2005 was certainly an interesting year on the PC technology front. We were introduced to dual core CPUs, next-gen graphics cards (doesn't this happen every year, though?), plus the mainstreaming of SFF PC's and water cooling. Apple even announced it will soon run on an Intel based platform?! *checks the thermometer in hell* Yup, just as I thought... -12C. :) This article will outline some of the best hardware to cross our test benches as well as some other subjects of note from 2005. So take a peek at what you missed, or relive what you took advantage of, in 2005.

Best PC Accessories/Specialty Shop
FrozenCPU.com

Without fail, if I am looking for a little something extra to throw in a PC to improve it's looks then FrozenCPU is the first place I check. If I need a new fan, a new waterblock, a pump, a case, pretty much anything besides a CPU, motherboard, and video card... I go to FrozenCPU.

Even before FrozenCPU began sponsoring us over a year ago I was an avid FrozenCPU advocate. They have an outstanding selection and are usually one of the first e-tailers to carry new or imported PC gear. Their great selection along with their same day shipping and EXCELLENT customer support make them a no brainer choice in my book when it comes to buying new PC gear.

Best Mid/Full Tower Case
Lian Li PC-6070 Plus Silent ATX Case

The Lian-Li PC-6070 Plus ATX case reviewed by Brett "BigAkita" Rosene garnered some excellent comments from one of our most particular reviewers and chief review editor. This case did the Lian-Li legacy justice by providing top-notch aesthetics, features and performance... all of which are Lian-Li case hallmarks.

There are a number of specific features that set this case apart from the crowd as well. During a time when more and more cases were becoming increasingly complex on the pre-mod front, Lian-Li stayed the course by providing clean, classy, understated cases. This provides an excellent blank canvas for modders of all types. This "Plus" model included some extra performance add-ons including a very effective GPU exhaust fan and CPU fan intake channel. Anyone would be content to own and use this case.

Best Small Form Factor Case
Aspire X-QPACK Aluminum MicroATX Chassis

Aspire was a relative new-comer in the PC case market in 2005 but managed to manufacture some VERY nice cases including our pick, the Aspire X-QPACK Aluminum MicroATX Chassis. 2005 saw a wave of SFF cases as the form factor really began to catch on. Lan gamers and those simply looking for a compact and powerful PC chassis found a good home with the X-QPACK.

The X-PACK features 3 large windows (large for a SFF case that is), a temperature LCD unit, built-in carrying handle, room for 5 drives, 4 full-size add-in cards, good airflow, removable motherboard tray... the list goes on and on. As our reviewer Joel "pimp_joose" Hluszko will attest to, this is THE SFF CASE to get until we see one that can best the total package that is the Aspire X-QPACK.

Best Overall Power Supply
Hiper Type-R 580W Power Supply (N. American Version)

Power supplies continue the climb upward in voltage as well as other features including the spreading feature know as modular cabling. Hiper is a company that has been operating in the UK for some time but finally decided to ship their PSUs to us here in the US in 2005. It's a good thing, too.

The Hiper Type-R 580W PSU is a gem of a PSU which delivers stable, beefy juice to a power hungry system and does so with function and style. The unique modular connectors on this PSU are as attractive as they are secure, the cables and their sleeving are sharp and the PSU finish is immaculate. I would have no problem running this PSU in any of my PC's.