This last week has been all about resting after attending a little CES action down in Vegas. So, after getting an invite to PDXLAN, I headed down to Oregon for a little R&R of sorts with my two DDR3 based demo systems.

System 1: Intel Q6750, 4GB Patriot 2000 MHz DDR3 Memory, Zotac 790i Supreme Motherboard,  2 x GTX 280 SLI, BGears 7.1 Enspirer Audio, Antec 850 Signature PSU, and all tucked inside an Antec 1200 case.

I did a little automated overclocking using Zotac's Nitro Hardware Controller. If you're wondering how easy it is to use, it's really easy. With about 5 minutes of set up time, you can easily control the frequencies of any card in their product line. Having two GTX 280s in your system is just gamer crazy to start. But, overclocking them is really insane overkill. However, Far cry 2 and Crysis run very, very smooth. It was a nice experience.

System 1: 2 x GTX 280 w/Nitro OC Tool

System 2: Intel I7 w/Triple Channel

System 2: Intel I7 QX965, 6GB Patriot 1600 MHz DDR3 Memory, Intel DX58SO Motherobard, Asus 9800 GTX 512MB, Antec 850 Quattro PSU, and housed in a DangerDen Torture Rack with VH etching.

When you go to any PDX event, you'll see vendor booths which included Patriot Memory, Antec, DangerDen, Intel, and usually one game sponsor who offers a free licensed copy of a decent game title. Last event, everyone received Front Lines: Fuel of War. This time, we all got a copy of Call of Duty: World at War. (SWEET!)

As usual, there were many, many elite and customized systems for browsing pleasure. Sure, some are proprietary. But, with a little creativity, they look much better. The customized case contest awarded $1500 to its creator. Only, actual customized cases/systems were entered in to the event.

I'd like extend a little gratitude to the PDXLAN staff and event directors. There's a lot of coordinating and cleaning up that has to be done once the event is over. It's not always fun and games before and after. So, props to them all.

And on the same note, no props to the U.S. Army who apparently decided not to show up. I'm not sure why they pulled out at the last second. There was suppose to be a booth with their staff and even a climbing wall of sorts. That would have been cool to see. I can just see the bodies dropping left and right! (LOL!)