Asus J1900I-C Quad Core 2.42GHz Celeron Mini-ITX Review

Great value Asus J1900I-C motherboard with Passively Cooled Quad-Core 64-bit 2.42GHz Celeron J1900 Bay Trail 22nm processor with VT-x support and integrated Intel HD Graphics. Up to 8GB of DDR3L system memory; 2x SATA 3Gb/s; PCI-Express x1 slot; Realtek Gigabit Ethernet; Realtek ALC887-VD 8-Channel Audio. DirectX 11 support and full Windows 7/8/8.1 32/64-bit driver availability.

Rear Panel: Combo Mouse/Keyboard PS/2 port; 4x USB 2.0 ports; 1x Gigabit Ethernet; 1x USB 3.0 port; 1x HDMI (supporting up to 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz); 1x VGA (supporting up to 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz) ; 3x 3.5mm audio connectors (Line In, Line Out, Mic In).

Board Connectors: 1x 24pin ATX Power Connector (either 20pin or 24pin ATX will work); 1x 12v P4 connector (needs to be connected); 2x SATA 3Gb/s ports; 2x USB 2.0 connectors on 1x 9pin header; 1x TPM connector; 1x LPT connector; PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slot; 1x Half Mini-PCI Express slot; 2x DDR3L SODIMM sockets (up to 8GB per socket); 1x Serial port header; 1x System Fan Header; 1x CPU Fan Header; 1x Front Panel Connector; 1x Front Panel Audio Connector;1x System panel; 1x Clear CMOS jumper; 1x Buzzer.

ASUS Special Features: ASUS Exclusive Features : AI Suite 3; Ai Charger; Anti-Surge; ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface; Network iControl; USB 3.0 Boost ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution : ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS EZ DIY : ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3; ASUS EZ Flash 2; ASUS MyLogo 2. 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors.

Manageability: WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE.

UEFI BIOS: This board uses a UEFI BIOS. To enter the BIOS press Delete on your keyboard during startup. If you enter the EFI shell (commmand prompt) type "exit".

Downloads: BIOS, Documentation and Drivers
http://www.asus.com/my/Motherboards/J1900IC/overview/
http://www.asus.com/my/Motherboards/J1900IC/specifications/

Case compatibility. The J1900I-C has a standard height heatsink and low power requirements. A 20pin or 24pin ATX connector can be used but the 12V P4 connector must also be connected. Check individual case descriptions and add the Molex to P4 Power Cable option where necessary. All our Mini-ITX cases will fit the board including but not exclusively Jou Jye 528i/568i/526i, CFI Chassis, Noah 3988, Chenbro NAS, Venus 669, M200/M300/M350 & M5X (with a picoPSU fitted with a 12V P4 output), M5XP, Travla C146, T1200, C159, Thin Clients, Travla C158 (inc CD drive), Compact and Lockable Wall Mount Cases.

M350/M5X Compatibility: The J1900I-C will work with the M350 or with the M5X (picoPSU-90, 60W or 80W AC Adapter recommended), or the M5XP (version of M5X with included power supply).

Box contents: Motherboard, 2x SATA cables, Product Guide, I/O Shield.

Memory: The J1900I-C supports up to 8GB DDR3L memory on 2x DDR3L SODIMMs. This is not compatible with DDR2 memory.

Read More

Asus J1800I-C Dual Core 2.41GHz Celeron Mini-ITX Review

Excellent value Asus J1800I-C motherboard with Passively Cooled Dual-Core 64-bit 2.41GHz Celeron J1800 Bay Trail 22nm processor with VT-x support and integrated Intel HD Graphics. Up to 8GB of DDR3L system memory; 2x SATA 3Gb/s; PCI-Express x1 slot; Realtek Gigabit Ethernet; Realtek ALC887-VD 8-Channel Audio. DirectX 11 support and full Windows 7/8/8.1 32/64-bit driver availability.

Rear Panel: Combo Mouse/Keyboard PS/2 port; 4x USB 2.0 ports; 1x Gigabit Ethernet; 1x USB 3.0 port; 1x HDMI (supporting up to 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz); 1x Serial Port; 1x VGA (supporting up to 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz); 3x 3.5mm audio connectors (Line In, Line Out, Mic In).

Board Connectors: 1x 24pin ATX Power Connector (either 20pin or 24pin ATX will work); 1x 12v P4 connector (needs to be connected); 2x SATA 3Gb/s ports; 2x USB 2.0 connectors on 1x 9pin header; 1x TPM connector; 1x LPT connector; PCI-Express 2.0 x1 slot; 1x Half Mini-PCI Express slot; 2x DDR3L SODIMM sockets (up to 4GB per socket); 1x Serial port header; 1x System Fan Header; 1x CPU Fan Header; 1x Front Panel Connector; 1x Front Panel Audio Connector; 1x Clear CMOS jumper; 1x Buzzer.

ASUS Special Features: ASUS Exclusive Features: AI Suite 3; Ai Charger; Anti-Surge; ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface; Network iControl; USB 3.0 Boost ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution : ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS EZ DIY: ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3; ASUS EZ Flash 2; ASUS MyLogo 2. 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors.

Manageability: WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE.

UEFI BIOS: This board uses a UEFI BIOS. To enter the BIOS press Delete on your keyboard during startup. If you enter the EFI shell (commmand prompt) type "exit".

Downloads: BIOS, Documentation and Drivers.
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/J1800IC/overview/
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/J1800IC/specifications/

Case compatibility. The J1800I-C has a standard height heatsink and low power requirements. A 20pin or 24pin ATX connector can be used but the 12V P4 connector must also be connected. Check individual case descriptions and add the Molex to P4 Power Cable option where necessary. All our Mini-ITX cases will fit the board including but not exclusively Jou Jye 528i/568i/526i, CFI Chassis, Noah 3988, Chenbro NAS, Venus 669, M200/M300/M350 & M5X (with a picoPSU fitted with a 12V P4 output), M5XP, Travla C146, T1200, C159, Thin Clients, Travla C158 (inc CD drive), Compact and Lockable Wall Mount Cases.

