14 DAY TRIAL // HTPCs are usually unassuming personal computers, but the one invented by ASRock is no doubt going to break through some expectations, what with the sort of high-end performance it can achieve under certain circumstances.
Home-theater personal computers are the sort of PC that users with no inclination towards gaming and overclocking prefer.
Being compact and cheaper than standard desktops, they cannot really play high-load titles, but their multimedia capabilities are still very high.
Still, from time to time, companies will release something that bypasses some of the standards, or, in ASRock case, smashes right through them.
The only component of the Vision 3D HTPC, as its newest invention is called, that doesn't really break the limits is the graphics, and even there it is a close call.
Though the built-in HD 3000 of the Intel processor is enough for most tasks, the fact is that ASRock also threw in the NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M 1GB discrete card.
This NVIDIA solution only just falls short of being able to play the more pixel-intensive games out there.
The real areas where buyers can go wild are those of RAM (4GB default, 16 GB maximum) and that of processing (the CPU can be of the Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 series).
A special mention should be made for the Virtu technology, which handles the automatic switching between the integrated and discrete graphics.
Other specifications include the expected Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, HDMI 1.4a, DVI, 7.1 channel audio, a 4-in-1 card reader and four USB 3.0 ports, plus a remote control.
All in all, the ASRock Vision 3D HTPC measures 200 (W) x 70 (H) x 200 (L) mm and should start shipping soon.
Unfortunately, the price of this black or white item was not disclosed, though this really is no sort of surprise either.