The ASRock DeskMate X600 has sparked excitement among tech enthusiasts with its preorder now open in China. Designed to pack a punch, the barebone model of this innovative mini PC is tagged at an approximate price of $193, making it an affordable entry point into customizable computing.
When fully kitted out, the DeskMate X600 can host the robust Ryzen 7 8700G processor, accompanied by 16 GB of DDR5 memory, 1 TB of storage, and WiFi 6E for swift wireless connectivity. Such a configuration would set you back around $634.
What sets the ASRock DeskMate X600 apart from many of its brethren is its larger size for a mini PC, which translates into more room for upgrades. It features a desktop ITX motherboard, allowing changes to the CPU, an increase in RAM with its four available DDR5 slots, and multiple storage expansion avenues, including two M.2 slots (one with PCIe Gen 5×4 and another with PCIe Gen4x4) and an additional SATA connector.
The standout feature, however, is the unique PCIe 4.0×16 slot located on top, allowing for installation of an extension cable that surpasses OCuLink and USB4 in bandwidth. This extra capacity implies significantly enhanced gaming performance when paired with a desktop-class external graphics card. Users can expect a leap in graphics capability akin to what one might achieve with high-end options like the ASUS Dual RTX 4070.
Connectivity options are plentiful, with the DeskMate X600 hosting several ports on both its front and back. The front boasts two USB 2.0, two USB 3.2, and one Type-C ports, while the rear provides a further two USB 3.2, two USB 2.0, two DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.1, and a 2.5G Ethernet port.
Cooling is addressed with a discrete low-profile heatsink for the CPU, aided by a 7010 fan situated at the base of the unit, ensuring that thermal management is handled efficiently even in a compact form factor.
While a global release, pricing details, and availability have not been officially announced, the company offers the DeskMini X600, a variant that shares similar specifications for customers outside China but misses out on the eGPU slot featured in the DeskMate X600.
If you’re gearing up to enter the realm of compact, upgradeable PCs, the ASRock DeskMate X600 presents itself as an intriguing proposition. With its balance of size, power, and flexibility, it’s a testament to the versatility possible in modern computing solutions. Whether for gaming, home entertainment, or productivity, it signals the growing convenience of having a powerful machine with a small footprint and the potential for future enhancements.
