G3AR http://g3ar.co.za Games, Equipment, Electronic Entertainment all Reviewed Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:00:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 Noctua launches NH-L12 CPU cooler http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/noctua-launches-nh-l12-cpu-cooler/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=noctua-launches-nh-l12-cpu-cooler http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/noctua-launches-nh-l12-cpu-cooler/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:00:28 +0000 Michael http://g3ar.co.za/?p=15998 Noctua NH-L12

Noctua has released its new low-profile NH-L12 cooler for small form-factor cases and HTPC systems.The NH-L12 uses a dual PWM fan setup with a top-mounted NF-F12 120mm fan and a bottom-mounted NF-B9 92mm fan. The 120mm fan can be removed to keep the cooler’s profile to a minimum. The NH-L12 uses a copper base and four copper heatpipes connected to an aluminium fin array. The base and heatpipes are nickel-plated. Without the top fan the NHL12 stands 66mm high and with it the height is 93mm. Fully assembled the NH-L12 has a weight of 680g and is secured to the motherboard using Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting system which supports Intel’s LGA2011, 1366, 1156, 1155, 775 sockets and AMD’s AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+ and FM1 sockets. Using special mounting pins the NH-L12 can also be installed on mini-ITX motherboards which don’t allow for the use of a backplate. The NH-L12 has a recommended retail price of R480 (US$ 59.90). [gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="4" orderby="title" exclude="16003"]]]> Noctua NH-L12

Noctua has released its new low-profile NH-L12 cooler for small form-factor cases and HTPC systems.The NH-L12 uses a dual PWM fan setup with a top-mounted NF-F12 120mm fan and a bottom-mounted NF-B9 92mm fan. The 120mm fan can be removed to keep the cooler’s profile to a minimum. The NH-L12 uses a copper base and four copper heatpipes connected to an aluminium fin array. The base and heatpipes are nickel-plated. Without the top fan the NHL12 stands 66mm high and with it the height is 93mm. Fully assembled the NH-L12 has a weight of 680g and is secured to the motherboard using Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting system which supports Intel’s LGA2011, 1366, 1156, 1155, 775 sockets and AMD’s AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+ and FM1 sockets. Using special mounting pins the NH-L12 can also be installed on mini-ITX motherboards which don’t allow for the use of a backplate. The NH-L12 has a recommended retail price of R480 (US$ 59.90). [gallery link="file" order="DESC" columns="4" orderby="title" exclude="16003"]]]> http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/noctua-launches-nh-l12-cpu-cooler/feed/ 0 PS Vita launches in SA http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/ps-vita-launches-in-sa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ps-vita-launches-in-sa http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/ps-vita-launches-in-sa/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:03 +0000 Brett http://g3ar.co.za/?p=16019 SONY DSC

The PlayStation Vita may have hit stores today but it officially launched last night, in some schizo weather, at Randlords on the 22nd floor of the the South Point Towers in Braamfontein. The search for the venue was less frantic than the search for parking, since that was about as easy to locate as one of Nathan Drake's lost treasures. Almost the entire team was present for the event (fearless leader Nick, Dawid, Mike, contributor Jarred and myself) and there was much drinking and snacking on spring rolls. The Vita launch featured an unobtrusive security presence, probably due to the large number of demo Vita units tethered to posts and showcasing the various launch titles Sony and others have on shelves today. It may also have something to do with the silver-clad promo girls on the floor but they were mostly outshone by the Vita and the performance art on display. In that order. It seems that few people (besides us) noticed that June 2011 South African Playboy Playmate Victoria De Lima was in attendance as part of Sony's promotional efforts. Despite some sound hassles - which saw the actual launch announcement being largely muted,  followed by journos being rocked by concussive music - the launch went off with nary a hitch. We did get a chance to test a few of the games (Escape Plan, FIFA, Super Stardust Delta and Gravity Rush among them) but don't intend to spoil the fun by posting impressions prematurely. Reviews for the launch titles from all over the publisher spectrum will be hitting these pages soon. The PlayStation Vita is available now: the Wi-Fi-only Vita will run you R2,999 the 3G-model is a wallet-crushing R3,599. [gallery exclude="16029" link="file" order="DESC" columns="4" orderby="title"]]]> SONY DSC

