ASRock updated its Beebox-S line of mini-PC desktops with 7th generation Core "Kaby Lake" processors. These 110 mm x 46 mm x 118.5 mm (WxHxL) desktops come with two new processor options, Core i5-7200U, and Core i3-7100U. Both are dual-core chips, with the i5-7200U offering 2.50-3.10 GHz clock speeds (core/Turbo Boost), 3 MB L3 cache, and Intel HD 620 graphics; while the i3-7100U offers 2.40 GHz clocks (no Turbo Boost), 3 MB L3 cache, and HD 620 graphics.

Other internal features of the Beebox-S include two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, supporting up to 32 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2133 memory; one 32 Gb/s M.2-2280 slot with NVMe boot support, and one 9 mm-thick 2.5-inch drive bay with SATA 6 Gb/s interface. Network connectivity includes 802.11ac WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0, Infrared, and gigabit Ethernet. Display outputs include one each of HDMI 2.0 (supports 4K @ 60 Hz), HDMI 1.4, and DisplayPort 1.2a. Other features include two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 3.1 ports (of which one is type-C), and an infrared media remote. ASRock didn't reveal pricing.

AMD's first desktop processors based on the "ZEN" micro-architecture will be priced above the fastest socket AM4 part currently in production, the A12-9800 APU. While AMD hasn't started selling the A-series socket AM4 APUs in the retail channel, the top-end A12-9800, which is faster than the A10-7870K from its previous-generation, is expected to be priced at least the same ($160) or higher. This would mean that even the cheapest ZEN part, under the ZEN SR3 series, likely quad-core; could be priced above $160.

Two key slides from a presentation AMD intended for Chinese distribution channels, was leaked to the web by ChipHell tech forum members, revealing that ZEN parts will be priced in a segment "above" RMB ¥1,500 (USD $218), assuming that that's a price inclusive of all taxes. The company also put out some performance numbers for the A8-9600 "Bristol Ridge" socket AM4 APU, keeping the "Godavari" A8-7650K as baseline, compared to the Intel Core i3-6100 "Skylake" processor. The A8-9600 was shown to be faster in most tests.

With early tests showing minimal CPU core performance gains (IPC) over the current-gen Core "Skylake" processors, Intel is taking a different approach to selling its 7th generation Core "Kaby Lake" processors to DIY PC enthusiasts. The lineup will have a third overclockable "K" processor SKU, besides the top-dog Core i7-7700K and the performance-segment Core i5-7600K. Intel is planning to spice things up for the sub-$200 market with an overclockable dual-core part, the Core i3-7350K.

The Core i3-7350K will be the company's first overclockable Core i3 part. The company had celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Pentium brand with an overclockable Pentium dual-core G3258 processor. The i3-7350K will feature an unlocked base-clock multiplier, letting you easily overclock it. The dual-core chip will feature HyperThreading, enabling 4 logical CPUs for the OS to address. Out of the box, it will come with clocks of 4.00 GHz, and 4.20 GHz Turbo Boost. It will also feature 4 MB of L3 cache. Interestingly, its TDP will be rated at 91W, the same as overclockable quad-core parts. The chip could likely come in a special PIB package that lacks a stock cooling solution. The chip is rumored to be priced at US $177.

Following the launch of the NC01 series in a typical NUC format, the Shuttle XPC nano product range is growing once again. The NC02 models are the immediate successors and put the sixth generation of Intel Core processors in a micro-format. The NC02 models are sold as barebones PC as standard which include the case, mainboard, heatpipe cooling system and power supply unit as key components. Four different models with soldered Celeron, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 power-saving processors are available to cover as many application areas as possible.

The base model NC02U is driven by an Intel Celeron 3855U dual-core processor clocked at 2x 1.6 GHz. The 14 nm architecture as well as the power consumption of less than 10 Watt in operation promise low energy consumption and enhanced performance. With its ultra-slim dimensions of 141 x 141 x 42 mm, the housing is 13 mm taller compared to the NC01, enabling the units to support even 15 mm high 2.5" drives.

