Intel is giving final touches to its next-generation "Gemini Lake" SoC, which will be sold under the Celeron and Pentium brands, and will succeed the current-generation "Apollo Lake" SoC. Built on a refined 14 nm process, the chip features a TDP of just 6W for the mobile variant, and 10W for the SFF desktop, but boasts of improved performance-per-Watt than its predecessor, translating into direct performance gains.

To begin with, "Gemini Lake" will embed a dual-core or quad-core CPU based on Intel's "Goldmont Plus" micro-architecture. A Goldmont Plus core isn't physically different from the current-gen "Goldmont," but apparently doubles the L2 cache to 4 MB from the existing 2 MB, and takes advantage of process-level improvements to lower power-draw, which Intel is using to bump up the CPU clock speeds.

Shuttle Inc., the global leader in small form factor computer technology, announces the latest Intel Apollo lake platform, XC60J support with 8 COM ports to power highly interactive Kiosk, vending machine, POS and more. The XC60J is the first 3-liter model with fanless design, powered by Intel Celeron J3355. With built-in Intel HD Graphics and processor, the XC60J can support 4K/Ultra HD video playback and HEVC/H.265 high definition video playback.

With one built-in M.2 2280 Type M and one M.2 2230 Type A/E expansion slots, you can easily install an M.2 SSD, Wi-Fi module or other compatible devices. The XC60J is highly connectable with multiple I/O: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, SATA 6Gbps, COM, and Intel Dual Gigabit LAN ports. Seven RS232 and one RS232/RS422/RS485 ports which support 0V/5V/12V. Connect to barcode scanners, receipt printers, keypads, and other peripherals makes XC60J easily configured into peripheral-heavy POS, Kiosk, and Digital Signage systems.

Akasa introduced a pair of fanless mini-PC cases for Intel's "Apollo Lake" and "Kaby Lake" NUC boards, the Newton S7 and Newton AC. The Newton S7 is designed to cope with the 15W TDP thermal loads of NUC boards with Core i3 and Core i5 "Kaby Lake" NUC boards, such as the NUC7i3BNK, NUC7i3BNH, NUC7i5BNK, and NUC7i5BNH. The Newton AC, on the other hand, is designed for Pentium and Celeron "Apollo Lake" based NUC boards, such as the NUC6CAYH and NUC6CAYS.

Measuring 176.5 mm x 200 mm x 53.5 mm (WxDxH), the Newton S7 features a chunky aluminium body that doubles up as a heatsink for the SoC. It offers one 9.5 mm-thick 2.5-inch drive bay. Its front-panel ports include two USB 3.0 type-A, HDA audio jacks, a hole for IR receiver, and two WLAN antenna holes at the rear end. The Newton AC, on the other hand, measures 140 mm x 111 mm x 51 mm, with one 2.5-inch drive bay, and cutouts for front IR receiver, USB type-A ports and HDA jacks. Both cases come with options for compatible power bricks.

QNAP Systems, Inc. today launched the TS-x53B series NAS (available in 2-bay, 4-bay and 6-bay models) with a PCIe expansion slot to meet the growing performance and functional demands from SMB and SOHO users. "The TS-x53B is the first NAS in its class to provide PCIe expansion, which provides fantastic long-term potential for the NAS to be upgraded to include features such as SSD caching and 10GbE connectivity," said Jason Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP. "For users who seek high productivity and smart workflows, the TS-x53B series offers a compelling choice in big features," Hsu added.

Powered by the 14 nm Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core 1.5GHz processor (burst up to 2.3GHz), dual-channel 4GB/8GB DDR3L RAM (upgradable to 8GB), SATA 6Gb/s drive support with integrated dual Gigabit LAN ports, the TS-x53B series delivers up to 224 MB/s read and write speeds while also maintaining the same outstanding performance with AES-NI accelerated encryption.

At CES 2017, ASRock showcased one of the most interesting PCs in attendance - particularly if you think interest is inversely affected by size. The name they gave it was DeskMini, and it ushers in a Micro-STX form factor, measuring only 210 mm x 157.5 mm x 81.9 mm. But mini-PCs are many these days. What makes this one so interesting?

Well, it's the fact that this seems to embody the perfect proportions - and compromise - between a high-powered PC and a puny NUC or Mini-PC. For one, it carries any choice of a Celeron/Pentium/i3/i5/i7 Intel processor on the socket 1151 (up to a i7 7700K); supports up to a max of 32 GB DDR4 at 2400 MHz on 2x SO-DIMM slots; features 2x SATA III ports (with power connectors) and 3x M.2 ports (two of which support Type 2280/2260 M.2 PCIe Gen 3x4 or a SATA SSD, while the other supports only a PCIe Gen3x4-based SSD); and your choice of either an NVIDIA GTX 1060 (on the GTX series) or an AMD RX 460/470/480 on the (aptly named) RX series.

