ASRock Vision 3D 137B Review

Media Benchmarks

Download from: bit-tech.net

We have developed our own suite of benchmarks using real-world and open source applications to simulate how PCs are actually used. The suite comprises an image editing test using Gimp, a video encoding test using Handbrake and a multi-tasking test using 7-Zip to archive and encrypt a large batch of files while a HD movie plays in mplayer.

A score of 1,000 means that the test system is as fast as our reference PC, which used a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 at stock speed, 2GB of Corsair 1,066MHz DDR2 memory, a 250GB Samsung SpinPoint P120S hard disk and an Asus P5K Deluxe WiFi-AP motherboard. The scoring is linear, so a system scoring 1,200 points is 20 per cent faster than our reference system. Equally, a system scoring 1,200 is 4 per cent faster than a system scoring 1,150.

Given the lack of overclocking we've forgone the graphs for just numbers in reference to our stock system above:

• Image Editing: 919
  
• Video Encoding: 1,303
  
• Multi-tasking: 681
  
• Overall: 968

While the image editing and video encoding scores are pretty good, the multi-tasking leaves a lot to be desired given that a basic Intel Pentium G6950 at stock speed is faster, and an Athlon II X3 455 is also about 19 per cent faster. However, versus the equally small and low-power Dell Zino HD or even smaller VIA Artigo PicoITX barebones system, the ASrock is massively faster.

Performance Analysis

The ASRock Vision 3D 137B is definitely nippy enough to be used for what it was designed for: a capable work machine or a HTPC that can also do light gaming. We weren't expecting a high performance workstation, and even though we're sad at the lack of overclocking potential (despite the BIOS including overclocking features) compared to other machines of the same size - which are usually sluggish Atom/Ion derivatives - the Vision 3D 137B offers much better performance. You can actually use it normally, rather than remember to close applications after you're finished.

In an ideal world, a GTX 445M or 460M would have been a tastier option on the graphics front, but it would have also increased the price, heat and noise. As it is, the GT 425M can still achieve decent 720p gaming experience, which is enough for most people's TVs. The GPU also adds the cutting edge Blu-ray 3D bits too, if that's your thing. The downside is that the CPU and graphics of the Vision 3D 137B are not easily upgradable, even if adding a new hard disk or replacing the memory is a simple job.

When idle the machine was extremely quiet; we had to listen hard to hear it in a quiet room. When working hard, the noise did increase substantially, but it wasn't an offensive fan whirr; instead it's only a very tolerable rush of hair like someone saying 'Shhhhhhh'. We were concerned by the temperatures of the GPU (which hit 90^OC under load) but the system wasn't unstable at stock speeds.

Conclusion

It's often the case that the smaller a PC becomes, the greater the sacrifice in performance and features. This is not the case with the ASRock Vision 3D137B: despite being one of the smallest PCs on the market, ASRock has packed in the latest hardware resulting in a relatively high level of performance.

While the small SilverStone Sugo SG07 can handle a quad-core CPU and full-length graphics card, the size difference is still elephant vs mouse compared to the ASRock.

However, you do pay for this level of performance and smallness, due to its costly low-power components and attractive aluminium construction. That's fine though, as the Vision 3D 137B is certainly a very well made, good looking bit of kit meaning that there's definitely value in that box. The plastic top and lack of overclocking is a shame, but not the end of the world, as we're still left feeling very impressed with it.

Compared to the often favoured Mac Mini, the Vision 3D 137B is due to sell for the same price. Although the Apple box is smaller, the basic model uses an older Core 2 CPU, an older graphics card, a smaller hard disk, less memory, has no Blu-ray support and has no upgradability versus the ASRock. Unless you absolutely have to have Mac OS, for a tiny PC, the ASRock 3D Vision 137B is a must buy.

• Performance
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• -
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• 6/10

• Features
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• -
• 9/10

• Value
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• -
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• 8/10

• Overall
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• -
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• 8/10

Score Guide