M350/M5X Compatibility: The J1800I-C will work with the M350 or with the M5X (picoPSU-90, 60W or 80W AC Adapter recommended), or the M5XP (version of M5X with included power supply).

Box contents: Motherboard, 2x SATA cables, Product Guide, I/O Shield.

Memory: The J1800I-C supports up to 8GB DDR3L memory on 2x DDR3L SODIMMs. This is not compatible with DDR2 memory.

Read More

Asus J1800I-A Dual Core 2.41GHz Celeron Snap Review

Versatile Asus J1800I-A motherboard with Passively Cooled Dual-Core 64-bit 2.41GHz Celeron J1800 Bay Trail 22nm processor with VT-x support and integrated Intel HD Graphics. Up to 8GB of DDR3L system memory; 2x SATA 3Gb/s; PCI slot; Realtek Gigabit Ethernet; Realtek ALC887-VD 8-Channel Audio. DirectX 11 support and full Windows 7/8/8.1 32/64-bit driver availability.

Rear Panel: 1x Mouse PS/2 port; 1x Keyboard PS/2 part; 2x USB 2.0 ports; 1x Gigabit Ethernet; 1x USB 3.0 port; 1x HDMI (supporting up to 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz); 1x Parallel Port (24 pin); 1x VGA (supporting up to 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz); 3x 3.5mm audio connectors (Line In, Line Out, Mic In).

Board Connectors: 1x 24pin ATX Power Connector (either 20pin or 24pin ATX will work); 1x PCI; 1x 12v P4 connector (needs to be connected); 2 x USB 2.0 connectors, supports additional 2 USB 2.0 ports; 2x SATA 3Gb/s ports; 1x TPM connector; 1x; 2x DDR3L SODIMM sockets (up to 4GB per socket); 1x Serial port header; 1x System Fan Header; 1x CPU Fan Header; 1x Front Panel Connector; 1x Front Panel Audio Connector; 1x Clear CMOS jumper; 1x Internal speaker connector.

ASUS Special Features: ASUS Exclusive Features: AI Suite 3; Ai Charger; Anti-Surge; ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface; Network iControl; USB 3.0 Boost ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution : ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS EZ DIY: ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3; ASUS EZ Flash 2; ASUS MyLogo 2. 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors.

Manageability: WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE.

UEFI BIOS: This board uses a UEFI BIOS. To enter the BIOS press Delete on your keyboard during startup. If you enter the EFI shell (commmand prompt) type "exit".

Downloads: BIOS, Documentation and Drivers.
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/J1800IA/overview/
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/J1800IA/specifications/

Case compatibility. The J1800I-A has a standard height heatsink and low power requirements. A 20pin or 24pin ATX connector can be used but the 12V P4 connector must also be connected. Check individual case descriptions and add the Molex to P4 Power Cable option where necessary. All our Mini-ITX cases will fit the board including but not exclusively Jou Jye 528i/568i/526i, CFI Chassis, Noah 3988, Chenbro NAS, Venus 669, M200/M300/M350 & M5X (with a picoPSU fitted with a 12V P4 output), M5XP, Travla C146, T1200, C159, Thin Clients, Travla C158 (inc CD drive), Compact and Lockable Wall Mount Cases.

M350/M5X Compatibility: The J1800I-A will work with the M350 or with the M5X (picoPSU-90, 60W or 80W AC Adapter recommended), or the M5XP (version of M5X with included power supply).

Box contents: Motherboard, 2x SATA cables, Product Guide, I/O Shield.

Memory: The J1800I-A supports up to 8GB DDR3L memory on 2x DDR3L SODIMMs. This is not compatible with DDR2 memory.

Read More

ASRock-Z97E-ITXa/c Mini-ITX Snap Review

Feature-packed ASRock-Z97E-ITXa/c Mini-ITX board with Intel H97 Express chipset supporting Intel 4th Gen (Haswell) and future 5th Gen (Broadwell) Core LGA1150 processors only. Integrated Intel HD graphics and Realtek ALC1150 7.1 channel Audio; PCI Express 3.0 x16; Up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM; 1x Intel I218V Gigabit LAN; 6x SATA with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10; 1x Half length Mini PCI Express slot (for WiFI and BT); 1x DVI-I with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz; 1x HDMI with max. resolution up to 4K x 2K (4096x2304) @ 24Hz; DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution up to 4K x 2K (4096x2304) @ 24Hz; SPDIF; 6x USB 3.0 (inc 2 internal); 6x USB 2.0 (inc 4 internal).

Rear Panel Connectors: 2x USB 2.0; 1x combo PS/2 Keyboard/mouse; 2x Wifi Antenna; 1x DVI; 1x Display port; 1x HDMI in; 1x HDMI out; 4x USB 3.0; 1x Intel LAN; 5x HD Audio Jacks: Rear Speaker, Central, Bass, Line in, Front Speaker and Microphone in; SPDIF.

