Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 ITX, Short and Stout Graphics Card

The GeForce GTX 970 graphics card from NVIDIA may be the weaker out of the new pair that the company released, based on the Maxwell micro-architecture. But it's still a high-end board, so NVIDIA didn't bother making it smaller than the normal form factor.

That didn't stop Gigabyte from doing it instead though, and you can be sure that at least one more OEM will develop a small form factor GTX 970 at some point in the future. That's neither here nor there though. What we're going to focus on right now is the new GeForce GTX 970 ITX card, bearing the part number N970UTX-OC. And yes, the OC in the technical name indicates an elevated GPU frequency compared to the norm, or rather frequencies, since there are two of them.

The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 ITX

Normally, the GeForce GTX 970 has a base GPU frequency of 1,051 MHz and a GPU Boost clock of 1,178 MHz. Since the chip is fairly competent (to say the least) thanks to its 1,664 CUDA cores, 104 TMUs and 64 ROPs, that alone is more than fine. Still, Gigabyte wanted more performance from its new model, even though the smaller size of the PBC and related hardware would have allowed it to get away with something slower than the standard. Not that it happens much, this nerfing, but it's still a thought. Anyway, the new Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 ITX normally runs the GPU at 1,076 MHz but can jump to 1,216 MHz in a pinch. Pretty close to the GTX 980 1,126 MHz base / 1,216 MHz GPU Boost settings if you think about it. The 4 GB GDDR5 VRAM are left at 7 GHz.

Design-wise, the GeForce GTX 970 ITX possesses a full-height, half-length PCB with a length of 170 mm / 6.29 inches and a thick, dense WindForce cooler equipped with a single fan (100 mm diameter). A pair of 8 mm copper heatpipes lead the heat from the GPU to the heatsink, aided by a third, smaller heatpipe of 5 mm thickness.

Availability and pricing

The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 ITX graphics card should be up for order at $329.99 / €329.99, which is the price of the reference, standard performance / size one. A pleasant surprise, we'll admit, since the compactness and extra speed could both easily justify a premium price, even warrant it under normal circumstances.

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 ITX installed on mini-ITX motherboard

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 ITX

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 ITX cooler
Image credits to Tom's Hardware

Read more »

Google Tries to Lure iOS Users to Android with In-Depth Migration Guide

Now that Google officially introduced the Nexus 6 along with the new Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system, the search giant is trying to make it as easier as possible for customers to switch to its ecosystem.

A certain website has been recently created aimed at iOS users, which offered an in-depth guide on how an iPhone/iPad user can transfer all the data stored on an Apple device to an Android smartphone or tablet. This isn’t the first time Google targets Apple customers with an incentive, as some of the early Android 5.0 Lollipop and Nexus 6 commercial were a reference to the fact that all Apple fans are the same due to the fact that they use the same device (iPhone). The fact that Google is now providing iOS users with a step-by-step guide that will help them migrate to Android much easier shouldn’t be surprising. In fact, everything explained in the guide is very helpful and should apply to other operating systems as well with some minor changes.

One of the many things that iOS users would like to take with them when moving from Apple’s OS to Android is music. In order to transfer all the music from an iPhone or iPad to an Android device, you will have to install the Google Play Music Manager on your computer and make sure that your iOS device is fully synced to iTunes on the same computer. The procedure is pretty simple, but requires Internet connection so the Music Manager can upload all iTunes music to the cloud.

You will have to learn to work with Google's services instead of Apple's

Photos can be transferred with ease from an iOS device to Android. Simply install the Google+ application on your iPhone and sign in using your Google account. Select “Auto Backup” for all photos by selecting the menu icon and then the gear icon at the top right. All photos will be saved in the cloud. But music and photos are not the only stuff an iOS user will want to transfer to his/her new Android device. Contacts may be the most important thing smartphone users want to keep on their new handset. We have already explained in a detailed guide how you can transfer contacts from iOS to Android, so that shouldn’t be a problem for iOS users as long as they agree to create a Gmail account.

Speaking of which, Google’s thorough guide also includes info on how iOS users can set up their email and messaging, as well as the method of searching for games and apps in the Play Store. If you are an iOS user who considers switching to Android, then you might want to check out Google’s in-depth migration guide.

