiers, etc.

Acousti also make some other kits such as the AcoustiPack Lite, AcoustiPack Extra, and also in single sheets such as the Multi-layer 3 layered 7mm sheet, and the Multi-layer 2 layered 4mm sheet.
All kits and other Acousti products can be purchased online via http://www.quietpc.com/, they also ship Worldwide. They also supplied us with the sample to test, so a big thank you to Glenn at QuietPC for giving us the opportunity to test out the product.

If you would like to read the full blurb regarding the AcoustiPack Ultimate it can be found here; http://www.quietpc.com/gb-en-gbp/products/caseaccessories/ap-kits

Fractal Design Define D2 Computer Case

2010-02-15T00:25:00.000-08:00

Fractal Design Define R2 Computer Case, this is not your run of the mill computer case it has been tinkered with and is for those who like to see their computer but not hear it.

Perfect for those who make music on their PC, or if you just dont want the sound of fans blowing and churning at full whack.

The panels of the case have been treated with a bitumen type material to help mass load the panels and help stop the sound. Even the front panel door is insulated.

All the drive bays feature rubber style grommets to help with noise and vibration from DVD/CD Drives, Hard Disks, etc.

It has plenty of space for hard disk drives, so you could use it as a NAS type storage box or your own mini server, etc.

The build quality is high, the panels are tough and not flimsy, it has been designed with optimal cooling in mind, with 2x fans at the front, rear fan, 2x fans at the top, 1 side and 1 at the bottom.

Removable dust filters to help keep the dust out of your system.

The unit supports the PSU at the bottom, unlike most other cases which places them at the top, there is also an intake hole at the bottom so the PSU fan can suck air in. It also has a removable dust filter, which will help keep your PSU from clogging up with dust, etc.

It comes pre fitted with nice silver feet (HiFi Seperates Style), with rubber base's on them.

Its available in 3x Colours Black Pearl, Titanium Grey, and Silver Arrow, all are very sleek and stylish.

You wont be dissapointed with this unit.

The only gripe I had with the unit was that I wish it maybe had another one or two 5.25" drive bays, so you could have a DVDRW, DVDROM, Blu-Ray Drive, etc. It only has room for two. or you can use the one drive bay as a 3.25" drive for a Floppy Disk Drive, or a Media Card Reader.
It does allow you to access 2x USB items, 1x eSATA, and Audio Input/Output, via the top front of the case.

Some of the bitumen panels were coming off, I dont know if this was just on my case as it had been transported in very cold weather so that probably affected it. I stuck it back on by heating the part up with an hairdryer and then re-applying it. No big deal.

When you build your system up and turn the unit on, you should notice an immediate difference to your old computer system case, as it is alot quieter.

The D2 doesnt come with a PSU, but they do manufacture PSU's which are also ultra quiet.

We give the Define D2 Computer Case a 7/10, its a great stylish case, with features to match, just a shame it doesnt have an extra 5.25" drive bay spare.

Official Features and Specifications

Stunning front panel design

Patent pending ModuVent™ design, allowing the user to either have optimal silence or optimal airflow

Pre-fitted with dense, noise absorbing bitumen

8x White painted HDD-trays, with silicone mounting

A total of 7 fan slots (2x120mm in front, 2x 120/140mm in top, 1x120mm in back, 1x 120/140mm in side panel, 1x 120/140mm in bottom)

2x 120mm Fractal Design 120mm Silent Series 15dB fans included

Fan controller for 3 fans included

Easily removable front fan filters with clip-on holders for 120mm fans

Supports graphic card lengths up to circa 290mm and CPU coolers with height of maximum circa 165mm

Supports PSUs with a depth of maximum circa 170mm, when using bottom 120/140mm fan location. When not using the bottom 120/140mm fan location, the case supports also longer PSUs, typically 200-220mm.

Cooling system

Fan controller for 3 fans included

1 rear Fractal Design 120mm Silent Series 15dB fan (included)

1 front Fractal Design 120mm Silent Series 15dB fan (included)

1 front 120mm fan (optional)

1 bottom 120mm/140mm fan (optional)

1 side panel 120mm/140mm fan (optional)

2 top 120mm/140mm fan (optional)

Specifications

8x 3,5 inch HDD trays, compatible with SSD!
2x 5,25 inch bays, with 1x 5,25>3,5 inch converter included
On top of front panel: 2x USB 2.0, 1x eSATA and Audio I/O
No PSU included (removable filter below PSU)
M/B compatibility: Mini ITX, Micro ATX and ATX
7x expansion slots with sleek white painted brackets
Supports graphic card lengths up to circa 290mm and CPU coolers with height of maximum circa 165mm
Supports PSUs with a depth of maximum circa 170mm, when using bottom 120/140mm fan location. When not using the bottom 120/140mm fan location, the case supports also longer PSUs, typically 200-220mm.
Case size (WxHxD): 207.40x440x521.2mm
Net weight: 12.50kg

Additional information

EAN/GTIN-13: 7350041080299
Product code: FD-CA-DEF-R2-BL
Also available for System Integrators

Manufacturers Website; http://www.fractal-design.com/

Arctic Sound E361 Earphones

2010-02-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

Arctic Cooling have now turned their highly skilled hands to some other area's such as Audio, with their Arctic Sound range of Earphones. They have a wide range catering from the cheap and cheerful Arctic Sound E101's all the way up to great quality sounding E361's.