Board connectors 24pin ATX Main power connector (20-pin power supplies will work); 1x 8 pin 12V Power Connector (Minimun of 4 pins must be used); 6x SATA 6Gb/s Connectors; 1x PCI Express 3.0 x16 Slot; 1x Mini-PCI Express Slot (used by WiFi + Bluetooth Module); 1x SATA Express 10 Gb/s Connector (shared with SATA3_4, SATA3_5 and M.2 Socket, support to be announced); 1x M.2 Socket supports M.2 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s module and M.2 PCI Express modules up to Gen2 x2 (10 Gb/s); 1x Chassis Intrusion Header; 1x TPM Header; 1x CPU 4pin Fan Connector; 1x Chassis 4 pin Fan Connector; 1x Front Panel Audio Connector; 2x USB 2.0 Headers (support 4 USB 2.0 ports); 1x USB 3.0 Header (Supports 2 USB 3.0 ports)

Onboard RAID: The ASRock-Z97E-ITXa/c supports Intel Rapid Storage Technology which provides the following RAID levels via the Intel H97 Express Chipset RAID 0 - data striping; RAID 1 - data mirroring; RAID 0+1 (or RAID 10) - data striping and mirroring; RAID 5 - distributed parity.

Suitable Processors: The ASRock-Z97E-ITXa/c board supports 4th Gen (Haswell) and 5th Gen (Broadwell) processors. The ASRock-Z97E-ITXa/c is not provided with a processor. Suitable processors are available here or in the 'you may also require' section to the left.

Suitable Cases: All Mini-ITX chassis with at least a 120W power supply, and an appropriate low profile heatsink if necessary. If using a larger than 65W TDP processor, a larger power supply than 120W may be required. Some suitable cases that will work with the GA-Z97N-WiFi with a standard Intel Socket 1150 heatsink: The CFI-A7879, ES32067, ES30068, ES34069, Venus 669, Compucase 8K01, Compucase 8K07, Silverstone SG05, Jou Jue NU-528i 220W and Jou Jue NU-568i 220W.

1U Case compatibility: To use this board in a 1U case please use the Dynatron K2 1U Side blower heatsink and a 35W or 65W TDP CPU.

Typical M350 configuration: To use this board in the M350, we recommend the 150W AC Adapter and picoPSU-150-XT or picoPSU-160-XT together with a 65W TDP CPU and Akasa 7106HP or K25 heatsink or 35W TDP CPU and supplied heatsink, plus 1 or 2 sticks of DDR3 RAM and a 2.5in HDD/SSD (add an M350 HDD tray to use 2x HDD/SSDs).

Multiple Screens: This board Supports up to 3 displays simultaneously via DVI-I, HDMI and DisplayPort, with an appropriate CPU.

Downloads: BIOS, Documentation and Drivers.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/intel/z97e-itxac/
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z97E-ITXac/?cat=Specifications

Package Contents: 2x SATA cables, 1x IO back plate, 1x Driver and Software DVD; 1x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5 GHz Antenna; 1x Screw for M.2_SSD Socket 3; 1x Standoff for M.2_SSD Socket 3

ASUS Other Features: ASRock Full HD UEFI; ASRock UEFI Guide; ASRock Instant Flash; ASRock Crashless BIOS; ASRock Online Management Guard; ASRock UEFI System Browser; ASRock Dehumidifier; ASRock Easy Driver Installer; ASRock XFast LAN; ASRock XFast RAM;

Suitable Memory: The ASRock-Z97E-ITXa/c uses 1333/1600MHz DDR3 memory. This is not compatible with DDR/DDR2 memory. Fully tested DDR3 DIMMs are available here or in the 'you may also require' section to the left; Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP).

About ASRock

ASRock Inc. is established in 2002, specialized in the field of motherboards. ASRock strives to build up its own brand. With the 3C design concept, “Creativity, Consideration, Cost-effectiveness”, the company explores the limit of motherboards manufacturing while paying attention on the eco issue at the same time, developing products with the consideration of eco-friendly concept.

ASRock has been growing fast and become world third largest motherboard brand with headquarter in Taipei, Taiwan and branches in Europe and the USA. The young and vibrant company targets from mainstream to enthusiast MB segments for different kinds of users, owning reputation around the world market with its reliability and proficiency. http://www.asrock.com

Read More

ASRock H87M-ITX Mini-ITX Snap Review

ASRock H87M-ITX Mini-ITX board with Intel H77 Express chipset supporting Intel 4th Gen Core LGA1150 processors only. Integrated Intel HD graphics and 8 channel ALC892 Audio; PCI Express 3.0* x16; Up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM, Gigabit LAN and 4x SATA with RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5 support. VGA, DVI-D and HDMI graphics outputs; 6x USB 3.0 (inc 2 internal); 4x USB 2.0 (inc 2 internal). * PCI Express 3.0 support is dependent on PCI-Express device capability.

Rear Panel Connectors: 2x USB 2.0; 2x WiFi Antenna Port; PS2/Mouse Port; 1x eSATA; 4x USB 3.0 (coloured blue); Gigabit LAN; 1x VGA; 1x HDMI; 1x DVI-I (Max resolution on all ports 1920x1200 @ 60Hz); 5x 3.5mm audio connectors; S/PDIF optical digital audio out.

Board connectors: 24pin ATX Main power connector (20-pin power supplies will work); Processor core power connector (12V 4-pin P4, must be connected); TPM Header; 4x SATA 6Gb/s; 1x Front panel USB 2.0 headers (for 2 ports); 1x Front Panel USB 3.0 header (19pin, for 2 ports); 2x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Sockets; PCI Express 3.0 x16 bus add-in card connector; Front panel audio header; Front Panel Connector (Power/Reset Button, power/HDD status LED); Clear CMOS Jumper; System and Processor fan headers; 1x Chassis Intrusion Header.

Supports Intel® Small Business Advantage 2.0 Software.

Onboard RAID: The H87M-ITX supports Intel Rapid Storage Technology which provides the following RAID levels via the Intel H87 Express Chipset: RAID 0 - data striping; RAID 1 - data mirroring; RAID 0+1 (or RAID 10) - data striping and mirroring; RAID 5 - distributed parity.