Intel takes computing to the next level with the 7th Gen Intel Core processor family. The 7th Gen Intel Core processors are designed for the immersive Internet and built on a strong foundation of the Skylake microarchitecture. Intel's latest 14 nm processors deliver more responsive performance than ever, fantastic entertainment and gaming, robust security, and even more natural, intuitive interactions with your PC. With incredible improvements that transform the viewing experience with 4K UHD videos, 360-degree videos , multiple video streams, and premium content playback, the 7th Gen Intel Core processors for mobile platforms enable a new way to enjoy the sharp and engaging content across a range of form factors.

Intel scales 7th Gen Intel Core processors to a variety of PC designs at a wide range of price points, which may include features such as Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C single-wire connection, low power premium audio and hassle-free facial recognition such as Windows Hello. Users can also expect to see PC designs based on 7th Gen Intel Core processors with a variety of intuitive input options such as touch, voice, and stylus.

Shuttle's popular series of robust, fanless, steel chassis Mini-PCs has been given a subtle make-over. Now the sixth generation of Intel Core processors (Skylake) is being used in five different model versions. This update brings 4K support, ac-WLAN and M.2 slot.

As with their predecessors, the five new models measure just 20 x 16.5 x 3.95 cm (DWH) and have 2x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, two serial interfaces, HDMI and DisplayPort, remote Power-ON and Always-ON jumper. New features include ac-WLAN with external antennae, support for DirectX 12 and 4K screens in all models. Up to 32 GB DDR3L memory can now be installed and the USB 3.0 ports have moved to the front panel. Each model comes supplied with a VESA mount that enables it to be attached to a suitable monitor or surface. At just 10 Watts, power consumption is just as miserly as before.

Giada Technology, the industry leader in embedded systems and expert in server technology, today officially announced the release of the i80 high-performance super-compact PC. The i80 embodies the core principles of Intel's NUC (Next Unit of Computing) concept, offering great power, connectivity and adaptability, but with a tiny footprint. Powered by a 6th generation Intel Core CPU and the Skylake-U platform, the i80 provides a balanced system that's powerful and versatile when you need it to be, but also very compact and energy efficient.

Despite its diminutive size, the i80 features dual independent monitor support, at up to 4K (4096 x 2304) resolution, via the HDMI and Mini-DP sockets. There's efficient integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 built-in to drive video and graphics. Memory is expandable up to 16GB via two SO-DIMM sockets for DDR3L-1600 MHz memory modules, providing great support for today's applications and far into the future. The dual channel capability significantly improves system and video performance. This core hardware offers great office and media benchmark performance.

SFF desktop major Aleutia unveiled pictures of its latest Core "Skylake" NUC derived desktop, that's completely fanless. The new Aleutia R50 is built up of a stack of metal plates, with copper plates among the middle ridges; which serve as heatsink for the Core "Skylake" chip. CPU options include Core i3-6100U and Core i5-6260U. Memory options include 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB dual-channel DDR4; and storage options include 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB SSDs. Prices range between 599 GBP to 1,099 GBP.

Arctic unveiled a new fan-less CPU cooler for Intel LGA115x sockets, the Alpine M1 Passive. With a rated cooling capacity of 48W (TDP), the cooler is only recommended for dual-core LGA1150 and LGA1151 Core i3, Pentium, Celeron, or energy-efficient Core i5 processors. Its design couldn't get any simpler - a big chunk of aluminium that's ridged to make up fins of the heatsink, with a bulge near the CPU area, with pre-applied thermal paste. Measuring 95 mm x 95 mm x 69 mm (LxDxH), it weighs in at 508 g. Available now, it's priced at 13€. It could prove to be an interesting option for low-power builds that never game.

Since Intel fully integrated the core logic (northbridge) with its processors, overclocking them by tinkering with the base-clock (BClk, the primary clock domain from which the CPU's clock speed is set using multipliers), became unstable, as it was used as a cadence for other key components on the chip, such as iGPU and PCIe root-complex. Apparently, with its 6th generation Core "Skylake" processors, Intel has de-linked base-clock from other clock domains, re-enabling overclocking using BClk, which is particularly helpful on non-K (upwards multiplier locked) SKUs.

Some of the first motherboards that enable BClk overclocking on Skylake CPUs come from Supermicro, the server/workstation motherboard maker that's dipping its toes into DIY enthusiast platforms these days. "Dhenzjhen," an overclocker from the Philippines struck gold by achieving a 5.00 GHz overclock on a Core i3-6320 dual-core chip, using a Supermicro C7H170-M motherboard (which is driven by an Intel H170 chipset). Shortly after news of this feat broke, ASRock fired an email to the press, stating that its Z170 Extreme7+ motherboard is able to support 4.50 GHz clocks on a Core i5-6600 quad-core chip, using an experimental BIOS. ASRock is validating this BIOS internally, and hopes to release it "very soon."