The PlayStation Vita may have hit stores today but it officially launched last night, in some schizo weather, at Randlords on the 22nd floor of the the South Point Towers in Braamfontein. The search for the venue was less frantic than the search for parking, since that was about as easy to locate as one of Nathan Drake's lost treasures. Almost the entire team was present for the event (fearless leader Nick, Dawid, Mike, contributor Jarred and myself) and there was much drinking and snacking on spring rolls. The Vita launch featured an unobtrusive security presence, probably due to the large number of demo Vita units tethered to posts and showcasing the various launch titles Sony and others have on shelves today. It may also have something to do with the silver-clad promo girls on the floor but they were mostly outshone by the Vita and the performance art on display. In that order. It seems that few people (besides us) noticed that June 2011 South African Playboy Playmate Victoria De Lima was in attendance as part of Sony's promotional efforts. Despite some sound hassles - which saw the actual launch announcement being largely muted,  followed by journos being rocked by concussive music - the launch went off with nary a hitch. We did get a chance to test a few of the games (Escape Plan, FIFA, Super Stardust Delta and Gravity Rush among them) but don't intend to spoil the fun by posting impressions prematurely. Reviews for the launch titles from all over the publisher spectrum will be hitting these pages soon. The PlayStation Vita is available now: the Wi-Fi-only Vita will run you R2,999 the 3G-model is a wallet-crushing R3,599. [gallery exclude="16029" link="file" order="DESC" columns="4" orderby="title"]]]> http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/ps-vita-launches-in-sa/feed/ 0 Review: UFC Undisputed 3 http://g3ar.co.za/slider/review-ufc-undisputed-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=review-ufc-undisputed-3 http://g3ar.co.za/slider/review-ufc-undisputed-3/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:01:02 +0000 Dawid http://g3ar.co.za/?post_type=slider&p=16032 ufc-3-undisputed-02

]]> ufc-3-undisputed-02

]]> http://g3ar.co.za/slider/review-ufc-undisputed-3/feed/ 0 UFC Undisputed 3 http://g3ar.co.za/review/ufc-undisputed-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ufc-undisputed-3 http://g3ar.co.za/review/ufc-undisputed-3/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:15 +0000 Mynhardt http://g3ar.co.za/?post_type=reviews&p=15940 UFC3logo

[gameinfo title="Game Info" game_name="UFC Undisputed 3" developers="YUKEs" publishers="THQ" platforms="PS3" genres="Fighting" release_date="17 February 2012"] The UFC Undisputed franchise launched with two swift jabs in 2009 and 2010 – perhaps too swift as the 2010 sequel saw very little in the way of improvement over the critically acclaimed launch title. THQ promised to remedy this by not releasing annual entries to the franchise in an attempt to avoid franchise fatigue and the inevitable sales slump that goes hand-in-hand with it. The philosophy has definitely paid off as UFC Undisputed 3 proves to be an impressive MMA fighter, honed and toned to near-perfection by the YUKEs Co. development team. Featuring more than 150 fighters from both UFC and Pride, Undisputed 3 is a title packed to the brim with content. The addition of Pride means that in some instances you’ll be able to play as the same fighter as your opponent if they featured in both UFC and Pride. The combatants may be the same person but they will be from different eras, complete with changes to the stats and in-game models to differentiate between the two versions. Other more noticeable changes are the Highlight Reels – a feature that lets you automatically save highlights from up to 50 fights in order to create a personalized highlight reel and upload those videos to YouTube. A new submission system, personalized fighter entrances and the option to take an existing fighter through career mode make up the remainder of the alterations. While these changes, along with crisper looking visuals, may not seem like a whole lot the most important changes are not of the aesthetic variety. It’s the smaller changes to the gameplay that’s the biggest hitter here, offering subtle nuances that, at simulation level, offer deep, strategic gameplay. Button mash, and you’ll lose. More than ever, this latest entry is the closest you’ll currently get in polygon form to experiencing the tactical think-on-your-feet mentality these fighters need to apply for their fights. It’s a constant exercise in timing, gauging an opening and countering kicks and punches. Playing with simulation energy means fighters get gassed more easily and your losses are never cheap – if you lose it will more often than not be either a mistake in your approach, or a lapse in concentration. All the additions to the gameplay, from the reworked sway mechanism that allows you to sway against the cage or on the ground to the leg kick TKO’s and the removal of auto-block, make for an incredibly engrossing and demanding experience that can easily jump from ecstasy to agony within the space of a single round. Clinches have also been reworked, translating into more options - whether against the cage or on the floor - to reverse a clinch, allowing for some much needed breathing space with which to hit your opponent. Not all is perfect though. While the new submission system is definitely an improvement over the 2010 model, a more tactical approach to executing a successful submission would be preferred rather than the “race-around-the-Octagon” mini-game it currently triggers. The load times are another blemish. Jumping around between menus, training areas and matches will often test your patience. Training is again hit-or-miss, depending on the training event, but these can be simulated even though the actual results might offer a slightly smaller increase in your statistics. And as at the time of writing this the online multiplayer has been less than stellar, with matches constantly being disconnected – a problem that can hopefully be easily remedied with a patch. But in the end UFC Undisputed 3 is such a triumph in the areas that matter that you’ll easily forgive these missteps. Its leave of absence proved to be essential, a sabbatical where it has been doing anything but resting on its laurels, culminating in a crunching knock-out to the competition.]]> UFC3logo