Suitable Processors: The H87M-ITX board supports 4th Gen "Haswell" processors. The H87M-ITX is *not* provided with a processor. Suitable 4th generation processors are available here or in the 'you may also require' section to the left. A BIOS update (using a "Haswell" processor) may be required if a "Haswell Refresh" processor is to be fitted.

Suitable Cases: All Mini-ITX chassis with at least a 120W power supply, and an appropriate low profile heatsink if necessary. If using a larger than 65W TDP processor, a larger power supply than 120W may be required. Some suitable cases that will work with the GA-H87N-WiFi with a standard Intel Socket 1150 heatsink: The CFI-A7879, ES32067, ES30068, ES34069, Venus 669, Compucase 8K01, Compucase 8K07, Silverstone SG05, Jou Jue NU-528i 220W and Jou Jue NU-568i 220W.

Heatsinks: The standard heatsink provided with 65W and 84W TDP CPUs will fit taller cases (including Compucase 8K01/8K07, Jou Jye 526/528/568). To use this board in a 1U case please use the Dynatron K2 1U Side blower heatsink and a 35W or 65W TDP CPU.

Typical M350 configuration: To use this board in the M350, we recommend the 150W AC Adapter and picoPSU-150-XT or picoPSU-160-XT together with a 65W TDP CPU and Akasa 7106HP or K25 heatsink or 35W TDP CPU and supplied heatsink, plus 1 or 2 sticks of DDR3 RAM and a 2.5in HDD/SSD (add an M350 HDD tray to use 2x HDD/SSDs).

Downloads: BIOS, Documentation and Drivers.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/intel/H87M-ITX/
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H87M-ITX/?cat=Specifications

Package Contents: 2x SATA cables, 1x I/O back plate, 1x Driver and Software DVD.

Suitable Memory: The H87M-ITX uses 1333/1600MHz DDR3 memory. This is not compatible with DDR/DDR2 memory. Fully tested DDR3 DIMMs are available here or in the 'you may also require' section to the left.

About ASRock

ASRock Inc. is established in 2002, specialized in the field of motherboards. ASRock strives to build up its own brand. With the 3C design concept, “Creativity, Consideration, Cost-effectiveness”, the company explores the limit of motherboards manufacturing while paying attention on the eco issue at the same time, developing products with the consideration of eco-friendly concept.

ASRock has been growing fast and become world third largest motherboard brand with headquarter in Taipei, Taiwan and branches in Europe and the USA. The young and vibrant company targets from mainstream to enthusiast MB segments for different kinds of users, owning reputation around the world market with its reliability and proficiency. http://www.asrock.com

Read More

ASRock B85M-ITX Mini-ITX Snap Review

ASRock B85M-ITX Mini-ITX board with Intel B85 Express chipset supporting Intel 4th Gen Core LGA1150 processors only. Integrated Intel HD graphics and 8 channel ALC892 Audio; PCI Express 3.0* x16; Up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM, Gigabit LAN and 4x SATA. VGA, DVI-D and HDMI graphics outputs; 6x USB 3.0 (inc 2 internal); 4x USB 2.0 (inc 2 internal). * PCI Express 3.0 support is dependent on PCI-Express device capability.

Rear Panel Connectors: 2x USB 2.0; 2x WiFi Antenna Port; PS2/Mouse Port; 1x eSATA; 4x USB 3.0 (coloured blue); Gigabit LAN; 1x VGA; 1x HDMI; 1x DVI-I (Max resolution on all ports 1920x1200 @ 60Hz); 5x 3.5mm audio connectors; S/PDIF optical digital audio out.

Board connectors: 24pin ATX Main power connector (20-pin power supplies will work); Processor core power connector (12V 4-pin P4, must be connected); TPM Header; 4x SATA 6Gb/s; 1x Front panel USB 2.0 headers (for 2 ports); 1x Front Panel USB 3.0 header (19pin, for 2 ports); 2x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM Sockets; PCI Express 3.0 x16 bus add-in card connector; Front panel audio header; Front Panel Connector (Power/Reset Button, power/HDD status LED); Clear CMOS Jumper; System and Processor fan headers; 1x Chassis Intrusion Header.

Supports Intel® Small Business Advantage 2.0 Software.

Suitable Processors: The B85M-ITX board supports 4th Gen "Haswell" processors. The B85M-ITX is *not* provided with a processor. Suitable 4th generation processors are available here or in the 'you may also require' section to the left. A BIOS update (using a "Haswell" processor) may be required if a "Haswell Refresh" processor is to be fitted.

Suitable Cases: All Mini-ITX chassis with at least a 120W power supply, and an appropriate low profile heatsink if necessary. If using a larger than 65W TDP processor, a larger power supply than 120W may be required. Some suitable cases that will work with the GA-H87N-WiFi with a standard Intel Socket 1150 heatsink: The CFI-A7879, ES32067, ES30068, ES34069, Venus 669, Compucase 8K01, Compucase 8K07, Silverstone SG05, Jou Jue NU-528i 220W and Jou Jue NU-568i 220W.

Heatsinks: The standard heatsink provided with 65W and 84W TDP CPUs will fit taller cases (including Compucase 8K01/8K07, Jou Jye 526/528/568). To use this board in a 1U case please use the Dynatron K2 1U Side blower heatsink and a 35W or 65W TDP CPU.

Typical M350 configuration: To use this board in the M350, we recommend the 150W AC Adapter and picoPSU-150-XT or picoPSU-160-XT together with a 65W TDP CPU and Akasa 7106HP or K25 heatsink or 35W TDP CPU and supplied heatsink, plus 1 or 2 sticks of DDR3 RAM and a 2.5in HDD/SSD (add an M350 HDD tray to use 2x HDD/SSDs).

