HOW TO: Downgrade iPhone 3Gs From Firmware 3.1.3 to 3.1.2
HOW TO: Downgrade iPhone 3Gs From Firmware 3.1.3 to 3.1.2
Credits to the author soH20 from Xsellize.com
Take From Here
Apple and the iPhone evolved a lot in the past couple of years and they learned a couple of things when it comes to software protection against jailbreaking.
iPhone 3GS have to communicate with Apple’s servers before allowing the installation of any version of firmware (restore or update ) .With the release of Firmware 3.1.3, Apple’s server has stopped certifying all previous firmware and this makes it impossible to restore your device to a previous release. The certification is done through 3 files called IBSS, IBEC and ECID that, once signed, are a kind of “green light” to install the firmware through iTunes.
IBSS and IBEC files are generated during a firmware restore in iTunes and placed into a temporary folder on your computer. You will have no problem on retrieving this files, but the missing piece of this puzzle is the ECID file that Apple doesn’t allow you to retrieve.
NOTE: this tutorial is aimed ONLY to iPhone 3Gs users that have saved their ECID file through Cydia. If you are not sure about saving your ECID file throught Cydia, than load Cydia and on the homepage check if you see this message: This iPhone 3Gs has an ECID SHSH on file.
How To Downgrade iPhone 3Gs from Firmware 3.1.3 to 3.1.2
1. find a file called “hosts” that manages connections to the servers:
* Windows: go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ and use a text editor to open the file “hosts”
* Mac: open a terminal an type sudo /Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/TextEdit /etc/hosts
2. At this point we connect the server address to the IP address that corresponds to Saurik’s server instead of Apple. This way we can trick iTunes anxious to check the firmware saved through Cydia. To do this just copy this string and add it to the end of the file “hosts” that we have just opened: 74.208.105.171 gs.apple.com
2.1 Save the file. Do NOT do a “Save As”. Close the file.
2.3 In a new terminal window, paste in: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache .Hit return and type in your admin password.
3. Now you can step into the real downgrade process of your iPhone 3Gs, but it will not be as easy as the previous times. First of all you need to put the iPhone in DFU then: Plug it into your computer and simultaneously press the Home key and the Power button for 10 seconds exactly, after issuing only the power button and continue to click on Home until iTunes will not recognized a new device in recovery mode.
4. Your iPhone should have a full black screen and NOT the screen with iTunes icon and the cable. Many people confuse it with the DFU recovery mode but they are two very different processes, so before you continue, make sure you have the screen all black.
5. Now click on the ALT key (MAC) / SHIFT (Windows) of the keyboard and the button “Restore” in iTunes, select the firmware 3.1.2 and wait.
NOTE1: During recovery you may experience various errors.
NOTE2: If you get ” unknown error (3002) ” error, you ddidn’t save your ECID on Saurik’s server and pretty much the downgrade cant take place. Luckily it was found an exploit in iPhone FW 3.1 and with a little bit of patience you might be able to perform the jailbreak directly on iPhone Firmware 3.1
NOTE3: If you will get this error: ” The iPhone “iPhone” could not be restored. An unknown error occured (1015) ” , accept it, and re-do the entire process. ( put the iPhone into DFU mode, select iPhone FW 3.0 and wait ). The process will fail again and iTunes will return the same message as before “The iPhone” iPhone “could not be restored. An unknown error occurred (1015).Do not panic because it’s completely normal.
To resolve this situation can proceed in two ways: The first relates to Mac users and is using iRecovery ( Mac and Windows ) to reboot the device, it will re-ignite in normal mode, the second title is “universal” because it works on both Windows and Mac and is ignoring the ‘error, continuing to work normally. Therefore, there can only start and run a regular Redsn0w Jailbreak Firmware 3.0
You’re done. Now you are back on iPhone OS 3.1.2 and can jailbreak your iPhone. Of course, those of you that depend on unlocking the iPhone, you are screwed anyway, because by updating to 3.1.3 in the first place, you updated your baseband.
Go to Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mytechisland/~3/28GOHo3ETzU/how-to-downgrade-iphone-3gs-from.html
Iphone Seidio Innocase + Belt Holster Como- Served on a sizzling plate
First off I would like to thank Mr. Jun Osmena for this case. He gave it me. I love it and Needed it badly since I broke my Tunewear holster. I live putting my phone on the belt especially during office hours. In fact the only time I don’t put it on my belt is when I got to parties or clubs with the gang. I don’t think you would want it there when you get drunk, it’d be safer in your pocket. This is one of the thing’s that makes a case like this unique. It gives you a case to do just so, put it in your pocket and protecting it there and the option to Holster it on your belt.