Switch to Android
Image credits to Google

Read more »

Spec Shootout Helps Nexus 5 Owners Decide If the Upgrade to Nexus 6 Is Worth It

There are many Android fans who still own the Nexus 4 or the newer Nexus 5 who are still wondering whether or not they should upgrade to the upcoming Motorola Nexus 6.

Well, considering the Nexus 6 is not the same cheap high-end smartphone that Google usually launched in Q4 each year, those who consider upgrading from a previous Nexus smartphone may want to think hard before making a decision. We’re here to help those in need make up their minds quicker and not regret afterwards if they find that their decision wasn’t the right one. Although we didn’t have the chance to take the Nexus 6 for a spin yet, at a first glance Motorola’s smartphone is a worthy upgrade for the Nexus 5. We believe that those still owning the Nexus 5 and who can afford Nexus 6’ high price tag should upgrade when the latter goes on sale. There are too many improvements over the previous Nexus models not to step up to Nexus 6.

However, there might be an issue for those resenting phablets, as Google’s new flagship smartphone boasts a huge 6-inch QHD (1440 x 2560 pixels) capacitive touchscreen display. If you’re not into phablets, then you might want to wait a while until Motorola comes forward with a smaller version of the Nexus 6, like the DROID Turbo for example, which will be launched in the US exclusively through Verizon on October 28.

Nexus 6 ships with Lollipop out of the box, but Nexus 5 will get it as well

Moving on to spec shootout, it’s worth mentioning that while Nexus 6 will be the first device to ship with Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system out of the box, other Nexus smartphones (including Nexus 5) will receive it as an update next month. Now if we are to put both Nexus smartphones against each other, it’s obvious that the Nexus 6 is the clear winner. It comes with a larger QHD AMOLED display and it’s water resistant. It also features dual stereo speakers in the front, just like the Motorola Moto X and HTC One M8. As for the rest of the hardware, the Nexus 6 has been stuffed with only the latest technologies that Google and Motorola could put together.

For example, Motorola Nexus 6 is armed with a powerful 2.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset inside, which accommodates an Adreno 420 graphics processing unit and 3GB of RAM. The previous model, Nexus 5 packs a 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset with an Adreno 330 GPU and just 2GB of RAM.

Sadly, Motorola Nexus 6 lacks microSD card slot as well

There’s another important aspect that Nexus family fans will probably be pleased with if they decide to pick the latest model made by Motorola. As many of you probably know by now, Nexus smartphones lack microSD card slot, which is a major downside for consumers. Previous models came in different variants, so depending on storage size (8GB, 16GB or 32GB) you could get it more or less expensive. Sadly, Nexus 6 still doesn’t pack a microSD card slot, but the good news is the cheapest model comes with no less than 32GB of storage. The more expensive version will pack 64GB, which should be more than enough for heavy users, and the price difference is just $50 (€35).

Nexus 6 packs much better camera and battery than the previous model

It’s also worth mentioning that the Nexus 6 comes with an improved 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, which features dual LED ring flash, autofocus, OIS (optical image stabilization) and 4K video recording. There’s also a secondary 2-megapixel camera in the front, which is only a slight upgrade over the Nexus 5’s 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. Speaking of which, Nexus 5 has an 8-megapixel main camera on the back with OIS, autofocus, LED flash and full HD (1080p) video recording. Another big improvement is the battery. Nexus 5 is powered by a 2300 mAh non-removable battery, while Nexus 6 drains energy from a much better 3220 mAh battery, which should provide up to 24 hours of continuous usage.

Connectivity-wise, the Nexus 6 is superior in all aspects. It comes with LTE Cat.6 (300Mbps download), as opposed to Nexus 5’s LTE Cat.4 (150Mbps), and Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and LE (Low Energy) support instead of Bluetooth 4.0. Overall, Motorola Nexus 6 is clearly a better product than Nexus 5, hence the higher price. Based on the spec shootout, we would recommend those who can afford and don’t resent phablets to upgrade to the Nexus 6 from the previous model. Nexus 6 has been confirmed to arrive in Google Play Store on October 29, so customers will be able to pre-order the smartphone for $649 (€505) outright.

