http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-looking-for-the-best-17-inch-desktop-replacement.htm http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-looking-for-the-best-17-inch-desktop-replacement.htm

Sandy Bridge CPUs have made the contest between Macs & PCs that much more heated. Today we’re seeing which camp offers the best supersized 17-inch model to replace your desktop PC.]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 16:06:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-who-does-the-best-core-i7-grunt-in-only-13-inches.htm http://apcmag.com//mac-vs-pc-2011-who-does-the-best-core-i7-grunt-in-only-13-inches.htm

With Sandy Bridge levelling the playing field, competition between Mac & PC is again on a knife edge. Today we're searching for the best Sandy Bridge Core i7 ultraportable.]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:51:03 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-shows-sandy-bridge-cpu-at-49ghz.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-shows-sandy-bridge-cpu-at-49ghz.htm

Intel has demonstrated one of its new Sandy Bridge enthusiast desktop CPUs overclocked to 4.9GHz, with air-cooling only.]]> Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:49:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sandy-bridge-cpus-can-turbo-boost-all-four-cores.htm http://apcmag.com//sandy-bridge-cpus-can-turbo-boost-all-four-cores.htm

Intel's new "Second Generation Core Processors" -- codenamed Sandy Bridge -- can bump up the clock speed on all the cores, not just one.]]> Tue, 14 Sep 2010 05:28:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-upgrades-imac-to-core-2010-with-ati-hd-graphics.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-upgrades-imac-to-core-2010-with-ati-hd-graphics.htm

Intel’s Core 2 Duo chips and integrated Nvidia graphics make way for Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 powerplants and ATI Radeon HD across the board.]]> Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:22:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-mobile-cpu-roadmap-reveals-revved-up-core-i7-laptops.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-mobile-cpu-roadmap-reveals-revved-up-core-i7-laptops.htm

Leaked slides from Intel’s mobile processor roadmap show the Core i7 remains star of the show, hitting 2.8GHz in a standard dual-core chassis and 1.46GHz in ULV versions.]]> Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:25:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//up-next-for-apple-new-macbook-and-macbook-air.htm http://apcmag.com//up-next-for-apple-new-macbook-and-macbook-air.htm

Apple’s cheapest and sleekest laptops are both due for an upgrade, with the budget-priced MacBook first cab off the rank...]]> Tue, 18 May 2010 09:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd-releases-six-core-desktop-cpu-from-a255.htm http://apcmag.com//amd-releases-six-core-desktop-cpu-from-a255.htm

Phenom II X6 ‘Thuban’ superslabs run six cores at 2.8GHz or 3.2GHz, with ‘Turbo Core’ boost to redline at 3.3GHz and 3.6GHz.]]> Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:02:03 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nvidia-slams-intel-for-chipset-lockout-on-core-processors.htm http://apcmag.com//nvidia-slams-intel-for-chipset-lockout-on-core-processors.htm

Talking up Web video and photo editing as apps which benefit from better graphics, Nvidia slams Intel’s decision to block graphics-tuned chipsets from the latest Core processors.]]> Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//back-to-boom-times-for-the-pc.htm http://apcmag.com//back-to-boom-times-for-the-pc.htm

Global PC shipments jumped by 24% in the first quarter of the year, with 79 million desktops, notebooks and netbooks sold around the world.]]> Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//so-you-bought-a-macbook-pro-last-week-and-now-its-the-old-model.htm http://apcmag.com//so-you-bought-a-macbook-pro-last-week-and-now-its-the-old-model.htm

If your just-purchased Apple notebook was superceded by today’s MacBook Pro refresh, here’s how to swap your ‘new old’ MacBook Pro for a totally 'new new' one.]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:16:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-preps-new-sandy-bridge-processor-wave-for-core-2011.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-preps-new-sandy-bridge-processor-wave-for-core-2011.htm

All-new 32nm design will replace the Nehalem microarchitecture for desktops and laptops in Intel’s Core 2011 processor launch.]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:06:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-apple-macbook-pro-notebooks-get-core-i5-and-core-i7-chips.htm http://apcmag.com//new-apple-macbook-pro-notebooks-get-core-i5-and-core-i7-chips.htm

