ASRock Core 100HT-BD HTPC

Components

As already explained, the system accepts any PGA988 CPU, but the model currently sold is based on the Core i3-330M processor, which is a 2.13 GHz dual-core CPU with Hyper-Threading technology (i.e., the operating system will recognize “four” cores), with 3 MB L2 cache and 35 W TDP. The video controller is integrated in the CPU. You can upgrade the CPU, if you can find a PGA988 CPU for sale.

Figure 9: Core i3-330M

Each memory module included in the Core 100HT-BD are 2 GB DDR3-1333 parts from ASint, for a total of 4 GB, which is perfect. It is interesting to note that the Core i3-330M officially supports memories only up to 1066 MHz.

Figure 10: Memory modules

The wireless network module is from AzureWave, model AW-NE121H (which  isn’t listed at the manufacturer’s website), available as a mini PCI Express card. It is based on an Atheros AR9287 chip, supporting the IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards. The addition of the “n” standard was a nice touch, allowing a maximum theoretical transfer rate of 300 Mbps.

Figure 11: Wireless card

The hard disk drive that comes with the Core 100HT-BD is a Seagate Momentus 5400.6 with 500 GB, which is a model targeted to the mobile market (SATA-300, 5,400 rpm, 8 MB cache).

Figure 12: Hard disk drive

And, finally, we have the optical drive, a Phillips/Lite-On DS-4E1S. This unit isn’t listed at neither Phillips or Lite-On websites, and ASRock doesn’t say anything about the supported speeds. Researching on the net we found out these specs (SL standards for single layer, while DL stands for dual layer; “DVD” means all variations, like DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, etc, the same goes for “CD”):

Figure 13: Optical drive