The Belt holster which is the reason I wanted to Get Seidio in the first place. I think Seidio has the best Holster In the market. The only one with a protective lock on the top to make sure your Iphone doesn’t slip out accidentally like what happened to me on my tunewear.
This holster shifts from landscape and portait mode easily and because of the lock, you are safe whichever way you choose to have it.
As you notice there is a big sign in the middle which says “Device Face In Design” This ensures your screen is protected at all times while your Iphone is attached. And believe me, no matter how careful you are there are will be lots of accidental hammer like bumps while you have your Iphone on your belt.
One thing I miss though on my tunewear is the ability to put your phone facing out, and then converting your holster into a table stand which allows you to watch videos on the desk. This function would have been a must have and would have made this case one of the best out there. THE GOOD NEWS is that I tried fitting my Iphone+tunewear case on the holster and it FITS!!! So on certain occasions that I really plan to watch movies on the phone, I can put on the Tunewear case and bring my busted tunewear holster (coz it still works as stand) with me.
The Case is two piece case. This allows for an easier on and off action on the Iphone. Also, you can remove the bottom part to make it fit Apples Iphone Docking station. Seidio also sells their own docking station which will fit the Iphone with the Innocase on. Unfortunately we don’t have that right now to test with.
As you can clearly see from the above pictures. Like my Tunewear case, it has a hole to show off the Apple Logo. I don’t think this was necessary, but the good thing though is they placed a protective layer of film on it. As you can see from my pic below, there is a reflection of my window blinds on the film.
Since the only way to but this iphone with the Seidio Innocase on the Seidio Belt Ciip is inwards (to protect the screen) People will clearly see you have an Apple Iphone on you! Bragging rights?
The inner part of the case sports a protected layer that prevents the Iphone from getting scratched while you put it on or take it off the case. The problem though is because of this, Most, if not all, screen protectors tend to bubble at the edges when you put this case on. It is just a micro MM too tight! I ruined my screen protector while putting this on. Later, I will have to go and get me a new screen protector and trim at least 1mm off the edges all around it and make sure that when I put it on the screen, I place it inwards creating about a 1mm boarder of unprotected iphone screen. This will prevent the case from squeezing the screen protector which causes it to bubble.
The case is very protective, unlike my light and thin tunewear which Stongly Clings to the iphone which is what make it thin and light, there is just less of it.
It has provision openings for all the ports you need.
Camera, Volume, Power & Headphones at the top, docking port at the bottom and as I mentioned earlier, the Iphone Logo at the back.
All in all, I love this case. It could do with some additions like the Converting into a stand for video playback, and making it more Screen Protector Friendly.
Seidio Innocase = 8/10 Techisland Coconuts.
Seidio Holster = 10/10 Techisland Cocunits.
Now you know, now you TECH KNOW.
Go to Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mytechisland/~3/Xx54EmToXC0/iphon-seidio-innocase-belt-holster-como.html
Iphon Seidio Innocase + Belt Holster Como- Served on a sizzling plate
First off I would like to thank Mr. Jun Osmena for this case. He gave it me. I love it and Needed it badly since I broke my Tunewear holster. I live putting my phone on the belt especially during office hours. In fact the only time I don’t put it on my belt is when I got to parties or clubs with the gang. I don’t think you would want it there when you get drunk, it’d be safer in your pocket. This is one of the thing’s that makes a case like this unique. It gives you a case to do just so, put it in your pocket and protecting it there and the option to Holster it on your belt.
The Belt holster which is the reason I wanted to Get Seidio in the first place. I think Seidio has the best Holster In the market. The only one with a protective lock on the top to make sure your Iphone doesn’t slip out accidentally like what happened to me on my tunewear.
This holster shifts from landscape and portait mode easily and because of the lock, you are safe whichever way you choose to have it.
As you notice there is a big sign in the middle which says “Device Face In Design” This ensures your screen is protected at all times while your Iphone is attached. And believe me, no matter how careful you are there are will be lots of accidental hammer like bumps while you have your Iphone on your belt.
One thing I miss though on my tunewear is the ability to put your phone facing out, and then converting your holster into a table stand which allows you to watch videos on the desk. This function would have been a must have and would have made this case one of the best out there. THE GOOD NEWS is that I tried fitting my Iphone+tunewear case on the holster and it FITS!!! So on certain occasions that I really plan to watch movies on the phone, I can put on the Tunewear case and bring my busted tunewear holster (coz it still works as stand) with me.
