Top 100 Products of 2005


	When it comes to having the best dual-core design and performance, there's really not a single shred of doubt that AMD is now leaving Intel no room for competition. Although it costs more, you get more speed out of it too - thanks to AMD's Direct Connect Architecture and its integrated DDR memory controller. AMD showed the world how a dual-core processor should be designed in 2005 and we're eternally thankful for the choice and innovation that AMD brought us.

	The year 2005 was still continually dominated by Intel's mobile Pentium M processor which not only gave laptop users the performance they need, but also cooler computing with slimmer notebook designs and extended battery life. The Pentium M also made to some desktops and HTPCs (Home Theatre PCs), and is expected to get even more powerful with a dual-core sibling in early 2006.

	The i-RAM is a one-of-a-kind unique product from Gigabyte which lets you substitute your hard drive with volatile DDR memory modules. What you get are incredible access speeds and a drive that won't crash even if you were to kick your PC real hard. With the i-RAM, Windows will load up faster than you can spell "Gigabyte" - backwards.

	The Seagate Barracuda hard drive, in its 9th generation, got bigger and better in 2005. It supports the latest SATA 3Gbps interface, performance enhancing NCQ (Native Command Queueing) and equipped with a large 16MB buffer. Though not the fastest drive around, its solid 5 year warranty policy is more than enough reason to earn it the best honors for 2005.

	The Maxtor OneTouch II FireWire 800 series were probably the fastest external drives ever introduced. Equipped with the next generation FireWire interface, transfer speeds will be as fast as an internal PATA or SATA drive. With its unique aluminum chassis design, it does not only make it look sleek, but it also improves overall reliability by improving the drive's heat dissipation.

	It's not about high performance computing nor portability, but it's about style and choice. Apple introduced the Mac Mini to give users the choice to purchase an Apple Mac without the display, keyboard and mouse. We think its sleek design is what makes it a cut above the rest, and not to mention the countless copycats appearing by PC clone makers.

	Smaller is better - that's what Apple wants you to believe when they unleashed an iPod Shuffle lookalike equipped with a full color screen. The iPod Nano is small and yet is equipped with up to 4GB of Flash memory. What's cool about the Nano is that it's very shock resistant and comes equipped with a large storage capacity. It's no wonder why so many users are selling off their first generation iPod Mini these days.

	The Hitachi Desktar 7K500 is not only big in capacity but it's one of the highest performing 7200RPM hard disk drive available today. It supports the latest SATA 3Gbps interface standard and is also equipped with a huge 16MB data buffer. If you want it big and fast, the Desktar 7K500 will certainly fit your criteria.

	Microsoft's answer to the lackluster original Xbox is the all new all powerful Xbox 360 gaming console. While it may not necessarily be the most powerful 3rd-generation console (the upcoming PlayStation 3 takes the cake), nor does it bring any new innovation in console gaming (and that honor goes to Nintendo's new Revolution console), the Xbox 360 is undeniably the hot sexy electronic chick you want to lay down next to your spanking new HDTV at the moment. It does not only bring photo-realistic graphics to life or connecting you to thousands of other Xbox 360 gamers worldwide via the revamped Xbox Live!, the 360 can also functions as a Media Center to complement your PC and supported gadgets - allowing you to stream music, videos and more into your living room. The Xbox 360 is not just a gaming console, but an all-rounder entertainment machine!

	Although the Nintendo DS may not be as sexy as the PSP, its appeal lies in its unique touch-screen and voice-recognition gaming experience. Furthermore, we applaud Nintendo for daring to change the way games are played today with its implementation of a console with two color screens and the inclusion of a solid Wi-Fi functionality. The Nintendo DS is also much sought after for its distinctive games such as Nintendog, Mario Kart DS and Animal Crossing DS and its backward compatibility with GBA SP games - making it the only portable gaming machine with access to thousands of game titles. Surely 10 million DS owners around the world - a statistic that even Microsoft would be envious of - can't be wrong.


