Lenovo has announced the ThinkStation E32, an entry-level workstation for professionals working in computer-aided design, product development and architecture. The ThinkStation E32 is available with Intel Xeon E3 or fourth-generation Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processors. It also features enhanced memory and graphics capabilities to provide users choices over performance and productivity. On select models, the E32 also comes with a 60-day free trial of Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2014 drafting software.Available as a tower or small form factor (SFF), the ThinkStation E32 features Intel's Xeon E3 1200 v3 product family. The performance and value also make the E32 a great option for the medical-imaging, media and entertainment and financial service industries, where users work with basic models and streaming data sets, according to Lenovo. Users also benefit from the workstation's Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory to reduce the possibility of memory-related errors and critical data loss.Both ThinkStation E32 models offer professional graphics capabilities with the option of Nvidia's latest Quadro graphics cards (up to K4000 in the tower and K600 in the SFF) as well as Intel P4600 HD graphics. In addition, the E32 supports users' large memory needs with up to 32GB in both models and sports two USB 3.0 ports in the front of the chassis, or six total USB 3.0 ports.The Lenovo ThinkStation E32 tower model and the Lenovo ThinkStation E32 SFF will be available starting September 6. Pricing starts at approximately US$729.
APLEX Technology Inc., a global industrial computer product solution provider, today announces the availability of its newest stainless steel panel PC - APC-3X97B series that comes with IP65 certificated and is powered by Intel Atom D2550 to provide low power consumption. The stainless steel chassis design makes it exceptionally suitable for strict hygiene regulations for food/chemical industry, medical, restaurant/kitchen applications, storage management and outdoor/information segment and so on. Aplex APC-3X97B series has LCD size in 15", 17" and 19" for selections.Total IP65 RatingThe IP rating is crucial for industrial-grade applications. The APC-3X97B series is equipped with complete IP65 certificated that guarantees dustproof and waterproof protection, ensuring the reliability and stability operation in the broaden environment applications. With total IP65 rating, namely 6 sides protection including all I/O ports, APC-3X97B series supports M12 connector that is rugged, compact, sealed and waterproof idea used for harsh-industrial applications, and ensures superior quality and reliable connections. Moreover, the APC-3X97B series features stainless steel enclosure and fanless design regard as a great workmanship which allows customers to accommodate outlook and functionalities.Optional IP65 AccessoriesTo guarantee full IP compliance, APC-3X97B has IP65 power adapter which supports universal AC power input/full range up to 305VAC, short circuit protections, as well wide working temperature at -20 degrees C to 60 degrees C. The IP65 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both available for option to make communications easier and more reliable.The Flexible & High CapacityThe APC-3X97B series has advanced computing performance and lower power consumption thanks to well-equipped Intel Atom D2550 solution with 2G DDR3 on board. APC-3X97B supports 5 wires resistive touch. However, GFG type and capacitive touch screen are available for orders as well. Regarding the storage capability, APC-3X97B series provides 1 x 2.5" SATA HDD, 1 x internal SD Slot and 1x internal mini-PCIe allowing customers to easily access/backup the data.APC-3X97B series supports OS such as Windows Embedded Standard 8, Windows Embedded Enterprise 8, Windows Embedded Standard 7, Windows 7 Pro for Embedded and so on.APC-3X97B
GIGABYTE, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, announced the launch of its latest overclocking contest at HWBOT.org, 'Pi is Returned'. From August 16th until September 16th 2013, all HWBOT members are invited to pit their overclocking skills against each other competing for $5,000 in cash prizes on SuperPi, the original and classic CPU and memory benchmark.The 'Pi is Returned' contest consists of both AMD FM2 and AM3+ platform groups, each with stages centered around SuperPi 1M and SuperPi 32M benchmarks. $5,000 US Dollars in cash is offered as prize money to both 1st and 2nd place finishers, with GIGABYTE F2A85XN-WIFI and GIGABYTE 990FXA-UD3 motherboards plus CPUs and APUs offered for 3rd place. An additional cash prize is also offered for the highest world records achieved at each stage.'Pi is Returned' - groups and stagesGroup A - FM1/2 (Llano/Trinity/Richland)*Stage1: Super Pi 1M- 1st place $500- 2nd place $250- 3rd place F2A85XN-WIFI & AMD A10-6800K - World Record - $500*Stage2: Super Pi 32M- 1st place $500- 2nd place $250- 3rd place F2A85XN-WIFI & AMD A10-6800K- World Record - $500Group B – AM3+ (Bulldozer/Piledriver)*Stage1: Super Pi 1M- 1st place $500- 2nd place $250- 3rd place 990FXA-UD3 & AMD FX-8350- World Record - $500*Stage2: Super Pi 32M- 1st place $500- 2nd place $250- 3rd place 990FXA-UD3 & AMD FX-8350- World Record - $500Limitations:Entrants must use the official competition background. Verification screenshots are required and must include; SuperPI 1M or 32M scores, plus CPU-Z CPU/MEM/Mainboard tab. Entrants must include a picture of the rig used. Usual HWBOT submission and verification rules apply.The GIGABYTE Pi is Returned contest is open to all HWBOT members until September 16th, 2013. For more details, competition rules and standings, please visit the Pi is Returned competition page on HWBOT.org: http://hwbot.org/competition/gbt_pi_returnedGIGABYTE 'Pi is Returned' overclocking contest
