ASRock Core 100HT-BD HTPC (Intel Core i3)

Introduction

Do you remember the ASRock ION 330-BD and ASRock ION 330HT-BD nettop computer systems from last year? Well, we ranked them pretty high and found them to be among the best small computers that we had tested at the time. ASRock is back again with its recent launch of its Core 100HT-BD nettop systems.

The ASRock systems we looked at last year made use of Intel Atom technology, undoubtly the most talked about CPU of 2009, but fast forward and ASRock has decided to put the Atom to rest for now with this generation and has gone with the faster Core i3 mobile processor. This should provide a boost in performance compared to the older models, but it's not just all about performance, though.

Besides the implementation of the new processor, ASRock also throws in not one, but two USB 3.0 connectors and the new Intel H55 Express chipset that is perfect for such a system providing HDMI Audio Pass Through or bitstream for the full HD audio experience from Blu-ray movies. If that wasn't enough, the system also gets THX TruStudio PRO audo support. There is also gigabit Ethernet for your networking needs, but if you prefer wireless you'll be happy to know there is 802.11n wireless support for up to 300Mbps transfers.

The Core 100HT-BD looks almost the same as the previous nettops from ASRock, except for the additions of some connectors on the front and comes in either black or white paint jobs. Let's get down to business now, though, and take a good close look at the new nettop system from ASRock and see if it is worth your hard earned dollars as a home theater PC and small office computer.