The E361 earphones are the type which sits in your ear canal and directs the sound right where you need it, they come with 3 sets of silicone caps (Small, Medium, and Large) to cater for all ear types and sizes.

The bass is just right when you find the sweet spot of positioning the earphone in your ear canal, with nice crisp high frequencies. You have to move and position them in your ear and get them to sit just right, this can be a little tricky (with my ears anyway). Once you got them sat in the correct position they sound great.

These are a very good pair of earphones if this is the type you like? (sits in your ear canal), Personally I prefer headphones, as I can never get earphones to sit correctly for long periods of time.
I wouldnt recommend using earphones or any type of headphones at high volumes for long periods, as this can damage your hearing.

The E361 Earphones comes with a neat little case to protect them in, gold plated connectors for high quality transfer, plus a long 2 year warranty.

We give these earphones a Big thumbs up !, A perfect companion for your MP3 Player, CD Player, Mobile Phone/PDA, etc.

Below is the official information from the manufacturer;

Sound of Quality

Its unique aluminium chassis and large drivers deliver deep bass and precise highs right into your ear canals. The ultra-soft silicone caps in multiple sizes block most outside noise, giving you comfort fit and undisturbed audio experience.
Main features

Large driver coil leads to ultimate bass performance

The precisely milled aluminium chassis transmits a perfect balance of high and low frequencies

3 sets of silicone caps (S, M, L) minimize ambient noise and enrich bass response

Ultra-soft material fits gently in your ears providing hours of wearing comfort

Gold-plated stereo plug for uncompromised signal transmission

Highend earphone ARCTIC SOUND E361
This outstanding earphone delivers high sound quality in every aspect. Deep and powerful bass is one of key features of the E300 series. Each model is equipped with large driver coils (Ø10mm / 9mm) which reproduce dynamic and super deep bass without any distortions.

Quality of the chassis is also critical for authentic sound quality. The E361 aluminium chassis is precisely engineered and sealed for top class sound isolation. It guarantees full and accurate sound transmission into your ear canal without internal sound leakage.

Comfort fit, sound isolation and enhanced bass by soft silicone caps

To achieve top-notch listening experience, E361 is packaged with 3 sets of ultra-soft silicone caps in small, medium and large sizes. Wearing comfort can be personalized by choosing the most suitable cap size that fits best for your ears, so that they stay comfortable even after prolonged use.

The “seal” in the ears blocks ambient noise efficiently so that you hear only the sound from the earphones and nothing more. Even when you are on a plane, with the ARCTIC SOUND earphones, you will hear your favorite music instead of the ambient noise. Such high-level sound isolation also enhances bass response and improves the overall sound quality.

Protect your valuable earphones with the ARCTIC In-Ear Case

E361 earphone comes with an ARCTIC In-Ear Case. This compact carrying case is perfect for storing and protecting the earphones.

Multi-functional and multi-compatible earphones

The E361 also features a microphone version. This delicate microphone is ideal for phone calls and online communications such as Skype and MSN voice call.

A 3.5mm TRRS plug is equipped for transferring both microphone and earphone signals, which is ideal for mobile phones. For devices such as PCs, which support only the standard 3.5 stereo plug, it is necessary to use the adapter provided to use both the earphones as well as the microphone.

ARCTIC SOUND classifications

Sound different. Feel different. Each ARCTIC SOUND product is precisely engineered by Swiss and German audio experts. There are 3 product categories in this series: (1) Earphones (2) Headphones / Headsets (3) Speakers. Multiple categories are available in each class, offering diversified music and audio experience according to your personal preferences.
Microphone and colour options are also available for selected ARCTIC SOUND models. There will be a simple code after the numbering system as indication.
ARCTIC SOUND E-Series

Classification (Earphones)

Gaming

High-End E300

Mid-Range E200

Standard E100

A complete ARCTIC SOUND model name will be similar to this:

Available models: MSRP

ARCTIC SOUND E361-W 34,95€ / US$ 51.45
ARCTIC SOUND E361-WM 41,45€ / US$ 60.95
ARCTIC SOUND E361-B 34,95€ / US$ 51.45
ARCTIC SOUND E361-BM 41,45€ / US$ 60.95

Specifications

Frequency response - 18 Hz -26k Hz
Impedance - 32 Ohm
Sensitivity - 105 dB/mW
Output power - 15 mW
Cable - 1.3 m with 3.5mm stereo plug
Weight - 5g
Warranty - 2 year

http://www.arctic-cooling.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=81_83&mID=512

Arctic Cooling C1/C2 - USB Travel Adaptor

2009-12-16T16:27:00.000-08:00

The C1/C2 are the latest offering from Arctic Cooling, They are portable USB chargers, which will allow you to charge your MP3/MP4 player, Smartphone/PDA, and other USB chargeable devices.

