Stories about: DFI

For years, Intel and AMD have been battling for predominance in the processor/chipset market. AMD's latest plan seems to be to push back on economic grounds -- to offer high-value budget chipsets targeted at the soon-to-be-released Windows 7 systems, and high-performance chipsets that are slightly slower, but much cheaper, than equivalent Intel products. And Intel is firing back.

Around 10 years ago the concept of an overclocked retail PC was something associated only with dodgy dealers looking to sell a slower CPU for a higher price. It was generally frowned upon by non-enthusiasts, as components weren't as reliable when overclocked as they are today (anyone remember the Kryotech machine that used a fridge to overclock an 800MHz AMD Athlon to 1GHz?). With the Core 2 Duo, though, it's possible to ship reliable factory-overclocked PCs. Altech is taking advantage of this to give its customers more value for their money.

DFI has created a motherboard that is suitable for enthusiasts as well as users who like to showcase their PC components. Indeed, if you have a windowed case and cold cathode lights, you can take advantage of the UV-reactant colours that the board offers and make your system stand-out like never before.

If you need a fast machine but don't want to spend a small fortune on a high-end model, then consider Plus Corporation's Aspect 3500, which is the most powerful mid-range PC we have seen to date.

In the April 2006 issue of PC World, available now: Get more out of your PC - Teach your old PC new tricks. Cutting it fine - Give your video footage the treatment it deserves. Built for speed - Make your ADSL2 connection run at warp speed. The Web just got wider - We test your mobile broadband options. A smart new Office - All about Microsoft's update to Office.
Plus, our regular sections: Industry news, Quick Takes, First Looks - the latest in hardware and software, reviewed, Best Buys charts - head-to-head comparisons at a glance detailing the latest and best PCs, notebooks, TV tuners, LCD monitors, DVD burners, high-end graphics cards, wireless routers and motherboards. Also, Here's How, Backbytes, Gadgets, games and Dr Backbytes' casts a quirky eye over what's new in high tech.

Best Buys report cards: Acer Aspire 5672WLMi, DFI LANParty UT NF4 SLI-DR Extreme, DViCO FusionHDTV DVB-T Hybrid, Plus Corporation Aspect 3500 and NetComm NB620W.

Best Buys PCs $1500-$3000 chart

PLUS, on the cover DVD: FULL report cards from all Best Buys categories; Free Full Versions: ACT 6, Hard Drive Washer, First Lessons for Electric Guitar. FREE GAME DEMO: Star Wars: Empire At War; trailers; Audio and video software; free graphics applications; Linux tools and Knoppix 4 Live CD; Repair Kit utilities; Essentials for your PC and Internet; Patches & Updates; HelpScreen, Here's How and Features software.

In the March 2003 issue of PC World, available now: DVD Superguide -- DVD drive buying guide + software reviews + step-by-step guides; How to fix the biggest PC annoyances; Surfing the radio waves -- Online stations or start your own; Web and You -- Info in your inbox: focus newsletters and mailing lists; In the Test Centre -- Motherboard Best Buys. 12 new boards tested, latest AMD and Intel chipsets. We show you how to upgrade and install a motherboard. PLUS: Best Buys reviews of PCs and Notebooks, and Sweet Spot.

PLUS on the TWO CDs:
Free software worth over $1200!
Free full version -- CodeWarrior Pro 7; Free full version -- PowerUp Deluxe 1.3; Landsat 7: Earth as art satellite images.

PC World Best Buys Motherboard chipset tables, Sweet Spot: Graphics cards and Motherboards.

Maximise Windows XP -- Get the most from the new OS; Video chat on the cheap; Motherboard superguide; Notebook special update; Right ways to protect your Net? LinuxWorld: Celebrate 10: A trip down Linux lane.
PLUS on the CD:
Free full working version of AVG 6 antivirus software; Born Free photograph library; Patches and updates (featuring a LogiTech special)...and $15,000 worth of prizes to be won!