As with two previous product launches from Shuttle, the new DH170 becomes a member of the product family of Skylake-compatible Mini-PCs. This means there are three models in different case designs available now for the new generation of Intel Core processors - one model in classic cube format, one versatile 3-litre machine and today the DH170 debuts with a particularly compact case volume of 1.3-litre.

"This type of case is also suitable for locations where conditions are tough, but high computing performance is still required," says Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. "The 43 mm flat steel case offers maximum protection from mechanical stresses and can also cope with ambient temperatures of up to 50 °C."

Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the successor to its award-winning Chromebook 2. Now available with a 5th Gen Intel Core i3 or Celeron processor and up to 4GB of RAM, these two new models deliver better performance for loading content-rich webpages quickly, providing brilliant video playback and effortless multitasking. Both models come with an all-new LED backlit keyboard for a more seamless experience when web browsing, watching movies, listening to music and getting work done, even in low light environments.

"As more people use Chromebooks for productivity and rely more often on the web for content creation and entertainment, devices need to be better equipped for these higher processing demands and built with hardware features that optimize Chrome OS," said Philip Osako, senior director of product marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "With the launch of our latest Chromebook 2 models, Toshiba delivers brilliant performance for an outstanding experience on and off the web with entertainment-inspired hardware features that make the most of Chrome OS and enable customers to get things done faster wherever their Chromebook 2 takes them."

Intel expanded its 6th generation Core "Skylake" processor lineup for the desktop, with seven new models. Built in the LGA1151 package, these chips work on motherboards running the company's 100-series chipset. Besides the overclocker-friendly Core i7-6700K and the i5-6600K already launched, the lineup now includes the i7-6700, i5-6600, i5-6500, i5-6400, i3-6320, i3-6300, and the i3-6100. Of these, the Core i7 and Core i5 models are quad-core, while the Core i3 ones are dual-core.

The Core i7-6700 and i5-6600 are not just different from the i7-6700K and i5-6600K in that they lack unlocked BClk multipliers, they also come with lower clock speeds out of the box. The i7-6700 is clocked at 3.40 GHz with 4.00 GHz max Turbo Boost (i7-6700K offers 4.00 GHz with 4.20 GHz Turbo), while the i5-6600 is clocked at 3.30 GHz, with 3.90 GHz Turbo Boost (i5-6600K offers 3.50 GHz with 3.90 GHz Turbo). The i7-6700 is priced at US $312, while the i5-6600 goes for $213 (single-unit box price).

Retail availability of the two Core "Skylake" SKUs Intel debuted, the Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K, begins today. This is when you will be able to pick up a boxed chip off the shelf, or order one online. To help ease the socket confusion, online retailers are selling bundles of these chips with compatible socket LGA1151 motherboards at a nominal discount, some of which include DDR4 memory, depending on the motherboard bundled. On its own, the Core i7-6700K is priced at US $343, while the Core i5-6600K is priced at $250.

The i7-6700K offers clock speeds of 4.00 GHz out of the box, with Turbo Boost frequency of 4.20 GHz. It also offers 8 MB of L3 cache, and HyperThreading, which enables 8 logical CPUs for the OS to address. The Core i5-6600K, on the other hand, offers 3.50 GHz clocks with 3.90 GHz Turbo Boost. It offers 6 MB of L3 cache, and lacks HyperThreading. Both are quad-core chips, with unlocked base-clock multipliers, for overclocking. The retail packages of both chips lack stock cooling solutions, so you need to have an LGA115x-compatible cooler ready. The TDP of both chips is rated at 91W. Intel will put out some of the finer micro-architecture details on the 16th of August, 2015. More Core i5 quad-core SKUs in the series will be released on the 29th of August, 2015. Dual-core Core i3 SKUs will be launched towards the end of September, 2015.