The Case is two piece case. This allows for an easier on and off action on the Iphone. Also, you can remove the bottom part to make it fit Apples Iphone Docking station. Seidio also sells their own docking station which will fit the Iphone with the Innocase on. Unfortunately we don’t have that right now to test with.
As you can clearly see from the above pictures. Like my Tunewear case, it has a hole to show off the Apple Logo. I don’t think this was necessary, but the good thing though is they placed a protective layer of film on it. As you can see from my pic below, there is a reflection of my window blinds on the film.
Since the only way to but this iphone with the Seidio Innocase on the Seidio Belt Ciip is inwards (to protect the screen) People will clearly see you have an Apple Iphone on you! Bragging rights?
The inner part of the case sports a protected layer that prevents the Iphone from getting scratched while you put it on or take it off the case. The problem though is because of this, Most, if not all, screen protectors tend to bubble at the edges when you put this case on. It is just a micro MM too tight! I ruined my screen protector while putting this on. Later, I will have to go and get me a new screen protector and trim at least 1mm off the edges all around it and make sure that when I put it on the screen, I place it inwards creating about a 1mm boarder of unprotected iphone screen. This will prevent the case from squeezing the screen protector which causes it to bubble.
The case is very protective, unlike my light and thin tunewear which Stongly Clings to the iphone which is what make it thin and light, there is just less of it.
It has provision openings for all the ports you need.
Camera, Volume, Power & Headphones at the top, docking port at the bottom and as I mentioned earlier, the Iphone Logo at the back.
All in all, I love this case. It could do with some additions like the Converting into a stand for video playback, and making it more Screen Protector Friendly.
Seidio Innocase = 8/10 Techisland Coconuts.
Seidio Holster = 10/10 Techisland Cocunits.
Now you know, now you TECH KNOW.
Go to Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mytechisland/~3/Xx54EmToXC0/iphon-seidio-innocase-belt-holster-como.html
I broke my Iphone Tunewear Belt Clip
I just broke my two week old case 
Good thing this case has a case+beltclip system which means I still have a case. I broke the clip off the case while trying out some Sofa’s at Mandaue Foam. It got caught on arm rest and the clip just snapped. 
I had the case in Portait mode on my waste because if I rotate it in landscape, the iphone could easily be pushed out with just a slight accidental nudge from the butt. I guess the lanscape mode was really more for just laying it on the table and converting the whole clip system into a stand to watch your favorite movies or photos.
I loved this case/belt clip combo though. Damn.
I can still use the belt clip system as permanent table stand at the office though.
My Only hope is my Seidio Case, which I know has one of the most solid belt clips out there, tried and tested with my Seido+Innocase system for my HTC Touch Pro.
Here is a photo of the Seidio Case + Innocase Beltclip.
What I am hoping for is that the tunewear case will fit on the seidio Belt clip as I prefer it over the clip so when I get to the office I can easily witch from the Seidio innocase and my cripple Tunewear deskstand.
Still: It is a sad day for me. First my Icooly Case/stand/Belt Clip, after I broke the clip the case was useless, now this, 2 WEEKS OLD!! The Only thing I bought it Singapore for me.
Go to Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mytechisland/~3/vNVn8tGjhn8/i-broke-my-iphone-tunewear-belt-clip.html
Corsair’s Excellent Customer Service!
It was last October 2009 when I received my Corsair Hydro Series H50 via a fellow Istoryan (dmelsie). Its an awesome CPU cooler for its price, giving you a high-end air cooler’s performance without the weight and much more room in your system. For those who are not familiar, its a low-cost liquid cooling system manufactured by Asetek and rebranded with modifications to improve performance by Corsair. Its not really the watercooling we’ve come to known per se (with respect to watercooling purists) but it follows the principle where liquid (ethylene glycol + water) is used as a medium for transferring heat via aluminum radiator. If I recall correctly, this was introduced last June and released to the public on July. Knowing that we’re a little bit behind locally when products based in US are released, it wasn’t until October that the product arrived as ordered by dmelsie via PC Express. Since then, the cooler has received numerous awards for its performance and price. If you wish to know more about how this product would fare, there’s an awesome review provided by bit-tech.net.It took me a while to have the courage (December 2009) to contact Corsair via their website to request for the bracket and asked how much it would cost for the item to be shipped here in our country and this is the response I received from Kelvin of Corsair;
It was unexpected and truth be told, if the bracket would cost me somewhere around 2,000 pesos in shipping fees, I would’ve forgotten about it since I can get used coolers for that price available locally but Kelvin’s response was overwhelming and it didn’t took long for Corsair to respond (1 day because of time difference). We’ve have email exchanges regarding the shipment information but sadly, the bracket didn’t made it in time for the Asus Maximus Formula III review because UPS was having problems locating the address I specified. Ironically, the bracket arrived the day I returned the motherboard to Asus. Still, I was very happy when it came in and this is what I received:
P.S.