Motorola Nexus 6 vs. LG Nexus 5
Image credits to Google

Read more »

SK Hynix Releases 16 GB DDR4/NAND Combo Module Made of 20nm Chips

DDR4 memory seems to be coming out every other week now. Not as often as we might have expected or hoped perhaps, but often enough considering that consumer products still can't use the tech for the most part. SK Hynix has just made its latest contribution.

In the attached picture you have what SK Hynix claims is “the world's highest density 16 GB (Gigabytes) of NVDIMM (Non Volatile DIMM) based on 4 Gb (Gigabit) DDR4 using its advanced 20 nm class technology.” When taken all together, it's not as big a deal as it sounds, since NVDIMM is just one type of memory module. Also, it kind of pales in comparison to the 32 GB DDR4 Module from Samsung, the RVDIMM that we brought to you earlier today (October 21, 2014). But that's neither here nor there.

The SK Hynix 16 GB NVDIMM

In essence, the module combined DRAM and NAND Flash in a single module, along with the module controller microprocessor. This means that data from the DRAM is easily sent to NAND chips once the processing is complete. And with NAND having double the density of the DRAM, it can be done easily and repeatedly. Having all chips on the same PCB also reduces power loss from the transfer and means that data can be safely stored and restored in case of sudden power loss. All the while, the performance is no lower than that of standard DDR4 memory modules: 1.2V current, 2,133 MHz clock speed, 64-bit I/O, and processing speed of up to 17 GB of data per second.

Not bad at all for what is essentially a fusion of two technologies that were not initially envisioned as interchangeable, but which seem to be fusing and crossing over into each other's turf anyway. And with the extra stability enabled by NAND, the new NVDIMM from SK Hynix might just become the prime option on the server memory market. All that's left is for modules of higher capacity, and maybe other form factors, to adopt the NVDIMM memory/storage combo, and for the capacity to reach above 16 GB. Servers are famous for allowing much more than that per slot after all, and it would be a shame for things to stop here, or even slow down.

Availability and pricing

As is customary for enterprise/server products, the price wasn't revealed in the press release. Shipments should start shortly though, assuming they haven't already. Depends on how soon you get a call in and how viciously you haggle.

Press Release:SK Hynix Inc. announced that it has developed the world's highest density 16 GB (Gigabytes) of NVDIMM (Non Volatile DIMM) based on 4 Gb (Gigabit) DDR4 using its advanced 20 nm class technology.
This NVDIMM is able to send DRAM data to NAND Flash whose density is two times bigger than the DRAM in a unanticipated power loss by combining DRAM, NAND Flash and the module controller in a single module. Therefore, it is feasible to save and restore data safely as well as performing on the same level with general DDR4 modules. This new product works at 2133 Mbps and with a 64-bit I/O it processes up to 17 GB of data per second running at 1.2V.
SK Hynix says it has already provided the samples to several customers and the attention to the product from corporations developing server and operating system has been increasing. SK Hynix is expected to create new market demand in heavily increasing big data processing with the new product. The Company plans to start volume mass production of this from the first half of next year to provide the specialized solution to clients who are in need of higher level in data stability.
"The development of the world's highest density 16 GB DDR4 NVDIMM has its significance in leading a new memory solution sector" said Senior Vice President Sung Joo Hong, the Head of DRAM Development. "The Company will further strengthen its competitiveness in server memory market by developing such hybrid modules" he added.
Furthermore, SK Hynix is looking forward to consolidating its leadership in high density DDR4 server market with this development. In April, the Company developed the world's highest density 128 GB DDR4 module based on the industry's highest density DDR4 sole unit of 8 Gb and its 64 GB DDR4 module was the only DDR4 module certified by the latest 'Intel Validation'. The DDR4 interface is expected to be commercialized regularly from 2015 and the main standard in the industry from 2016.
According to Gartner, server DRAM market will grow 37% (on a unit base) in annual average until 2018 following expansion of mobile environment. Plus, according to IHS Technology, the portion of server in DRAM module market (on a unit base) is to expand prominently, which is expected to reach 33% in this year, 41% in the next year and 62% in 2018.

