The Internet community is energetically discussing unofficial info concerning the future Intel's Broadwell processors. According to the yet unacknowledged data, Intel will branch off from currently traditional LGA casings in favor to a more advanced BGA solution. At present all CPUs designed by Intel specifically for desktop platforms feature LGA (Land Grid Array) casings which allow the users to upgrade their systems without any hassle. On LGA implementation, the chip is housed within a socket and contacts with the motherboard. As a result, the user might change one chip to the other only with similar set of contacts.



The launch of Intel Broadwell processors, which is planned for 2014, might dramatically change the situation for customers. Most probably Intel will refuse from LGA casings and accommodate all new CPUs in BGA ones, marking the change of Haswell generation to the future Broadwell generation developed under 14 nm technological process. BGA (Ball Grid Array) …

Gigabyte has surfaced a budget-oriented mini-PC of Brix series, entitled Brix GB-BPCE-3350. The new-comer is designed on Intel Apollo Lake CPU (14 nm) and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 500 graphics core. The Intel Celeron N3350 operates at 1.1 GHz frequency but might be overclocked up to 2.4 GHz (TDP – 6 W). The GPU runs at 200-650 MHz frequency.



Gigabyte Brix GB-BPCE-3350 comes with a pair of SO-DIMM DDR3L memory modules which operate at 1866 MHz frequency (maximum of 8 GB). Storage subsystem is introduced by a single SATA III port and microSD card-reader. The availability of a single M.2 2230 slot ensures the model’s expansion facilities. Initially, this slot is occupied by Wi-Fi + Bluetooth adapter (Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168).


To continue, this mini-PC employs a couple of controllers – Realtek ALC255 & Realtek RTL8111HD – which take care of audio and network subsystems. The front I/O panel offers a pair of USB 3.0 ports, one D-Sub port and one 3.5-mm …

Radeon RX 550 graphics cards were to hit store shelves yesterday. The suggested price of the product is 80 USD, however, there is no reference sample. With this background, AMD partners may set prices of their own free choice.



The Sapphire Company introduced two RX 550 models under the Pulse Radeon RX 550 2GD5 and Pulse Radeon RX 550 4GD5 code names. It’s not hard to figure out, that the only difference between them lies in the memory volume.


The GPU boost clock of these video cards equals to 1,206 MHz, and the memory operates at the 7,000 MHz frequency. Owing to the low TDP level (50 W, as reported by AMD), the adapter doesn’t require a superpowerful cooling system. That’s why Sapphire models are rather compact – 158 mm long only!


Chilling is provided by a cooler with a small heatsink and one fan. The HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort interfaces are located on the rear panel.