Intel Core i5-2500k Benchmarks

I got a new desktop, and it happened to have the Intel Core i5-2500k as the processor.  While it is the previous generation "Sandy Bridge" architecture, as opposed to the latest "Ivy Bridge," it still impressed.  This particular chip is certainly a favorite among budget conscious enthusiasts, and I quickly saw why.  This chip has been tested ad nauseum in the past, but I want to add the freely available benchmarks I use, and the comparisons to the older chips that few sites seem to test against these days.

For reference, the Core i5-2500k is a 4 core chip, with a clock speed of 3.4 GHz, that can Turbo Boost to 3.7 GHz.  It does not have Hyperthreading.  It has a healthy 6 megs of cache.

It certainly shines on the HyperPi 1 million calculation, that measures single core performance.  We can see the nice linear progression, and cut nearly a third of the time off my Phenom 2 time.  This is not surprising given the architecture changes, and that it also ties for the fastest clock speed on the chart.

The Core i5 most impressed on the multicore benchmarks.  Looking at Fritz Chess, and 7Zip, the numbers that it put up were even faster than I would have guessed, and show the 4 cores working together quite well.   On these benchmarks, we can seriously see how the dual core chips from a few years back get left in the dust.

In short, the Core i5-2500k is the fastest processor I have personally benchmarked to date.  It performs quite well across both the single and multi threaded benchmarks.  While I will still be keeping my AMD Phenom 2 quad core, if my fastest chip was a Core 2 Duo, or older/slower, I would give serious consideration for a main machine to upgrade to the Sandy Bridge part.  It is currently available for $219 on NewEgg.  While I have traditionally been an AMD fan, the benchmarks above make it increasingly difficult to remain loyal.

EA6500

Apparently tomorrow Linksys will be announcing some new routers.  The upcoming flagship model will support the latest WiFi standard, ac, and be named the EA6500.  Reportedly it will retail for $220, which will buy a max speed of 1300 mbps, with four internal antennas.  It will also feature 2 USB ports for those that want both network attached storage, and a network printer simultaneously.  Look for further details soon, and the reported availability is August.

Jonas

Western Digital MyNet

There is presently no shortage of manufacturers that are in the router market.  Sure, just about everyone has a router these days, but it is not clear to me that they get updated all too often unless they are a real networking guru.  Western Digital has been a long term player in the hard drive market, and at first I was not sure what they could bring to the crowded router table.

The first feature is the FasTrack technology.  This serves to prioritize entertainment traffic over the rest, which translates to a video stream not being interrupted.  Other routers can do similar things these days, but those with an older router, from an older standard like g, would benefit from an upgrade.

The second feature is built in storage.  I am a proponent of built in storage to a router, and have a 4 GB flash drive permanently plugged into my router that I frequently make use of.  The new top of the line router, their MyNet N900 Central has 2 TB built into the device.  While a serious price of $349 makes this less of an impulse buy, those that want to stream media could use this as a turnkey solution with no fuss.  The storage space can also be used for wireless backup.

Tom's Hardware

Cisco Linksys EA4500 Review

The current top router from Linksys is the EA4500. While there are many routers on the market, for a power user that wants a full featured networking solution, the EA4500 is worth considering.

What's in the box?

• EA4500 router
• Cat 5e networking cable
• power adapter
• Setup CD

It is worth pointing out that everything in the box is arranged nicely, and the out of box experience is on par with Apple. Also be aware that the while many devices have WiFi built into them, if you need a wireless adapter, they are sold separately.

Apricorn Aegis Padlock 3.0

For portable storage needs, a USB flash drive on a keyring is a constant companion these days. However, there are two weaknesses to this ubiquitous device. The first is that the capacity is limited, and the second is that very few are secure in any way. In other words, when it is time to do some serious data moving, in a safe fashion, then the Aegis Padlock 3.0 becomes the right tool for the job.

This latest Padlock updates the line to the latest in portable hard drives. The Aegis Padlock now has a 1 terabyte (TB) capacity, which means it will be large enough to backup most system drives out there... with room to spare. The other is that the USB is now the faster 3.0 standard that we should start seeing in more systems soon.

EASYi USB SD Card Reader for SD/SDHC Cards

 With the recent addition of some SDHC cards, it was time to purchase a reader.  While many notebooks have a reader built in already, I store my images in my desktop, which has the much larger hard drive (1.5 TB's).  For $3 on Amazon, the EASYi USB SD Card Reader for SD/SDHC Cards looked like it would get the job done.  After all, it had positive reviews on Amazon.

The item shipped in one of those hard plastic packs.  The kind that cause finger lacerations and trips to the local Emergency Department and work for the local hand surgeon.  After carefully opening it with a heavy scissor, the device was ready to go.  There is no software, just a USB plug and play device that has a slot on the side for an SD or SDHC card.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Install

It was anticipation that I eagerly awaited Windows 8 Consumer Preview (CP).  After all, this is the latest and greatest from the folks out at Redmond, and might be a glimpse into the future.

