Biostar, paying much attention to the needs of real audiophiles, has recently launched a new full-format ATX motherboard, entitled Hi-Fi Z97WE. As seen from the codename, the greenhorn is based on Intel Z97 Express chipset, showing compatibility with Intel Core i3/i5/i7 and Pentium processors (4th and 5th gen.) for Socket LGA1150. The model combines a variety of dedicated options, bringing multimedia experience to a new level. Despite the functional, the board comes at an affordable price of $143.



Biostar Hi-Fi Z97WE features 10-phase VRM subsystem and draws power via 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors. The PCB accommodates four DIMM slots for DDR3 memory slots (up to 64 GB capacity), a pair of PCI-e 3.0 x16 slots, PCI-e 2.0 x1 and PCI slots. Storage functional is realized by means of six SATA 6 Gb/sec ports; they support RAID 0/1/5/10 configurations. In addition, the model employs 100% solid-state capacitors that ensure stability on overclocking, combined with a prolonged …

In the year of 2015 the Intel Company announced a mini PC with a completely new layout, named Intel Compute Stick. According to its dimensions it resembles a mobile 3G adapter or a slightly enlarged typical flash drive, though its functionality lets us consider this sample to be a fully-featured PC, which only needs to be connected to the monitor or TV-set through the HDMI interface.



At first the Intel Company and its partners released their versions with Intel Bay Trail CPUs, being later exchanged by the Intel Cherry Trail series solutions. In 2016 even more powerful models with Intel Core m3 and Intel Core m5 (Intel Skylake) CPUs appeared. One can expect, that in the second quarter of 2017 the Intel Compute Stick manufacturers will use the Intel Apollo Lake series chips.


At least two new Intel Compute Stick versions are to be released. The first model will feature 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of ROM eMMC memory and the pre-set 64-bit Windows 10 Home OS. The second version will …

Lian Li has recently introduced three new PC chassis compatible with the motherboards of mini-ITX standard. Codenamed PC-Q27, PC-Q28 and PC-Q30, these cases replenished the 'Q' series and are called to replace more out-dated predecessors. The first two models in the row replace the earlier launched PC-Q07 and PC-Q25, while PC-Q30 is only a prototype that substantially differs from from its companions.



All three models are distinguished by a quite new approach to the motherboard fixture. Hence, instead of traditional trays, Lian Li employs two rails that fix the board. What is more, the designer has implemented quite a different system of side panels mounting.


The first PC case, PC-Q27, features 200x321x240 mm dimensions and is estimated for the installation of a single 5.25-inch drive, two 3.5-inch bays that support the installation of drives of 2.5-inch form-factor. The integrated cooling system consists of a single frontal 120 mm fan.


The second model, PC-Q28, is …