ASRock enters the market with a mainboard, targeting new Intel Apollo Lake CPUs (14 nm, Intel Goldmont micro-architecture). The J3355B-ITX model is thought to be integrated within laptops or entry-level all-in-one solutions. As seen from the codename, the board is developed in mini-ITX form-factor. It comes equipped with Intel Celeron J3355 processor, operating at 2.0-2.5 GHz frequency. The CPU features 10 W TDP; hence, cooling is backed by a noiseless passive cooler.



ASRock J3355B-ITX accommodates a pair of SO-DIMM slots for DDR3/DDRL3 modules with 1866 MHz frequency (up to 16 GB). The board comes with an integrated Intel HD Graphics 500 GPU that runs at 700 MHz. The connection of drives is realized via two SATA III ports. The incorporated PCIe 2.0 x16 slot is optimal for expansion cards, rather than a VGA card.


To continue, audio subsystem is based on 7.1-channel Realtek ALC887 controller, whereas network facilities are ensured with the help of Realtek RTL8111GR …

Ever since with the light touch of the VIA Technologies the Mini-ITX motherboard standard has entered the consumer market, ample opportunities have opened up for fans of compact computer systems. However, the main problems of the still new form factor were quickly identified then. The most painful among them were issues of components compatibility (which were all produced for a more common ATX format), the problem of their cooling and, of course, the complete absence of sane small cases capable of taking such systems in.


In solving problems with the chassis, the industry initially chose two parallel paths. On the one hand, tiny boxes supplied with an external power supply were put into production. The maximum that they were able to accept was the processors from VIA and Intel with TDP not more than 20 watts. On the other hand, cases where it would be possible to assemble a good game system based on the Mini-ITX motherboard were created. But in size, they often reached the …

Western Digital is going to release an updated version of a high-end cloud storage entitled My Book Live Duo. The new-comer is equipped with a pair of hard drives, joined in RAID configuration, and serves simultaneously as a network storage and a secure remote storage. The customers will be able to choose between 4 TB, 6 TB and 8 TB models which are backed by a 2-year’s limited warranty. The release is scheduled for August 2014.



My Book Live Duo features 165x157x99 mm dimensions and weighs 2.26 kg. It is based on 800 MHz processor and shows compatibility with PC and Mac systems. Furnished with WD Red drives, it supports RAID 0 and JBOD storage configurations, as well as RAID 1 – mirror redundancy mode; the latter employs one part of capacity for storing the user’s information, the second one – for backup of this information.


To continue, the model houses Ethernet controller and USB 3.0 interface that ensures the maximum of 290 Mb/sec data transfer speed. The …