The TR Podcast 122: Windows 8, VivoTab RT, and FX-8350


Plus listener mail, Borderlands 2 and Dishonored, and more
by Jordan Drake — 12:53 AM on October 29, 2012

The Tech Report Podcast Date: October 28, 2012
Time: 1:34:38

Hosted by Jordan Drake

Co-Hosts: Scott Wasson, Geoff Gasior, and Cyril Kowaliski

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Sponsored by Windows 8 available at Newegg.

Grab an upgrade copy of Windows 8 Pro for only $69.99 shipped, or get the full version of Windows 8 OEM x64 Professional for only $99.99 shipped.

Windows 8: it's a beautiful start.

Show notes
Despite the impending East Coast monster hurricane, we're pushing through with another episode of The Tech Report Podcast. We kick things off with listener mail, including a question about the less-discussed merits of Windows 8. Then, Borderlands 2 gets another moment in the spotlight before Cyril shares his thoughts on Dishonored. Next, Scott gives us the lowdown on the new FX-series chips from AMD, and the panel rounds out the episode with a roundup of recent AMD news.

Send in listener mail, and we'll answer on the podcast. - jdrake@techreport.com

Follow us on Twitter - Scott - Jordan - Geoff - Cyril - The Tech Report

Listener mail:

GPU temps - from Mohsen - (0:01:15):

"Hi Jordan. I'm a new listener to your podcasts and I love it. Just love you guys! I have a GTX 260 55nm from zotac. it's reference clock is 576/1242/999. it easily overclocks up to 720/1550/1150 without any modification or voltmods. and it fan speed is also at default setting. I have a cooler master 334U with one intake and one exhasut fan and there is decent airflow inside it. the intake is right next to the GPU. it maxes st 83 degrees celsius while I'm gaming but hits 86 at furmark. should I hold back a bit? are temperatures very high? I'm not planning on upgrading it yet becasue i don't really need it and do you think it's safe on the long run?"

What's great about Windows 8? - from Silent J - (0:04:32):

"I've read a lot of hate about Windows 8, how it is the end of Microsoft, and how the user-interface is the worst thing since the evolution of bacteria. I've also heard the defense for it, and how they need to innovate in new ways even if consumers don't feel ready, and how a unified platform is the only way. I'm tired of the hate. At this point, I don't care. I have a hard time believing that three years from today, consumers will by buying new computers with 8 and then installing 7 on them. And I have a hard time believing I would be happier on 7 three years from today. My question is, GUI hate aside, what is there in Windows 8 for hardware enthusiasts to be excited about? What innovations are they bringing that we haven't seen before? And what can we look forward to in terms of performance, tweaks, and advancements?"

Tech discussion:

That's all, folks! We'll see you on the next episode.TR

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