AMD has announced new CPU offerings for the AMD Embedded R-series high-performance computing platform, along with the introduction of a discrete GPU promotional program.The new options include quad-core and dual-core CPUs scaling from 2.2GHz to 3.2GHz with TDP ranging from 17-35W for applications that require high performance x86 compute such as network attached storage (NAS). To address high-end visual needs for applications like digital gaming and signage that require high-performance x86 compute coupled with discrete graphics, AMD is introducing a new discrete GPU promotional program that provides customers with both a CPU and discrete GPU for savings of up to 20%.The new AMD R-series CPUs offer up to 2.5X greater performance-per-dollar compared to Intel i3 processors, AMD claimed. The discrete graphics promotional program combines new AMD R-series CPUs with discrete AMD Radeon E6460 or E6760 graphics for driving up to six independent displays. These new options are designed to provide cost-effective solutions for maximum compute and graphics capabilities.The new AMD Embedded R-series CPU options are currently available, with products from Advantech, Advantech-Innocore, Aewin, DFI, MSC Embedded, Quixant and other ODMs. AMD Embedded R-series CPU specifications CPU Core TDP Frequency Max boost frequency RE464X Quad-core 35W 2.3GHz 3.2GHz RE272X Dual-core 35W 2.7GHz 3.2GHz RE264X Dual-core 17W 2.2GHz 2.8GHz Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2013AMD Embedded R-series CPUPhoto: Company
Innodisk, a designer and manufacturer of SSDs for commercial and industrial applications, announces that Innodisk's nanoSSD was selected by CRN, the market leader in channel news for the North America IT channel, in a feature entitled "The 10 Coolest Flash Storage Products Of 2013 (So Far)."Other companies selected for their innovative products were Astute Networks, Dell, HP, Intel, Kaminario, Qlogic, Samsung, sTec and Whiptail. The nanoSSD is the industrial-embedded industry's first SATA device in accordance to SATA μSSD standards.Through the integration of a control chip, flash memory and peripheral power components into a single ball grid array (BGA) package, Innodisk has managed to reduce the size of the nanoSSD to approximately 1% the size of a 2.5" SSD. With dimensions of only 16 x 20 x 2 mm (WxLxH), a weight of only 1.5g, SATA III support, capacities ranging from 2 to 32 GB and both x86 and ARM compatibility, nanoSSD can be incorporated into a wide variety of applications where a small form-factor and high transfer rates are important, including industrial mobile devices, embedded systems, tablets, high-end smart phones and Ultrabooks.Innodisk's nanoSSD not only offers the advantage of an incredibly small form factor, as a result of the integration of DRAM into a BGA, this product also features high read/write speeds of 480/175 MB/s, respectively. Whether for purposes of system booting, data storage, or data cache backup, nanoSSD can significantly improve overall system performance.According to TrendForce predictions for 2013, demand for embedded memory technologies eMMC and SSD will heat up, with a forecast of overall NAND Flash demand growth to reach up to 47.6% with eMMC and SSD contributing to 15% of the NAND flash output growth. Embedded memory technology designed for smart phones, eMMC, has been one of the main choices of ultra-thin hand-held devices, however, being subject to performance limitations, they are usually only implemented in low-end models. For high-end applications such as high performance ultra-thin Ultrabooks, the SATA interface remains the optimal choice.Designed according to MO-276 standards, the JEDEC standard for SATA microSSDs, nanoSSD is a single-chip SATA implementation which allows for easy design-in. With many applications in the industrial-embedded field, Innodisk's nanoSSD can be applied in embedded storage devices of various sizes, in particular, SATADOM, Innodisk's own world's smallest form factor disk on module series. With Innodisk's expertise in creating mini form factor modules, an even smaller DOM can be created.This product is fully compliant with the industrial-embedded industry's standards, including: thermal sensor implementation, -40 degrees C to 85 degrees C wide operation range, shock-resistance and ATA security and military (MIL-STD-810F/G) compliant quick erase standards.For more information on Innodisk's nanoSSD: http://bit.ly/1061kPGInnodisk nanoSSD
