Posted 03/30/2007 at 06:59:19pm

Hey Dave I can't help but wonder why heatsinks with excellent thermal resistance which, assuming they fit, should perform well, like Swiftech and Alpha Novatech rarely get reviewed anymore. I know they may be somewhat old-school in some ways but they have evolved just like everyone else at the very least in the performance department. I don't know if anyone has equalled Alpha's hi-tech octagonal pin manufacturing process so it isn't like they're ancient. I'm asking you about heatsinks because I've bought many and will likely buy more but I am also just curious in all hardware areas why it seems all but the mainstream companies get overlooked in magazines? Sometimes it even seems to carry over to the internet but at least there hardware sites review more than just Creative when it comes to sound cards , for example. What gives? Jimmy

Posted 03/30/2007 at 06:51:04pm

Hello The only power you have has already literally been spent. Companies see dollars as votes. Once you've spent your money with a company your importance to them is minimized in all but rare cases. Solution: Research first and buy hardware that IS supported for your favorite OS. Write the company from whom you bought and tell them why you bought it. Write other cmpanies that you didn't buy and tell them that you regrettably didn't buy their product because they don't supply or even modestly support Linux drivers for their products. Examples of Linux supported Hi Quality Soundcards M-Audio (home theater especially) ESi (check out Juli@) RME Hammerfall (big bucks pro stuff) You have to check the chipset for each model to be certain and you can look up support on http://www.alsa-project.org/ and select "soundcard list" Just plug in manufacturer and csee results for level of support. Also, most manufacturers have forums where one can beg and plead, but dollars work best. Like Dylan said, "Money doesn't talk, it swears!" Jimmy