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.

QNAP Systems, Inc. announced the release of the dual-core 2-bay TS-251A and the 4-bay TS-451A. These models feature a unique USB QuickAccess port to directly connect them to computers via USB 3.0, offering great plug-and-use convenience to access files stored on the NAS with up to 100 MB/s throughput. Coupled with NAS and iSCSI SAN features, it provides a complete storage solution for file backup, synchronization, and remote access. With two Gigabit LAN ports for delivering up to 211 MB/s throughput, 4K video playback and transcoding support, and an array of multimedia applications, the TS-x51A is an ideal NAS system for photographers and audiovisual enthusiasts.

The TS-x51A is powered by the latest 14nm Intel Celeron dual-core 1.60 GHz processor (burst up to 2.48 GHz) with a low TDP of 6 watts and dual-channel 2GB/4GB DDR3L-1600 RAM (upgradable to 8GB). It features two Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports AES-NI hardware-accelerated encryption to deliver up to 205.14 MB/s throughput with AES-NI full-volume encryption. "The USB QuickAccess port is the true highlight of the TS-x51A. It enables a direct connection between the NAS and a Windows/ Mac for file transferring," said Jason Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "It provides users with a familiar USB plug-and-use experience to quickly complete the first-time installation and then to access NAS files in day-to-day use. It is an easy-to-use NAS packed with performance and functionality."

Thecus today announced the release of the N4810, an expanded 4-bay version of the N2810PRO that will come equipped with 4 GB of DDR3 RAM (expandable to 8GB) and the Intel Celeron N3160 Quad-Core processor. This new attractively priced 4-bay NAS server is capable of up to 40TB of storage space, making it the ideal choice for home and small office users seeking solid data protection with their own personal cloud, in conjunction with an optimized Multimedia centre.

With the N4810 built on the hardware of its little brother, the N2810PRO, users are equipped with the same immersive multimedia experience. Delivering superb sharpness and colour contrasts in 4K resolution playback, accessed through the HDMI output or DisplayPort output, guaranteeing that the picture quality from movies is just as the director envisioned. Connection to your digital sound system via a SPDIF output is available, providing crystal clear audio for music and movies. A new USB 3.0 Type-C port has been added to the three already equipped USB 3.0 ports. This Type-C connector is the size of a microUSB and has a reversible plug allowing cables to be conveniently plugged in either direction.

Logic Supply introduced the CL100 mini-PC based on the Celeron "Braswell" processor. This fan-less compact desktop is housed into a custom-design case made of aluminium, which doubles up as heatsink; and measures 116.75 mm x 36.7 mm x 112 mm. Under the hood, is an Intel Celeron N3150 quad-core processor running at up to 2.08 GHz, 2 GB of included DDR3L memory (two SO-DIMM slots, upgradable to 16 GB), and a 32 GB mSATA SSD (up to 512 GB can be ordered). Display connectivity includes two HDMI and one DisplayPort. Network connectivity includes a gigabit Ethernet connection, and an mPCIe slot so you could add your own WLAN card. Four USB 3.0 ports (one type-C, three type-A), make for the rest of it. The base-model goes for US $347.

Thecus today announced the release of the N2810PRO, an upgraded version of the N2810 that will come equipped with 4 GB of DDR3 RAM and the new Intel Celeron N3160 quad-core processor, allowing users to get improved speed and processing power. This high-performance 2-bay NAS server fulfills the demand for home and small office users who are eager for impregnable protection of their data, while enjoying enhanced Multimedia Playback with 4K video resolution.

Providing the ideal environment for immersive multimedia entertainment, the N2810PRO debuts a new arsenal of output alternatives to fulfill user's visual and audio desires. This NAS delivers superbly detailed images, with spectacular colour contrasts in 4K resolution playback, accessed through the HDMI output or the newly added DisplayPort output. To further cater to your multimedia setup, the option exists of connecting the audio via a SPDIF output to provide expansive sound through your sound system.

BIOSTAR proudly announces its small yet powerful motherboard from the new motherboard featuring integrated Intel Braswell Refresh SoC processors. Featuring the new Celeron J3160 quad-core processor which has clock speeds of 1.6Ghz and has a Turbo clock up to 2.24Ghz, this little machine can deliver unprecedented performance from a SoC-based system. To help improve performance, support for DDR3L-1600 DIMM modules is now possible with a maximum supported capacity of 16GB per slot giving the BIOSTAR J3160MD great memory flexibility.

The latest generation Intel HD graphics is baked into the new BIOSTAR J3160MD featuring peformance improvements over last-gen Intel IGPs. This gives the board excellent performance and support to play 4K UltraHD content and deliver a stunning multimedia experience from a small package.