[gameinfo title="Game Info" game_name="UFC Undisputed 3" developers="YUKEs" publishers="THQ" platforms="PS3" genres="Fighting" release_date="17 February 2012"] The UFC Undisputed franchise launched with two swift jabs in 2009 and 2010 – perhaps too swift as the 2010 sequel saw very little in the way of improvement over the critically acclaimed launch title. THQ promised to remedy this by not releasing annual entries to the franchise in an attempt to avoid franchise fatigue and the inevitable sales slump that goes hand-in-hand with it. The philosophy has definitely paid off as UFC Undisputed 3 proves to be an impressive MMA fighter, honed and toned to near-perfection by the YUKEs Co. development team. Featuring more than 150 fighters from both UFC and Pride, Undisputed 3 is a title packed to the brim with content. The addition of Pride means that in some instances you’ll be able to play as the same fighter as your opponent if they featured in both UFC and Pride. The combatants may be the same person but they will be from different eras, complete with changes to the stats and in-game models to differentiate between the two versions. Other more noticeable changes are the Highlight Reels – a feature that lets you automatically save highlights from up to 50 fights in order to create a personalized highlight reel and upload those videos to YouTube. A new submission system, personalized fighter entrances and the option to take an existing fighter through career mode make up the remainder of the alterations. While these changes, along with crisper looking visuals, may not seem like a whole lot the most important changes are not of the aesthetic variety. It’s the smaller changes to the gameplay that’s the biggest hitter here, offering subtle nuances that, at simulation level, offer deep, strategic gameplay. Button mash, and you’ll lose. More than ever, this latest entry is the closest you’ll currently get in polygon form to experiencing the tactical think-on-your-feet mentality these fighters need to apply for their fights. It’s a constant exercise in timing, gauging an opening and countering kicks and punches. Playing with simulation energy means fighters get gassed more easily and your losses are never cheap – if you lose it will more often than not be either a mistake in your approach, or a lapse in concentration. All the additions to the gameplay, from the reworked sway mechanism that allows you to sway against the cage or on the ground to the leg kick TKO’s and the removal of auto-block, make for an incredibly engrossing and demanding experience that can easily jump from ecstasy to agony within the space of a single round. Clinches have also been reworked, translating into more options - whether against the cage or on the floor - to reverse a clinch, allowing for some much needed breathing space with which to hit your opponent. Not all is perfect though. While the new submission system is definitely an improvement over the 2010 model, a more tactical approach to executing a successful submission would be preferred rather than the “race-around-the-Octagon” mini-game it currently triggers. The load times are another blemish. Jumping around between menus, training areas and matches will often test your patience. Training is again hit-or-miss, depending on the training event, but these can be simulated even though the actual results might offer a slightly smaller increase in your statistics. And as at the time of writing this the online multiplayer has been less than stellar, with matches constantly being disconnected – a problem that can hopefully be easily remedied with a patch. But in the end UFC Undisputed 3 is such a triumph in the areas that matter that you’ll easily forgive these missteps. Its leave of absence proved to be essential, a sabbatical where it has been doing anything but resting on its laurels, culminating in a crunching knock-out to the competition.]]> http://g3ar.co.za/review/ufc-undisputed-3/feed/ 1 NVIDIA GeForce 295.73 WHQL-certified drivers released http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/nvidia-geforce-295-73-whql-certified-drivers-released/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nvidia-geforce-295-73-whql-certified-drivers-released http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/nvidia-geforce-295-73-whql-certified-drivers-released/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:37 +0000 Michael http://g3ar.co.za/?p=15992 Nvidia logo

