The emergence of a new GPU architecture does not only make records in the performance of high-end graphics cards, but often changes the idea of what to expect from an inexpensive card with a low TDP. Let see what can offer GT 640 — associate member of the family Kepler



The lower segment of the GeForce 600 is already fully staffed. In retail, there are cards GT 610, GT 620, GT 630 and GT 640, and in the OEM- channels additionally supplied GeForce 605. But among all of them, only GT 640 can be called a fully new model, since it is based on the architecture of Kepler, and the remaining cards are a familiar model series GeForce 400 and GeForce 500 Architecture (Fermi) with certain minor modifications.


GeForce 640 is based on the GK107 chip, which previously debuted in accelerators GeForce 640M. The performance of the last was comprehensively studied on the laptop Acer Aspire M3-581TG: compared to the GeForce 540M new chip provides a very nice speed boost. GK107 contains one …

The inventory of Biostar’s mini-ITX motherboards was replenished by a new uncommon model – the N3150NH. Its key peculiarity is the availability of a 4-core Intel Celeron N3150 CPU onboard. The processor (Intel Braswell family, 14 nm technological process) comes equipped with an integrated Intel HD graphics core and a passive cooler. Its nominal clock frequency makes up 1.6 GHz, while on overclocking it accelerates up to 2.08 GHz frequency.



Biostar N3150NH houses two SO-DIMM slots, estimated for 8 GB DDR3-1600 MHz memory modules (two-channel operational mode). The connection of drives is realized via a pair of SATA III 6 Gb/sec ports. There is a possibility to install one expansion card thanks to a single PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot. Network facilities are ensured due to Realtek RTL8111H controller that supports SmartSpeedLAN utility, whereas audio production becomes possible due to the integration of Realtek ALC662 controller.


The connection of peripherals is enabled via …

Biostar is about to release a new oblectation for audiophiles – the B85Z system board. Featuring micro-ATX form-factor (224x174 mm dimensions), the model combines a full-blown spectrum of facilities each full-format board has. It is developed on Intel B85 Express chipset with Socket LGA1150 for Intel Haswell processors of Core, Pentium and Celeron families. The nominal delivery kit will allegedly comprise DVD with drivers, a pair of SATA cables, a user’s manual, and a rear panel plug.



Biostar B85Z comes equipped with prime-quality capacitors, field-effect transistors, and 4-phase VRM. Memory subsystem is introduced by two slots for DDR3-1600 MHz modules (up to 16 GB overall capacity). The availability of a single PCIe x16 & a pair of PCIe x1 slots ensures sufficient expansion facilities. Moreover, the user is free to create a voluminous storage by means of four SATA III and two SATA II ports.


To continue, the major peculiarity pertained to the motherboard is an …