GIGABYTE Technology, a leading creator of high performance products for IT professionals and an associate member of the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance, is pleased to announce that its current line-up of EL-20 series IoT Gateway solutions will phase in new Intel Pentium and Celeron processors based on the Braswell D stepping.

The new Intel Pentium N3710 and Intel Celeron N3060 will be phased in to deliver higher performance on both compute tasks and graphics, while maintaining their current thermal and power envelopes, thanks to improvements of Intel's 14 nm process. The new D-stepping Braswell processors now fall under the Intel Embedded Options, delivering longer availability lifetime for those seeking to invest in a long-term platform.

QNAP Systems, Inc. released the world's first M.2 SSD-based NAS - the TBS-453A NASbook. Featuring a quad-core Intel processor and using M.2 SSDs for storage, the TBS-453A not only provides full NAS functionalities with RAID protection in an ultra-compact size, but can also act as a physical network switch and share network access with multiple users. With its compact, near-silent design, dual HDMI output and 4K display, the TBS-453A NASbook can fit in anywhere to boost the productivity and connectivity of small offices.

"M.2 SSDs are now used in thin-and-light laptops and small-form-factor PCs. Remarkably small in size, they deliver high performance with zero noise and are expected to become more affordable as they become more popular," said Jason Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "In light of M.2 SSD's benefits, we are proud to present the industry-first TBS-453A M.2 SSD NASbook to provide users with a portable yet versatile NAS."

Thecus today announced the release of the N2810PLUS, an upgraded version of the N2810 that will come equipped with 4 GB of DDR3 RAM and the next generation Intel Celeron N3150 Quad Core processor, allowing users to access improved speed and processing power. This high-performance 2-bay NAS server fulfills the demand for home and small office users who are eager for impregnable protection of their data, while enjoying enhanced Multimedia Playback with 4K video resolution.

Designed with effortless hard drive installation and a focus on reliability, the N2810PLUS features a HDMI port to enjoy 4K UHD media playback, providing users with their own multimedia centre, which supports Air Play. Possessing two LAN ports that provide 7 modes of link aggregation, it also has three USB 3.0 ports for higher data transmission. Furthermore, the N2810 supports an extensive variety of apps for modern digital lifestyles.

ASUSTOR Inc., a leading innovator and provider of network storage solutions, has announced the launch of its newest NAS series in the powerful 8-bay AS6208T and 10-bay AS6210T models. These two NAS models both feature powerful core specifications and rich expansion interfaces that enterprise environments demand. They are not only able to integrate existing resources and equipment but also provide 4 high speed Ethernet ports, allowing businesses to flexibly deploy them in high traffic environments. Under RAID 5 configurations and link aggregation these two new models feature read and write speeds of over 398 MB/s and 355 MB/s, providing stable performance and enhancing productivity in high traffic enterprise environments.

Featuring impressive hardware specifications like all ASUSTOR NAS devices, the AS6208T and AS6210T both feature HDMI 1.4b ports, S/PDIF fibre optic audio output, infrared receivers, hardware acceleration engines and stunning playback performance of ultra high resolution 4K and 2K videos. Additionally, both of these high capacity models are compatible with the largest hard disks on the market (8TB), making them the first choice for multimedia prosumers looking to create a digital entertainment storage center and hub.

GIGABYTE Technology, a leading creator of high performance products for IT professionals and an associate member of the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance, showcases today its new embedded computer solution, the EL-20 series, for the opening of the Embedded World trade show in Nuremberg, Germany (booth no.2-453, Hall 2).

Designed in partnership with Intel for the Intel IoT Gateway program, the EL-20 series comes in 3 variants based on different models of the new Intel SoC processors based on the Airmont architecture and the tri-gate 14nm process. These System on a Chip multi-core processors are designed to drive both computing and graphics performance in embedded scenarios that are particularly sensitive to cost and energy consumption. With a maximum power envelope of just 6W, these processors are an ideal solution to drive processing and graphics performance in industrial computing environments.

Synology Inc. today launched the DiskStation DS216+. The high-performance 2-bay NAS server is aimed at home and small office users who want an efficient and secure storage solution to protect and share data, while enjoying on-the-fly video transcoding.

"With a powerful NAS storage solution, small offices gain access to high-speed file sharing, application serving, and online collaboration. Home users can also transcode and stream high quality video to all of their devices. The DS216+ is designed exactly for these functions. Our users have high expectations, and the DS216+ shows our commitment to meeting our users' needs," said Jones Tsai, hardware design director of Synology Inc.

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.

HP Inc. today announced the HP Chromebook 11 G4 Education Edition (EE) -- a durable, lightweight Chromebook designed to meet the needs of students and educators. "The popularity of Chromebooks in the classroom offers a simple, secure, and manageable solution to enable technology-based learning," said Gus Schmedlen, vice president of Worldwide Education, HP. "With the HP Chromebook 11 G4 Education Edition (EE), we are bringing innovation, design and HP's legendary quality to students and teachers in a durable device built to survive the rigorous school environment while enabling students to achieve more both in and out of the classroom."