Apple’s update to the MacBook Pro family introduces Intel’s latest Core i5 and Core i7 processors, souped-up switchable graphics, up to 10 hours battery life – and a price cut!]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:12:58 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-ups-the-core-count.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-ups-the-core-count.htm

Today’s launch of the Nehalem EX-based Xeon series introduces the chipmaker’s first eight-core processor, and foretells a push beyond quad-core in the mainstream space.]]> Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:18:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-set-to-release-mac-pro-running-six-core-intel-core-i7.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-set-to-release-mac-pro-running-six-core-intel-core-i7.htm

Now that Intel has launched its Core i7-980 Extreme Edition six-core processor, will next week see a supercharged Mac Pro desktop to go with it?]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-six-core-desktop-core-i7-gulftown-chip-ready-to-rumble.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-six-core-desktop-core-i7-gulftown-chip-ready-to-rumble.htm Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:43:58 +1000 http://apcmag.com//carbon-fiber-vaio-z-notebooks-unveiled.htm http://apcmag.com//carbon-fiber-vaio-z-notebooks-unveiled.htm

Sony packs serious hardware into a lightweight ultraportable chassis.]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//asus-reveals-f117-inspired-g73jh-gamign-notebook.htm http://apcmag.com//asus-reveals-f117-inspired-g73jh-gamign-notebook.htm

Asus crams high-end hardware into a decently priced gaming machine.]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//lenovo-updates-t410s-t410-t510-and-w510-notebooks.htm http://apcmag.com//lenovo-updates-t410s-t410-t510-and-w510-notebooks.htm

Lenovo updates notebooks with faster CPUs and graphics.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//pentium-and-celeron-were-not-dead-yet.htm http://apcmag.com//pentium-and-celeron-were-not-dead-yet.htm

Intel’s hot-to-trot Core brands are getting all the attention at this week’s launch, but there’s also a 32nm Westmere-class Pentium on the menu.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:15:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-intels-32nm-chips-fit-into-apples-next-gen-macs.htm http://apcmag.com//how-intels-32nm-chips-fit-into-apples-next-gen-macs.htm

From the muscle-bound Mac Pro to the seductively slim MacBook Air, here’s how Intel’s new 2010 processors line up against Apple’s likely next-gen releases.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:06:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-mobile-mania-eleven-notebook-chips-in-new-32nm-line.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-mobile-mania-eleven-notebook-chips-in-new-32nm-line.htm

Notebooks sporting Intel’s first 32nm chips will go on sale from January 17th, with processors ranging from basic Core i3 to powerhouse Core i7.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:04:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//first-core-i3-chips-land-for-desktops-and-notebooks.htm http://apcmag.com//first-core-i3-chips-land-for-desktops-and-notebooks.htm

Intel’s new entry-level processor finally makes its debut, completing the 'good-better-best' lineup beneath the Core i5 and Core i7.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:02:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-next-leap-32nm-westmere-system-on-a-chip-arrives.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-next-leap-32nm-westmere-system-on-a-chip-arrives.htm

Today’s 2010 launch for Intel pushes the next-generation 32nm Westmere architecture into the spotlight with desktop and notebook processors for Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:01:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-launches-17-new-chips-in-2010-core-line-up.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-launches-17-new-chips-in-2010-core-line-up.htm

Microsoft may have abandoned year-based versioning for Windows but Intel has picked up the baton to unveil its “all-new 2010 Intel Core processor family”.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-readies-six-core-core-i7-extreme-will-it-nudge-4ghz.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-readies-six-core-core-i7-extreme-will-it-nudge-4ghz.htm

A leaked Intel desktop roadmap for 2010 reveals the rumoured ‘Core i9’ six-core superslab to be a ‘Black Label’ Extreme Edition of the Core i7 set for launch by March 2010.]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:40:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-says-no-to-mobile-core-i7-and-i5-cpus-with-integrated-graphics.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-says-no-to-mobile-core-i7-and-i5-cpus-with-integrated-graphics.htm

Apple wants custom version of new CPUs with no graphics.]]> Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//up-next-for-intel-core-i9-superslab.htm http://apcmag.com//up-next-for-intel-core-i9-superslab.htm

