Why do we overclock? It's really a very simple question, but one that has found new meaning over the years. It used to be that computer hardware enthusiasts had very few options when it came to choosing a processor, and building your own custom system was simply not possible. This was back in the day when computers featured a 'Turbo' button, overclocking from 33 to 66MHz was a click away. Back then, overclocking the CPU could push clock speeds past any production level. Today the market is different, and overclocking the processor could result in very little additional performance. With so many dual-, quad-, and hexa-core processors now sold on the open market, overclocking has transformed itself from a tool to help people work faster, into a hobby for enthusiasts. Enthusiast overclockers demand only the best performance from their computer hardware, which is why the aftermarket heatsink industry is thriving with fierce competition. Benchmark Reviews tests the latest Intel LGA1366 heatsinks in this Best CPU Cooler Performance Q2-2010 article.

When Benchmark Reviews first tested the video card, we knew that NVIDIA had a winner on their hands. For the mid-range price of $200, gamers can enjoy high-speed frame rates and PhysX enhancements. After some additional investigation, it seemed that the price point offered more than just a successful domination of the rivaling ATI Radeon HD 5830, it also surpassed the more expensive GeForce GTX 465. There are several enthusiast video cards that cost more than the GTX 460, which presents the case for combining two of these video cards into a $400 SLI set. At this price segment the GTX 460 SLI set directly competes against the ATI Radeon HD 5870, but could potentially deliver more performance than ATI's Radeon HD 5970. In this article, Benchmark Reviews compares single and SLI performance for the 768MB GTX 460 against the entire enthusiast graphics card segment.

Antec has been around for a long time. Chances are, if you enjoy building your own computers or even tinkering with them, you have heard of Antec. They make a myriad of components and accessories for a wide range of computer users. One of the areas in which Antec has always had a strong presence is computer cases. Many of their enclosures have received very high marks from all across the industry, earning them a lot of recognition in the computer world. In the summer of 2010, Antec released a new line of computer cases known as the Dark Fleet. In this article, Benchmark Reviews is taking an in-depth look at the Antec DF-30 Mid-Tower Computer Case. At right around $100, the DF-30 represents the most inexpensive case so far in the Dark Fleet line. We will be exploring the DF-30 Mid-Tower Case to see if it stands up to the name Antec has worked so hard to earn.

Congratulations! If you're reading this article it means you are either trying to overclock your LGA 1156 platform for the first time or you have already overclocked it but might want to know more about how is it done and how can you "enhance" your setup to reach that sweet point. The LGA 1156 platform has been out for a while now, and it quickly got adopted by users as the main performance platform thanks to lower prices compared to the LGA 1366 platform while keeping the same performance. Intel launched 4 cores/8 threads processors (Core i5 and Core i7) based on Lynnfield's architecture, and after that, we saw 2 cores/4 threads CPUs with Intel GMA HD graphics (Core i3 & Core i5) based on Clarkdale's technology. Thanks to a better and more efficient technology, along with the reduced manufacture's size, the entire LGA 1156 gamma is able to overclock in a very decent way within air-cooling conditions, and that's what we're analyzing today. Benchmark Reviews will teach you how to understand overclocking values while doing the process at the same time. After that, the Core i3, Core i5 and the powerful Core i7 processors will be deeply analyzed to check how MHz increase against heat, voltage and power consumption. Start your engines and have a look at our latest Intel LGA 1156 Overclocking Guide to setup your latest Core i3/i5/i7 CPU to the max!

OCZ Technology has once again brought cutting-edge high-speed SSDs into the value storage segment with their Agility 2 series. Based on the SandForce SF1200 controller, the OCZ Agility 2 SSD delivers up to 20,000 IOPS with incredible bandwidth speed. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the 120GB OCZ Agility 2 Extended OCZSSD2-2AGTE120G against some of the fastest storage solutions on the market. Just when PCs were starting to seem irrelevant in this fast-paced world of mobile gadgets and smart phones, along comes a new product that changes the entire landscape. SSDs, or more formally Solid State Drives, have finally lifted computers beyond the age of spinning metal magnetic platters. Delivering a boost in speed that no memory upgrade or new processor could ever dream of, solid state drive technology has sent hard disk drives packing.

NZXT took the wraps off its newest Crafted Series case last month and, when it becomes available this September, the NZXT Phantom promises to the be an enthusiast favorite. With room for seven fans, a fully integrated fan controller, and an enthusiast-inspired design, it's easy to see why expectations of this case are high. Benchmark Reviews has been provided with an early sample and, hoping it will live up to the hype, we take an in-depth look at the Phantom Full Tower Case (PHAN-001BK) and deliver a verdict on this latest offering from NZXT.

Precision is a trait that gamers from all walks of life strive to achieve. Having quick reflexes is vital when proving your worth online; your mouse becomes your weapon, and your virtual existence is held in place by the reliability of its performance. When there's a thirst for pixelated blood that needs to be quenched, there's no substitution for quality. Ergonomics, precision, endurance; it all screams one thing: fancy gaming mouse. Mad Catz has provided just the thing in their Cyborg R.A.T. 7!

Mafia II is the single-player sequel to Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven, in which players assume the life of World War II veteran Vito Scaletta. Driven by a passion for fame and riches, players take on thugs in Empire Bay, working their way to the top in Mafia II. Built on 2K Czech's proprietary Illusion game engine, Benchmark Reviews tests Mafia II using ATI Radeon and NVIDIA GeForce video cards. PhysX and GeForce 3D-Vision technologies are revealed, which shape and build this game into an immersive experience. To help players get the most out of their time behind the trigger, game strategy is explained with tips and hints added.