Good overclocking facilities are what the majority of customers look for in contemporary motherboards. In this light, the manufacturers establish various price ranges, depending on the product’s overclocking potential. As usual, boards from budgetary lines cannot boast such potential, though there are some exclusions. Biostar A55MD2 is considered to be one of the cheapest solutions for FM2 platforms. Still, its layout marvels by the availability of CPU boost facilities, as well as gigabit network interface.



Design and Layout


Motherboard Biostar A55MD2 distinguishes itself by rather compact dimensions: 226x178 mm (uATX form-factor). The model accommodates an amplifying board that is made of a metallic fusible element. The chipset is cooled down by a small-sized aluminum heatsink, while field transistors are avoid of any cooler. This might signify about some inconsideration pertained to thermal environment. Power supply activity is realized by means of 24-contact and …

The Internet is filled with rumors about the upcoming release of a new graphics adapter from Nvidia manufacturers. According to the available information, Nvidia is going to update its recently introduced GeForce GT 640 with DDR3 memory type version and to implement advanced tools in their novice product. The implementation of GDDR5 memory will result in the perceptible increase of bandwidth, as well as, of clock speed.



The new graphics card is supposed to exceed its prototype and predecessor in overcklocking showings too. This improvement will be achieved due to the integration of power connector 6-pin PCIe. To contrast both models, the latest version with DDR3 memory employed PCIe expansion slots as power supply tool.


The newer version will be able to operate on 950/5000 MHz, while the older one used to show 797/1782 MHz. GeForce GT 640 (GDDR5) will be based on GK107 processor with 384 CUDA cores and 128-bit memory bus. It is supposed that the memory volume capacity is …

The requirements of customers towards contemporary power modules are quite tough. They should own good performance characteristics and high coefficient of efficiency level, as well as 80Plus marker. The latter speaks about quality and ability to satisfy the needs of any PC. However, all PSU are classified according to different criteria, so one can find appropriate product even without 80Plus standards. The compliance with those standards is realized on 115V and 230V conditions but there are a number of standards applied to 220V-240V. Power module Chieftec A80 650W doesn’t belong to the army of 80Plus products, though can boast outstanding performance and efficiency. It is primarily targeted at the segment of affordable PSU solutions.



Design and Framework


Chieftec A80 650W design is developed in a classical template common for the models with a solid frontal fan. The casing consists of a ventilation perforation, decorative grid with the brand logo, sockets for module …