Toshiba has announced that it will expand its family of small form factor 2.5-inch hard disc drives (HDDs) with a new series that packs up to 500GB of data storage into a unit with a height of just 7mm. The new MQ01ACF series will start shipping on August 30.The MQ01ACF series is Toshiba's first 7,278rpm, 2.5-inch product with a 7mm height. The series offers two models: the MQ01ACF050 with a recording capacity of 500GB and the 320GB MQ01ACF032. A maximum internal transfer rate of 1,850Mbit/s is realized by improvement to linear recording density and the 7,278rpm rotational speed. Implementation of the 6Gbit/s SATA interface also boosts data transfer rates over those of current models.The slim MQ01ACF series is suitable for notebooks and ultra-thin notebooks, especially for high-end PCs that offer high speed data processing.Toshiba MQ01ACF series HDDPhoto: Company
Asustek Computer has announced six new entry-level motherboards based on the Intel H81 chipset in ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX form factors. Designed for fourth-generation Intel Core processors, the Asustek H81 series features Asus 5X Protection technology for reliability and is available in a range of specifications that cater for a variety of PC needs.The H81 series comprises the H81-Plus ATX motherboard; the H81M-Plus, H81M-A, H81M-C and H81M-E Micro-ATX motherboards; and the H81I-Plus Mini-ITX motherboard. All models feature two DDR3 (1600MHz) DIMM slots for up to 16GB RAM, one PCI-Express x16 slot and two SATA 6Gbit/s ports. All models also include the latest Asustek UEFI BIOS, Realtek 7.1 audio and USB 3.0 with USB 3.0 Boost technology for data transfer rates up to 1.7 times faster than ordinary USB 3.0 with industry-standard UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) devices.The Asus H81-Plus, H81M-Plus, H81M-A and H81M-E motherboards feature Asus 5X Protection technology for reliable, long-term computing, the vendor said. DIGI+ VRM digital voltage regulation enhances system stability, while resettable fuses protect I/O ports and DIMM slots from short circuits and voltage spikes. Electrostatic-discharge (ESD) guards also protect sensitive components from electromagnetic interference. 5X Protection is capped by chromium-plated stainless steel I/O ports that resist corrosion and last up to three times longer than standard ports, the vendor added.Asustek H81 series motherboardPhoto: Company
For the Taipei Metro (also called MRT System), regular train maintenance and train scheduling are the key factors to deliver quality services as well as ensuring the safety of passengers, while its convenience, speed and numerous advantages are making people to rely on it to get around the city. Accordingly, through a normal electric source switching for each rail track to maintain the accuracy of train dispatching and operations is a great challenge in maintenance depot.In response to such demand, the power supply system in Luzhou Depot adopted Advantech's products to control and monitor a mass of relays and to cover the entire area through optical fiber transmission. Additionally, this solution empowers traditional serial (RS-232/422/485) devices to transmit data over an IP-based network, and its redundancy mechanism and rugged feature also provide reliability assurance so as to leverage the operating performance of power supply system.System Requirement:Before the Xinzhuang and Luzhou Line was officially opened to traffic in November 2010, a System Integrator, which is responsible for the power system construction of Luzhou Depot and has over 30 years of experience in the power transmission and distribution field, was evaluating a variety of hardware products so as to establish a complete system. Due to safety and stability considerations, the related products have to provide a feature for connecting multiple RS-485 serial devices to an Ethernet network without building the dedicated transmission line, and offer an easy way to set up a redundant Ethernet network for backup connection. Because the Depot covers an area of 16 hectares, supporting the long-distance transmission by optical fiber device is the critical demand. Meanwhile, the mechanical and electrical equipment is exposure to the sun that leads to the high temperature during operation, and high-voltage power environment can cause electromagnetic interference; therefore industrial grade specification is a prerequisite for this case.System Description:The electromechanical apparatus which is installed next to the rail contains two kinds of Advantech's products, EKI-152X and EKI-7659C to offer excellent data transmission quality. By using EKI-152X to connect on-site serial device via RS-485, the engineering staff can use the computer in control room to always monitor the condition of protective relay so as to further control RTU (Remote Terminal Unit, a microprocessor-controlled electronic device). With dual Ethernet connections, this network-based Serial Device Server can greatly improve the device connectivity reliability and increase system stability. Besides, its