SK Hynix DDR4 memory
Image credits to SK Hynix

Read more »

Microsoft Drops Nokia Brand, Replaces It with “Microsoft Lumia”

Microsoft completed the acquisition of Nokia’s Devices and Services unit earlier this year, and since then, the company tried to fully integrate the smartphone lineup into its offering with several subtle branding tweaks that hinted at more ambitious plans for the Redmond-based software giant.

Microsoft thus decided to give up on the Nokia brand and launch its very own, in order not only to complete the transition to a mobile world but also to emphasize that new smartphones do not belong to the Finnish manufacturer anymore. The Nokia brand will be replaced by Microsoft Lumia, and although the Softies are yet to release an official announcement in this regard, The Verge says that one could come very soon. Microsoft France appears to be the first division switching to Microsoft Lumia branding for social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter, and all the others will follow very soon.

Nokia not yet dead

The decision to give up on the Nokia brand isn’t really surprising, because Microsoft already tried to let everyone know that its own lineup of devices was on its way. This summer for example, videos that were published online indicated that Windows Phone would be renamed to Windows, in an attempt to better capitalize on the popularity of the desktop operating system and attract more buyers. Microsoft often referred to Windows Phone as just “Windows” and offered hints that Nokia could soon be replaced by a new brand. Its name, however, was never disclosed.

But even though Microsoft gives up on Nokia, this doesn’t necessarily mean that this particular brand would go away entirely. Nokia still exists as a standalone entity, as Microsoft only purchased its Devices and Services unit, so all the other divisions still exist.

Microsoft or Windows handsets

Now that the Nokia branding will no longer show up on new smartphones, everyone’s wondering if Microsoft wants to use its name on the devices it builds or simply turn to the Windows logo. At the same time, the aforementioned source says that putting the Lumia or Microsoft brand on the front and back of the new devices is also possible, and so is a scenario that will see the company adopt the Microsoft Lumia branding for new handsets. This, however, is less likely, especially because it might not look good on smaller devices. Microsoft is expected to make a full announcement on this and share all details very soon, but the first handsets wearing the new brand should be here in just a couple of months.

Microsoft Lumia is the new brand of phones belonging to the Redmond-based giant
Image credits to Nokia / Microsoft

Read more »

Impressive 32 GB DDR4 Module from Samsung Is Based on 20nm 8 Gb Chips

DIMM memory modules with a capacity of 128 GB will only be released in 2015, and 64 GB models are pretty rare too. However, it's a lot easier to release high-capacity RDIMM ones, especially when you're the one who's making the chips, as is the case with Samsung.

In case you didn't know, Samsung is one of the world's major suppliers of semiconductors. Sure, Intel may be the most famous CPU maker, but Samsung has its own range (ARM-based) and is a major name on the RAM and NAND Flash markets as well. It is the random access memory technology front where the group has just made its move. Samsung has formally released two products. Technically, it's one product and a second one based on it, but eh, details.

The 8 Gigabit DDR4 memory chip

This is the primary point of interest here. The chip has a storage space of 8 Gb, which is basically the same as one gigabyte. The chip is built on the 20nm manufacturing process, which ensures a high efficiency and lower cost of manufacture than other nodes. Which, in turn, should boil down to lower price for the chip itself and, in turn, for the module of 32 GB. Since the new memory is made of enterprise and business products, you can be sure that some clients will order the chips in bulk and make system boards and memory PCBs themselves.

The 32 GB DDR4 module

The RDIMM has a total capacity of 32 GB and a data rate of 2,400 megabits per second (Mbps) per pin, which is 29% faster than the normal performance of DDR3 (1,866 Mbps). Admittedly, DDR3 often works at 1,600 Mbps / MHz, but in enterprise applications it's hard to find anything slower than 1,866 Mbps, so the latter makes for a more accurate comparison. Either way, with DDR4 also providing a major decrease in power requirements, the benefits of upgrading to the new RAM easily offset the disadvantages. The RDIMM form factor should be compatible with all servers out there and the larger installations based on them, like data centers and clouds.

