The ASRock Ion 330 is the base model in the Ion 300 series, meaning it is outfitted with the most basic features so users wanting more hardware components will need to upgrade to higher end models (Ion 330HT, 330Pro, s330). The Ion 330 is powered by an Intel Dual Core Atom 330 processor (1.6GHz) combined with the NVIDIA ION Graphics processor chipset.
The Ion 330 HTPC kit includes 2GB DDR2 800 MHz memory with support for up to 4GB maximum dual channel memory. The integrated NVIDIA ION Graphics processor supports Microsoft Direct X10, and full 1080p HD Blu-Ray and HD-DVD playback support. The Ion 330 HTPC includes additional basic hardware features such as a 320GB (2.5") hard drive, a slim type DVD super Multi drive and 5.1 channel HD audio.
The Ion 330 HTPC includes additional features such as USB 3.0 support (speeds up to 10x faster than USB 2.0), Energy Star level 5.0 certifications, ASRock Instant Boot technology for speedy OS booting, ASRock OC Tuner overclocking software, ASRock App Charger support which charges Apple iPod devices even when the HTPC is in standby modes, and unique ASRock AIWI software that allows users to take advantage of the accelerometer built into their iPod devices to control onscreen games and programs.
A Bare Bones PC is simply a computer or system sold with only the most essential components that is meant to be assembled and installed by the consumer. Bare Bones PC kits usually leave room for users to add PC components and hardware if they desire to do so and possess the knowledge and skills required. Bare Bones kits are not difficult to assemble however they often include no manuals or "simple" documentation on doing so, because of this Bare Bones computers are only recommended for more advanced PC users.