Downloads: BIOS, Documentation and Drivers.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/intel/B85M-ITX/
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B85M-ITX/?cat=Specifications

Package Contents: 2x SATA cables, 1x I/O back plate, 1x Driver and Software DVD.

Suitable Memory: The B85M-ITX uses 1333/1600MHz DDR3 memory. This is not compatible with DDR/DDR2 memory. Fully tested DDR3 DIMMs are available here or in the 'you may also require' section to the left.

About ASRock

ASRock Inc. is established in 2002, specialized in the field of motherboards. ASRock strives to build up its own brand. With the 3C design concept, “Creativity, Consideration, Cost-effectiveness”, the company explores the limit of motherboards manufacturing while paying attention on the eco issue at the same time, developing products with the consideration of eco-friendly concept.

ASRock has been growing fast and become world third largest motherboard brand with headquarter in Taipei, Taiwan and branches in Europe and the USA. The young and vibrant company targets from mainstream to enthusiast MB segments for different kinds of users, owning reputation around the world market with its reliability and proficiency. http://www.asrock.com

Read More

Can VIA Technologies save the mobile computing future of the x86 (x64) legacy platform?

Update: The Third x86-based SoC Player: VIA & Centaur’s Isaiah II [PC Perspective, July 11, 2014]

… VIA, through their Centaur Technology division, is expected to announce [on Sept 1, 2014] their own x86-based SoC, too. Called Isaiah II, it is rumored to be a quad core, 64-bit processor with a maximum clock rate of 2.0 GHz. Its GPU is currently unknown. VIA sold their stake S3 Graphics to HTC back in 2011, who then became majority shareholder over the GPU company. That said, HTC and VIA are very close companies. The chairwoman of HTC is the founder of VIA Technologies. The current President and CEO of VIA, who has been in that position since 1992, is her husband. I expect that the GPU architecture will be provided by S3, or will somehow be based on their technology. I could be wrong. Both companies will obviously do what they think is best.

It would make sense, though, especially if it benefits HTC with cheap but effective SoCs for Android and “full” Windows (not Windows RT) devices.

Or this announcement could be larger than it would appear. Three years ago, VIA filed for a patent which described a processor that can read both x86 and ARM machine language and translate it into its own, internal microinstructions. The Centaur Isaiah II could reasonably be based on that technology. If so, this processor would be able to support either version of Android. Or, after Intel built up the Android x86 code base, maybe they shelved that initiative (or just got that patent for legal reasons). …

Update: VIA Isaiah II Gives Intel and AMD Reasons to Worry with Low-power CPUs [techPowerUp, July 7, 2014]

Only the third active licencee of Intel’s x86 machine architecture, VIA Technology, is readying its first x86 processor in years, codenamed Isaiah II. This chip is based on a brand new 64-bit x86 core design by VIA and the engineering team it acquired from Centaur Technology, another erstwhile x86 licencee, and features modern instruction sets such as AVX 2.0. VIA began sampling a quad-core processor based on Isaiah II, which was put to live test by the company, at its InfoComm 2014 booth. It was compared to Intel’s “Bay Trail” Atom and AMD’s “Kabini” Athlon chips. It turns out that the Isaiah II is pretty good, if it comes out soon enough.

The Isaiah II based quad-core chip, featuring 2.00 GHz clock speeds, and 2 MB of L2 cache, was put through SANDRA. The BGA chip was running on a VIA-made motherboard, with its own VIA VX11H chipset. It was compared to AMD Athlon 5350 (quad-core “Jaguar” with 2.05 GHz clocks), and Intel Atom Z3770 (quad-core “Silvermont” with 2.40 GHz clocks). The results are tabulated below. At 2.00 GHz, armed with the latest multimedia and cryptography instruction-sets, VIA’s chip is faster than Intel’s in most tests, despite lower clocks. It trades blows – and wins – against AMD’s chip, in most tests. VIA is expected to launch the first chips based on Isaiah II in late-August, 2014. VIA is hedging its bets with efficient compact PCs, kiosks, and digital signage, with its new chip.

Update: VIA reportedly moving x86 CPU resources to new joint venture in China [DIGITIMES, Feb 19, 2014]

VIA Technologies is rumored to have started shifting its x86 CPU technologies and related personnel to its newly formed IC design joint venture with a China government-owned investment firm, according to market watchers, adding that VIA recently notified clients that it will stop supplying x86 processors temporarily. VIA declined to comment about market rumors and pointed out that its x86 CPU business is still operating. The joint venture was announced in early 2014 with VIA owning a 20% stake in the company. The market watchers pointed out that if the rumor is true, it would mean VIA’s x86 processor platform has officially walked into history, and the China government will be able to get hold x86 technologies to develop related products. VIA has been pushing its CPU products in China for many years, mainly targeting the white-box market. With the new move, VIA may no longer release processors under its name and will instead use the name of the joint venture in the future, the market watchers said. Because VIA’s x86 CPU business is licensed by Intel, moving related resources to a new joint venture is expected to attract Intel’s attention. However, the chip giant may not be able to do much because Intel reached an agreement with the US’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) in 2010 to not interfere with competition in the CPU and chipset markets, and extend its licensing of PCI Express to VIA by at least another six years. Intel is also unlikely to wish to offend the China investment firm, which has support from the China government, the market watchers analyzed.

End of updates

Read More

ASRock H81M-ITX Mini-ITX Snap Review

ASRock H81M-ITX Mini-ITX board with Intel H81 chipset; Integrated Intel HD Graphics; 7.1 CH HD Audio; PCI Express 2.0 x16; Up to 16 DDR3 DIMM RAM; Atheros AR8171 LAN port; 2x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s; 1x HDMI resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz; 1x DVI-D resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz; 1x VGA resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz; 6x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB header); 2x USB 3 ports; 1x Optical S/PDIF; 5x 3.5mm audio jacks.