NVIDIA has released its latest drivers for its GeFocre 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 series graphics cards. The drivers also support NVIDIA’s ION GPUs and come bundled with NVIDIA’s PhysX System Software v9.12.0209. The GeFoce 295.73 WQHL drivers include a number of improvements including a 45% performance boost for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, up to 2x performance boost with SLI when playing Mass Effect 3 and ambient occlusion support for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Diablo II and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. NVIDIA recommends these drivers to all GeForce card owners who are currently (or will be, in the case of ME3) playing Battlefield 3, Diablo II, Mass Effect 3 or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Below is the full list of changes followed by download links from TechPowerUp:
R295 Highlight Summary New features and performance since last WHQL-certified driver
  • Game-changing performance boost of up to 45% in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, "the fastest selling title in Steam's history"
  • Up to 2x performance Mass Effect 3 with SLI technology.
  • GeForce-exclusive quality enhancements with ambient occlusion support for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Diablo III, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
  • New 3D Vision and SLI profiles for over 50 titles.
  • New PhysX software for the best experience in top PhysX titles like Alice: Madness Returns andBatman: Arkham City.
R295 Highlight Details Performance
  • Increases performance by up to 45% in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (measured with GeForce GTX 560 at 1080p Ultra settings in indoor scenes vs. 285.62).
  • Updates the NVIDIA Control Panel ambient occlusion support for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to a higher performance profile.
  • Boosts Mass Effect 3 SLI performance to up to 2x.
Ambient Occlusion
  • Adds ambient occlusion support for Diablo III. See the comparison screenshots on GeForce.com.
  • Updates the ambient occlusion support for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to a higher performance profile (also in 290 beta drivers). See the comparison screenshots on GeForce.com.
  • Adds ambient occlusion support for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (also in 290 beta drivers). See thecomparison screenshots on GeForce.com.
NVIDIA SLI
  • Adds or updates SLI profiles for:
    • Mass Effect 3
    • Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
    • The Darkness II
    • F1 2011
    • Oil Rush
    • Red Faction: Armageddon
    • 7554
    • Trine 2
    • WRC 2: FIA World Rally Championship 2011
    • Afterfall: InSanity.
    • ArcheAge
    • Core Blaze
NVIDIA 3D Vision
  • Adds support for 3D Vision windowed mode on DLP HDTVs and on Optimized for GeForce passive 3D monitors.
  • Added new 3D Vision laser sight /crosshair options to better match Skyrim crosshairs.
  • Adds or updates 3D Vision profiles for:
    • The Adventures of Tintin – rated Good
    • Afterfall: Insanity – rated Fair
    • ANNO 2070 - rated Not Recommended
    • Apache: Air Assault – rated Fair
    • Black Prophecy – rated Not Recommended
    • Chaos Online – rated Fair
    • Choplifter HD - rated Good
    • Cities XL 2012 - rated Good
    • Da Vinci Online – rated Fair
    • Dino D-Day - rated Good
    • DotA 2 – rating upgraded to Fair
    • Dungeon and Dragons: Daggerdale – rated Fair
    • Edge - rated Excellent
    • Ferrari Project – rated Not Recommended
    • The First Templar – rated Fair
    • Fractal – rated Excellent
    • FreeStyle 2 – rated Good
    • The Haunted Halls Reach – rated Excellent
    • Insane 2 - rated Excellent
    • King Arthur II – rated Not Recommended
    • Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning – rated Fair
    • Kong Fu Ying Xiong – rated Fair
    • Love Beat – rated Good
    • Marvel Super Hero Squad Online – rated Good
    • Microsoft Flight – rated Fair
    • Perpetuum – rated Fair
    • Post Apocalyptic Mayhem – rated Fair
    • Prototype 2 – rated Fair
    • Q.U.B.E. – rated Excellent
    • Quan Qiu Shi Ming – rated Excellent
    • Red Bull X-Fighters - rated Excellent
    • rFactor 2 (mod mode) – rated Good and updated convergence
    • Risen 2: Dark Waters - rated Fair
    • Saints Row: The Third – Rated Not Recommended
    • Shadow Company: Left for Dead – rated Not Recommended
    • Special Force – Rated Good
    • Tera – rated Good
    • Top Gun: Hard Lock – rated Not Recommended
    • Tropico 4 – rated Good
    • Worms Blast – rated Good
    • If you are using 3D Vision with the 3D Vision USB emitter, please read this FAQ for more details on installation.
NVIDIA PhysX
  • Updates PhysX System Software to 9.12.0209 for improved compatibility with Alice: Madness Returns andBatman: Arkham City.
NVIDIA Surround
  • Enables WHQL-certified support for NVIDIA Surround on Intel X79 SLI-certified motherboards.
HD Audio
  • Updates HD Audio to version 1.3.12.0.
Battlefield 3
  • Fixes instances of texture corruption/artifacts in Battlefield 3 when memory constrained (typically 1GB or less graphics cards running Ultra settings and high resolutions).
Other Details
  • Supports multiple languages and APIs for GPU computing: CUDA C, CUDA C++, CUDA Fortran, OpenCL, DirectCompute, and Microsoft C++ AMP.
  • Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 11, and OpenGL, including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel and AMD motherboards.
 ]]> Nvidia logo