Because students can be some of the most demanding users when it comes to technology, HP designed the HP Chromebook 11 G4 EE with their environment in mind. At 20 mm thin and just 2.7 pounds, the fanless HP Chromebook 11 G4 EE is the thinnest rugged Chromebook for Education designed to pass MIL-STD testing. With rugged construction accents like co-molded rubber edges, the device passes HP's 70 cm drop test to help protect it from occasional bumps with lockers and drops from desks.

MSI has received news from various media websites about possible bending of Intel 6th Generation Processors when using heavy-weight cooling solutions. Possible bending might not occur straight away, however, as your system sits on its desk or moving it anywhere, could result in unwanted effects. To make sure you will never encounter this problem we developed the CPU GUARD 1151 to protect your Socket 1151 Intel Xeon E3 v5 / Core / Pentium or Celeron processor which strengthens the corners to withstand more vertical pressure.

Besides protecting your CPU, the CPU GUARD 1151 is also the perfect tool for anyone looking to 'delid' their 6th Generation Intel processor. When re-applying the IHS, the design of the CPU GUARD 1151 tightly locks the HIS ensuring it will stay in its place and you will never have to worry about optimal thermal performance or it moving. Recently the CPU GUARD 1151 was used during an overclocking event, helping top overclockers push their Skylake CPU to the max, breaking world records.

Thecus Technology Corp. today announced the launch of the latest addition to its Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Essentials NAS series, the enhanced W5810 equipped with the quad core Intel Celeron 2.0 GHz processor and 4 GB DDR3 RAM. Designed for small and medium businesses of up to 50 employees, the W5810 provides a robust, centralized storage solution for businesses to access, share, and manage files securely within a network while simultaneously hosting PC backups in one central location.

Continuing on the success of the original Windows Storage server 2012 solutions from Thecus, the W5810 provides increased power allowing users enhanced multi-tasking abilities, said Florence Shih, CEO of Thecus Technology Corp. "The new Thecus Windows Storage Server provides an ideal solution for individuals and organizations with Windows infrastructure to securely manage and backup their data."

MSI, world leading in motherboard technology, announces its 2nd generation of ECO motherboards, based on Intel's 100-series 'Skylake' chipset. Introducing 3 new models, the MSI H170M ECO, B150M ECO, and H110M ECO motherboards offer industry leading power efficiency while retaining optimal performance. This is made possible through the new MSI ECO Series motherboards optimized PCB and circuitry design. This allows for saving more energy without sacrificing performance, compatibility or functionality. ECO Genie and ECO Center Pro allows the user to completely control the system's power consumption and feature set through an easy to use interface.

The 2nd generation MSI ECO Series motherboards offer more features than ever, without impacting it's power efficiency or performance. Reliable and efficient Intel Gigabit LAN with 15kv anti-surge LAN Protect offers a stable and secure networking solution. Through carefully selected and thoroughly tested components and materials, Guard-Pro and Military Class 4 provide industry leading stability. Even Audio Boost can now be found on MSI ECO Series motherboards as a testament to technical ingenuity.

QNAP Systems, Inc. today announced the release of the quad-core 2-bay TS-251+ and 4-bay TS-451+ NAS that provide an uncompromising high-performance and scalable storage solution for small offices and workgroup users with appealing affordability. The new models feature virtualization readiness, containerized applications, advanced backup solutions, real-time & offline video transcoding, QvPC Technology, HDMI video playback with an included remote control, and many more functions that are beneficial for businesses and SOHO users to build a cost-efficient and modern storage solution.

The TS-251+ and TS-451+ are powered by a 22nm 64-bit quad-core Intel Celeron 2.0GHz processor (burst up to 2.42GHz) with 2GB/8GB energy-efficient DDR3L RAM. They also include dual Gigabit LAN ports, and can deliver up to 225 MB/s throughput and up to 205 MB/s transfer speeds with AES 256-bit volume & folder encryption."The TS-251+ & TS-451+ are ideal choices for those who demand the superior performance of a quad-core x86-based NAS without breaking the budget," said Jason Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP. "Both NAS are speedy, versatile and provide future-proof scalability."

Shuttle Computer Group, Inc., one of the world's leading designers of small form factor (SFF) computers, announced its XS35V5 and XS36V5 with improved graphics performance. A host of features make them perfect for commercial applications including digital signage, kiosks, menu boards, and more.

"The latest 4K monitors need higher performance graphics, and our XS35V5 and XS36V5 make images and text pop out loud," said Marty Lash, director sales and marketing, Shuttle Computer Group. "They're easy to configure, have great connectivity, and provide cool-running, non-stop operation. They have everything an integrator needs for any display application."

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."