~ Early Web Links ~

iXBT Labs is a detailed computer hardware review site, and this page covers the Pioneer DVD-116 optical drive with thorough technical specifications, benchmark results, and quality testing by reviewer Roman Shelepov. The site is a comprehensive resource for enthusiasts comparing DVD-ROM drive performance, covering transfer rates, access times, format compatibility, and real-world test data.

FrostyTech is a comprehensive review and benchmarking site dedicated entirely to PC cooling hardware, covering hundreds of heatsinks, liquid coolers, and thermal solutions from nearly every major manufacturer. With an A-Z brand index spanning decades of products, top-five rankings, and detailed technical analysis, it serves as an essential reference for anyone building or optimizing a quiet or high-performance PC.

Real World Tech is a long-running tech analysis site covering CPUs, GPUs, semiconductors, and processor market dynamics, with this particular article from 1997 exposing grey market practices in the AMD K6-200 processor retail space. Written by Dean Kent, it offers a vendor's perspective on remarked chips and pricing deception, making it a fascinating historical snapshot of the early retail CPU market.

ProfHDWR appears to be a hardware-focused resource site, likely covering PC components, technical specifications, and computer hardware topics for enthusiasts and professionals. The domain name itself signals a dedication to hardware knowledge, making it a potentially useful reference for anyone looking to understand computer components.

A sharp-tongued critique of budget consumer PCs from manufacturers like eMachines and Compaq, coining the term 'craputer' to describe bloatware-laden, corner-cutting machines that frustrate users with pre-loaded junk and missing OS discs. The site documents specific grievances including desktop sponsor icons, mystery startup programs, and the infamous 'Recovery Diskette' trap that undoes all your cleanup work.