Asustor, an outstanding Taiwanese developer of high-end hardware pieces, has just launched a series of new-generation NAS devices, codenamed AS 3. The series involves two models – the AS-302T and the AS-304T – that are characterized by the support of advanced multimedia facilities and high-resolution video (1080 p). The first model consists of two HDD bays with the maximal capacity of 8 TB, whereas the second model boasts four HDD bays with an overall 16 TB capacity. For this reason, the retail price makes up $334.90 and $499 respectively.



AS 3 NAS devices are based on Intel Atom two-core processors that run at 1.6 GHz clock frequency. Memory subsystem is introduced by DDR3 modules of 1 GB capacity. Interface I/O panel is rich in gigabit Ethernet network port, IR-port, HDMI video socket, 3.5 mm audio socket, and USB 3.0 port. One of the blissful advantages is the possibility to unite the drives into the following RAID arrays: RAID 0/1/5/6/10 and JBOD.


Each NAS model is …

Seagate Technology, one of the leading players in HDD/SSD industry, announces the release of its first solid-state drive targeting consumer segment and next-generation drives targeting corporate field. Therefore, corporate clients will be able to enjoy the privileges of Seagate 1200 SSD that is primarily predestined for the implementation into high-end server systems. These drives will be released in three capacity versions (200 GB, 400 GB and 800 GB) and will employ SAS interface with 12 Gb/sec bandwidth.



Seagate 600 SSD is developed in 2.5-inch form-factor with two case depth modifications: 5 mm and 7 mm. The new-comers are supposed to be the most optimal solution for laptops and other small-sized devices. These drives employ SATA III interface and demonstrate quite striking speed characteristics: the maximal sequential Read speed achieves 550 Mb/sec, while the maximal sequential Write speed equals to 450 Mb/sec. Seagate 600 will be available in three volume capacities (120 …

Internal structure

The motherboard compartment is located above the power supply unit. In this regard, everything is quite standard for a Mid Tower class. A large cutout is made in a tray behind a CPU socket, to allow installation of a CPU cooling system directly into the case; a backplate mount (thrust-pad located on the back side of the motherboard) is used for this purpose.


The four large slots in a tray, equipped with the silicone membrane, are designed for proper cable management which looks very promising here. Plugs of expansion slots are attached by thumbscrews. The front part holds a hard disks’ basket for three drives.


At the back side a slot in a tray can be clearly seen to access cable management system slot. Also, the rear side contains two tool kits for installation of solid-state drives and size 2.5" hard disks.


The side cover is made of 0.7 mm steel, and from the inside has a thick vibration and noise absorbing coating. The recess in the …