Tests of Intel’s unreleased ‘Gulftown’ six-core 32nm CPU indicate a fire-breathing processor which could find its way into high-end desktops such as the next-gen Mac Pro.]]> Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//lenovo-adds-two-new-notebooks-and-one-new-aio-to-its-lineup.htm http://apcmag.com//lenovo-adds-two-new-notebooks-and-one-new-aio-to-its-lineup.htm

Lenovo has unveiled a hot new Core 2 Quad iMac competitor, plus its first Core i7 notebooks.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:40:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-looks-beyond-silicon-for-processors-past-2017.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-looks-beyond-silicon-for-processors-past-2017.htm

Intel CEO Paul Otellini says that silicon will last for three more generations of processors, when it will be replaced by a new and “very cool” base material.]]> Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:45:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//alienware-to-launch-core-i7-desktops-laptops-this-week.htm http://apcmag.com//alienware-to-launch-core-i7-desktops-laptops-this-week.htm

Dell’s ‘extreme gaming’ brand will make its mark in Australia this week with the launch of new Core i7-based rigs. Let’s just hope the strong Aussie dollar keeps prices sane...]]> Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:35:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-imac-apple-boosts-speed-slashes-prices.htm http://apcmag.com//new-imac-apple-boosts-speed-slashes-prices.htm

The new iMacs sport more than just widescreen HD panels and a sleek new look: they pack Core i5 and Core i7 processors, yet start $400 cheaper.]]> Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:26:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//next-gen-mac-pro-desktop-to-get-core-i9-six-core-cpu.htm http://apcmag.com//next-gen-mac-pro-desktop-to-get-core-i9-six-core-cpu.htm

The rumour mill is spinning up for Apple’s early 2010 releases, with suggestions that a new Mac Pro desktop will mark the debut of Intel’s six-core Xeon ‘Core i9’ superslab.]]> Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:32:48 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-imac-to-get-core-i5-or-core-i7-quad-core-powerplant.htm http://apcmag.com//new-imac-to-get-core-i5-or-core-i7-quad-core-powerplant.htm

Apple is primed to launch a revamped iMac in the coming weeks, and the latest reports suggest a quad-core processor might find its way into the slim aluminium chassis.]]> Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:49:23 +1000 http://apcmag.com//asus-unveils-quad-core-core-i7-notebooks-for-gaming-and-multimedia.htm http://apcmag.com//asus-unveils-quad-core-core-i7-notebooks-for-gaming-and-multimedia.htm

Intel’s newest Core i7 quad-core notebook chip is barely out of the oven but Asus is already serving it up in a pair of 16 inch mobile monsters which redline at 2.8GHz.]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:57:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//quadcore-i7-notebook-cpu-ramps-up-to-32ghz.htm http://apcmag.com//quadcore-i7-notebook-cpu-ramps-up-to-32ghz.htm

Intel has officially announced its long awaited "Clarksfield" quad-core notebook CPU, with the ability to automatically overclock to 3.2GHz.]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:28:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hp-envy-notebooks-revealed.htm http://apcmag.com//hp-envy-notebooks-revealed.htm

HP has a serious case of Mac envy with its latest notebooks.]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd-debuts-us99-quad-core-cpu.htm http://apcmag.com//amd-debuts-us99-quad-core-cpu.htm

With its US$99 Athlon II X4, AMD seeks to change the price-performance ratio for desktop PCs.]]> Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:16:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hp-takes-on-macbook-pro-with-slim-envy-13-and-quad-core-envy-15-notebooks.htm http://apcmag.com//hp-takes-on-macbook-pro-with-slim-envy-13-and-quad-core-envy-15-notebooks.htm

This looks like the closest any Windows notebook has come to emulating the design aesthetic of Apple’s MacBook Pro line, but we're not so sure about the lack of DVD drives...]]> Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:44:26 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dell-offers-up-powerful-studio-xps-8000-and-9000-desktops.htm http://apcmag.com//dell-offers-up-powerful-studio-xps-8000-and-9000-desktops.htm

New desktop computer form Dell offer Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors with a number of graphics options.]]> Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//kingston-offers-2133mhz-ram-for-intel-core-i5i7-cpus.htm http://apcmag.com//kingston-offers-2133mhz-ram-for-intel-core-i5i7-cpus.htm