NVIDIA has released its latest drivers for its GeFocre 6, 7, 8, 9, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 series graphics cards. The drivers also support NVIDIA’s ION GPUs and come bundled with NVIDIA’s PhysX System Software v9.12.0209. The GeFoce 295.73 WQHL drivers include a number of improvements including a 45% performance boost for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, up to 2x performance boost with SLI when playing Mass Effect 3 and ambient occlusion support for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Diablo II and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. NVIDIA recommends these drivers to all GeForce card owners who are currently (or will be, in the case of ME3) playing Battlefield 3, Diablo II, Mass Effect 3 or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Below is the full list of changes followed by download links from TechPowerUp:
R295 Highlight Summary New features and performance since last WHQL-certified driver
  • Game-changing performance boost of up to 45% in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, "the fastest selling title in Steam's history"
  • Up to 2x performance Mass Effect 3 with SLI technology.
  • GeForce-exclusive quality enhancements with ambient occlusion support for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Diablo III, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
  • New 3D Vision and SLI profiles for over 50 titles.
  • New PhysX software for the best experience in top PhysX titles like Alice: Madness Returns andBatman: Arkham City.
R295 Highlight Details Performance
  • Increases performance by up to 45% in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (measured with GeForce GTX 560 at 1080p Ultra settings in indoor scenes vs. 285.62).
  • Updates the NVIDIA Control Panel ambient occlusion support for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to a higher performance profile.
  • Boosts Mass Effect 3 SLI performance to up to 2x.
Ambient Occlusion
  • Adds ambient occlusion support for Diablo III. See the comparison screenshots on GeForce.com.
  • Updates the ambient occlusion support for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to a higher performance profile (also in 290 beta drivers). See the comparison screenshots on GeForce.com.
  • Adds ambient occlusion support for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (also in 290 beta drivers). See thecomparison screenshots on GeForce.com.
NVIDIA SLI
  • Adds or updates SLI profiles for:
    • Mass Effect 3
    • Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
    • The Darkness II
    • F1 2011
    • Oil Rush
    • Red Faction: Armageddon
    • 7554
    • Trine 2
    • WRC 2: FIA World Rally Championship 2011
    • Afterfall: InSanity.
    • ArcheAge
    • Core Blaze
NVIDIA 3D Vision
  • Adds support for 3D Vision windowed mode on DLP HDTVs and on Optimized for GeForce passive 3D monitors.
  • Added new 3D Vision laser sight /crosshair options to better match Skyrim crosshairs.
  • Adds or updates 3D Vision profiles for:
    • The Adventures of Tintin – rated Good
    • Afterfall: Insanity – rated Fair
    • ANNO 2070 - rated Not Recommended
    • Apache: Air Assault – rated Fair
    • Black Prophecy – rated Not Recommended
    • Chaos Online – rated Fair
    • Choplifter HD - rated Good
    • Cities XL 2012 - rated Good
    • Da Vinci Online – rated Fair
    • Dino D-Day - rated Good
    • DotA 2 – rating upgraded to Fair
    • Dungeon and Dragons: Daggerdale – rated Fair
    • Edge - rated Excellent
    • Ferrari Project – rated Not Recommended
    • The First Templar – rated Fair
    • Fractal – rated Excellent
    • FreeStyle 2 – rated Good
    • The Haunted Halls Reach – rated Excellent
    • Insane 2 - rated Excellent
    • King Arthur II – rated Not Recommended
    • Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning – rated Fair
    • Kong Fu Ying Xiong – rated Fair
    • Love Beat – rated Good
    • Marvel Super Hero Squad Online – rated Good
    • Microsoft Flight – rated Fair
    • Perpetuum – rated Fair
    • Post Apocalyptic Mayhem – rated Fair
    • Prototype 2 – rated Fair
    • Q.U.B.E. – rated Excellent
    • Quan Qiu Shi Ming – rated Excellent
    • Red Bull X-Fighters - rated Excellent
    • rFactor 2 (mod mode) – rated Good and updated convergence
    • Risen 2: Dark Waters - rated Fair
    • Saints Row: The Third – Rated Not Recommended
    • Shadow Company: Left for Dead – rated Not Recommended
    • Special Force – Rated Good
    • Tera – rated Good
    • Top Gun: Hard Lock – rated Not Recommended
    • Tropico 4 – rated Good
    • Worms Blast – rated Good
    • If you are using 3D Vision with the 3D Vision USB emitter, please read this FAQ for more details on installation.
NVIDIA PhysX
  • Updates PhysX System Software to 9.12.0209 for improved compatibility with Alice: Madness Returns andBatman: Arkham City.
NVIDIA Surround
  • Enables WHQL-certified support for NVIDIA Surround on Intel X79 SLI-certified motherboards.
HD Audio
  • Updates HD Audio to version 1.3.12.0.
Battlefield 3
  • Fixes instances of texture corruption/artifacts in Battlefield 3 when memory constrained (typically 1GB or less graphics cards running Ultra settings and high resolutions).
Other Details
  • Supports multiple languages and APIs for GPU computing: CUDA C, CUDA C++, CUDA Fortran, OpenCL, DirectCompute, and Microsoft C++ AMP.
  • Supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, DirectX 11, and OpenGL, including 3-way SLI, Quad SLI, and SLI support on SLI-certified Intel and AMD motherboards.
 ]]> http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/nvidia-geforce-295-73-whql-certified-drivers-released/feed/ 2 The Weekly Glance Ahead – Mass Effect 3 http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/the-weekly-glance-ahead-mass-effect-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-weekly-glance-ahead-mass-effect-3 http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/the-weekly-glance-ahead-mass-effect-3/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:00:10 +0000 Jarred http://g3ar.co.za/?p=15985 ME3