Availability and pricing

The memory should already be available for sale, but prices will be subject to order size and further negotiations. There are 4 Gb and 6 Gb chips as well. However, larger-capacity products like 128 GB modules will take a while to make. Not too long though, since Samsung already has 3D through silicon technology (TSV).

Press Release:
Samsung Electronics announced that it is mass producing the industry's most advanced 8-gigabit (Gb) DDR4 memory and 32-gigabyte (GB) module, both of which will be manufactured based on a new 20-nanometer (nm) process technology, for use in enterprise servers.
"Our new 20 nm 8 Gb DDR4 DRAM more than meets the high performance, high density and energy efficiency needs that are driving the proliferation of next-generation enterprise servers," said Jeeho Baek, Vice President of Memory Marketing at Samsung Electronics. "By expanding the production of our 20 nm DRAM line-ups, we will provide premium, high-density DRAM products, while handling increasing demand from customers in the global premium enterprise market."
With its new 8 Gb DDR4, Samsung now offers a full line-up of 20 nm-based DRAM to lead a new era of 20 nm DRAM efficiency that also includes the 20 nm 4 Gb DDR3 for PCs and the 20 nm 6 Gb LPDDR3 for mobile devices.
Using the new 8 Gb DDR4 chip, Samsung began producing the 32 GB registered dual in-line memory module (RDIMM) earlier this month. The new module's data transfer rate per pin reaches up to 2,400 megabits per second (Mbps), which delivers an approximately 29 percent performance increase, compared to the 1,866 Mbps bandwidth of a DDR3 server module.
Beyond the 32 GB modules, the new 8 Gb chips will allow production of server modules with a maximum capacity of 128 GB by applying 3D through silicon via (TSV) technology, which will encourage further expansion of the high-density DRAM market.
The new high density DDR4, also boasts improved error correction features, which will increase memory reliability in the design of enterprise servers. In addition, the new DDR4 chip and module use 1.2 volt, which is currently the lowest possible voltage.

Samsung 32 GB DDR4 module

Samsung 32 GB DDR4 module stock shot

Samsung 32 GB DDR4 module front view
Images credits to Samsung

Read more »

Intel Meegopad Windows HDMI TV, Thumb Drive-Sized PC with Windows 8.1

We've heard of Windows 8.1's ability to install a fully working, bootable version of itself on USB flash drives, but we haven't seen many examples of it, so Intel has decided to provide one.

To be fair, anyone who owns a copy of the OS can make a bootable USB drive, so it's not quite such a big deal. Probably why Intel didn't even bother releasing a PR about it. Still, stealth release or no, the new Meegopad Windows HDMI TV stick differs from the norm because of just that: it's an HDMI stick, not a USB stick. So it's a sort of mini PC / media player device in the shape of a thumb drive the size of a USB stick.

Inside, you have a quad-core 1.83 GHz Intel Atom Z3735F processor with 2 MB cache, 16 GB or 32 GB eMMC storage space, 1-2 GB of DDR3 RAM, a microSD card slot, two micro USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth 4.0, and Wi-Fi (802.11n). A power button is located on the outer shell. As for software, there's not much pre-loaded other than the OS. Speaking of which, you can have it loaded with Android or Linux if Windows 8.1 isn't your thing. The price is of $110 / €110, plus $14.5 / €14.5 more if you want 2 GB instead of 1 GB RAM.

Intel Meegopad Windows HDMI TV
Image credits to HotHardware

Read more »

Motorola DROID Turbo Leaks in Press Render Once Again, Launching in Black and Red

For Android fans and those who prefer Google’s mobile operating system over other platforms, Motorola DROID Turbo is one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year.

The bad news is that DROID Turbo is a Verizon exclusive, so unless you commit to a new two-year agreement with the Big Red, you won’t be able to get the smartphone. Even if you pay the outright price, the smartphone will not work on other carriers’ LTE bands. Still, considering most carriers in the United States will offer the Nexus 6 beginning next month, those who want the DROID Turbo without having to use Verizon will have a more than decent alternative. The only issue would be the fact that Nexus 6 is a phablet that packs a 6-inch display, while the DROID Turbo is a standard smartphone that sports a 5.2-inch touchscreen display.

