MSI Gaming lineup of graphics cards is currently rich in numerous models targeting gamers with any taste and budget. Nonetheless, the company never stops pleasing its fans, so the appearance of a new R9 280X Gaming 3G LE (Light Edition) card is quite viable. The new-comer is much alike its predecessor — R9 280X Gaming 3G, released last autumn, — but features reduced frequencies. The other specifications are almost identical.



MSI R9 280X Gaming 3G LE is based on AMD Radeon R9 280X GPU. Its modified frequency chart looks the following way: nominal clock frequency in Silent/Gaming/OC mode makes up 860 MHz, whereas dynamic clock frequency differs, depending on the mode. Hence, in Silent mode it equals to 1000 MHz, in Gaming mode – to 1010 MHz, and in OC mode – to 1020 MHz. Just to compare, the predecessor boasts some 1000 MHz nominal and 1050 MHz dynamic index.


The layout of the graphics card involves 3 GB of GDDR5 memory (384-bit bus) that runs at 6 GHz, Military …

The Beelink BT7 mini PC’s successor is the Beelink AP42 model, which possesses the same low case, though is based on an updated platform. At present the PC is operated by the 4-core Intel Pentium N4200 CPU, representing the modern Apollo Lake generation.



Pentium N4200 includes four processor cores, featuring the 2.5 GHz frequency and the GPU HD Graphics 505. The motherboard is meant for the 4 GB DDR3 memory, however, there is a prospect for larger volumes. Due to the presence of an M.2 socket users can add a fully functional SSD to the customary 64 GB eMMC module.


The Gigabit Ethernet network port is enhanced with a two-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac adapter, which estimated capacity is equal to 1,167 Mbps. Among other Beelink AP42 interface details one can pick out three USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI 1.4 video output, a headset connector, as well as an SD memory card slot.


The mini PC will be available this month at the rough price of $210.

Taking into account an ever increasing demand for USB 3.0 interfaces, SilverStone has elaborated a dedicated PCI expansion card, entitled ECU01. The card is designed in a low-profile form-factor with the support for PCI Express 2.0 x2 bus. It features a pair of 19-contact USB 3.0 sockets, each of which offers two USB 3.0 ports.



In keeping with the manufacturer, this comprehensive model is called to satisfy the need for high-speed interfaces, absent with old-fashioned systems. For sure, the amount of connectivity ports integrated within the motherboards (usually of entry-level/budgetary standard) is not always enough for enthusiasts and gamers. Hence, there can appear an acute need for additional expansion cards, like ECU01.


SilverStone ECU01 is based on Etron EJ198 controller, featuring an additional SATA interface that is responsible for an efficient power supply. Moreover, the model supports UASP protocol that accelerates data transfer speed. If the current OS does not …