ASRock launches Hypercompact DeskMini GTX/RX (Z370) system
ASRock launches Hypercompact DeskMini GTX/RX (Z370) system
There has always been a desire to push high-end hardware into smaller form factors, not only as a space-saving measure but to also showcase what is possible with state of the art hardware, pushing things to the limit to extend the state of the art. Â
ASRock has launched their new DeskMini GTX/RX Z370 Micro STX system, offering purchasers support for a desktop-grade Intel Z370 CPU with a GTX 1080 graphics cards inside a chassis that is 2.7 litres in size. Not only that, but this systems also offers support for up to three M.2 devices and two 2.5-inch hard drives, which is more than most of today’s high-end gaming notebooks.Â
Such a compact form factor comes with several restrictions like the cases support for CPUs with a maximum TDP of 65W and the need to use SO-DIMM DDR4 memory, though it is worth noting that Intel’s i7 8700 (non-K) has a TDP of 65W, making it compatible with this ultra-compact system. Another disadvantage of this system is its need for an external power brick, with the supplied PSU offering the system up to 270W of power. Â
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On the graphics side, this system can support up to a GTX 1080 MXM, though the unit can support both Radeon and Nvidia MXM Type A/B/B graphics cards. Supported graphics cards will be able to output video using the system’s HDMI, DisplayPort and Mini-DisplayPort connections.Â
To offer support for MXM graphics cards, ASRock’s DeskMini used a MicroSTX motherboard, which extends the MiniSTX form factor by around two inches, giving the motherboard enough PCB space for dedicated graphics.Â
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ASRock has not released pricing or availability information for their new MicroSTXÂ DeskMini GTX/RX (Z370) barebones desktop.Â
You can join the discussion on ASRock’s Hypercompact DeskMini GTX/RX (Z370) system on the OC3D Forums.