ASRock Nettop ION 330 AMCP7A-ION Review

NVIDIA Recently unveiled their ION platform, which combines a GeForce 9400m GPU to the Intel Atom mobile processor. The synergistic effect of GeForce and Atom processors have combined to deliver true high-definition performance beyond any mobile platform before it, allowing more range from 'Netbook' and 'Nettop' products. A dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Atom N330 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M GPU are packaged onto a Mini-ITX DDR2 AMCP7A-ION motherboard to create the ASRock ION, and ultra-efficient Nettop system. Delivering an compact HTPC or desktop computer alternative with native HDMI high-definition playback capability and powerful computing power isn't easy, and Benchmark Reviews discovers how well the ASRock Nettop ION 330 performs against mobile competitors using the Windows 7 Operating System.

For years now I have searched for the true home theater PC, and every time the 'perfect' combination was within reach a critical drawback would snatch it away. My criteria was strict, as a man's home theater is a trophy onto itself. The ideal HTPC needed to allow wireless Internet access, web browsing, file transfers, display multimedia content over native uncompressed HDMI, and share the ability to play PC video games. Not a very tall order, but no short order by any measure. So while past HTPC projects have come close, the size and functionality have always created limitations. ASRock combines the compact NVIDIA ION platform with a well-arranged enclosure to create the AMCP7A-ION Nettop system.

The problem has always been size and performance. High-performance notebook computers have evolved to the point where they can now replace desktop PC's, so it seems the age of large heavy-weight HTPC has come to pass. Equipped with a capable dual-core Intel Atom N330 1.6GHz CPU for processing power, the Nettop ION 330 easily outpaces most other mobile/compact alternatives. Up to 4GB of 800MHz DDR2 is supported by the 533MHz FSB on a 128-bit memory interface. NVIDIAs ION platform includes the GeForce 9400M GPU, which is perfect for streaming video content over a native HDMI 1.3a connection at high-definition resolutions up to 1920x1440 at 75MHz (1080p is 1920x1080 at 60MHz).

But the list of features is only as good as its ability to perform them without side effects or limitations. In this article, Benchmark Reviews puts the ASRock AMCP7A-ION Nettop to the test, and reveals just how well the NVIDIA ION package can perform in other tasks when combined with a dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor. Video game benchmarks, 1080p uncompressed video playback, and streaming media capabilities are all evaluated with an eye of scrutiny. So can the ASRock Nettop ION 330 AMCP7A-ION become the perfect HTPC or compact desktop computer replacement? Benchmark Reviews will soon find out.

About ASRock Inc.

ASRock Inc., established in 2002, target at entry to mainstream segment MB business, is an energetic company with the combination of technology and humanity. Devoting efforts to bring customers the innovative and reliable motherboards with the design concept of 3C, "Creative, Considerate, Cost-effective", ASRock has successfully established a well-known leading brand of the best price-performance motherboard in the industry. ASRock products' high recognition stems from company's devotion to bring the most cost-performance products to users.

Besides creative features and solid products, ASRock engineers also pay special attention to EMI, thermal, acoustics and details to achieve complete customer satisfaction. In addition to price-performance, creative and considerate features, ASRock also pay special on the issue of eco-environmental protection with the released of ROHS products and energy saving functions to save the environment.

To succeed in this ultra-competitive industry, ASRock provides great products with speed-to-market, cost and service to customers. Facing the constantly changing technologies of motherboard, ASRock will always keep the vision of the future and develop future-proof products upon our 3C design concept to our customers.

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