Send us your products for reviews(?) 
Go to Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mytechisland/~3/8laylg7Xb4I/corsairs-excellent-customer-service.html
The Apple IPAD- Initial Reaction.
Before I comment, first take a look at the latest Apple Sexy Thing yourself:
WEBSITE:
http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/
Technical Specs
Display
* 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
* 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)
* Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
* Support for display of multiple languages and characters simultaneously
Wireless and Cellular
Wi-Fi model
* Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n)
* Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology
Wi-Fi + 3G model
* UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
* GSM/EDGE (850, 900,1800, 1900 MHz)
* Data only2
* Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n)
* Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology
Location
* Wi-Fi
* Digital compass
* Assisted GPS (Wi-Fi + 3G model)
* Cellular (Wi-Fi + 3G model)
In the Box
* iPad
* Dock connector to USB cable
* 10W Power Adapter
* Documentation
Environmental Status Report
iPad embodies Apple’s continuing environmental progress. It is designed with the following features to reduce environmental impact:
* Arsenic-free display glass
* BFR-free
* Mercury-free LCD display
* PVC-free
* Recyclable aluminum and glass enclosure
Capacity3
* 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive
Processor
* 1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip
Sensors
* Accelerometer
* Ambient light sensor
Audio Playback
* Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
* Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
* User-configurable maximum volume limit
TV and Video
* Support for 1024 x 768 with Dock Connector to VGA adapter; 576p and 480p with Apple Composite A/V Cable, 576i and 480i with Apple Composite A/V Cable
* H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
Mail attachment support
* Viewable document types: .jpg, .tiff, .gif (images); .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word); .htm and .html (web pages); .key (Keynote); .numbers (Numbers); .pages (Pages); .pdf (Preview and Adobe Acrobat); .ppt and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint); .txt (text); .rtf (rich text format); .vcf (contact information); .xls and .xlsx (Microsoft Excel)
Languages
* Language support for English, French, German, Japanese, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Russian
* Keyboard support for English (US) English (UK), French (France, Canada), German, Japanese (QWERTY), Dutch, Flemish, Spanish, Italian, Simplified Chinese (Handwriting and Pinyin), Russian
* Dictionary support for English (US), English (UK), French, French (Canadian), French (Swiss), German, Japanese, Dutch, Flemish, Spanish, Italian, Simplified Chinese (Handwriting, Pinyin), Russian
Accessibility
* Support for playback of closed-captioned content
* VoiceOver screen reader
* Full-screen zoom magnification
* White on black
* Mono audio
Battery and Power4
* Built-in 25Whr rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
* Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
* Charging via power adapter or USB to computer system
Input and Output
* Dock connector
* 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack
* Built-in speakers
* Microphone
* SIM card tray (Wi-Fi + 3G model only)
External buttons and controls
* On/Off, Sleep/wake
* Mute
* Volume up/down
* Home
Mac system requirements
* Mac computer with USB 2.0 port
* Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
* iTunes 9.0 or later (free download from www.itunes.com/download)
* iTunes Store account
* Internet access
Windows system requirements
* PC with USB 2.0 port
* Windows 7, Windows Vista; Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
* iTunes 9.0 or later (free download from www.itunes.com/download)
* iTunes Store account
* Internet access
Environmental requirements
* Operating temperature: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
* Nonoperating temperature: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)
* Relative humidity: 5% to 95% noncondensing
* Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet (3000 m)
——————
Now for my Honest Opinion.
Well, you know why the NETBOOK Market flew? Because the netbook is a trimmed down version of Laptop the will allow you to do EVERYTHING ON IT on it. Now on the IPAD, it seems you can’t. It’s just a “GO BIGGY” size version of the itouch/Iphone minus the Camera. It can do everything my iphone can do on a bigger screen. The good thing about it though is you get to buy accessories for it that will make it more useful. A USB port to allow you to connect your digital camera directly to it to transfer photos. An SD adapter to allow you to transfer Photos (hopefully data as well) to you I-PAD. A keyboard and mouse because I don’t really know how you can use the touch screen keyboard on that huge thing unless I was as big as Shaquil O Neil.
Looking at everyone’s usual daily gadget arsenal, where will this device fit in? If you have your iphone or itouch with you + you regular Laptop or Netbook, where will this baby fit in? It will be extra baggage. You mite bring it around for awhile for bragging rights but eventually, it will get stuck at home or at the office.