New Kingston RAM is perfect for enthusiast PC running Intel Core i7 or Core i5 CPUs.]]> Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-confirms-core-i3-as-entry-level-nehalem-chip.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-confirms-core-i3-as-entry-level-nehalem-chip.htm

The industry’s worst-kept secret becomes official as Intel reveals the Core i3 processor, due for release in early 2010, as its ‘entry-level’ CPU built on the Nehalem architecture.]]> Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:45:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-launches-first-core-i5-chips-cheaper-core-i7-cpus.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-launches-first-core-i5-chips-cheaper-core-i7-cpus.htm

The powerful ‘Nehalem’ microarchitecture moves into the mainstream with the Core i5-750, a 2.6GHz quad-core which can throttle up to 3.2GHz in single-core ‘Turbo’ mode.]]> Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:20:29 +1000 http://apcmag.com//core-i5-desktop-tag-team.htm http://apcmag.com//core-i5-desktop-tag-team.htm

Intel’s ‘Desktop 2010’ roadmap kicks off with its first 32nm processor headed for mainstream desktop PCs rather than high-end systems.]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:26:10 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-struts-its-stuff-with-8-core-nehalem-ex.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-struts-its-stuff-with-8-core-nehalem-ex.htm

At this week’s Computex techfest Intel will showcase a V8 version of its Nehalem server chip runs sixteen threads backed by 24MB of cache, plus two top-end Core i7 superslabs.]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-to-debut-quad-core-core-i5-this-week.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-to-debut-quad-core-core-i5-this-week.htm

Core i5-ready motherboards will be on show at this week’s Computex expo, but is Intel ready to launch its mainstream Nehalem CPU?]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//smooth-creations-wedges-desktop-high-end-cpus-into-notebook.htm http://apcmag.com//smooth-creations-wedges-desktop-high-end-cpus-into-notebook.htm

Smooth Creations' mobile work stations offer power that most desktops can only dream of.]]> Fri, 08 May 2009 10:39:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dell-whips-out-xps-435-desktop-comptuer.htm http://apcmag.com//dell-whips-out-xps-435-desktop-comptuer.htm

We know a gaming PC when we see one.]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:55:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sticky-intel-badges-get-new-look-are-still-a-btch-to-remove.htm http://apcmag.com//sticky-intel-badges-get-new-look-are-still-a-btch-to-remove.htm

The new design reveals a peek at the processor die to remind PC buyers what ‘Intel inside’ actually means.]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:50:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//is_intels_ticktock_clock_running_slow.htm http://apcmag.com//is_intels_ticktock_clock_running_slow.htm

Intel’s all-new Nehalem micro-architecture has made its debut, but we won’t see mainstream desktop or notebook processors until this time next year.]]> Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd_preps_45nm_quadcore_phenom_ii_chip_for_dragon_desktop_platform.htm http://apcmag.com//amd_preps_45nm_quadcore_phenom_ii_chip_for_dragon_desktop_platform.htm

The second-gen Phenom X4 will arrive in fire-breathing gaming systems with speeds to 3GHz and up to 6MB of Level 3 cache.]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//first_look_intel_core_i7_and_x58_express_chipset.htm http://apcmag.com//first_look_intel_core_i7_and_x58_express_chipset.htm

This smoking new CPU from Intel does away with Frontside Bus altogether and brings a technology back from the dead. ]]> Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_details_centrino_roadmap_for_2009.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_details_centrino_roadmap_for_2009.htm

Notebooks will get a mid-year refresh before shifting to the sixth-gen Centrino platform based on the all-new Nehalem microarchitecture]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_lays_out_nehalem_roadmap.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_lays_out_nehalem_roadmap.htm

Single cores bite the dust as Intel’s first true multicore processor hits the launchpad with up to six cores plus an enhanced ‘Turbo’ speed-boost mode.]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nextgen_intel_chips_branded_core_i7.htm http://apcmag.com//nextgen_intel_chips_branded_core_i7.htm

Intel moves into the multicore era of its forthcoming Nehalem architecture with the new ‘Core i7’ processor brand]]> Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:00:00 +1000