MSI is one of the first manufacturers to introduce a motherboard for the newly launched AMD AM1 platform. The MSI AM1I features rather compact dimensions (170x170 mm) but its mini-ITX form-factor does not affect the specified functional possibilities for entry-level systems. The model supports AMD Athlon/Sempron processors for the above-mentioned socket.



The employment of Military Class 4 hardware base is supposed to be a major advantage of AM1I motherboard. It involves dark chokes, dark capacitors and other crucial components, which are backed by Military Class Essentials technology. The latter is called to protect the PCB from varied unfavorable happenings, i.e. high humidity, electrostatic discharge or high temperatures.


The PCB comes with two DIMM slots for the incorporation of one-channel DDR3 memory modules (up to 32 GB) with 1333/1600 MHz frequency. Storage is organized by means of two SATA III 6 Gb/sec ports, whereas expansion of functional is due to two PCI …

The novelty from the Iiyama Corporation – the ProLite XUB2790HS-2 monitor – is able to kill two birds with one stone, as far as it is aimed at home and office utilizing at the same time.



The display got a 27” AH-IPS panel with the Full HD 1920 × 1080‎ pixels resolution. This monitor features the 5 ms grey-to-grey response time, the 250 cd/m2 brightness, the 1000:1 contrast ratio and the 5 000 000:1 dynamic contrast. Viewing angles are 178 degrees horizontally and vertically.


ProLite XUB2790HS-2 obtained 2 W stereo speakers. DVI and HDMI digital interfaces, as well as the analogous D-Sub connector serve for the signal source linking. The power consumption claimed is 27 W.


This Iiyama specialty is fitted with a highly adjustable stand, allowing to modify tilt and rotation angles. Height can be set up in the range of 130 mm. Should the need arise one can also easily change the landscape orientation into the portrait one.


ProLite XUB2790HS-2, performed in …

Thermalright is about to release a new ‘tower’ CPU cooler, codenamed Archon IB-E X2. Featuring 155x106x170 mm dimensions, the model supports Intel LGA 2011/115x and AMD FM1/AM2+/AM3+/FM2+ platforms. The launch date is on hold, though the recommended price might rise up 65 EUR.



Thermalright Archon IB-E X2 consists of a voluminous aluminum heatsink with 43 thin pins, which are pierced by eight U-shape nickel-plated heatpipes, and a polished copper base also with a nickel-plated coverage.


The framework is replenished by two 140 mm fans Thermalright TY-141; they are thought to support PWM technology that promotes for speed variation from 900 RPM to 1300 RPM. The fan blades produce up to 74 CFM airflow, consuming not more than 2.4 W power. Average noise level fluctuates within the measures of 17-21 dB.


Moreover, the vendor equips the cooler with a brand thermal compound — Thermalright Chill Factor III. The latter transcends common Chill Factor item in terms of heat …