1 GHZ?? Cmon, netboooks are already going Dual Core Atoms @ 1.6GHZ. The new HTC HD2 and Googles Nexus One, which are mobile phones which already have the 1GHZ snapdragon processor.
No Multi tasking? No Camera, No Optical Drive Slot, … Hmmmmm.
NO MICROPHONE
- Wow, adding voice call or doing internet calls would have been a very welcome addition too and mite even increase sales for this device. What were they thinking?
Well, it’s not all that bad, it might still work for specific tasked jobs. Before it was release, I heard Apple was meeting with medical execs to have the IPAD as a tool for hospitals, replacing patient charts. It think this device would be perfect for that. High battery life, thin and light. Clear Pictures and Videos for the doctors to review, with the right customized medical software, This will be perfect for the JOB.
Imagine DHL having you sign your delivery document with this.
For the HOME, I think this would also work best as an EBOOK reader that can do more than just read EBOOKs. But in the end, that is where it will stay at, at Home.
I already have my iphone and an Itouch for portability and it can do everything the I-PAD can do. I just hope it will allow me to sync between my Iphone and my Ipad without the need of a PC.
Putting 128Gig of hard space would have increase the purchase value of this device, right now you can already buy an itouch with 64gig.
Who will buy it?
- Well I think Mac Junkies will definitely line up for this as they do with every MAC release. People who don’t have a netbook will surely try this out. But For those people who already have a desktop at home, a laptop for work, and an Iphone, I doubt they will be there for the first Generation IPAD.
—————-
No Optical drive
No USB Port
No Microphone
No Camera
No Flash
No Multi Tasking
No Free Keyboard Dock
No Data Expansion Slot
I think this device deserves a Singapore-Type “NO” T-shirt Design 
Still, it is super sexy.
——————
Well overall, it is a sexy device. Right now I just do not know YET how it will fit in my life. I may not buy one but I wouldn’t mind having one if someone gave it to me 
*HINT*
That’s about it for now!
Go to Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mytechisland/~3/Y_o5dwiECJQ/apple-ipad-initial-reaction.html
Techisland Tech Forecast: USB 3.0 >>Sunbeam One of the First in Line!
Techisland Tech Forecast: Watch out for the Coming of USB 3.0>> The maximum transfer speed of USB 2.0 is 480Mbps, and USB 3.0 is able to reach 5Gbps.
YES 5GBS PER SECOND.
Many suppliers has presented SuperSpeed USB peripheral devices, such as portable hard disk, motherboard, flash drives and just about anything USB.
We should be seeing more of this on mid this year towards the end of 2010. By 2011 it will be the standard USB slot for almost all Motherboards and Laptops.
Sunbeam, one of the leading peripherals Manufacturer has already released USB 3.0 devices and is one of the first companies to do so.
For those with USB 2.0 Motherboards or PC’s, don’t fret, USB 3.0 PCI cards will be available for you to add on to your existing system enabling you to now have USB 3.0 and use 3.0 Devices.
Go to Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Mytechisland/~3/ffZZ8oWJ488/techisland-tech-forecast-usb-30-sunbeam.html
Patriot Viper II Sector 5: A New Memory In Town!
The new processors use a default base clock (BCLK) of 133 MHz this means that if we divide the memory frequency by the BCLK, we get the memory multiplier, for example; 1600 / 133 = 12. Core i7 processors under the LGA1156 socket can use 12 as the highest memory multiplier giving it a memory speed of 1600 MHz. So for 1333, the memory multiplier is 10, 1066 uses 8 and finally 800 uses 6. From the table you’ll also see the limitation of memory speeds supported by the different lineup of processors where 1600 is only available to LGA1156 Core i7. To attain a higher memory speed under the Core i5 processors, one would have to increase the base clock which makes perfect sense. Now that I have explained how the memory speeds are obtained, let’s move on to the memory kit that we will be looking into.
About Patriot Memory
Established in 1985, Patriot Memory builds a full range of memory module and flash memory products, offering a perfect blend of quality and value. Patriot products include Extreme Performance (EP), Signature Lines (SL) and Flash Memory solutions (FM).
We understand the value of designing and responding quickly and intelligently to the rapid changes inherent in the memory module industry. This commitment to R&D enables us to deliver the best quality memory modules powered by the latest innovative technology.
Patriot’s development and manufacturing facility are located in Fremont, California USA. Our manufacturing segment is composed of a highly skilled production staff and multiple production lines optimized for modules, giving Patriot the ability and resources necessary to provide a full line of memory module solutions.
To meet the growing global demand for its products, Patriot manufactures its Extreme Performance (EP), Dual Channel (DC) and Signature Line (SL) products in its own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with highly skilled staff in Fremont, California USA.