	Remember the days when you could extend the life of a Slot-1 motherboard through the use of a Socket-370 to Slot-1 converter card? ASUS made us relive those glorious days in 2005 with a unique Socket-479 to Socket-478 adapter which lets current Pentium 4 users swap their scalding hot CPUs with a cooler and quieter Pentium M processor. Although it works only with a limited number of ASUS motherboards, there's really no reason why it doesn't deserve to be honored for its innovation.

	One of the last few products to land in our labs in 2005 was a surprise entry from ExcelStor. The GStor Plus has built-in encryption capability that lets you protect your data from unauthorized users. It also has the capability to allow users to restore an entire partition image at an instant. Although ExcelStor is a little-known brand in the storage industry, ExcelStor transformed the hard drive into more than just a storage device.

	Launched to satisfy the ever-growing demands for high capacity, high-speed storage surfaced by the increasing number of consumer electronic products that rely solely on SD memory card, the 4GB 150X SD card from Transcend boasts 70% better performance over regular SD cards and an incredible data transfer speed of 22.5MB/sec.

	Backed by the world's fastest 15.4-inch laptop display with a 16ms pixel response time and an ATI Mobility Radeon X600, the BenQ Joybook R53 is able to deliver class leading visual performance, making it an ideal multimedia notebook for not just action movies, but also fast paced, adrenaline pumping games.

	With a chassis that is crafted out of lightweight but tough carbon fiber similar to those used by the aerospace industry and advanced LED backlight technology for superior battery mileage, there really is no other notebook that is more fitting to epitomize portability than the Sony VAIO TX series of ultra portable notebooks.

	Not only does the BenQ DW1640 dual format DVD writer boast to have one of the fastest set of DVD read/write specifications around, it is also complemented by BenQ's unique QSuite software that serves up advance settings and some useful utilities to ensure high quality reading and writing of CD/DVD media.

	Far from being just another point and shoot digital camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 gets our nod for having an 8.4-megapixel image sensor, MEGA O.I.S. optical image stabilization system and being the first of its kind to feature a 16:9 aspect ratio CCD image sensor for snapping both portrait and wide angled scenes.

	The first camera to use a large format 10.3-megapixel CMOS sensor with full-time live preview, features the widest range of ISO sensitivity, first to provide top-mounted LCD screen, first to support Adobe RGB and first to implement "Auto Gamma Control", the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1 offers digital SLR imaging capabilities but with none of the drawbacks.

	Fulfilling the wishes of photojournalists and the likes is the 12.8 Megapixel Canon EOS 5D that packs a full frame CMOS image sensor and Canon's highly regarded DIGIC II processor into a lightweight but tough magnesium alloy body. These give photographers a professional yet robust camera for full 35mm sized shots without magnification or cropping whatsoever.

	Currently the most affordable entry level digital SLR around, the Nikon D50 combines compact camera usability with a 6.1 effective megapixel CCD image sensor, fast response time, optics and imaging features that even professionals would approve. Simply put, you will be hard pressed to find a better kit for budding photographers than a Nikon D50 kit.


	Sporting a 'Walkman' interface that owners of digital audio players can instantly relate is the bedrock for which the Sony Ericsson W800i is built on. Add to it the chic, vibrant styling, respectable audio quality and ease of use, it is easy to see why it was an instant hit.

	Simply the most talked about and most newsworthy phone of 2005. Imaging is the strongest asset of the multiple award winning Nokia N90, which is evident by the Carl Zeiss optics and a 2.0-megapixel image sensor that is further complemented by a remarkable set of camera functions akin to that of compact digital cameras.

	By arming the Nokia 9300i with 802.11g WLAN connectivity, the enterprise smartphone was immediately transformed into one of, if not the most desirable mobile communication and office productivity device in the professional executive sphere. Basically, with the Nokia 9300i, your office is never too far away.

	Arguably the most handsome looking Pocket PC Phone in 2005. Much of its appeal was due to its manageability, which at 150 grams was just a feather more than your regular mobile phone, but with a lot more personal information management features to keep your spinning world in check.

	Amidst the multitude of mobile phones shouting technical gibberish is the poised, classy and drop-dead gorgeous Motorola Razr V3. Instead of banging on features, the Razr V3 is as simple a mobile phone as you could possibly imagine. Yet, because of its iconic design, there was no stopping it from flying off the shelves in waves.

