One of the first ‘custom’ NUC based systems, the ASRock Beebox, has been given an upgrade to the latest generation Kaby-Lake processors from Intel. The Beebox-S models are now available with Intel’s Core i5-7200U (2C/4T, 2.5 GHz base and 3.1 GHz Boost clocks) or i3-7100U (2C/4T, 2.4 GHz base clock) CPUs, this new generation shows well, very few changes over the previous Skylake based systems. According to the specs chart, nothing has changed at all in fact!
The system can also be equipped with up to 32 GB of DDR4-2133 memory (two SO-DIMM slots), an M.2-2280 NVMe SSD and a 2.5″ SSD/HDD depending on your needs, or what your reseller is offering. Intel’s 802.11ac Wi-Fi + BT 4.0 wireless module is also pre-installed. The Beebox-S measures in at an appropriately small 110×118.5x46mm, making this an 0.6L system, excluding power brick. (Don’t get us started)
The main advantage of this ‘upgrade’ is the Intel IGP now supports Netflix’s new, very stringent, hardware requirements for 4K playback. The Beebox-S has the required HDMI 2.0 port with support for 4Kp60 with 10-bit HDR output. Also included is an IR receiver to support the bundled remote control.
The Beebox-S also has 1x USB 3.0 Type-A and 1x USB 3.0 Type-C headers, as well as a 3.5 mm TRRS connector for headsets on the front panel. The back panel features two more USB 3.0 ports and one GbE RJ45 connector.
The upgrades do add to the price of the existing Beebox-S lines, but they still come in at a relatively low US$291 and US$349 for the 7100U and 7200U models respectively. For now, you can buy the Beebox-S in any colour you want, so long as it’s black.
See more on the ASRock Beebox-S here.
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