Those who missed the previous press picture showing Verizon’s DROID Turbo will be happy to know that famous leakster @evleaks is back yet again with another exclusive render of the upcoming smartphone. As expected, the device will be available in either black or red beginning October 28. There’s no word on pricing options yet, but we suspect Verizon will charge customers at least $200 (€155) on 2-year agreements. Anyway, we expect more details on DROID Turbo’s price tag to emerge closer to launch, so stay tuned for more updates on the subject. Moving on to specs, as many of those who were following the DROID Turbo news already know, Verizon’s exclusive smartphone seems to be a smaller version of the Nexus 6.

For example, both smartphone come with QHD (1440 x 2560 pixels) resolution displays, but they are different in size as mentioned earlier.

The DROID Turbo will start shipping in early November

Furthermore, the DROID Turbo is equipped with a powerful 2.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, an Adreno 420 graphics processing unit and 3GB of RAM. Just like the Nexus 6, Motorola DROID Turbo is expected to lack microSD card slot for memory expansion, the smartphone will feature 32GB of storage. Another major improvement over previous DROIDs would be the impressive 21-megapixel rear-facing camera, which features dual-LED flash, autofocus and 4K video recording.

We also know Motorola DROID Turbo should be powered by a high-capacity 3900 mAh battery, which is expected to offer at least 24 hours of continued usage. Motorola DROID Turbo is likely to ship in early November with Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system out of the box. Will you be picking this one up when it becomes available next week?

Motorola DROID Turbo
Image cerdits to evleaks

Read more »

Biostar iDEQ-T1, Mini PC with Desktop-Level Performance

Maybe saying that an Intel Bay Trail central processing unit provides “desktop-level performance” is a bit of a stretch, but when you're talking about web browsing, doc viewing and editing and other normal stuff like that, it's more than enough.

Knowing this, and the preference of a fair few people for smaller devices, Biostar has formally launched the iDEQ-T1 series mini PC. It kind of goes with the company's regular policy of launching mini-ITX and micro-ATX motherboard, and small-form factor technology in general. Sure, the company has its fair share of standard motherboards and the like, but it does seem to be more active on the mini PC front than others.

The Biostar iDEQ-T1 computer

First off, it is built around an Intel Bay Trail processor, but don't worry: it's not an Atom, since the company seems to be leaving that brand in the dust. Instead, it's a Celeron Processor N2940, with up to 2.25 GHz clock and 2 MB cache memory. Dual-channel DDR3 memory backs it up: two SO-DIMM DDR3L 1333MHz memory slots, for up to 16 GB RAM. You get to decide which, since this is a nettop ultimately. That means that you don't get a default memory or storage capacity option. Instead, you can outfit it with those products on order or afterwards. The BIOS is quite advanced as well, with features like "RESURE BIOS" which allows the BIOS to be automatically loaded on a flash drive, for example.

The "Super Rescue Function" is another thing. If the iDEQ-T1 is attacked by a virus, you can recover the BIOS with this function, like a total factory reset basically. In truth, the BIOS abilities aren't that big a deal on a small PC that you'll never overclock or otherwise tweak, but it's still good to know the options are there. Everything is held together by a mini-ITX motherboard, though you'll have to make do with the integrated GPU is on the CPU (HD graphics) since the lone Mini PCIe slot can only hold a Mini PCIe /IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi card.

Availability and pricing

Biostar didn't mention them in its press release, but sales should start soon enough. Businessmen might find the mini PC quite useful, especially since they can hide behind a monitor via a VESA mount. Home users can have them behave as pseudo-media players too, since they can be mounted at the back of TVs too.