software utility provides a friendly user interface with simple and easy configuration allowing users to comfortably manage EKI-152X devices.As for the Industrial Ethernet Switch, EKI-7659C provides an easy way to establish a redundant network (X-Ring Pro) with ultra high-speed recovery time less than 20 ms; moreover its feature of optical fiber communication enables the data transmission (up to hundreds of kilometers) to cover greater distance. Both of EKI products support wide operating temperature (-10~60 degrees C) to withstand the severe test in outdoor environment, and their metal shielded enclosure with robust design can not only protect the product but also can eliminate the problem of interference.Conclusions:Train dispatching is one of the core tasks in running MRT operations. Advantech EKI products are able to help Metro's maintenance depot to stabilize power supply, and our solution can allow any serial device to be easily implemented in IP-based network to provide less-costly and efficient data transfer. In addition, the features of wider temperature, anti-interference, redundant function and metal shell are our best guarantee for high quality and high stability. Since MRT passenger capacity continues upward trend and Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) plans to open new lines to traffic, the system supplier is willing to continually use more Advantech solutions to strengthen its power supply system all because we are capable of providing the superior products and best technical support.As for the Industrial Ethernet Switch, EKI-7659C provides an easy way to establish a redundant networ.
Razer has announced the release of the Razer Tartarus, a membrane gaming keypad featuring 25 programmable keys including an eight-way directional thumb pad. The thumb pad allows gamers to move with more precision, while also acting as modifier keys, multiplying the keyset count by eight, providing 128 different command options.The Razer Tartarus also provides users switching between eight key maps. The Razer Tartarus features full anti-ghosting, with backlit keys that give users total control in dark conditions.The Razer Tartarus is enabled to be configured with Razer Synapse 2.0, which functions as the brain of the keypad. Razer Synapse 2.0 allows users of Razer products to save custom profiles and sync them through the cloud system to be accessed from any computer anytime, anywhere, the vendor said.Razer Tartarus membrane gaming keypadPhoto: Company
Asustek Computer has announced the Maximus VI Impact, a mini-ITX gaming motherboard based on Intel Z87 chipset for the fourth-generation Intel Core processors.The Maximus VI Impact features the SupremeFX Impact discrete sound card for 115dB SNR audio and Impact Power digital power-management technology for the same overclocking control as ROG full-size ATX motherboards. The Maximus VI Impact also features connectivity with onboard 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.The ROG Maximus VI Impact features the SupremeFX Impact discrete sound card with a custom design that keeps the PCI Express x16 slot free. The dual-differential circuit design splits the audio chip's analog signal into opposing phases that are combined by four operational amplifiers (op-amps) to produce a single, stronger and cleaner output, while ELNA audio capacitors help provide smooth high and low-frequency signals to deliver warmer sounds, the vendor said.The Maximus VI Impact also features Perfect Voice technology that uses active noise cancellation on the microphone input to keep VoIP chat clear in noisy environments, and Music PnP technology that allows external sound sources to play through PC speakers when the PC is shut down. Together with exclusive SupremeFX Shielding that reduces audio distortion from electromagnetic interference, lossless 115dB output and the ability to drive high-impedance headphones (up to 600ohms).Based on ROG Extreme Engine DIGI+ III technology, Impact Power is compact voltage-regulator module (VRM) with 60A BlackWing chokes and 10K black metallic capacitors that gives precise digital power management for complete overclocking control that is on a par with ROG full-size ATX motherboards, the vendor said.Other bundled tools include ROG RAMDisk that allows up to 80% of a computer's available RAM to act as a high-speed virtual drive for accelerated game-loading times, while SSD Secure Erase built in to Maximus VI Impact's UEFI BIOS lets users quickly restore drives to a factory-fresh condition for the best possible performance.Built-in diagnostic and troubleshooting features on the I/O backplate make it easier for PC enthusiasts to test different overclocking configurations with ROG Maximus VI Impact. The Q-Code display shows two-digit codes for rapid identification of POST errors, while pressing the DirectKey button enters the UEFI button immediately. Maximus VI Impact also features a MemOK! button on the motherboard that automatically loads failsafe memory settings when overly aggressing timing prevents the PC from booting.Asustek Maximus VI Impact mini-ITX gaming motherboardPhoto: Company