Its a very neat device, small in size with interchangle plugs, so it can be used anywhere in the world.

The C2 version allows you to charge up to 4x devices at the same time and the C1 is just a single device version.

They are well worth the asking price and will not let you down, the build quality is excellent too, which goes hand in hand with a company like Arctic Cooling.

5*/5*, definately a worthwhile investment, especially for the gadget savvy traveller.

Universal Charger for Frequent Travelers
The ARCTIC C2 is perfect travel companions for frequent flyers. The 4 AC plugs cover about 150 countries around the world. With 4 USB ports, this charger is ideal for various USB-powered devices.

Main features
4 interchangeable plugs for America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia
4 USB ports for multiple charging
Ideal for USB-powered devices
100V to 240V full range input
Short Circuit / Over Current / Over Power Protection
Compact, light weight
Universal charger with interchangeable plugs
4 AC plugs are supplied with the ARCTIC C2. They can be used worldwide – North and South America, Europe, UK, Middle East, Africa, China, Japan, Australia and more. With full range 100 to 240V input, these chargers automatically, providing users a truly hassle-free charger.
Charging devices with only ONE charger
ARCTIC C2 offers 4 ports for multiple charging. Instead of using different power adapters, 4 electronic devices can be charged simultaneously by using the ARCTIC C2. It saves not only space, but also charging time.

The ARCTIC C2 is suitable for various USB-powered applications, such as music players (eg MP3 players), handheld game consoles, PDAs, mobile phones and the newly launched ARCTIC NC.

For Nokia and Sony Ericsson mobile phones, an additional USB cable is needed when powering them by the ARCTIC C2. Users can put the traditional bulky mobile phone charger away and bring only the ARCTIC C2 when they are travelling.

Safe and reliable
With Short Circuit Protection, Over Current Protection and Over Power Protection, the ARCTIC C2 provides maximum safety to your valuable devices.

Porta-Charge USB Light

2008-10-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Computer USB Light from Porta-Charge is a neat little idea, combining a Goose-Neck flexible cable which can be attached to any powered USB port, and a bright LED light.

Ideally the computer USB Light is meant for use with a laptop, so you can position the light on the keyboard, but it does have many more uses.

Powered by the USB port, so no batteries needed.

Flexible power cord, allows the light to be positioned with ease, in any direction.

Cord coils up for easy portability.

Super Bright CLASS 1 LED.

This is an essential little item if you use a laptop, especially at night or in a dark area of a room.

Not such as an essential if you have a PC, unless you have USB ports on your Keyboard/Monitor, or a powered USB Hub nearby for you to put the Light into good use, as its not going to be much use under a desk, or table.

Works on Playstation II, and X-Box units with USB ports, which comes in handy for changing Games Discs, Memory Cards, etc., In a dark room.

Porta-Charge make many different items and can be found at; http://www.porta-charge.co.uk/

Zalman ZM-NB32J Northbridge Chipset Heatsink

2008-10-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

Zalman ZM-NB32J Northbridge Chipset Heatsink

This little golden coloured heatsink, is designed to be fitted onto the Northbridge chipset. It can also be used on other various chips, and chipsets, etc.

It can be used with chipsets, which have holes around the chipsets, and without.

The kit comes with accessories to fit both types; Bolts/Nuts/Links/Push Pins/Tapered Springs (Two Each), and also Thermal Adhesives.

Overall

The Zalman ZM-NB32J is a great little investment, its cheap, easy to fit, looks great, doesn’t create any noise whatsoever, and can basically be used on any chipset using the 2x Thermal Adhesives (A, B). Keep your system cool and

If you have an ECS K7S5A+ Motherboard, then you may of noticed that running your system at above the usual Front Side Bus settings, it sometimes hangs, locks up, etc.,

If you use this kit on the chipset it solves the problem altogether. It is tried and tested, and I have personally done it myself, and know for a fact that it does work.

Features

ZM-NB32J does not require a fan, thus it does not need to be powered, nor does it create noise or vibration.

The northbridge chipset can be cooled down to an optimal temperature without generation of noise.

Specifications

Dimensions: 37(L) x 37(W) x 32(H) mm
Weight: 36g
Material: Aluminum 6063T5

What’s Included

1x ZM-NB32J Heatsink
1x Supply of Thermal Grease
2x Thermal Adhesives (A, B)
Bolts/Nuts/Links/Push Pins/Tapered Springs (Two Each)

Zalman products can be found at; http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/main.asp

Bleu Jour Vis Gothic Thumbscrews

2008-10-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

Bleu Jour Vis Gothic Thumbscrews

These thumbscrews are available in two colours; Black and Silver.

They come in packs of 6x, and will put an unusual but stylish look to your custom PC set-up.
Large in size, which helps to tighten them, and undo them from your PC case.

The look and shape reminds me of something that would be to do with Warhammer stuff.

Overall they are cheap, look excellent, do a brilliant job, as well as giving your custom PC set-up a unique look.

Allowing you easy access inside and outside of your PC case.

Better still you could do a Gothic, LOTR, or similar type theme custom PC modified set-up.
Using these as a starting point.

You can find them at; http://www.bleujour.com/