Patriot is a member of JEDEC. You can feel confident that your Patriot modules are of the highest quality available.
Patriot Memory ensures that every module meets or exceeds industry standards. The manufacturing process begins with high-quality components and ends with rigorous functional testing to ensure each module’s reliability and compatibility.
Patriot Memory modules are approved by leading motherboard and system manufacturers such Intel, Tyan, Supermicro and Iwill. Patriot Memory is a member of Apple Developer Connection. Awards from such leading product review sites as XBit Labs, Anandtech, Tom’s Hardware and Hot Hardware.com demonstrate Patriot EP and DC+XBLK memory modules set the standard for performance and reliability.
Patriot Viper II Sector 5 – Memory Exclusively for LGA1156 Intel Core i5, i7 Processors
The Patriot Viper II Series, part of the Extreme Performance (EP) line is the ultimate performance memory solution for extreme enthusiasts and PC gamers. Engineered for the highest speeds, lowest latency memory kits, the Viper II Series are built using only the highest quality pre-sorted IC’s on the market ensuring both maximum quality and performance. Designed with an extruded aircraft-grade aluminum heat spreader, Viper II Series quickly dissipates heat from the modules that increases both stability and reliability during extreme overclocking conditions. Each module is 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and is backed by a full lifetime warranty and excellent customer service.
Features
- Extreme Performance PC3-14400 (1800MHz)
- EPP Ready
- Equipped with advance aluminum heat-dispersing shields
- 100% Tested and Verified
- Lifetime Warranty
- RoHS Compliant
This is how the memory was packaged when it was handed to me by Jeremy of Fine Upgrades. I requested for at least a 4GB memory for the Asus Maximus Formula III review (will be posted soon) and upon reading the specs, it immediately crossed my mind that this product deserves a review of its own.
The kit includes a free 3DMark Vantage serial key as indicated on the box and is fully secured with its blister pack from the inside which protects the modules from moving around inside during shipping. Once again, there is no 3DMark Vantage CD inside, you’d have to download a trial version and use the CD key in here to activate the installation. There is no mention however, that these are Intel XMP (eXtreme Memory Profile) capable memory modules. Aesthetics-wise, Sector 5 doesn’t disappoint. Black aluminum heatsinks coupled with black PCB is a killer combination. The height unfortunately, may post incompatibilities with low-clearance heatsinks depending on the orientation, it should fit just fine but then again, so are the rest of the performance modules available out there.
For those who are unfamiliar, Intel XP allows one to use higher than standard JEDEC frequencies at low timings without the need to manually tune the memory modules. The settings are embedded into the memory EEPROM and all one needs to do (given a motherboard that supports XMP), selects the profile through the BIOS. In this case, the memory is rated at DDR3-1800 CAS8 at 1.65 volts. Like I said earlier, Intel Core i5 processors has memory multiplier limit at 10 which if the default 133 BCLK is used, puts it at DDR3-1333 MHz. Enabling the XMP profile however, increases the BCLK to 180 and still uses giving it DDR3-1800 speed boost. Voltages for the memory and the integrated memory controller are also automatically adjusted to support low latency at 8-8-8-24 1T.
For some reason, Patriot didn’t include a profile for a standard JEDEC setting of DDR3-1333 MHz. I was curious if these modules can support 1333 MHz at a lower latency so I dropped down the frequencies to their default settings, hard set the voltage at 1.65 volts for the IMC and set the memory controller at 1.35 volts then started lowering down the latency and this is what I got:
Make no mistake; you are looking at DDR3-1333 with an ultra low CAS latency of 5. To put it into perspective, JEDEC standard latency for DDR3-1333 are the following; 7-7-7, 8-8-8, 9-9-9 and 10-10-10. What I have here is way below the standard at 5-5-5-15 and STILL at the maximum memory voltage limit at 1.65 volts which may have been lowered down if I had more time to play with them. This frequency has been tested with 5 runs of memtest86 with no errors! Let’s check out what these babies can do.
It’s obvious from this test the advantage of running the memory using its XMP profile. CAS5 may be a lot lower but if we consider the amount of data CAS8 at 1800 MHz can move, it has the clear advantage on all aspects especially with the memory copy.
These benchmarks all say the same thing; there is no reason for the average user to run this memory at stock speeds or even at DDR3-1333. Simply put, they are enthusiast’s memory and they should be configured at DDR3-1800 either by using the XMP profile for non-overclockers or a manual settings which theoretically, can give 300 MHz on BCLK with a 6 memory multiplier for 1800 at its specific voltage. Now that is very high headroom for your CPU, isn’t it?