	You cannot go wrong with this one. Able to handle full HD 1080p signals with its pin sharp resolution of 1920x1080 pixels (42-inch model) and powered by a signal processor that is twice as powerful as its predecessor, the Philips Pixel Plus 2 HD series of LCD TV is a dream come true.

	Alongside its title of being the world's small Tablet PC is its 8.9-inch touch-sensitive display. With that, the operating system can be handled using nothing more than your fingertips, which is something that is impossible on other Tablet PCs. Excellent build quality and a fingerprint scanner means it is both reliable and secure.

	Powered by 3LCD technology, the EMP-TW600 is currently the best offering from Epson. Fitted with a 10-bit processor, a 5000:1 contrast ratio and WXGA (1280x720 pixels) resolution, the HDTV-class 720p projector is perfect for homemakers wanting to achieve stunning cinema experience right in the comfort of their living rooms.

	Bagging the "Best Photo Projector in Europe, 2005" from Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) was the chief reason why the Canon XEED SX50 made our list. Another reason was simply a lust from us technical geeks. You see, the SX50 uses LCOS technology and that means it had to be listed.

	The LifeDrive is the first mobile manager product from Palm to pack a 4GB hard drive in addition to Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. It easily stores up to 300 songs, 2.5 hours of video, 1000 photos, 6,000 emails, 10,000 contacts and more. In a nutshell, it is a Palm lover's delight!


	Named as one of the honorees at the International CES Innovations 2005 Awards, the Shure E4c sound isolating earphones features High-Definition drivers with Tuned-Port technology for an unbelievably wide soundstage. It really is the case of hearing to believe it and we are confident that music lovers will be won over in no time at all.
<img border="0" alt="" src="https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/hardwarezone/0872c02f6e994a8618c6bb2ff63191fd6e6387067c54a134bee2d76289cd5f73" title=" SnaZio Net DVD Cinema HD ">
<img border="0" alt="" src="https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/hardwarezone/0872c02f6e994a8618c6bb2ff63191fd6e6387067c54a134bee2d76289cd5f73" title=" SnaZio Net DVD Cinema HD ">	Capable of handling up to 1920x1080 video resolution with interlacing, playback MPEG1/2/4, DivX, XviD, RMP4 and a whole list of popular multimedia files while boasting 802.11b/g WiFi and 10/100 Ethernet LAN, the very affordable and value for money SnaZio Net DVD Cinema HD player was too good to be ignored.

	Though LG is no longer the only company delivering all-format DVD drives, it is still by far the only brand around that offers elegantly designed, yet competent external Super Multi DVD Rewriters. Backed by years of experience, you really cannot go wrong with one such drive.

	Just the drool factor is enough to warrant a position in our Top 100 list, but beyond that desirable sexy form, the Sony PSP is also a competent portable gaming console and media player that is every bit as good as its crisp styling. It is a sin not to have one, you know?

	The definitive audio player the world has ever seen was made even better when Apple decided to slap on a color LCD screen and playback functionality for H.264 and MPEG-4 video files. Yet, despite the enhancements injected, the latest iPod incarnation is still the slimmest gadget around that plays video. Shocking!

	Quite frankly the best brainwave Creative had in 2005. Boasting a combination of 24-bit audio quality, 110dB SNR, new CMSS (Creative Multi Speaker Surround) 3D headphone and surround speaker technology and an audio processor that has more than 51 million transistors, the X-Fi series of sound cards is a must have component for your PC.

	At an astounding rate of 500 samples per second, the G7 is the finest cordless laser mouse money can buy. Facilitated by 24 frequency channels to guarantee a strong, stable wireless connection between the mouse and PC, the G7 is powered by a long-lasting Li-ion battery pack. Who says that mouse technology can never be exciting?

	If there ever were a nomination for the most over engineered mouse in 2005, the Razer Copperhead would be it. Never mind that it was the world's first laser mouse or the many technicalities involved to make it a reality, just know that it is THE daddy of all wired laser gaming mice in existence today.

	When the GMINI 402 was released to succeed the older GIMINI 400, it was immediately apparent that Archos had outdone themselves yet again. 20GB of storage space and a 2.2-inch LCD screen deliver 80 hours of portable video goodness. Best of all, you can even game on it.