Rear Panel Connectors: 4x USB 2.0 Ports; 1x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port; 1x VGA Port; 1x DVI-D Port; 1x eSATA Connector; 2x USB 3.0 Ports; 1x LAN Port; 5x 3.5mm audio jacks; 1x Optical SPDIF.

Board connectors 24pin ATX Main power connector (20-pin power supplies will work); 1x 4 pin 12V Power Connector; 2x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s; 1x USB 2.0 Header (supports 2 USB 2.0 ports); 1x 4-pin CPU fan connectors; 1x 4-pin system fan connectors; 1x Front panel audio connector; 1x Chassis Intrusion connector.

Suitable Processors: The ASRock H81M-ITX board supports 4th Gen (Haswell) processors. The ASRock H81M-ITX is not provided with a processor. Suitable processors are available here or in the 'you may also require' section to the left.

Suitable Cases: All Mini-ITX chassis with at least a 120W power supply, and an appropriate low profile heatsink if necessary. If using a larger than 65W TDP processor, a larger power supply than 120W may be required. Some suitable cases that will work with the GA-Z87N-WiFi with a standard Intel Socket 1150 heatsink: The CFI-A7879, ES32067, ES30068, ES34069, Venus 669, Compucase 8K01, Compucase 8K07, Silverstone SG05, Jou Jue NU-528i 220W and Jou Jue NU-568i 220W.

1U Case compatibility: To use this board in a 1U case please use the Dynatron K2 1U Side blower heatsink and a 35W or 65W TDP CPU.

Typical M350 configuration: To use this board in the M350, we recommend the 150W AC Adapter and picoPSU-150-XT or picoPSU-160-XT together with a 65W TDP CPU and Akasa 7106HP or K25 heatsink or 35W TDP CPU and supplied heatsink, plus 1 or 2 sticks of DDR3 RAM and a 2.5in HDD/SSD (add an M350 HDD tray to use 2x HDD/SSDs).

Downloads: BIOS, Documentation and Drivers.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H81M-ITX/

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H81M-ITX/?cat=Specifications

Package Contents: Quick Installation Guide, Support CD, I/O Shield, 2x SATA Data Cables.

Unique Features:ASRock APP Shop; A-Tuning; Instant Flash; APP Charger; XFast USB; XFast LAN; XFast RAM; Crashless BIOS; Online Management Guard; Internet Flash; System Browser; UEFI Tech Service; Dehumidifier; Easy Driver Installer; Interactive UEFI; Fast Boot; Restart to UEFI; On/Off Play Technology; USB Key; FAN-Tastic Tuning; Hybrid Booster (Overclocking); U-COP; Boot Failure Guard; Good Night LED.

BIOS Features:32Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with multilingual GUI support; ACPI 1.1 compliance wake up events; SMBIOS 2.3.1 support; CPU, DRAM, PCH 1.05V, PCH 1.5V Voltage multi-adjustment.

Suitable Memory: The ASRock H81M-ITX uses 1060/1333/1600MHz DDR3 memory. This is not compatible with DDR/DDR2 memory. Fully tested DDR3 DIMMs are available here or in the 'you may also require' section to the left; Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile 1.3.

About ASRock

ASRock Inc. is established in 2002, specialized in the field of motherboards. ASRock strives to build up its own brand. With the 3C design concept, “Creativity, Consideration, Cost-effectiveness”, the company explores the limit of motherboards manufacturing while paying attention on the eco issue at the same time, developing products with the consideration of eco-friendly concept.

ASRock has been growing fast and become world third largest motherboard brand with headquarter in Taipei, Taiwan and branches in Europe and the USA. The young and vibrant company targets from mainstream to enthusiast MB segments for different kinds of users, owning reputation around the world market with its reliability and proficiency. http://www.asrock.com

Read More

VIA P820-12L 1.2GHz Pico-ITX Snap Review

Incredibly small 10cm x 7.2cm VIA EPIA P820-12L Pico-ITX board with 1.2 GHz VIA Nano E processor and VIA VX855 Unified Digital Media IGP chipset; Integrated VIA Chrome9 3D/2D AGP graphics with MPEG-2, WMV9 & H.264 video decoding acceleration; VIA VT1708S 8 channel HD audio; VIA VT6122 Gigabit LAN.

Rear Panel Connectors (with the included P720-A I/O card fitted): 1x HDMI port; 1x VGA port; 1x GigaLAN port; 2x USB 2.0 ports. HDMI port only is available with P720-A removed.

Board connectors: 1x IDE 2.0mm 44-pin pin header; 1x SATA connector; 1x USB pin connector for 4 additional USB 2.0 ports; 1x LPC pin connector; 1x SMBus pin connector; 1x Front panel pin connector; 1x PS2 mouse/keyboard pin connector; 1x Fan pin connector: Sys FAN; 1x Single-channel LVDS pin connector (with backlight control); 1x Audio pin connector for Line-in, Line-out, & Mic-in; 1x DIO pin connector (4GPI+4GPO); 2x UART port pin-header/VCP; 1x SATA power connector; 1x DC-in power connector.

Package Contents: 1x P820-12L motherboard; 1x P720-A I/O card (Pre-assembled); 1x board to 12V DC power connector cable; 1x SATA cable; 1x board to Molex HDD, Molex Floppy and SATA power cable; 1x Driver CD.

Powering the P820-12L: The P820-12L comes with a short board to 12V DC cable and is designed to work with 12V AC Adapters with 2.5/5.5mm plugs such as our 60W, 80W and 110W AC Adapters.

