The ASRock DeskMate X600 Mini-PC collection is pushing the boundaries for compact computing by introducing external GPU options via dedicated PCIe slots. This new series comes in a sleek color scheme and aims to serve various users with its capability to accommodate high-performance components within a small footprint.
Typically, the mini-PC market has been all about achieving high performance in a compact and easily transportable unit. The DeskMate X600 is spearheading a movement with its up-and-coming solution for enhanced graphical capabilities in small-form-factor PCs.
The DeskMate X600 mini-PC boasts a distinctive design choice that sets it apart from others: a dedicated opening for a PCIe riser or extension cable. This cutout enables users to connect their mini-PCs directly to an external GPU dock via the PCIe slot. This approach is particularly ingenious, melding capacity with aesthetic by accommodating faster and more powerful PCIe connections over other standards like OCulink and USB 4, and doing so in a tidy manner. It is worth noting that customers will need to source a high-quality third-party PCIe extension cable separately, as one is not included with the mini-PC.
Tech enthusiasts looking into the ASRock DeskMate X600 Mini PC will find familiarity in its hardware specifications. It supports a range of processors, including the Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 8000G, and is primed for the next-generation 65W Ryzen 9000 series CPUs, such as the Ryzen 7 9700X and Ryzen 5 9600X. Memory-wise, it offers four DDR5 DIMM slots with compatibility for speeds exceeding 7200 MT/s. In terms of storage, there are two M.2 slots (supporting PCIe 5.0 and 4.0, respectively), and a 2.5-inch SATA slot. One should note that the included 120W power supply covers the mini-PC only, and an additional dedicated power supply unit is necessary for any external GPU setup.
The pricing structure for the DeskMate X600 series is as follows:
– A barebone system is available for an equivalent of around $195.
– An upgrade with a network card comes to about $210.
– The Ryzen 5 8600G system is available for roughly $420.
– Opting for the Ryzen 7 8700G system raises the price to about $515.
– A more inclusive package with the Ryzen 5 8600G, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD is priced at about $545.
– The pinnacle package features the Ryzen 7 8700G with 16GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a network card for an estimated $645.
The DeskMate X600 series is presented in three different hues: Obsidian Black, Moonlight Silver, and Starry Gray. While currently released in the Chinese market, a wider global release remains unannounced.
With advancements in technology, ASRock’s new mini-PC lineup might be exactly what tech consumers are looking for when seeking the power of a full-sized desktop within the constraints of a miniaturized casing. The combination of cutting-edge processors, rapid memory, and scalability with eGPUs offers a compelling package for those in the market for a high-performance yet versatile computing solution. By integrating such a device into their workflow, or as an entertainment hub, users could dramatically elevate the efficiency and pleasure provided by their digital experiences.