Intel's upcoming Core "Skylake-U" low-power processors, for ultra-portable notebooks, tablets, convertibles, and fan-less desktops, is where the fruition of Intel's 14 nm process takes shape. These dual-core chips, spanning all five brand extensions - Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Pentium, and Celeron, offering TDP as low as 7.5W, and no more than 15W. The lineup is kept slim, with no more than 2 SKUs per extension. All three Core extensions feature Intel HD 520 graphics, clocked around 350 MHz, with 1000 to 1050 MHz boost, while the Pentium and Celeron models feature slimmer HD 510 graphics, ticking at 300/900 MHz.

The lineup is led by the Core i7-6600U and i7-6500U. Besides HyperThreading enabling 4 logical CPUs, these two chips feature 4 MB L3 cache, 1050 MHz iGPU boost frequency, and the highest CPU clock-speeds in the series. The Core i5 chips differ from their Core i7 counterparts with sub-3 GHz CPU clock speeds, 3 MB L3 cache, and maximum iGPU boost frequency of 1000 MHz. The Core i3 parts are almost identical to their Core i5 counterparts, except they lack CPU Turbo Boost. The Pentium processors feature very low CPU core speeds, and are almost identical to Core i3, but feature lower 950 MHz iGPU boost frequency, and 2 MB L3 cache. Celeron parts lack HyperThreading. Some of these parts will launch in 2015, others in 2016. Find the exact clock speeds for each SKU in the table below.

ZOTAC International, a global innovator and manufacturer of graphics card and mini PCs, today puts the limelight on the brand new R Series, the new member of the ZBOX mini PC family. This is the small form factor solution that is more than a personal PC with its storage solution and functionalities while providing the same power efficiency and space saving features that users expect from ZBOX.

"This is certainly a breakthrough for both the mini PC and personal computing," explains Tony Wong, CEO, ZOTAC International. "We are adding more functions to elevate the mini PC to a whole new plane while keeping our signature space saving design and power efficiency. This new addition to the mini PC family will open new doors to even more functionalities."

Intel topped off its value dual-core processor lineup with a new energy-efficient part, the Core i3-4170T. One of the last chips to be based on the 22 nm "Haswell" silicon, this chip offers two cores with HyperThreading enabling four logical CPUs, 3.20 GHz clock speeds, 3 MB, and a TDP of just 35W (standard i3-41xx series feature 54W TDP). The i3-4170T is priced roughly on par with the current series-leading chip, the i3-4160. A little later this month, Intel will unveil the i3-4170, which will be the fastest part in the series, featuring 3.70 GHz clock speeds.

ZOTAC International, a global innovator and manufacturer of graphics card and mini-PCs, today brings greater efficiency in the same small package with the new M-series. Integrating the new Intel Broadwell processors into the latest models, the new ZBOX MI522 nano and ZBOX MI542 nano are leading the way to small, more power efficient mini-PCs.

"We are always forward looking and pleased to introduce the latest technology into our mini-PCs so our users can enjoy all the innovations that come with the times. By integrating the new Intel Broadwell CPUs into our new M-series, we are enabling users to get the best of both worlds in terms of speed and power efficiency," reveals Jacky Huang, Director of Product Management, ZOTAC International.

Over-promising and under-delivering with its very first accelerated processing units (APU), codenamed "Llano," is coming back to haunt AMD, with a US District Court ruling that the company must face claims from investors over potential securities fraud. Launched in Q3-2012, AMD's A-series "Llano" APUs went largely unsold due to various factors including lack of product appeal, competition from Intel, forcing AMD to pull in its second-generation "Trinity" APU too soon. The related development first took shape in January 2014.

The swelling unsold "Llano" inventory forced an inventory writedown of $100 million, reducing the company's worth by nearly that much overnight, and tanking the value of the AMD stock. While AMD talked about the concept of an APU for years, Intel was the first to come out with a processor that integrates a graphics processor, with its Core i3 and Core i5 "Clarkdale" processors. The suit claims that AMD misrepresented production of "Llano" chips to its investors despite supply issues from its foundry partner GlobalFoundries, artificially inflating the value of the company in 2011-12. By the time production finally caught up, it ended up overproducing resulting in unsold inventory, and in consequence, the $100 million writeoff.

Industrial and embedded computer manufacturer Logic Supply has released a preview of their upcoming ML100 ultra-small form factor industrial PC, combining the compact power of Intel's NUC platform with a ruggedized enclosure. The preview page features product highlights and images of the new system and its unique design features.

