Zotac always keeps a wary eye on the PC hardware progress. This time the company was one of the first manufacturers to integrate the latest Intel Core 8th Gen mobile processors (Intel Kaby Lake-R) into its line of mini-PCs. This is in reference to Zotac Mi640 nano and Zotac Mi660 nano models, codenamed ZBOX-MI640NANO & ZBOX-MI660NANO respectively.

 

Zotac Mi640 item is based on a 4-core Intel Core i5-8250U CPU, running at 1.6-3.4 GHz frequency. Meanwhile, the second item, Zotac Mi660, comes equipped with a more efficient CPU: Intel Core i7-8550U, operating at 1.8-4.0 GHz frequency. Both new-comers support CPUs with a customizable TDP level (10-25 W), though coming with a standard 15 W marker.

 

Mini-PCs employ iGPU Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics core, a couple of SO-DIMM slots for up to 32 GB DDR4-2400 MHz modules. Storage subsystem includes a single 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD slot; additionally, there is a multimedia card-reader slot (SD/SDXC/SDHC). Network …

Intel’s Z-series chipsets have been recently supplemented by a new Z97 Express companion. Its release coincides with the launch of an updated Haswell Refresh CPU line for LGA 1150 socket. The new platform is thought to support PCI Express M.2 interface that substitutes an old-fashioned mSATA one. It is also supposed to support SATA Express interface and the forthcoming Intel Core 5th generation CPUs. What are the real differences between Z97 and preceding chipsets? Let’s find it out through the example of Asus Z97-Deluxe motherboard.



Basic Specifications


— form-factor: ATX, 305x244 mm dimensions;

— chipset and CPUs: Intel Z97 Express, 4th/5th gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors for Socket LGA 1150;

— interface: DMI 2.0, 20 Gb/sec;

— memory: 4x DIMM slots, DDR3 standard, two-channel, 64 GB ultimate capacity, 1066 MHz-3300 (OC) MHz frequencies;

— multi-GPU support: AMD CrossFireX, Nvidia SLI;

— expansion slots: 3x PCI-e 3.0 x16, 4x PCI-e 2.0 …

MSI, a large-scale manufacturer of computer hardware and consumer electronics, has introduced its new lineup of graphics cards, codenamed R7870 Hawk. The new series goes with the upgraded Radeon HD 7870 video adapter, improved integrated circuit and overclocking base. In addition, these graphics cards will go with the implemented GPU Reactor and Unlocked Digital Power technologies. Upon the whole, the introduced integration and performance is called to compete for the customers' favor with other high-end top models designed by Gigabyte and Asus.



Design and Layout


Design of R7870 Hawk somehow resembles a short-cut version of R7970 Lightning from MSI as well. It has similar design of cooling system covered with blue strip. The cover hides five heat pipes and rather compact fans. The rear part of the card is covered by a metallic plate; there is a plastic boot opposite the graphics chip that covers GPU Reactor block. This block is based on a separate detachable board and …