Posted 08/09/08 at 05:01:53 PM by Justin Kerr

When Windows Vista launched back in January 2007, the 64-bit edition was clearly not ready for primetime. The driver and compatibility issues that mired the early days of the OS were even worse on the 64-bit side, and for most users Vista x64 was completely crippled or in some cases, wouldn’t install at all. Hardware manufacturers struggled to release stable device drivers but because 32-bit and 64-bit editions both required radically different drivers, Vista x64 just wasn’t a priority. Coming up on two years later, 32-bit Vista’s issues seem to have calmed down, but what about Vista x64? Well according to Microsoft, usage of the niche OS is on the rise, but is it finally ready for prime time?

Click the jump to learn all about Vista 64 and what you need to know before you consider switching.

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9

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vista, windows, operating system, Software, games for windows, SP1, 64-bit, performance

Posted 08/06/08 at 02:08:27 PM by Paul Lilly

AMD knows it doesn't have a processor line capable of competing with Intel's Core 2 architecture clock for clock, so instead the chipmaker looks to push a new chipset that promises improved overclocking performance. The new 790GX chipset is intended to target the "performance" gaming community, filling the spot just below its 790FX, which hones in on the ultra-enthusiast market.

According to AMD, the 790GX makes it possible to "shift your system performance into next gear with Advanced Clock Calibration that allows you to get the highest overclocking out of your AMD Phenom CPUs." To illustrate the effect, AMD uses a graph showing a 2.5GHz Phenom topping out at 3.0GHz with "standard overclocking," but jumping to 3.2GHZ and beyond with its Advanced Clock Calibration.

Hardcore gamers are likely to be turned off by the 790GX's integrated Radeon HD 3300 graphics and will opt to add in a discrete GPU solution. By doing so, gamers can take advantage of ATI's Hybrid Graphics technology and utilize both GPUs at the same time.

AMD also looks to push the budget angle, pointing out that gamers can pair a quad-core X4 9850 Phenom with a 790GX-based motherboard for $355, or $90 less than a comparable Intel rig sporting a quad-core Q9300 slapped on a P45-based motherboard.

Does AMD have a winner on its hands with the 790GX?

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amd, processor, motherboard, hardware, chipset, performance, build a pc, 790GX

Posted 06/01/04 at 12:00:00 AM by The Maximum PC Staff

In the PDF archive of the June 2004 issue, you can find:

• Speed Matters
• Power Supply Primer
• Geek Quiz
• Awesome Game Reviews, including Unreal Tournament 2004 and Far Cry!
• Ask the Doctor
• Rig of the Month
• The Watchdog
• And a whole lot more!

Click the flippin sweet cover image to the right to download the PDF archive today!

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Unreal Tournament, speed, geek quiz, pdf archive, 2004, june 2004, power suppl*, far cry, performance