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 …

As part of Crucial brand, Micron Technology comes out with a new generation of RAM – the Ballistix Elite DDR4. It is developed in a pure black PCB with a powerful heatspreader and an integrated thermal sensor. Initially, the company releases planks of 4 GB and 8 GB, although in retail sale the products will be available in 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB kits. Pricing is unknown so far.



Crucial Ballistix Elite DDR4 memory operates at 2666 MHz frequency and boasts 21 Gb/sec throughput index. Its power-efficient facilities are 40% better than those inherent in DDR3 models with analogous clock frequency. This makes gaming process a delight due to intense responsiveness, optimized latencies, and increased frame rates.


The modules support XMP 2.0 profiles as well as Ballistix Memory Overview Display utilities; the latter track the performance of each module, analyzing temperature, voltage and frequency showings in real time. Furthermore, Micron Technology makes its DDR4 compatible …

Skull Canyon was designed to dispel stereotypes about low efficiency of compact-sized PCs. Intel tried hard to take its mini-PC to the next level. Hence, the company furnished it with a 4-core Core i7-6770HQ CPU (Skylake) with support of Hyper-Threading. It features 6 MB L3 cache, 45 W TDP and runs at 2.6/3.5 GHz frequency. The CPU incorporates Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580 (GT4e) graphics core with 72 computing units and an additional eDRAM of 128 MB (frequency index: 350-950 MHz).



Intel Skull Canyon is housed in a stylish case with skull logo, featuring 216x116x23 mm dimensions & 0.7 liters capacity. The model accommodates a pair of So-DIMM DDR4-2133+ slots, allowing to install up to 32 GB of memory. Storage subsystem might be organized thanks to a pair of M.2 slots which support SSDs with SATA or PCI Express x4 interface.


This mini-PC comes with Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 8260 adapter that is thought to support Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity. The rear panel …