"The ML100 is designed to take the NUC places it's never been," said Logic Supply Engineer Hans Brakeley. "In creating the ML100 we wanted to highlight what's made the NUC so successful, its impressive size to performance ratio, and incorporate the features that make Logic Supply computers so unique, their proven industrial reliability. The result is a small form factor industrial PC that's powerful, energy efficient and specifically engineered to stand up to the dust, harsh environments, shock and vibration that our commercial clients face on a daily basis. It also doesn't hurt that it looks so good."

Intel's next-generation NUC (next unit of computing) compact desktop, believed to be based on the company's Core "Broadwell" processor, was spotted on the company website. Pictures reveal that the next NUC could be pocketable, yet have the computing power of a full-blown desktop. The NUC system board features some of the newer connectivity, such as DDR3L SO-DIMM slots, M.2 slots, an mPCIe slot, an additional SATA 6 Gb/s port, and processors from the Core i3 and Core i5-5000 series. Intel could unveil the next-gen NUC in January 2015, likely at CES 2015.

Shuttle Inc., leading maker of small form factor technology, today announces its low power consumption slim-PC for automotive and industrial robotics application. The DS81L features the same processing capability as DS81, including support for Intel's 4th generation Core i3/i5/i7 series, but with lower power consumption. It runs on a mere 12 Volts and consumes a maximum of 84Watts while it's older brother, DS81 runs on 19 Volts and consumes a max 90Watts. The 12V power supply and decreased energy consumption is essential for automotive and other commercial applications which require long-term operation.

The DS81L is a barebones media player equipped with an Intel H81 chipset, supporting 4th Generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Pentium, and Celeron processors (65W). The system is designed to drive interactive commercial applications and 4K video content. The DS81L supports dual display Full HD video or single display Ultra HD video. The system memory supports dual-channel DDR3 1600 with maximum capacity up to 16GB.

ASUSTOR Inc., a leading innovator and provider of network storage solutions, has announced the launch of its new AS7004T tower model NAS device. The 4-bay AS7004T model is the most compact model in the AS70T series and features a storage capacity of up to 24TB. Powered by an Intel Core i3-4330 3.5GHz dual-core processor and 2GB SO-DIMM DDR3 RAM (Expandable to a maximum of 16GB), the AS7004T features blazing read and write speeds of over 112 MB/s. Also included, are 2 gigabit Ethernet ports, 3 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 2 eSATA ports for added expansion possibilities.

Additionally, the AS7004T boasts a specialized cooling system featuring a single extra-large fan and dedicated heat pipes that work with the ingeniously designed disk tray vents to allow air to flow from the front to the back of the device, effectively cooling the CPU and hard disks. Furthermore, the ADM smart fan control mechanism effectively controls the fan speed, providing an extremely quiet operating experience. The AS7004T's powerful hardware and rich variety of multimedia output functionality make it the optimal choice for prosumers who want to create a high quality home entertainment center.

Lenovo today announced a number of new products and updates to its ThinkCentre and Lenovo line of desktops designed for business users. The ThinkCentre M83 desktop PC is the newest member of the M Series "Tiny" space-saving desktops and the affordable new Lenovo E50-05 joins Lenovo's desktop tower series. In addition to these new products, the stylish and slim ThinkCentre E63z all-in-one is now available with Intel Core i3 processors for an even more responsive PC experience.

"Lenovo remains focused on expanding and improving upon its existing desktop product lines to power businesses of all sizes," said Ouyang Jun, vice president and general manager, Desktop and Visuals, Lenovo. "Our new and affordable Lenovo E50-05 tower and ThinkCentre M83 'Tiny', along with the update to our E63z, are the latest in our ongoing efforts to meet user demands for optimal performance, reliability and manageability."

Here are some of the first pictures of an AIC partner branded NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 graphics card, the Galaxy GTX 970 GC. Spotted across Chinese PC enthusiast forums and social networks, the latest set of leaks cover not just pictures of what the GTX 970 looks like, but also what's under its hood. To begin with, Galaxy's card appears to be built for the high-end market segment. A meaty twin-fan aluminium fin-stack heatsink, coupled by a spacey backplate cover a signature Galaxy blue PCB, holding NVIDIA's new GTX 970 GPU, and 4 GB of GDDR5 memory. The card appears to feature a high-grade VRM that draws power from a combination of 8-pin and 6-pin PCIe power connectors.