	Admittedly trailing its Intel equivalent in terms of computing speed and battery performance in the early stages of its product life, the AMD Turion 64 Mobile Technology has since matured to give its more expensive Intel Centrino Mobile Technology counterpart a good run for its money. Our say? Keep up the good work AMD.


	Gamers looking for that additional edge in online gaming must not overlook the D-Link Wireless 108G Gaming router. The industry's first gaming router features D-Link GameFuel technology that gives bandwidth priority to gaming packets over everything else to give you the advantage over your virtual nemesis. L33T!

	The Antec P180 Advanced Super Mid Tower is its performance flagship enclosure so expect the latest innovations in heat and noise management like sound deadening side panels, variable system fans and a thermal isolation chamber for the heat generating hard drives.

	Bland and unpretentious in appearance, the Antec P150 Mini Tower is an understated enclosure that prefers to be outside the limelight. Subtle touches like its sound deadening panels and unique suspension mount for internal drives ensure that this casing remains more substance than style.

	Its King Kong sized proportions can accommodate up to nine 5.25-inch and four 3.5-inch drives, more than sufficient for even the most hardcore of enthusiasts. Supporting a variety of formats, including Extended ATX and BTX, this beast of a casing can handle virtually any configuration and any number of drives.

	Literally a desk, the Lian Li Archimedes Aluminum PC Desk is the complete integrated package for the discerning executive, with the PC enclosure almost an afterthought. Instead, you will probably spend your time fiddling with the various conveniences included, like multimedia ports, keyboard storage shelf and spare power plugs.

	A completely silent HTPC, the HFX Media PC C30 is designed by specialist vendor mCubed together with Silverstone. Passively cooled by massive heatsinks hidden at the back, this PC has the elegant front facade to fit perfectly into your home entertainment environment.

	Silverstone's latest HTPC enclosure features a 7-inch integrated touchscreen capable of displaying resolutions up to 1600x1200 at 60Hz. In case you think that's just a gimmick, the rest of the enclosure possesses the quality expected of Silverstone, from the superior aluminum construction to the well-designed cooling layout.

	Based on Intel's Pentium M mobile processor, the Shuttle XPC SD11G5 achieves full marks for its low power consumption, leading to low noise and thermal output. Lest you think it is underpowered, the external power supply can support a high-end GeForce 7800 GTX graphics card.

	The first SFF with support for NVIDIA's SLI technology, the Shuttle XPC SN26P is rightly a trailblazer for the creative engineering required to fit two graphics card into the limited confines of the enclosure while keeping noise and temperature low. Simply put, it is the perfect LAN gaming machine.

	The Shuttle XPC SN25P is based on the popular nForce 4 chipset for AMD Athlon 64 processors. With performance figures on par with desktop systems, this SFF can support the latest high-end graphics cards without a hitch thanks to its 350W SilentX power supply. A desktop replacement SFF anyone?


	Possessing an aluminum frame with twice the structural rigidity of the average steel chassis, the flagship tower from Silverstone features the latest conveniences from tool-free installation to thermal isolated compartments for hard drives. Add Silverstone's expertise in designing HTPC enclosures and you have a marriage of performance and aesthetics.

	Shuttle's entry into the media PC arena looks the real deal. A stylish, slim chassis is complemented by the cool and quiet Pentium M architecture. Large capacity storage, a multiple card reader and wireless remote and keyboard are some of other the reasons why this is the perfect home entertainment hub.

	Without doubt the most powerful PSU in the market now, delivering a landmark one kilowatt of continuous power, the Turbo-Cool 1K more than meets the needs of the next generation PC system. In fact, we dare you to find a system capable of fully utilizing its power output.

	Modular PSUs with removable power cables are all the rage in 2005. Hence we have the OCZ Modstream PSU Series, with EMI shielding and OCZ's PowerWhisper technology to keep the noise down. This quality PSU maintains the company's tradition for excellent, performance oriented products targeted at enthusiasts.

