The lineup of Asus Strix graphics cards, in addition to GeForce GTX 780 model, has been replenished with one more representative – the Radeon R9 280 Strix OC Edition (codename: Strix-R9280-OC-3GD5). The heart of the card is AMD Radeon R9 280 GPU (Tahiti PRO) with overclocked clock frequencies. Hence, the GPU index has been increased from etalon 933 MHz (overclocked) to 980 MHz. This provides for even more striking performance on gaming and overclocking cessions.



The graphics card is equipped with 3 GB of GDDR5 memory featuring 384-bit rail. Its frequency has also been increased, demonstrating 1300 MHz at the start and reaching 5200 MHz at the toughest loading. The model boasts a rich set of video interfaces, including one HDMI, one DisplayPort, and a pair of DVI ports. This ensures the creation of multi-screen configurations.


The integrated PCB employs an improved Super Alloy Power hardware base, as well as a 10-phase Digi+ VRM system. Cooling is ascribed to DirectCU II …

Thecus Technology Corp. marked the beginning of a new production year by launching an offbeat multi-task NAS – the N2810. The model is targeting to solve a wide spectrum of assignments; however, it might become an ideal solution for a demanding multimedia system. The all-black case is estimated for two 3.5-inch HDD drives which can be swapped thanks to dedicated buttons on the front panel. Sales are scheduled for February 2016.



Thecus N2810 is developed on Intel Celeron N3050 (Intel Braswell, 14 nm) CPU with 6 W TDP. Its base clock frequency makes up 1.6 GHz, while efficient index might achieve 2.16 GHz. The CPU cooperates with 2 GB of DDR3 memory. Interestingly enough, the customer is free to expand RAM to 8 GB, if necessary.


The frontal panel accommodates Start button as well as a set of interfaces: three USB 3.0 ports, a pair of RJ45 LAN ports, and a single HDMI video port. Such assembly provides for the connection of external drives, peripherals and multimedia …

ASRock enters the market with another budget-oriented micro-ATX mainboard – the H110M-DS/Hyper (the recommended price makes up $60). The greenhorn is designed on Intel H110 chipset as well as ASRock Hyper BCLK Engine. The latter realizes the overclocking of Intel Skylake CPUs (for Socket LGA1151) by means of BCLK alteration; therewith, all other key nodes operate off-the-shelf.



ASRock H100M-DS/Hyper employs 4+1-phase power subsystem. The PCB accommodates 2x DIMM slots for DDR4-2133 MHz RAM with the maximal volume of 32 GB. Storage subsystem is represented by four SATA III ports, whereas expansion facilities include one PCIe 3.0 x16 and one PCIe 2.0 x1 ports.


Audio subsystem is governed by Realtek ALC887 controller and three 3.5-mm sockets. In its turn, network facilities are backed by Realtek RTL8111GR controller. Connectivity options embrace one RJ-45 port, one DVI video port, two PS/2 ports, and four USB ports for peripherals (both v 2.0 and v 3.0).