ASRock Core 100HT Nettop Review

At the end of last year week took a look at one of ASRock’s first nettop the ION 330HT, which was built around Intel’s Atom processor.  With the release of Intel’s Core processors ASRock rebuilt their nettop series around this new architecture.  These new nettops bring more processing power, full native 1080p playback, 7.1-channel HD audio, 802.11n wireless networking, and USB 3.0 support.  We will be looking at the Core 100HT today which features an Intel Core i3-330M processor, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 500GB hard drive and a SuperMulti optical drive.  Let’s take a look and see if the Core 100HT is perfect for your home theater setup.

Special thanks to ASRock for providing us with the Core 100HT Nettop to review.

Specifications
CPU – Intel® Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 Mobile Processor Family
Chipset – Mobile Intel® HM55 Express chipset

*Due to Windows® XP and PCH chipset (HM55) limitations, if you use Windows® XP, please disable the BIOS option “USB2.0 Rate Matching Hub” to make USB devices work properly.
(For example, in the process of installing Windows® XP or using USB3.0 devices.)

Memory – 2 x DDR3 SO-DIMM slots, 4GB per DIMM (Max 8GB*)
– Support dual channel DDR3 1066MHz

*Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows® 32-bit OS. For Windows® 64-bit OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.

VGA – Intel® HD Graphics
HDD – 2.5″HDD, support 2nd 2.5″HDD
ODD – DVD Super Multi
I/O – 1 x HDMI, 1 x D-Sub VGA, 6 x USB 2.0, 1 x S/PDIF, 1 x eSATAII*

*For eSATA function, Hot Plug function is supported in AHCI mode only. IDE mode does not support Hot Plug function.

LAN – Gigabit LAN
Sound – 7.1 CH HD Audio with THX TruStudio Pro™
WiFi – 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN*

*300Mbps, 2T/2R

Remote Controller – Support MCE function
Power Unit – 90W/19V Adapter
Dimension – 195mm(W) x 70mm(H) x 186mm(L)
Volume (liters) – 2.5L

Packaging
The Core 100HT comes in a nice colorful retail package.  On the front there is a picture of both black and white versions of the nettop.  On the side of the package you have all of your system specific specifications.

ASRock Core 100HT Nettop ASRock Core 100HT Nettop

Opening the box up everything inside is nicely protected.  Inside you will find the Core 100HT nettop, power adapter, MCE remote, HDMI to DVI adapter, SATA cable, internal molex power connector, extra screws, an Intel case badge, getting started guide and software and driver CD’s.

ASRock Core 100HT Nettop ASRock Core 100HT Nettop

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