	Combining aesthetics with performance, the Hiper Type-R modular PSU comes in a number of striking, shiny colors, packed in a Tupperware like plastic box for convenient storage. Appearances aside, the Hiper comes with sufficient power (480 to 580W) to satisfy the enthusiasts while the modular cables should ensure a clutter-free environment.

	For silent computing, there are not that many PSU to choose from. For high-end systems, Antec's solution is the Phantom 500, based on the original fanless wonder, the Phantom 350. The more powerful Phantom has a fan that is only activated upon certain user-defined conditions like higher loads.

	Cooler Master's high-end PSU series is designed to meet the demands of the modern PC, including compliance with NVIDIA's SLI specifications. This means that you can rest easy even if your system is loaded with tons of devices. Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) also makes for a more efficient and stable performance.

	The VGA cooler par excellence, used by numerous vendors in the premium edition of their graphics products, the latest revision of the popular Arctic Cooling NV Silencer 5 now supports the newest graphics cards like the GeForce 7800 GTX and is a definite improvement over the standard cooler.

	Renowned for its whisper quiet VGA coolers, Arctic Cooling is also gradually building up a reputation for CPU coolers. Its newest CPU cooler, the Freezer 7 Pro is an incremental improvement over the original design, with one more heatpipe and angled fins for better airflow and even more quiet performance.

	The distinctive 'flower-like' multi-fin design of the Zalman VF700 series of VGA coolers are found in many overclocked graphics products due to its excellent heat dissipation. The latest version has been updated with blue LEDs but you should expect nothing less than exceptional cooling.


	Cooler Master has succeeded in bringing water-cooling to the mainstream consumer with its AQUAGATE Mini, probably the easiest to install water-cooling unit available. Great performance and a reasonable price, along with support for both Intel and AMD processors should ensure lasting longevity for this innovative product.

	The compact version of asetek's revolutionary vapor phase change cooler, the VapoChill Micro has a unique, angled design for its fan to ensure maximum air circulation. By placing the evaporation chamber directly on the processor, asetek has also achieved a peerless level of cooling rated at 150W of heat dissipation.

	asetek turns its formidable prowess towards water cooling with its WaterChill kit. Enthusiasts will embrace it though newcomers may be daunted by the 40 commercial kits and unlimited mix-and-match combinations. The new Xtreme 12V integrated pump and reservoir even has a USB connection for full access to operational settings.

	This is the perfect companion to your Windows XP Media Center Edition. Now you can wirelessly launch your media applications, browse the Internet and even send instant messages from the comfort of your couch, up to 30 feet away with this all-in-one device that integrates the keyboard, mouse and remote.

	Aimed at the burgeoning gaming market, the highly customizable Logitech G15 gaming keyboard has 18 programmable keys for in-game macros together with an adjustable backlit LCD display for tracking of game stats. Be warned though: other envious gamers may just brand you a cheat for using it.

	Definitely one of the value buys of the year, the Sapphire Radeon X800 GTO2 can be unlocked to its full potential of 16 pipelines. Throw in some judicious overclocking (this card has a fairly good tolerance) and you have a great bargain, if you can find this limited edition card.

	With the introduction of its GeForce 6800 GS, NVIDIA essentially made its older GeForce 6800 GT and Ultra graphics cards irrelevant in a single stroke. Boasting performance that matched the normal GeForce 6800 GT but with the overclocking allowance to challenge the much costly Ultra, this is an irresistible, yet lethal combination.

	2005 saw a great number of innovative variants of the GeForce 6600 GT appearing on the scene. The ASUS Extreme N6600GT Silencer, with its adjustable passively cooled heatsink is one of the more creative designs that we have seen as you can position it for the optimal airflow in your system.

	For pure power and performance, Leadtek's WinFast PX6600 GT TDH Extreme is hard to beat. Overclocked out of the box, this card may look ordinary but it will smoke any GeForce 6600 GT card in its sight with its adrenaline-fueled performance.

	Not just any overclocked GeForce 6600 GT, the MSI NX6600GT-V2TD128E Diamond is the world's first graphics card to have a user-friendly built-in voltage modification for greater overclocking. Paired with its CoreCell 3D software, this card brings the mystic overclocking secrets to the mainstream.