The one thing that makes these memory kits stand out is after-market support; Fine Upgrades is the new distributor which means that if by any chance you’ll be having problems with a Patriot Memory kit that you purchased, support service is readily available given Fine Upgrade’s track record. This friends, will be the memory to test how the Asus Maximus Formula III fares. 
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ASUS Motherboard Mayhem
Here’s to you folks who have ran out of websites to surf; ASUS Motherboard Mayhem. ASUS is giving away several motherboards from its P7P55D series while you’re having fun. The P7P55D series is nothing to scoff at, they are performance motherboards for Intel’s LGA1156 platform. The last one I reviewed was the Deluxe version and it not only gave solid performance but awesome aesthetics as well.
Before you head on to the link, I’ll give you some pointers and heads-up on what you need to do. If you played tower defense before which started out in WarCraft scenarios and eventually became popularized in flash games, then this is a walk in the park. For those who haven’t, the objective is simple; You are to destroy the elements that will go into your base through the use of different bots (tower). Each bot has its own specialization and it is important that you make use of how its specialized to succeed.
- 1st Prize - 3 pieces Asus P7P55D-E Premium
- 1st Runner’s Up - 7 pieces Asus P7P55D-E Pro
- 2nd Runner’s Up - 10 pieces Asus P7P55D-E LE
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The Asus P7P55D Deluxe Review
The P55 chipset (codenamed Lynnfield) has been released for quite some time now, and as promised, this chipset is the answer to mainstream users due to overwhelming prices of the X58 and its LGA1366 socket processors. These components from now on will cater to the individuals with deep pockets and future proofing. For the rest of us, we need not fear that motherboards released with the P55 will be deemed mainstream as Asus releases another board which will accommodate enthusiasts with slightly stretched budget – the Asus P7P55D Deluxe. Once again, I am here to examine just how much innovation they added into this motherboard which sells for not so mainstream.
Before we dig in, let us examine how the block diagram of the P55 chipset and Intel’s current processor compare to the previous technology, the LGA775.
As you can see from the diagram, Intel got rid of the aging front-side bus and replaces it with DMI which basically connects what used to be known as the I/O controller (Southbridge chipset), is now known as the Platform Controller Hub. This chip is where the rest of the peripherals are connected. Once again, your memory is directly connected to the on-chip memory controller in the processor as well as the PCIE 2.0 graphics solution. However, if you look closer, you’ll find that there is a bit of limitation with the current setup; the PCIE 2.0 lanes can only be split to 8x when used in Crossfire or SLI mode. This may be a limitation later on should you be using high-end graphics cards where the ideal move would be to move up to the x58, but when you do so, it basically is no longer mid-end. Anyway, enough yakking about the P55 chipset so let’s move on to see what Asus has to offer with the P7P55D Deluxe.
Features
The P7P55D represents the high-end class of this mainstream chipset; it doesn’t skimp on the components as well as the connectivity provided. The tables below show the plethora of specifications and further below are the highlights of Asus’ offering – features that make it stand out.
We have the signature Asus’ packaging here similar to the likes of the Republic of Gamers brand where a flip-top box style is created sans the window which showcases the board. The right image shows the accessories. The accessories are more than enough to get you up and running – I especially liked the PCI bracket expansion as it provides more connectivity without having to buy anything.
To begin with, the processor socket area where it is surrounded by awesome-looking aluminum heatsinks painted blue with gray accents on top of them. These things basically cool the FETS under them that switches the 12-volt voltage provided by the power supply down to minute power required by the processor. Yes, there are 19 ferrite chokes and most of you might be thinking, it’s a 19-phase power supply however, it’s not. Three of this is exclusively for the memory controller or what we’ve known before was the northbridge chipset. What this means is that even if you start cranking up the voltage for the power supply as you overclock, the memory controller has its separate dials.
Beside one of the heatsinks, you’ll find the slot for the TurboV remote connector of which in my opinion, is not in an ideal location. The cable length between the connector and the I/O shield is way too short that the connector cannot reach the slot if the motherboard is already mounted on your chassis. Unfortunately, I tested the motherboard installed in a chassis which means, I wasn’t able to use it.
I ran into a bit of problem during my installation. You see, I assumed that the black slots where channel A for the memory but they weren’t. Without the help of the on-board diagnostic LEDs (which stays lit red if something’s wrong), I wouldn’t have known that the blue ones are channel A and the black ones were B. On top of the memory slots you’ll find the over volt switches which provide additional voltage to CPU, IMC or your RAM. It’s pretty useful for hardcore enthusiasts but definitely not for the average Joe. Another feature that makes a comeback on this board is the MemOK which allows the system to automatically detect and configure memory frequency and latency.