The Mass Effect series needs little introduction. Bioware's sci-fi action epic captured gamers' hearts with the first two installments as players controlled a great team of characters, unfolding mysteries in the great, wide universe. Many players loved controlling Commander Shephard (male or female) at the helm of a team as they dealt with alien enemies, story-based missions and far more. The jump from Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 2 was a bold and successful one. Mass Effect 1 had the story but was lacking in certain aspects. Mass Effect 2 hit the balance just right, with intriguing side missions, great action scenes, and an awesome cast. Mass Effect 3 is shaping up to be the best game in the series. Again, a lot of work is going into the next chapter of Shephard and his crew's adventures. Miranda returns which is almost reason enough to play the game. There will also now be added multiplayer options, with co-op and a host of other online modes to try out which, based on feedback from the demo, has everyone very excited. No one enjoys a spoiler so nothing about the story will be written here but going on previous experience with the Mass Effect games fans are in for a treat. Mass Effect 3 releases in just over two weeks. Get your pre-order in and get ready to save the universe one last time. Not convinced yet? I suggest you visit your doctor then, or perhaps watch some of the trailers for the game below: [youtube id="Vs7kix6_8Ks" width="600" height="350"] [youtube id="nyy5fAFw6UM" width="600" height="350"] [youtube id="3pShKKOV_gA" width="600" height="350"]]]> ME3