	A demonstration of ASUS' engineering capabilities, these are gigantic cards that have dual GPUs (GeForce 6800 GT or 7800 GT) on a single PCB, capable of running in SLI mode. Undoubtedly, these cards are not meant for mass-market consumption but nevertheless they have managed to set our pulses racing.

	Hands-down the best Radeon X850 XT graphics card that we have seen, this outstanding card from HIS uses an Arctic Cooling Silencer for its blend of performance and silence. Overclocking was therefore a treat and the included Turbo mode is a nice and safe boost for the overclocking neophyte.

	Sapphire's Radeon X800 XL Ultimate fully deserves its moniker after trouncing its rivals in our Radeon X800 XL shootout. The Zalman VF700 VGA cooler helped it score in both overclocking and noise output, making it one of the most balanced graphics cards we have seen this year.

	Assisted ably by Arctic Cooling, ASUS' monster of a Radeon X1800 XT 512MB is overclocked to 700/1600MHz. More impressive is its outstanding cooler, which not only handles the greater output with aplomb but also puts ATI's default cooler in the shade with a quiet, efficient performance.

	Another innovative design in passive cooling, the ASUS Extreme N6600TOP Silent /TD is based on NVIDIA's latest revision to the GeForce 6600 with DDR2 memory. What's noteworthy though is its ReverseCool technology, with the passive cooler at the back of the PCB and leverages the CPU cooler for heat dissipation.

	ASUS' TOP moniker is reserved for its very best graphics card, so you know what to expect from the ASUS Extreme N7800 GTX TOP. Yet another card with an Arctic Cooling Silencer that allows the card to spread its wings and soar to unprecedented heights while maintaining sufficiently tolerable noise and heat levels.

	Though not truly a 2005 product, the 30-inch Apple HD Cinema Display remains as the grand daddy of consumer LCD monitors throughout the year, coveted by everyone in geekdom. The High Definition monitor is known for its image quality, color reproduction as well as Apple's unmistakable design allure.

	For the PC purists looking for a widescreen goodness, there has really been only one monitor that stands out in terms of both image quality, performance and cost effectiveness. Dell literally blew the competition away with its stunning 24-inch UltraSharp 2405FPW WUXGA display. It even accepts HD over component input.

	If there has been any mainstream LCD monitor that truly stood out in 2005, it has to be BenQ's FP72V. While everyone battled for speed supremacy, BenQ dropped this gem of a monitor with its retro design and a vivid 17-inch widescreen glossy display. It even comes complete with speakers and detachable USB webcam.

	ViewSonic's unrelentless pursuit of performance LCD monitors ended 2005 on a high note. Dubbed the 'professional gamers' LCD', their 19-inch VX924 monitor stands out as the best there is with an incredible 3ms average GTG response time and an advanced panel capable of wide 160-degree viewing angles.


	Designed for the articulate user, Sony's HS-Series of LCD monitors are an upper-class privilege with a sculptured single-piece design that oozes style and elegance. However, looks aren't their only forte as they carry a high entertainment value. It even comes in a Prestige sub-line that delivers superior image capabilities.

	While the Sony are bred for clinical perfection, LG's own Flatron Artistic series are stylistic compliments to any PC or living room environment. Winner of the IF Material Design Award 2005, the entire Artistic range does not only deliver high style and function, but image quality not to be overlooked.

	In the constant struggle to deliver the 'blackest black', Samsung's SyncMaster 740T can be called the little 17-inch black hole. The monitor is capable of a staggering 1500:1 contrast ratio with full 8-bit per pixel color space, a feat that many high-end monitors cannot yet hope to achieve.

	NEC's SpectraView Reference 21 monitor has to be the most powerful high-end LCD monitors released in 2005. Using a 21.3-inch widescreen panel with LED backlight technology and hardware color calibration system. This monitor is designed to have the most accurate color workflow consistency for professionals that will not settle for compromise.

	Not known for subtlety, ASUS grabs 'feature-packed' by its laurels and gives it a new meaning. Optimized to deliver exceptional performance as well as a deluge of features, the P5LD2 Deluxe WiFi-TV is the most extreme Intel 945P Express motherboard you can get your hands on with no exception.

