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//ivy-bridge-cpu-buyers-guide.htm http://apcmag.com//ivy-bridge-cpu-buyers-guide.htm

Know which Ivy Bridge is the best value for gaming or video editing? Darren Yates benchmarks Intel’s third-generation Core i-series chips to find out.]]> Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:43:28 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-mulls-new-brand-for-super-low-power-processor.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-mulls-new-brand-for-super-low-power-processor.htm

Intel says its revolutionary next-gen processor could be used to debut an all-new brand name to slot in between the current Atom and Core families.]]> Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:00:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-ivy-bridge-just-one-month-away-today.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-ivy-bridge-just-one-month-away-today.htm

With reports that Intel's next-generation processor will become available on April 29 in both desktop and mobile PC variants, the wait (and delays) just might be over soon.]]> Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:28:59 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-in-2012-ivy-bridge-explained.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-in-2012-ivy-bridge-explained.htm

Using Intel’s own phraseology, its upcoming processor is neither a tick (a shrinking process of the previous design) or a tock (a major new architecture): it’s a tick plus.]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//overclocking-analysis-hands-on-with-sandy-bridge-e.htm http://apcmag.com//overclocking-analysis-hands-on-with-sandy-bridge-e.htm

Nothing pushes a new CPU to the limits harder than overclocking. We assess Intel’s new high-end Sandy Bridge-E processor line.]]> Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//extreme-cpu-at-an-extreme-price-intel-sandy-bridge-e-core-i7-3960x.htm http://apcmag.com//extreme-cpu-at-an-extreme-price-intel-sandy-bridge-e-core-i7-3960x.htm

Intel’s new Sandy Bridge-E processor tends to the extreme: in both performance and price.]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hands-on-with-amds-fx-series-processors.htm http://apcmag.com//hands-on-with-amds-fx-series-processors.htm

The Bulldozer's here, but is AMD's new platform better suited to a future when heavily threaded apps rule?]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//crank-up-an-intel-core-i5-2500k-to-4ghz-and-beyond.htm http://apcmag.com//crank-up-an-intel-core-i5-2500k-to-4ghz-and-beyond.htm

In part one we showed you how to upgrade your PC to an Intel Core i5 2500K processor - now we show you how to take advantage of its unlocked multiplier to crank the speed right up]]> Mon, 05 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ivy-bridge-10-years-of-intel-research-leads-to-worlds-first-3d-transistors.htm http://apcmag.com//ivy-bridge-10-years-of-intel-research-leads-to-worlds-first-3d-transistors.htm

Intel's revolutionary new 22nm transistor and Ivy Bridge CPU are breaking huge ground in performance and power efficiency for devices ranging from smartphones through to servers.]]> Fri, 06 May 2011 18:08:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//retail-survival-guide-how-to-spot-a-sandy-bridge-pc.htm http://apcmag.com//retail-survival-guide-how-to-spot-a-sandy-bridge-pc.htm

Heavily discounted notebooks with Intel first-generation Core processors are being sold alongside those with faster second-gen "Sandy Bridge" CPUs. How can you tell them apart?]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 19:18:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amds-fusion-dissected-e-c-and-a-series.htm http://apcmag.com//amds-fusion-dissected-e-c-and-a-series.htm

Nick Race takes the cover off the new high-end low end, as we compare performance and positioning within the Fusion family.]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd-fusion-the-nitty-gritty.htm http://apcmag.com//amd-fusion-the-nitty-gritty.htm

So what exactly is a Fusion APU, what’s getting fused, and what are the advantages to the end user? We have the low-down.]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//free-your-amd-how-to-overclock-amd-in-5-easy-steps.htm http://apcmag.com//free-your-amd-how-to-overclock-amd-in-5-easy-steps.htm

Is your AMD processor holding out on you? We show you how to make the most of your AMD Phenom II.]]> Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:33:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hot-under-the-collar-sandy-bridge-temperature-performance-claims-explained.htm http://apcmag.com//hot-under-the-collar-sandy-bridge-temperature-performance-claims-explained.htm

Do Intel's Sandy Bridge CPUs perform better when they're in a colder environment? That's the theory, and we put it to the test.]]> Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:56:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//retailers-and-manufacturers-move-to-address-cougar-point-glitch.htm http://apcmag.com//retailers-and-manufacturers-move-to-address-cougar-point-glitch.htm

Now that the chipset problem has been officially acknowledged by Intel, the rest of the industry is shifting into damage control mode in order to contain the repercussions.]]> Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:19:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-cougar-point-recall-what-we-know-so-far-whos-affected-and-how-bad-is-it.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-cougar-point-recall-what-we-know-so-far-whos-affected-and-how-bad-is-it.htm

The Sandy Bridge CPU rollout is about as big as tech launches get, but even Intel isn't safe from "early adopter syndrome", as the fallout over the Cougar Point glitch continues.]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:28:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//overclocking-101-our-step-by-step-guide-to-maximising-your-pcs-speed.htm http://apcmag.com//overclocking-101-our-step-by-step-guide-to-maximising-your-pcs-speed.htm

