First displayed at Computex 2015, the Z170A Gaming Pro motherboard from MSI is now available for the web community. The company teases the first shot of the extended ATX model, showing off its main privileges. The new-comer is based on Intel Z170 chipset, intended for Socket LGA 1151-compatible Intel Skylake CPUs. Its key visual attraction is the availability of a stripe with RGB illumination on the right side. The stripe supports 8 working modes and is able to display up to 16.5 million colors.



MSI Z170A Gaming Pro comes equipped with 4x DIMM slots for the integration of DDR4-3300 MHz memory modules (maximum capacity – 64 GB). Storage subsystem is introduced by four SATA 6 Gb/sec ports and a single SATA Express port (compatible with two SATA 6 Gb/sec ports). The socket is powered by a 8-pin connector, whereas the PCB draws power from a 24-pin ATX one.


Furthermore, the connection of graphics cards might be realized via two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots; other expansion cards are …

Gigabyte keeps on refilling its inventory of Intel Skylake-based solutions with a couple of new mini-PCs: Brix GB-BSi7T-6500 & Brix GB-BSi7HT-6500. The greenhorns are designed on a two-core Intel Core i7-6500U CPU that operates at 2.5/3.1 GHz frequency. The processor is accompanied by Intel HD graphics as well as DDR4-2133 MHz RAM (maximum capacity – 32 GB).



The fundamental difference between the two models lies in the storage layout. The GB-BSi7T-6500 features only M.2 slot for the installation of compatible drives, whereas the GB-BSi7HT-6500 adds one SATA 6 Gb/sec interface for 2.5-inch drive. All other specifications are analogous for the mini-PCs.


Therefore, the new-comers feature a single PCI Express M.2 expansion slot (occupied by Wi-Fi + Bluetooth module), Realtek ALC255 audio controller, Intel I219V gigabit network controller, Intel Dual-Band wireless-AC 3165, and an integrated 90-watt power supply unit. Internal layout allows for the installation of a tiny …

Corsair is renowned for the whole galaxy of products designed for contemporary PC platforms. Its PSUs, memory modules, SSDs, cooling solutions, peripherals, and cases are widely incorporated in desktop and mobile segments. The latter count a list of series, targeted various customers with various needs. The most peculiar one is Carbide series that currently consists of eight models. Carbide Air 540 differs from its comrades, in the first place, by its cubic framework and, in the second place, by its mini-tower height but midi-tower internal spacing. Those are not the only attractions of the model, since Corsair always offers more than it’s seen on the surface.



Design and Ergonomics


Corsair Carbide Air 540 features 458x322x419 mm dimensions and is distinguished by a rather strict design. Exterior and interior facets are totally painted black, except for ‘Corsair’ label and sockets with inscriptions. The case is made of thin steel but for the external plastic panels …