Well, the bottom line is I got it up and running, but it was anything but easy.  Those folks that are saying 30 minutes to install are not accurately portraying the average user's experience.

By way of background, I have personally owned and used:
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows 98 Second Edition
Windows Millenium Edition
Windows XP Home
Windows XP Professional
Windows Vista Home
Windows 7 Home Edition

In most cases, these were home built machines that I installed the OS on.  In other words, yes, I have put Windows onto a PC before.  Yet, Windows 8 was still painful to install.

I first tried to download the ISO file.  I tried using it as a Virtual install, but that did not work as there was some graphics card issue with the notebook.  The notebook was set to 32-bit, yet it claimed it was only set to 24-bit and it was incompatible.  Next I tried to install it via the .exe to a partition on the same notebook.  You know, not the same partition that Win 7 was already on, and yet somehow it would not cooperate.

After hours of this nonsense, I tried to burn Win 8 CP to a DVD, but somehow it was not an ISO and just a data disc.  Guess I have burned a disc in a while, and this was not working either.

At any rate, I then turned to a Win Vista notebook.  Realizing that the Virtual install and the dual boot approach was too much, I went with the ol' fashioned but effective nuke my hard drive approach.  This worked, but took over an hour to install.

Most users when they acquire Windows 8 will get it preinstalled on their new notebook.  Seriously though, does it really have to be this hard?

Jonas

Ivy Bridge Delayed

Intel's next upcoming processor, code named Ivy Bridge, was not exactly a well guarded secret.  Last year when the current generation of chips was released, the so called Sandy Bridge parts, they also announced that Ivy bridge would be out around a year later.  As I had no pressing processor needs, I decided to sit tight and wait for the Ivy, that promised higher performance with less energy, and better graphics.

The part was expected for 4/8/12, but that is on hold.  Apparently, through a variety of factors, the Ivy Bridge chips won't be out till late summer is the current thinking, if not early Fall.  What is frustrating is that the reason for the delay is not that the chip is not ready to go, or cannot be made in quantity.  Rather, it is that the manufacturers don't want to be stuck with the current chips.  Sales have been weak, and with nobody buying the supply chain is backed up.  On top of that, Windows 8 looms on the horizon and is expected to debut officially in the Fall, which should spur sales.  Finally, add in that AMD has not released a new part in a while, taking pressure off of Intel to bring new parts to market.

Well, I still think that patience will be rewarded, and would wait for the Ivy Bridge parts to be available.  There is still a small chance that this is just rumor, and the situation is not as dire as they are making it.  At any rate, I would love to see the Sandy Bridge parts pile up at this point if they are manipulating the market to avoid this.

PC Perspective

-Jonas

Kodak Exits Stage Left

Kodak has announced that they will be getting out of the camera business. This once American icon, recently filed for bankruptcy, and is giving up on one of their core businesses. I can't say I am disappointed.

Kodak never really made a successful transition from film to digital. Their competitor in the film market, Fuji I thought did this much better. Before we lament them, let us look at this objectively.

It has been eons since Kodak made any camera that anyone wanted. They have been 2nd to 3rd tier products, you know, the stuff that was sold in a blister pack at the pharmacy that I think of more as an impulse buy than a serious purchase. Where was their flagship DSLR? Where was any camera that had anything innovative?

Just like when HP left the camera market, nobody really missed them, Kodak will be the same. I see them ending up like Polaroid. Another American icon, that had their name left, and little else, that can slap it on random products, all made overseas. Too bad Kodak ended up this way, but over the last decade, this kind of was inevitable.

Jonas

Linksys PLSK400: Powerline AV 4-Port Network Adapter Kit

There are basically 3 ways to connect a computer to your internet modem:

1- Wired with CAT 5e cable

2- Wirelessly via a WiFi router

3- Wired via a Powerline adaptor

As you build out your home network there are multiple considerations, including the ease of which dedicated Ethernet cabling can be run, the wireless coverage, the location of the modem, and the bandwidth requirements. A decade ago, when most of us had one computer connected directly to their modem, this was much less of an issue than it is today with mutiple connected devices, and the bandwidth required to transmit HD video (which is around 4 to 8 megabits per second in case you were wondering).

While a WiFi router is commonly the central hub of most home networks, there are still times when a wired solution is best. These include situations when the wireless coverage is spotty, there is interference from neighbor's networks, and when bandwidth requirements are high, such as with video or gaming. Depending on the situation, this involves turning to Ethernet cable or a Powerline solution. While the Ethernet cable is affordable, the electrician to install it too often is not, and for those looking for professional appearing results without opening up wall boards and fishing wires, Powerline networking starts looking attractive.