System Monitoring & Management: Wake-on LAN; Keyboard Power-on; Timer Power-on; System power management; AC power failure recovery; Watch Dog Timer.

Additional: Operating Temperature: 0C ~ 60C; Form Factor: Pico-ITX 10cm x 7.2cm; Compliance: CE/FCC/BSMI/RoHS; Manufacturer recommended OS: Windows XP, Windows Embedded CE, Windows Embedded Standard, Linux.

Suitable Memory: The P820-12L uses one stick of DDR2 SODIMM memory up to 2GB in size. This is not compatible with DDR/DDR3 memory.

Read More

VIA Embedded EPIA-P900 Snap Review

The VIA EPIA-P900 Pico-ITX packs in a VIA Eden® X2 dual core processor and the VIA VX900H Media System Processor on a platform about the size of a business card

• Compact 10cm x 7.2cm Pico-ITX form factor
• High-performance 64-bit VIA Eden® X2 dual core processor
• Latest VIA VX900H media system processor
• Flawless HD video performance up to 1080p
• Supports seven USB 2.0 ports (five as pin headers)
• HDMI, VGA and one single-channel 24-bit LVDS support
• Supports high-bandwidth DDR3 memory, up to 4GB
• Support for two SATA
• HD audio support
• Supports digital I/O

Based on the incredibly compact Pico-ITX form factor, measuring 10 cm x 7.2 cm, the VIA EPIA-P900 is the first dual core Pico-ITX board featuring a 1.0GHz 64-bit VIA Eden® X2 processor and the VIA VX900H media system processor. This combination allows for smooth playback of the most demanding video formats at high resolutions of up to 1080p, and makes the VIA EPIA-P900 a superb choice for a range of devices including today's next-generation mobile devices in health-care, logistics, fleet management and other vertical market segments.

The latest VIA VX900H MSP adds support for to 4GB of DDR3 memory, HD audio, HDMI, VGA and LVDS display connectivity as well as a high performance hardware HD video decoder in the shape of the latest VIA ChromotionHD 2.0 video engine.

The VIA ChromotionHD 2.0 engine provides advanced filtering and cutting edge post-processing to perform ultra smooth decoding of H.264, MPEG-2, VC-1, and WMV9 providing smooth playback of the most demanding multimedia titles at resolutions up to 1080p without incurring a heavy CPU load. The EPIA-P900 features the VIA Vinyl VT2021, a high performance HD audio codec, delivering outstanding sound quality and supports stereo 24-bit resolution and up to 192 kHz sample rate for DACs/ADCs.

On board pin headers provide support for an additional of 5 USB 2.0 ports, an LPC connector, SMBus connector, PS/2 support, audio jacks, LVDS, 4 pairs of DIO and two UART ports. Rear I/O includes one HDMI port, one VGA port, 2 USB 2.0 ports and 1 GigaLAN port.

http://www.viaembedded.com/en/products/boards/1670/1/EPIA-P900.html

About VIA Technologies, Inc.

VIA Technologies, Inc is the foremost fabless supplier of power efficient x86 processor platforms that are driving system innovation in the PC, client, ultra mobile and embedded markets. Combining energy-saving processors with digital media chipsets and advanced connectivity, multimedia and networking silicon enables a broad spectrum of computing and communication platforms, including its widely acclaimed ultra compact mainboards. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, VIA's global network links the high tech centers of the US, Europe and Asia, and its customer base includes the world's top OEMs and system integrators. www.via.com.tw

Read More

VIA Embedded EPIA-P910-10Q Snap Review

• Compact 10cm x 7.2cm Pico-ITX form factor
• High-performance 64-bit VIA QuadCore E-Series processor
• Latest VIA VX11H media system processor with DirectX11 support
• Flawless 3D and HD video performance up to 1080p
• Supports 2 USB 3.0 and 6 USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI, VGA and one single-channel 24-bit LVDS support
• Supports high-bandwidth DDR3 1333MHz memory, up to 8GB
• Support for two SATA
• HD audio support
• Supports digital I/O
• Ready for Windows 8

The VIA EPIA-P910 Pico-ITX delivers top class performance combining a VIA QuadCore E-Series processor with the latest VIA VX11H media system processor for immersive display environments.

Based on the incredibly compact Pico-ITX form factor, measuring 10 cm x 7.2 cm, the VIA EPIA-P910 is the first VIA Pico-ITX board to feature the high performance combination of a 1.0GHz VIA QuadCore E-Series processor and the latest VIA VX11H MSP. Providing superior performance capabilities in a low power ultra compact design, the VIA EPIA-P910 Pico-ITX is a superb choice for a range of devices including today's next-generation mobile devices health-care, logistics, fleet management and other vertical market segments.

The latest VIA VX11H MSP includes the integrated VIA Chrome® 640 graphics processor with DX11 support for richer textures and 3D stereoscopic display. In addition, the VIA VX11H MSP adds support for up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, HD audio, HDMI, VGA and LVDS display connectivity as well as a high performance hardware HD video decoder in the shape of the latest VIA Chromotion 5.0 video processor.

The VIA Chromotion video processor provides advanced filtering and cutting edge post-processing to perform ultra smooth decoding of H.264, MPEG-2, VC-1, and WMV9 for smooth playback of the most demanding multimedia titles at resolutions up to 1080p without incurring a heavy CPU load. The VIA EPIA-P910 also features the VIA Vinyl VT2021, a high performance HD audio codec, delivering outstanding sound quality and supports stereo 24-bit resolution and up to 192 kHz sample rate for DACs/ADCs.