The Mass Effect series needs little introduction. Bioware's sci-fi action epic captured gamers' hearts with the first two installments as players controlled a great team of characters, unfolding mysteries in the great, wide universe. Many players loved controlling Commander Shephard (male or female) at the helm of a team as they dealt with alien enemies, story-based missions and far more. The jump from Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 2 was a bold and successful one. Mass Effect 1 had the story but was lacking in certain aspects. Mass Effect 2 hit the balance just right, with intriguing side missions, great action scenes, and an awesome cast. Mass Effect 3 is shaping up to be the best game in the series. Again, a lot of work is going into the next chapter of Shephard and his crew's adventures. Miranda returns which is almost reason enough to play the game. There will also now be added multiplayer options, with co-op and a host of other online modes to try out which, based on feedback from the demo, has everyone very excited. No one enjoys a spoiler so nothing about the story will be written here but going on previous experience with the Mass Effect games fans are in for a treat. Mass Effect 3 releases in just over two weeks. Get your pre-order in and get ready to save the universe one last time. Not convinced yet? I suggest you visit your doctor then, or perhaps watch some of the trailers for the game below: [youtube id="Vs7kix6_8Ks" width="600" height="350"] [youtube id="nyy5fAFw6UM" width="600" height="350"] [youtube id="3pShKKOV_gA" width="600" height="350"]]]> http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/the-weekly-glance-ahead-mass-effect-3/feed/ 5 Review: Tritton Primer Wireless Stereo headset http://g3ar.co.za/slider/review-tritton-primer-wireless-stereo-headset/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=review-tritton-primer-wireless-stereo-headset http://g3ar.co.za/slider/review-tritton-primer-wireless-stereo-headset/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:13:08 +0000 Michael http://g3ar.co.za/?post_type=slider&p=16016 Tritton Primer slider

]]> Tritton Primer slider

]]> http://g3ar.co.za/slider/review-tritton-primer-wireless-stereo-headset/feed/ 0 Australia gets… Tricky! http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/australia-gets-tricky/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=australia-gets-tricky http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/australia-gets-tricky/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:00:18 +0000 Dawid http://g3ar.co.za/?p=15971 402524_10150608373219286_111695199285_8695311_1449811707_n

SSX had a mouth-watering pre-launch in the world of Oz last week when EA hosted an event at The Australian Open Surf Festival. Mums, dads and kids all joined in on the fun but it was the target audience, surfers and skaters, who got a hands-on with the game. Throw in some beautiful ladies (images below), red and blue snow cones and a bragging-rights competition to see who clocks the fastest time down Whitehorn Mountain in the Rockies. This was more than enough to pull the crowds. SSX launches next Friday locally and... well... we've got a little surprise of our own in store. Watch this space. [gallery exclude"15972" link="file" columns="4"]]]> 402524_10150608373219286_111695199285_8695311_1449811707_n

SSX had a mouth-watering pre-launch in the world of Oz last week when EA hosted an event at The Australian Open Surf Festival. Mums, dads and kids all joined in on the fun but it was the target audience, surfers and skaters, who got a hands-on with the game. Throw in some beautiful ladies (images below), red and blue snow cones and a bragging-rights competition to see who clocks the fastest time down Whitehorn Mountain in the Rockies. This was more than enough to pull the crowds. SSX launches next Friday locally and... well... we've got a little surprise of our own in store. Watch this space. [gallery exclude"15972" link="file" columns="4"]]]> http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/australia-gets-tricky/feed/ 0 The Secret World’s release date no longer a secret http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/the-secret-worlds-release-date-no-longer-a-secret/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-secret-worlds-release-date-no-longer-a-secret http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/the-secret-worlds-release-date-no-longer-a-secret/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:41 +0000 Brett http://g3ar.co.za/?p=15969 Secret Head