	Before NVIDIA's nForce4 SLI X16 drove prices of the nForce4 SLI down, the ECS KN1 SLI Extreme has long been delivering premium performance at budget friendly prices. As one of the best motherboards in ECS' 2005 line-up, the KN1 SLI Extreme delivers on all fronts - price, performance and features alike.

	The Gigabyte GA-8I955X Royal is one of the first to market motherboards featuring Intel's high-end Glenwood chipset. It's also the first motherboard to carry the Designed for Dolby Master Studio certification and still remains a highlight today with top notch performance and a gamut of features worthy of any enthusiast.

	Launched just in time to make it into our list, the GA-G1975X is a bold statement to the gamer community. Using Intel's new 975X Express chipset, Gigabyte decked the board out for extreme performance with crazy cooling and comes factory overclocked. ATI CrossFire support is just icing on the cake.

	From the self-proclaimed masters of gaming comes an nForce4 SLI motherboard that is designed to be the ultimate gaming platform. While ABIT has a whole range of Fatal1ty endorsed motherboards, the A8N SLi takes the cake for performance with the Guru Panel delivering easy access to advanced enthusiast functions.

	Without any doubt, the LANParty UT nF4 Ultra-D was one of the most interesting motherboards to hit the market in 2005. One of the few boards at the time to deliver dual PCIe graphics and extra voltage, this was the enthusiasts favorite board capable of modding to support SLI.


	Perhaps the best board out of MSI's stables in 2005, the P4N Diamond received a full 5 out of 5 stars from us and also received our Most Overclockable Product Award for its extreme overclocking capabilities. Going the Intel route has never looked so good.

	The first motherboard to bear MSI's Diamond branding, the K8N Diamond came with high-end features never before seen in its time. It was also one of the pioneers to introduce heatpipe cooling for motherboard components and responsible for setting the standards of enthusiast nForce4 SLI boards.

	The ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe closed 2005 with a bang as one of the most desirable motherboards for any AMD enthusiast. The top-end nForce4 SLI X16 chipset is given the ASUS touch of quality engineering, ultra-silent cooling and topped off with an 8-phase power circuitry for unrivaled stability.

	One of the rarer desktop Pentium M motherboards in 2005, the 915GMm-HFS is one board that is made with a complete media PC in mind. Where else can you find a PC motherboard with native HDTV support and a full range of connectivity through YPbPr, S Video, D4, DVI and D-SUB.

	Innovation is the key driver in the industry and the ULi M1695 chipset is an amazing product that delivers ultimate chipset flexibility to the mainstream consumer. Triple graphics, chained PCI Express or even PCI-X, the M1695 can deliver. To top it off, its performance even matches the NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra.

	Delayed though it may be, but ATI's CrossFire technology is without doubt the pinnacle of graphics innovation in 2005. Besides introducing ATI's Supertiling rendering, CrossFire also delivered an easier and more accessible way to run multi-GPU graphics with less hardware restrictions than NVIDIA's SLI.

	Breaching the gigahertz barrier, Corsair's matched pair DDR2-1000 DIMM modules are the ultimate enthusiast memory. It has more than enough bandwidth to spare for the 1066MHz FSB Intel platform and what sets it apart from the competition is its ultra low latency operation of 5-4-4-9 CMD T1.

	Corsair's XMS series are already widely known to be one of the best enthusiast memory available, that is until they launched the XMS XPERT series. For the first time, users could rely on the high performance XMS modules while having real-time monitoring through a programmable LED display - a world's first.

	There are DIMM sticks, DIMM sticks with heat spreaders and then there is the OCZ Gold GX. If you thought memory cooling designs have stagnated, you'd be dead wrong. OCZ designed their Xtreme Thermal Convection (XTC) honeycomb heat spreaders for maximum thermal effectiveness - where conventional means cannot possibly achieve.

	Using the new nForce4 SLI X16 Intel Edition chipset, Gigabyte delivers the true meaning of multi-GPU technology well ahead of its time. The GA-8N-SLI Quad Royal is the first and only motherboard today with support for a quad x8 PCIe SLI configuration (that is four graphics cards if you were counting).

Top 100 Products of 2005

Best of 2005 Award

Tags

Share this article