Following the general tendencies in PC market, router segment also takes the direction towards compactness. This is dictated basically by the necessity to move from one place to the other (i.e. during business trip). Compact routers offer similar to standard solutions performance plus convenience while transportation. The line of products designed by TP-Link involves both, typical and compact routers.



Model TL-MR3040 is attributed exactly to compact solutions with one peculiar feature: built-in battery for 2000 mAh. The battery is able to operate up to four hours as access point under 802.11n standard. Router might be powered as from network adapter, so from a laptop via USB cable.


There is a possibility to employ this model as typical router tied to the wired network. The integrated WAN cable serves specifically this means; moreover, it can be joined with ADSL modem or with a local network. In addition, TL-MR3040 might operate as a client for WISP networks.


Router …

Gigabyte adds another mini-PC to its small-sized solutions. This time the company introduces a low-budget Brix GB-Bace-3160 model targeting entry-level users (home/office use). It might be employed to fulfill such routine tasks as file editing, web surfing & multimedia boot. The model boasts a strict all-black design, featuring 114.4x107.6x56.1 mm case dimensions.



Gigabyte Brix GB-Bace-3160 accommodates a 4-core Intel Celeron J3160 CPU (14 nm) that operates at 1.6/2.24 GHz frequency; it is accompanied by an integrated Intel HD Graphics 400 graphics core (320-700 MHz frequency). The PCB houses only a single SO-DIMM slot for the installation of DRR3L-1600 memory.


Storage subsystem is introduced by a single SATA III (6 Gb/sec) port, intended for the incorporation of 2.5-inch SSD/HDD. Audio subsystem is supported by Realtek ALC255 controller. Furthermore, this mini-PC comes with a 4-watt power supply unit.


Network facilities are realized by means of gigabit LAN port …

Announced several months ago, Chieftec Navitas series of PSUs has managed to win the hearts of PC enthusiasts in many areas across the globe. Unlike the majority lineups where the junior model features 450/550 W power, Navitas offers 650 W GPM-650C as the first model in the line to satisfy the needs of fastidious customers. Upon the whole, the series counts five models of 650 W, 750 W, 850 W, 1000 W, and 1250 W power. Let’s see whether the junior representative of the series deserves universal acclaim.



Basic Specs and Connectors


Chieftec Navitas 650 W is delivered in a gray cardbox that contains its basic specifications. The unit is able to gain up to 648 W power on +12VDC rail efficiency. The correlation of efficiency on +12VDC rail and an overall power makes up 0.997 points. The model itself is housed in a gray case with large texture coating. Its layout might boast the incorporation of a high-voltage Nippon Chemi-Con capacitor and as much as efficient Capxon …