Funcom have been teasing upcoming MMO for quite some time but they have finally announced a release date for The Secret World. Originally the company was aiming for an April 2012 launch but the date has been pushed to 19 June this year, "...in order to apply even more polish before launch". Whether this is a good or bad thing remains to be seen but, according to Funcom, beta feedback so far has been extremely positive. Prospective players might just get a preview of the finished product when the open betas... er... open. Funcom's Ragnar Tørnquist said:
Allowing for even more time to polish the game really shows just how much faith Funcom as a company has in ‘The Secret World’ and how committed we are to making it the best it can be. The additional time will also allow us to carry out even more quality beta testing, and soon we will also be announcing several public beta events where hundreds of thousands of gamers will get to test the game prior to launch.
Are you one of the 750 000 registered beta testers? If not you can correct that by heading here. Placement in the beta program is not guaranteed but it can't hurt to try.]]> Secret Head

Funcom have been teasing upcoming MMO for quite some time but they have finally announced a release date for The Secret World. Originally the company was aiming for an April 2012 launch but the date has been pushed to 19 June this year, "...in order to apply even more polish before launch". Whether this is a good or bad thing remains to be seen but, according to Funcom, beta feedback so far has been extremely positive. Prospective players might just get a preview of the finished product when the open betas... er... open. Funcom's Ragnar Tørnquist said:
Allowing for even more time to polish the game really shows just how much faith Funcom as a company has in ‘The Secret World’ and how committed we are to making it the best it can be. The additional time will also allow us to carry out even more quality beta testing, and soon we will also be announcing several public beta events where hundreds of thousands of gamers will get to test the game prior to launch.
Are you one of the 750 000 registered beta testers? If not you can correct that by heading here. Placement in the beta program is not guaranteed but it can't hurt to try.]]> http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/the-secret-worlds-release-date-no-longer-a-secret/feed/ 0 WWE WrestleFest on iOS, coming to XBLA, PSN, PC, Android http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:30:05 +0000 Mark K http://g3ar.co.za/?p=15957 WWEWrestlefest-600x300

THQ has officially announced that the rumoured remake of the classic arcade game WWE Wrestlefest will make its debut on the iPhone and iPad today. WWE Wrestlefest will feature present-day superstars as well as several legends from the original game. In the coming weeks/months the game will also receive the DLC treatment, and will boast additional superstars (such as WWE Champion CM Punk and Sheamus), new attires and arenas. THQ has also stated that it plans to bring the game to Xbox LIVE , PSN, Android and PC some time this year. “WWE WrestleFest greatly complements our WWE videogames portfolio by delivering a unique and captivating way for fans to connect with the virtual WWE experience,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President at THQ. “The game’s arcade-style play, combined with present day WWE content and hints of nostalgia, is a perfect fit for handheld platforms like the iPhone and iPad.” [youtube id="A1yBKqCngq8" width="600" height="350"]]]> WWEWrestlefest-600x300

THQ has officially announced that the rumoured remake of the classic arcade game WWE Wrestlefest will make its debut on the iPhone and iPad today. WWE Wrestlefest will feature present-day superstars as well as several legends from the original game. In the coming weeks/months the game will also receive the DLC treatment, and will boast additional superstars (such as WWE Champion CM Punk and Sheamus), new attires and arenas. THQ has also stated that it plans to bring the game to Xbox LIVE , PSN, Android and PC some time this year. “WWE WrestleFest greatly complements our WWE videogames portfolio by delivering a unique and captivating way for fans to connect with the virtual WWE experience,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President at THQ. “The game’s arcade-style play, combined with present day WWE content and hints of nostalgia, is a perfect fit for handheld platforms like the iPhone and iPad.” [youtube id="A1yBKqCngq8" width="600" height="350"]]]> http://g3ar.co.za/2012/02/22/wwe-wrestlefest-on-ios-coming-to-xbla-psn-pc-android/feed/ 0