On board pin headers & extension board to board connector provide support for an additional of 6 USB 2.0 ports, an LPC connector, SMBus connector, PS/2 support, audio jacks, LVDS1, 4 pairs of DIO and two UART ports. Rear I/O includes one HDMI port, one VGA port, 2 USB 3.0 ports and 1 GigaLAN port.

http://www.viaembedded.com/en/products/boards/1950/1/EPIA-P910.html

About VIA Technologies, Inc.

VIA Technologies, Inc is the foremost fabless supplier of power efficient x86 processor platforms that are driving system innovation in the PC, client, ultra mobile and embedded markets. Combining energy-saving processors with digital media chipsets and advanced connectivity, multimedia and networking silicon enables a broad spectrum of computing and communication platforms, including its widely acclaimed ultra compact mainboards. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, VIA's global network links the high tech centers of the US, Europe and Asia, and its customer base includes the world's top OEMs and system integrators. www.via.com.tw

Read More

Qotom Intel Celeron 847 Thin Mini-ITX Board

Chipset	Intel NM70
CPU	Intel® Celeron 847 Dual-Core 1.1GHz Processor
MEMORY	Support DDR3 1333/1066 MHz 2 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot Max. Supports up to 16GB Memory
EXPANSION SLOT	1 x PCI-E x16 2.0 Slot (x8)
STORAGE	1 x SATA3 Connector 3 x SATA2 Connector
USB	4 x USB 2.0 Port 2 x USB 2.0 Header
LAN	Realtek RTL8111F - 10/100/1000 Controller
INTEGRATED VIDEO	Intel HD Graphics Max. shared memory 1759MB Supports DX10.1 Supports HDCP
CODEC	Realtek ALC662 6-Channel HD Audio
REAR I/O	1 x PS/2 Mouse 1 x PS/2 Keyboard 4 x USB 2.0 Port 1 x HDMI Connector 1 x VGA Port 1 x RJ-45 Port 3 x Audio Connector
INTERNAL I/O	1 x Printer Header 2 x USB 2.0 Header 1 x SATA3 6Gb/s Connector 3 x SATA2 3Gb/s Connector 1 x Front Audio Header 1 x Front Panel Header 1 x S/PDIF-OUT Header 1 x CPU FAN Header 1 x System FAN Header 1 x Serial Header
DIMENSION	Mini ITX Form Factor Dimension: 17cm x 17cm ( W x L )
OS SUPPORT	Support Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8
ACCESSORIES	2 x SATA Cable 1 x I/O Shield 1 x DVD Driver 1 x Quick Guide
FEATURES	Windows 8 Ready Supports BIO-Remote2 Supports Solid capacitor Supports BIOS-Flasher Supports Charger Booster Supports BIOS Online Update

Read More

Vertix PR1 3G Portable Wireless Router

Get a local data SIM card when you travel so you can hop online at lower rates instead of racking up data roaming charges.

That plus a device like this Vertix may save you from huge phone bill.

So if you can get it, using a local data SIM when overseas is a no-brainer. But sharing that bandwidth with your laptop, tablet and smartphone can be trickier.

Use a 3G wireless router or Mi-Fi device like this Vertix. It becomes your own hot spot that your devices can log on to.

This gadget works just like your home router. But it is battery driven so you can use it even when you are en route to a meeting in a speeding taxi. Charging is via a standard mini-USB port so there is no need to pack an additional charger when you travel.

The Vertix is the size of a memory card reader. It fits easily in your pocket. Compared to another battery-driven 3G router of about the same price, the Edimax 3G-6218n, the Vertix is only half the size.

To work, such routers need a USB modem dongle, the type that is supplied by telcos with mobile data subcriptions – unlike Huawei models that have integrated modems.

Within 25 seconds of powering it up, it could connect an iPhone 4S and HTC Desire HD to it. We tested two USB dongles with it with a ZTE MF626 and Huawei E1550.

A straightforward set-up is needed via a Web browser. For convenience, the settings for the networks in more than 40 countries are preloaded: from Argentina to Singapore.

Streamimg the high-definition version of the trailer for the Hobbit on an iPhone 4S up to 20m away across office cubicle space without much problem. This little gizmo pumps out more than enough bandwidth for a hotel room.

VERTIX PR1 Portable Wireless Router allows portable data sharing wherever you are in, office, hotel, outdoors , on the train or bus and so on. The compact device can even be placed in pocket or backpack which makes it truly convenient. For continuous operation, PR1 can be used with a supplied AC desktop charger or a USB charging cable which can be connected to your laptop or any USB power source.

Enjoy a wireless data sharing experience with these features:

• Pocket size networking wherever you go with up to 4 hours use on a single charge
• Supports wireless broadband speed up to 150Mbps
• Pocket size device which makes it highly portable and convenient
• External USB 3G modem ensures flexibility when you are travelling

Specifications

• Built-in high capacity Li-ion battery
• Support USB type extenal cellular modems and ethernet or LAN connections (RJ 45 cable)
• GPRS, EDGE, EVDO Rev A, WCDMA HSDPA/HSUPA, TD-SCDMA HSPA protocols
• Widely support 3G/3.5G/3.75G data cards
• Auto dial, Auto APN, 3G/3.5G/3.75G signal display
• Supported protocols: TCP, UDP, IP, ARP, ICMP, DHCP, PPPoE, DNS, PAP/CHAP, HTTP
• Supports 3G auto dialing, 3G fixed time dialing, 3G total online time statistics
• Supports 3G , PPPoE(DSL and Cable modem), Dynamic IP, static IP Broadband access
• Wireless security with 64bit/128bit-WEP and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK support
• Built in SPI firewall which can deny ARP/DDOS attack effectively
• Supports Virtual Server which can be used to create a website on your LAN.
• Supports IP Filtering, Domain Filtering, MAC Filtering, IP and MAC binding
• WDS repeater function support"

The device is rated for four hours. It lasted about that time in continuous testing.

Read More