The P55 chipset is covered by an oversized low profile heatsink which is a bit of overkill since the TDP is only 4.5 watts more than twice the previous P45 (22-watts). This clearly is designed for aesthetics rather than functionality. As for connectivity, there are 6 angled SATA ports which make cable management a little bit easier and the hard-to-kill IDE port which is powered by the JMicron chipset as Intel already stopped supporting IDE with the P55. The bottom two SATA ports are powered by the same JMicron chipset which in turn, provides Asus DriveXpert Technology for backing up those important data.
Asus once again includes thee power and reset buttons on-board which makes it a lot easier to test the board before mounting it on the chassis, so there is no need for you to short jumpers. Lastly, you have the expansion slots for the graphics card (blue and white). PCIE runs at x16 when only 1 graphics card is utilized but automatically switches to x8 when both are used. If you happen to have dual-slot graphics cards, the second x4 PCIE is still usable for your soundcard. The third PCIE x 16 slot is connected via the P55 chipset which is suitable for your other PCIE devices. That pretty much sums up our tour on the motherboard, it is not only stunning but the design is superb, there are only few minor issues encountered.
BIOS and Software Features
Asus EPU-6 Engine
This utility provides power management features for your computer. There are 5 settings available ranging from the least power consumption to maximum performance. There’s also a picture representation at the top which provides an idea which component is utilizing the power management feature as configured by the utility. Most enthusiasts would rather always have the setting it at Maximum Performance, though.
Asus TurboV EVO
TurboV EVO is Asus’ redesigned utility for Overclocking. There are 3 settings available; Easy, Auto and Manual. Easy provides only the basic options for adjusting the base clock (BCLK) and voltages of the processor, memory and IMC. For Auto, you can configure the utility to use a fixed voltage or a flexible voltage (I did not have the chance though to verify if flexible voltage uses within safe limits) and as for Manual, you will have access to the PLL and PCH voltages. Need I say more?
Asus P7P55D Deluxe BIOS Screenshot
As for the BIOS options, the System Performance Settings is where any enthusiast would spend most of his time after disabling the non-essential components and settings. This is where records are made and maximum overclock is found. One thing worth noting though is that when using MemOK on first boot up; make sure to check the DRAM voltage as the system configures it higher than what the integrated memory controller can handle. I was very much surprised to see the system configured it at 1.8 volts which is way more than 1.65 as per Intel’s recommendation.
Installation and Testing
The Core i5 and i7 (LGA 1156) series has just been introduced in the Philippines, and because of this, I currently do not have heatsink brackets for the LGA1156 as well as the processor itself. However, Asus was kind enough to supply us with Intel’s Core i5 750 while Jeremy of Fine Upgrades was quick to supply an OCZ Reaper 1 x 1GB DDR3 1333 rams for testing. The following specification is used on the testing:
As you can see, I am pretty much limited to the stock heatsink and fan that comes with the processor, so this means that I didn’t had the chance to overclock the i5-750 much because the thermal specifications are at its limits. However, I managed to run benchmark tests on the system to see what it’s capable of, even with the limited resources. Before we dig in to the test, this is how the system looked like when fully assembled. The motherboard, CPU and graphics card’s blue accent has pretty much blended everything.
Maximum overclock that the Intel stock heatsink fan cooler has achieved was a measly 2.7 GHz (12 %). This was because of thermal limitations. Ambient temperature at the time of testing was 32 degrees Celsius which basically puts the processor into a much higher temperature, any voltage adjustments would basically cause the clockspeed to be throttled down or the system would just restart due to insufficient voltage at a given frequency. This however, did not prevent me from running benchmarks with PCMark Vantage and the results are below:
From the table above, you can clearly see that the system is optimized for gaming even with its meager specs and limited components used. I am absolutely sure that this board has so much to offer when partnered with the right components but nevertheless, the graph that you are looking at basically represents the simplest configuration and yet it pulled away with decent scores, regardless.
Conclusion
The Asus P7P55D Deluxe when given to the right hands will break records, it already has proven that. Even with the average user, one can simply use the automatic Overclocking utility to get more out of their system, be it stock configuration or with top of the line components. The price may be a little steep but the features, build quality, layout and bundled accessories really makes up for the price. This may not be the Republic of Gamers brand but it certainly is in place with them albeit with a few minor issues – then again, nothing is really perfect.
Pros:
* Excellent color scheme, layout and features
* Very nice automatic utility for overclocking
* Awesome performance even with limited set of parts
Cons:
* Price(?)
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