The emergence of a new GPU architecture does not only make records in the performance of high-end graphics cards, but often changes the idea of what to expect from an inexpensive card with a low TDP. Let see what can offer GT 640 — associate member of the family Kepler



The lower segment of the GeForce 600 is already fully staffed. In retail, there are cards GT 610, GT 620, GT 630 and GT 640, and in the OEM- channels additionally supplied GeForce 605. But among all of them, only GT 640 can be called a fully new model, since it is based on the architecture of Kepler, and the remaining cards are a familiar model series GeForce 400 and GeForce 500 Architecture (Fermi) with certain minor modifications.


GeForce 640 is based on the GK107 chip, which previously debuted in accelerators GeForce 640M. The performance of the last was comprehensively studied on the laptop Acer Aspire M3-581TG: compared to the GeForce 540M new chip provides a very nice speed boost. GK107 contains one …

Chieftec, one of the largest German hardware manufacturers, has recently introduced a new series of power supply units, codenamed Navitas. The series is represented by 5 models: GPM-650C with 650W nominal power, GPM-750C with 750W nominal power, GPM-850C with 850W nominal power, GPM-1000C with 1000W nominal power, and GPM-1250C with 1250W nominal power correspondingly. All the products have won 80Plus Gold certificate, due to more than 90% efficiency in the high workloads.



Chieftec Navitas PSUs correspond to ATX12V v2.3 standard and support Intel Core 4th gen. processors that require little current strength on +12V rail in sleep mode. The models also support active power-factor correction option to provide for the maximal stability during operation. They are equipped with a composite cable system and a single +12V rail, estimated for the maximal current from 54 A to 104 A (this index depends on the unit’s power).


All five units are cooled down by 140 mm fans with PWM …

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 …