Is your processor holding out on you? We show how easy it is to overclock your i5 or i7 CPU with our easy-to-follow five-step guide.]]> Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:03:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-arm-eagle-chip-to-power-25ghz-smartphones.htm http://apcmag.com//new-arm-eagle-chip-to-power-25ghz-smartphones.htm

A new chip has been announced by ARM, providing desktop-PC levels of power for your smartphone.]]> Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:58:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-to-sell-unlocking-cards-to-add-features-to-your-cpu.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-to-sell-unlocking-cards-to-add-features-to-your-cpu.htm

Intel has started selling chips with features purposefully disabled so you can pay $50 and unlock them later if you want them.]]> Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:18:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//first-look-sandy-bridge-motherboards.htm http://apcmag.com//first-look-sandy-bridge-motherboards.htm

Intel has shown off some tiny mini-ITX motherboards compatible with Sandy Bridge CPUs, including a surprisingly thin cooling fan which should allow even smaller PCs. ]]> Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:13:00 +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//intel-takes-wraps-off-second-gen-core-processors.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-takes-wraps-off-second-gen-core-processors.htm

Thank god, they won't be called "Core 2 i5". They do have some cool new capabilities though.]]> Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:50:48 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-uses-itunes-and-soccer-for-performance-benchmarking.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-uses-itunes-and-soccer-for-performance-benchmarking.htm

CES 2010: Who needs a formal benchmark when Apple's software is available?]]> Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:24:00 +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//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//intel-shows-22nm-chips-for-the-first-time.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-shows-22nm-chips-for-the-first-time.htm

Two words, spoken with a strong John Cleese, bad French accent: "wafer-thin!!!"]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:20:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//netbooks-bigger-than-iphone-wii-intel.htm http://apcmag.com//netbooks-bigger-than-iphone-wii-intel.htm

IDF 2009 | Intel has unveiled a major shift away from PCs in the company's IDF conference in San Francisco. ]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:55:21 +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//picture-gallery-how-a-chip-is-made.htm http://apcmag.com//picture-gallery-how-a-chip-is-made.htm

Ever wondered how a chip is made? These amazing high-res images from Intel show the process step-by-step.]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:36:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linux-notebooks-with-arm-hardware-seen-at-computex.htm http://apcmag.com//linux-notebooks-with-arm-hardware-seen-at-computex.htm

COMPUTEX | Freescale and Qualcomm have coined the term smartbook to describe Linux+ARM systems, ditching Atom+Windows for good.]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nvidia-tegra-hd-video-playback-under-1watt.htm http://apcmag.com//nvidia-tegra-hd-video-playback-under-1watt.htm

COMPUTEX | NVIDIA is taking it to Intel, with an Atom-smashing CPU for smartphones and netbooks that sips less than 1W power.]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:16:08 +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//-quad-core-macbooks-on-their-way.htm http://apcmag.com//-quad-core-macbooks-on-their-way.htm

Intel has announced its intent to release the next generation Calpella notebook platform to its partners, which can only mean one thing...]]> Tue, 19 May 2009 23:44:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-talks-notebook-and-netbook-roadmap.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-talks-notebook-and-netbook-roadmap.htm

Intel Atom N270 to get replaced in September, while N280 may be pulled from market early.]]> Thu, 14 May 2009 16:05:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd-lawyer-claims-intel-wants-them-dead.htm http://apcmag.com//amd-lawyer-claims-intel-wants-them-dead.htm

Companies will constantly battle over patent issues, agreement breaches, and anything which allows them to collect a higher profit. This time it is Intel and AMD.]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//inside-intels-smartphone-superchip.htm http://apcmag.com//inside-intels-smartphone-superchip.htm

With the second-gen Atom ‘Moorestown’ platform, Intel wants to do for smartphones what the original Atom did for netbooks...]]> Thu, 26 Feb 2009 07:29:02 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_profit_down_90_closing_five_factories.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_profit_down_90_closing_five_factories.htm

Here's a true measure of the economic crisis: Intel, which has a near monopoly on production of CPUs, struggled to make any money at all in its last quarter.]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:33:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_preps_core_2_duo_ultra.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_preps_core_2_duo_ultra.htm

Cut-down and cut-priced Core 2 Duo set to bring MacBook Air-style notebooks to the Windows mainstream.]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd_aims_new_neo_processor_at_thinandlight_ultraportables.htm http://apcmag.com//amd_aims_new_neo_processor_at_thinandlight_ultraportables.htm

What’s bigger than a netbook but slimmer than most notebooks? AMD wants the answer to be a fleet of new ultra-portables built around its Neo processor and ATI Radeon graphics.]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple_prepping_a_quadcore_macbook_pro.htm http://apcmag.com//apple_prepping_a_quadcore_macbook_pro.htm

Just one week ahead of Macworld, Intel quietly slips a low-cost quad-core processor into its mobile line-up. Is this the powerplant for Apple’s new unibody 17 inch MacBook Pro?]]> Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:37:33 +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//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_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//atom_goes_dualcore.htm http://apcmag.com//atom_goes_dualcore.htm

