ASRock Core 100HT HTPC

ASRock’s latest Core 100HT nettop will also function as a HTPC just fine (Home Theater PC), since it will be based on Intel’s latest Calpella platform for all of its processing and graphics needs. You won’t find yourself short-changed when it comes to processing muscle with this alongside features, since there is an integrated IR, USB 3.0 connectivity, low noise that makes it perfect to watch movies as well as HD playback capability that does not place a heavy load on the CPU (with usage hovering at around 1% to 3%). Hopefully the two hard drives you place inside won’t be too noisy, as that could be detrimental to the overall movie watching experience. Good to know a Blu-ray drive is thrown into the mix to keep up with the times, and you also get HDMI audio pass-through for an optimal audio experience. Check out the full system specifications in the extended post.

• Intel Core i3-330M processor (or i5 / i7 processors)
• Intel HM55 Express chipset
• Intel HD graphics
• 2x RAM slots (DDR3)
• Up to 500GB HDD (2x 2.5″ HDD support)
• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Gigabit LAN
• MCE remote control
• HDMI audio pass-through
• VGA, HDMI out, S/PDIF out, eSATA-2 ports
• Dolby True HD + DTS HD Master Audio + THX TruStudio PRO
• Blu-ray drive (Core 100HT-BD model)
• 7.1 channel HD audio output
• 2x USB 3.0 ports on front