This is the technology that involves sending network information through the home's wiring. There can be issues when the data has to cross a circuit breaker. Early on this technique was slow and proprietary, but with established standards, it is a viable alternative for a simple network setup, or as a supplement to a wireless system. If you are worried about security, quite simply don't as there is 128 bit encryption built into the standard, and your data won't transmit beyond your homes wiring.

Linksys provided their "Linksys PLSK400: Powerline AV 4-Port Network Adapter Kit." It consisted of two Powerline adapters, a basic instruction manual, and two Ethernet cables. Of note, one adapter has one Ethernet port, and the other has 4 ports. The idea is that the single port one gets plugged into the router, and then the 4 port one is plugged into the destination making this ideal for plugging in several devices, such as in a home media setup. There are 3 LED's, with pics that correspond to power, link and Ethernet.

Setup is a breeze with no software to install, and the pair of adapters with the same key out of the box. Additional ones can be added, and there is a small button to sync the keys. This is much better than the last time I played with Powerline networking as it took me an hour to get the keys in sync. For this pair of Linksys adapters, it was truly plug and play.

Here's a word about my setup. My internet comes into the house in the basement, and it is Optimum 15/2 with the modem positioned next to the wireless router. The router is a Linksys E4200 with WPA2 security (that is their top of the line WiFi router for those keeping score). The test system is one floor up, and a Windows 7 Phenom II 945 system; WiFi connectivity is via a draft-N USB adapter and the 10/100 Ethernet port is via the motherboard. The electrical outlets for the Powerline adapters are on different circuit breakers, not on power surge strips.  To keep this fair, there are plenty of wireless obstructions including metal ductwork in the way. This is real world testing, and not some idealized lab setup.

The Powerline adapters connected easily and the computer connected online with no issues. Subjectively, internet surfing was just like it normally was, and online videos played without a hitch. However, I decided to throw it a few tests, and a set of older (circa 2008) Powerline gear from a competitor, the Actiontec MegaPlug AV, that also claimed a 200 Mbps speed.

First test is Speedtest.net. This is a test of the internet connection, and all testing was done on the different adapters on the same day. While it is a test of internet speed more than network, if the home network is slow, it can be the bottleneck.  The chart shows the results:

The results show that the Linksys PLSK400 kit was just as fast for internet speeds as the E4200 wireless router, and the limit is the internet speed itself.  I have to admit I was a bit surprised that the Actiontec gear was so much slower, but it shows how Powerline gear has progressed in the last few years.

 The next test uses the USB port built into the wireless router, to which a USB flash drive is attached.  I use it a "Poor man's network attached storage," and is quite convenient for accessing files between different computers without the need of plugging in a flash drive directly.  It can also be accessed non-wirelessly as well.  Hence, I decided to upload a 188 MB file (LibreOffice 3.4 installation file), and then calculating a transfer speed.

 In the transfer test, the Linksys PLSK400 hits a speedy 287 kb/sec which is leaps better than the older Actiontec Powerline gear which stuck at a pokey 13 kb/sec.  However, the E4200 WiFi did live up to its reputation for speed, and averaged 1070 kb/sec.

The Linksys PLSK400 is available for $119.  It is a viable solution for those seeking an alternative to WiFi and in need of a wired network, or to supplement wireless due to dead spots.  It was ideal for internet speeds, but slower for sustained uploads, although much better than what was available a couple of years back.  With the ease of setup, the built in security, and the potential for expansion, it makes this product a recommended purchase.

More info

Panasonic DMC-ZS9

 After my frustration with Canon, I moved on to a new Panasonic, at least partly because it wasn't a Canon, it had manual controls even though it is a point and shoot, and the lens is made by Leica.  Well, going from an 8 MP 4x zoom, to a 14 MP 16x zoom was a big move up.  While not technically a superzoom, and still able to fit into a large pocket, the lens is equivalent to a 24 mm to 384 mm in the optical range.

Below is an example of what a current point and shoot can do.  Both were taken with auto controls, from the same spot.  In the top image, I faintly circled the area in the center that I zoomed in on, and this is presented with the zoom at the max of what it can do in the bottom one, with the antishake on.  All I can say is this is awesome.

Next Gen WiFi

WiFi has been stuck for a while, as the standard went from "b" to "g" (with a detour to "a"), then seemingly endless "pre-n," and most recently "n."  Because it took so long to go from "pre-n" to "n," I think it made the true "n" somewhat anticlimactic.  The current "n" gear is certainly solid and stable (I use a Linksys E4200 these days), but it hardly feels next generation a year after it came into the house.

Hopefully, this should be changing soon.  The latest standard is designated as 802.11ac.  It operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz portions of the spectrum, and is designed to prioritize streaming video.  While future iterations will offer faster speeds, Trendnet is debuting their new router, the TEW-800MB, that can hit a speedy 1.3 Gbps.  For the record, this handily trounces the current 802.11n gear that maxes out at 450 Mbps.

The product is expected in the Fall of 2012, for around $200.

[Tech PowerUp]