The pint-sized processor moves into multicore mode for low-cost desktops and a supercharged Eee PC netbook!]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_atom_inside_the_iphone_in_2010.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_atom_inside_the_iphone_in_2010.htm

Intel is working on slotting a third-gen Atom processor into the Apple iPhone.]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd_first_to_market_with_nextgen_server_cpus.htm http://apcmag.com//amd_first_to_market_with_nextgen_server_cpus.htm

AMD is planning to gatecrash Intel's Nehalem party with a performance-beating CPU]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:00:00 +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 http://apcmag.com//opteron_faster_than_intel_xeon_for_web_servers.htm http://apcmag.com//opteron_faster_than_intel_xeon_for_web_servers.htm

In a result which will cause arch-rival Intel much anguish, AMD has taken pole position in the key web serving speed benchmark.]]> Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_set_to_unleash_dualcore_atom.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_set_to_unleash_dualcore_atom.htm

The pint-sized processor shifts to a dual-core design intended for mini-notes and a new breed of desktops]]> Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:34:11 +1000 http://apcmag.com//centrino_2_takes_aim_at_gamers_and_globetrotters.htm http://apcmag.com//centrino_2_takes_aim_at_gamers_and_globetrotters.htm

Intel launches its radically overhauled fifth-gen Centrino 2 platform, and notebooks ranging from superslabs to super-slim are heading our way ]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:20:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//centrino_2_set_for_liftoff_next_week.htm http://apcmag.com//centrino_2_set_for_liftoff_next_week.htm

Intel’s fifth-gen Centrino platform is ready to take flight, with a raft of new notebooks lined up on the launchpad.]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//via_nano_officially_launched.htm http://apcmag.com//via_nano_officially_launched.htm

Good things come in small packages: a third CPU manufacturer has released a super-tiny, super-efficient CPU for Eee-style PCs.]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//centrino_2s_fast_performance_doesnt_help_with_delayed_launch.htm http://apcmag.com//centrino_2s_fast_performance_doesnt_help_with_delayed_launch.htm

Intel Australia confirms impending launch delayed due to "minor problem".]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_cooks_up_nine_montevinaclass_mobile_chips.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_cooks_up_nine_montevinaclass_mobile_chips.htm

3GHz quad-core Extreme superslab and three ‘small package’ sub-note versions arrive mid-July, ahead of the full Centrino 2 tech set in August.]]> Wed, 28 May 2008 17:37:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_preps_atom_for_launch_next_month.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_preps_atom_for_launch_next_month.htm

Atom hits the catwalk at next week’s Computex, but AMD and VIA plan to crash the party.]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 06:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_servers_get_desktop_tech_intel_desktop_gets_price_slash.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_servers_get_desktop_tech_intel_desktop_gets_price_slash.htm

Itanium finally hits four cores on the one die, while the desktop processors are set to hit prices to die for.]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nvidia_says_imbalance_between_cpu_and_gpu_is_obscene.htm http://apcmag.com//nvidia_says_imbalance_between_cpu_and_gpu_is_obscene.htm

NVIDIA has comes out swinging yet again in a tirade against its soon-to-be multicore GPU competitor, Intel.]]> Thu, 15 May 2008 20:33:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd_explains_its_strategy_for_coming_back.htm http://apcmag.com//amd_explains_its_strategy_for_coming_back.htm

Where does AMD fit in a world where Intel has the top performing CPUs? Very snugly, as it turns out. AMD's communications chief, Chris Hook answered APC's questions.]]> Wed, 14 May 2008 23:10:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//amd_puma_pads_softly_into_100_notebooks.htm http://apcmag.com//amd_puma_pads_softly_into_100_notebooks.htm

AMD's new notebook platform is nearly ready to pounce on Intel, with some amazing capabilities built in.]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 18:23:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_slashes_quadcore_chip_prices_by_50_per_cent.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_slashes_quadcore_chip_prices_by_50_per_cent.htm

That multi-core PC you’ve had your eye on is about to get cheaper, thanks to some unexpectedly large price cuts by chip giant Intel. ]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:47:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//calpella_intels_nextgen_pc_platform_revealed.htm http://apcmag.com//calpella_intels_nextgen_pc_platform_revealed.htm

IDF Shanghai | Intel dropped a few choice details of its next-next-gen PC platform today. (Yep, that’s next-next-gen).]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:52:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//we_can_transform_single_thread_to_multithread_intel.htm http://apcmag.com//we_can_transform_single_thread_to_multithread_intel.htm

IDF Shanghai | So you think parallel programming is a drag, huh? "Let us recompile your app to take advantage of all those cores", says Intel. Plus heaps of other juicy new stuff.]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:53:10 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_harpertown_xeon_x5472.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_harpertown_xeon_x5472.htm

We’ve been talking about Intel’s switch to 45nm process technology and the Penryn processors for a long time here at APC. After all those words, we finally have them in hand. The replacement (quite soon, I must add) for the Clovertown Xeon processors (which impressed us in APC June, page 32) is the new Harpertown Xeon processors, and there’s plenty going on under the hood.]]> Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:27:24 +1000