Intel and AMD companies have established a good reputation for providing efficient hardware solutions for all customer groups. Each new product introduced by the two companies enters the top sales ranks and this promotes for the competition. AMD has recently produced a new APU solution based on Trinity architecture with graphics module VLIW4 and called it AMD A10-4600M. This model can boast the whole spectrum of improvements and advanced features as compared with its predecessor APU Llano, and is intended to beat its rival Intel in efficiency and performance.



Trinity Architecture


CPU Trinity is based on Piledriver micro architecture which superseded Bulldozer from AMD. The distinctive feature of Piledriver is that it’s primarily integrated in a mobile APU. Quad-core Trinity chips utilize two Bulldozer modules, each of which is equipped with two execution cores. Each APU module employs 2 MB of L2 cache, so the entire module architecture approximates to 4 MB of L2 cache; …

Sapphire is about to launch a new series of gaming graphics cards, entitled Nitro. The family counts three models: Nitro R7 370 4G D5, Nitro R9 380 4G D5 and Nitro R9 390 8G D5. Since the models take different GPUs as the basis, they are targeted diverse market segments, taking into account as budget-oriented gamers so spendthrift enthusiasts.



Sapphire Nitro videocards are distinguished by two major features. First of all, they employ a top-notch hardware base consisting of solid-state capacitors and Black Diamond ferrite chokes. Second of all, their cooling system boasts the implementation of a molten heatsink, supplemented by a new coating framework and a kit of fans, based on dual ball-bearings. The fans are equipped with IFC-II intelligent system that halts their rotation on low GPU temperature, ensuring noiseless operation.


Sapphire Nitro R7 370 4G D5 is the most cost-efficient solution within the series. It relies on AMD Radeon R7 370 GPU, running at 985 MHz …

ASRock has stricken the general public by the development of a motherboard with an extraordinary layout. As a rule, mainboards targeting all-in-one solutions are void of expansion slots for graphics cards, due to lack of space. However, ASRock has designed a space-efficient model with an integrated PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot. Yet, it’s localized parallel to the PCB as against standard items with perpendicular slot orientation.



ASRock Z170M-PIO2 is based on Intel Z170 chipset for Socket LGA1511 platforms. It supports Intel Celeron/Pentium/Core i3/Core i5/Core i7 CPUs. The PCB features a pair of DIMM slots for the installation of DDR4 memory modules with the maximum clock frequency of 3466 MHz (up to 32 GB of capacity). Storage subsystem is introduced by 4 SATA 6 Gb/sec ports as well as a single Ultra M.2 x4 slot.


As far as expansion is concerned, the model accommodates a single PCIe 3.0 x 16 slot and one M.2 2230 slot, occupied by Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter. The 7.1-channel …