Press Release:BIOSTAR has announced the iDEQ-T1 series mini PC, a micro-mini computer specifically designed to subvert the conventional desktop PC by being smaller, lighter and more mobile but with similar features and capabilities. At just two thirds the surface area of an A4 sized piece of paper and with a weight of only 0.8Kg, the iDEQ-T1, in conjunction with the HTPC platform, is a great solution for a variety of environments needing a small, yet fully-featured, PC.
Inside the iDEQ-T1 the hardware is based on the mini-ITX form factor which allows small and energy efficient solutions because of the affordable and internet centric board design in a compact 17x17cm size. It supports 2 SO-DIMM of DDR3L 1333MHz for up to 16G of RAM capacity and will provide full Intel powered HD Graphics. It also supports BIOSTAR's BIO-Remote 2 Technology and Charger Booster Technology.
The iDEQ-T1 has some nice BIOS features such as the "RESURE BIOS". This allows the BIOS to be automatically loaded into a hard drive. Using the UEFI BIOS design it supports a variety of graphics manipulation operations and BIOSTAR's research team added the "Super Rescue Function" where if the iDEQ-T1 is attacked by a virus you can recover the BIOS with Super Rescue.
With Intel's Bay Trail processor you get the Intel Gen7 display chip which can pump out up to 2560x1440 resolution displays with DirectX 11. For the Smart Office situation, the iDEQ-T1 will give you a budget saving quad-core computing based on Intel Celeron N2940 chips. With built-in GIGA LAN and Wi-Fi, It is perfect for office space saving and creating a neat and tidy office area, and ultra speed data transfers are no problem with the USB 3.0 interface.
Lastly, placement is easy as the iDEQ-T1 is VESA compliant with a VESA mount with back hanging function. With this you can easily hide the unit behind a monitor or large size TV. For more information, visit this page.

Biostar iDEQ-T1 mini PC
Images credits to Biostar

Read more »

Inside the iMac with Retina 5K Display

The techies at iFixit have gotten their mitts on the all-new iMac with Retina 5K display. In usual fashion, they didn’t assign it its own desk and workspace. Rather, they sent it sprawling across a table to reveal its inner workings.

iFixit is famous for performing rigorous teardown analysis of high-end electronics. The new Retina 5K iMac was an obvious candidate. Today, we’re being offered a sneak peek inside its chassis.

5K brilliance

iFixit begins the analysis with their typical introduction. “Think of the most colorful and radiant display you’ve ever seen. Now, discard that memory and stare at Apple’s newest iMac Intel 27” with Retina 5K Display. We're not talking 1080p or 4K, we're talking about 5K—millions and millions of pixels on a 27-inch display. Will the addition of a high-resolution display affect the repairability of the newest iMac Intel 27”? Let’s find out!” Despite making it sound like a review of the crisp display, the repair show doesn’t dwell on the picture quality. Instead, they delve right inside using their specialized tools. Removing the 5K panel is an easy task, according to the firm, but not something you’d want to do if you haven’t pried open computers before.

 Easily accessible and replaceable RAM, CPU and storage. One thing that has conveyed over from the older generation of iMacs is the removable RAM. According to the repair shop, “The iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display retains the familiar, easily accessible RAM upgrade slot from iMacs of yore.” The photos reveal that once you pop open the pod bay doors, an instruction schematic appears showing users how to properly handle the two 4 GB DDR3 RAM modules. Further down inside, this time on the other side of the device, the system holds a 3.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost speeds of up to 3.9 GHz, AMD Radeon R9 M290X graphics with 2 GB of GDDR5 video memory, a 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.0 wireless card, and the hybrid drive comprising PCIe-based SSD and SATA storage. Most of this stuff is easy to access and replace with some steady hands and the appropriate tools to work with.

“Just like last year, the CPU is not soldered to the logic board, and can be easily replaced,” says iFixit.

I/O and other small stuff

As far as the ports are concerned, the iMac is equipped with: headphone jack / Optical digital audio output, the same SDXC card slot as seen on previous iMacs, four USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 2.0 ports, and one Gigabit ethernet port. To support the extra pixels, the Retina 5K's display data cable is slightly wider than the one found in older iMacs. Full teardown and more closeups of the insides over at iFixit. The tech-savvy group gave the computer a repairability score of 5 out of 10, with 10 being the easiest to repair. While the grade may seem small, it's actually pretty decent for an Apple product.

Removing the 5K panel of the new Retina iMac

A look inside the new Retina iMac

Easily accessible RAM

SanDisk PCIe SSD module

A familiar logic board
Images credits to iFixit

Read more »