Computex 2013: ASRock's M8 mini-ITX Gaming PC
by Anand Lal Shimpi on June 10, 2013 2:57 AM EST- Posted in
- Systems
- ASRock
- desktops
- Trade Shows
- Computex 2013
After thoroughly enjoying Falcon NW's Tiki system, I was pleased to see ASRock showcase a mini-ITX tower/desktop of its own at Computex: the M8. Inside is an ASRock mini-ITX 8-series motherboard and Haswell CPU. ASRock will sell the chassis as a barebones PC including motherboard and PSU. The chassis itself was designed in cooperation with BMW design (hence the name M8, M for BMW M Series and 8 for 8-series chipset).
Large discrete GPUs are supported via a riser card on the motherboard (ASRock claims the M8 will accept a Titan). To install a discrete GPU you actually have to remove the top of the tower, giving you access to the PCIe riser card inside.
Around the front of the M8 chassis is an iDrive-like knob that functions as a power button as well as a quick way to cycle through all of the case's menu features. The side panel is screwless and is held on by magnets.
ASRock expects the M8 barebones system to etail for $499.
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Kepe - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
I like the design, but isn't $499 a bit steep for a mini-ITX case with a motherboard and a PSU?meacupla - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
I'd hazard a guess with: mobo $150, psu $80~100, case $80~100yeah, I guess it's a bit pricey.
Joel Kleppinger - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
We all missed the "and Haswell CPU" part. Of course, then it's a matter of which CPU.And I think your estimated prices are on the high side. I'd guess the Mobo is more around $100 and PSU around $50, which leaves $250 for the CPU.
kkwst2 - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
The write up seemed to indicate that no CPU is included in the barebones system.Death666Angel - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
"Inside is an ASRock mini-ITX 8-series motherboard and Haswell CPU. ASRock will sell the chassis as a barebones PC including motherboard and PSU."This seems rather ambiguous. It seems to indicate that ASRock will sell the chassis with a motherboard and PSU. But the sentence before it states that the case has a motherboard and a CPU inside. However, that might just refer to the one on display, not one being sold.
Joel Kleppinger - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
You're right. It's ambiguous. But if it doesn't include the CPU, then it vs. a complete $600 Apple Mac Mini Haswell is an absurd idea for all but the wildest enthusiasts. That Mac Mini will have at least 4GB RAM and 500GB HD and OS all for only $100 more. Asrock can't compete that way.Joel Kleppinger - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
And to clarify, for most enthusiasts that are gaming and small focus, a small MicroATX or even Shuttle ITX will be a far better deal without an included CPU. For reference, you can easily buy Ivy Bridge Shuttle ITX barebones w/ case, PSU, and motherboard for <$150-250.mcbowler - Tuesday, June 11, 2013 - link
It's not ambiguous. There is one on display with a Haswell . ASRock will be happy to overcharge for a barebone case, motherboard, and psu combo. I will be happy to overpay if the PSU will power a titan.MattKatz - Thursday, October 9, 2014 - link
I fully agree. /Matt from http://www.consumertop.com/best-desktop-guide/meacupla - Tuesday, June 11, 2013 - link
Well, I estimated my prices from equivelant parts, like so:asrock Z87E-ITX: $175
Silverstone ST45SF: $80
Fractal Node 304: $80 (BMW tax: $20)