Home / Component / Bundles / ASRock M8 Mini-ITX Z87 Barebones System Review

ASRock M8 Mini-ITX Z87 Barebones System Review

3DMark is Futuremark's latest benchmark. It can be used to benchmark and compare everything from mobile devices, such as smart phones, tablets and laptops, to high-end gaming systems. The benchmark is available for Windows, Windows RT Android and iOS.

With 3 separate tests, each of which is intended to be used alongside a specific classification of hardware, 3DMark is a very versatile benchmark. Ice Storm is intended to be used with mobile devices, Cloud Gate is good for use with laptops and home PCs, and Fire Strike can be used to push the performance of gaming PCs.

We used the ‘Fire Strike' benchmark which is designed to be used on gaming PCs. We opted for the Normal setting, NOT the Extreme mode.

3dmark

3dm-1

3DMark performance by the M8 system is generally strong. Only the physics score receives a negative impact from the variable-speed CPU operations.

Become a Patron!

Check Also

Starfield: Shattered Space launches to middling reviews

Just over a year ago, Bethesda Games Studios released Starfield – a ‘big space game’ which had been ruminating in Todd Howard’s mind for over 25 years. Despite its grand ambitions, the title saw a mixed reaction from fans, though positive critic reviews. Unfortunately, it seems as though Starfield’s first expansion ‘Shattered Space’ has failed to impress players on both sides.

10 comments

  1. I think that is really very cool – its a tad expensive, but I would buy it myself. fancy the idea and the design is great.

    Watercooling anyone? 🙂

  2. I like it – wonder if STEAM OS would go on it well 🙂

  3. I always wondered why other companies like MSI, ASUS etc didn’t do something like this.

    I will tell you this too for free – my ASROCK motherboard is better than my last GB or MSI boards.

  4. Wasnt expecting this – I think a 3570k would be better for temps, not sold on those Haswell cookers.

  5. had me until I saw it was a intel cpu and only a 450 power supply and less than a 120mm fan space i would have liked to put a water pro 2.0 in it

  6. What is the weight of the fully assembled system?
    That is a pretty important factor for a system designed to be carried around fairly frequently.

  7. George, thanks for pointing that out.

    The barebones system’s weight is just under 8kg (according to the packaging specs). With a system built inside the M8, the weight will vary depending on the components installed. For example, the GTX 760, Phanteks PH-TC90LS, and Samsung SSD that we used would probably add 1-2kg to the system. This will vary from system to system, especially if multiple mechanical drives or a bigger CPU (or VGA) cooler are installed.

  8. The Silverstone SG05 is smaller and better in every way for $39

  9. How much did they pay you to post this? Its a joke, maybe for 200-300 it would be reasonable.. >< almost as bad as Google's Nexus Q!!

  10. Reviews are free Felix 🙂
    You raise an interesting question though, when it comes to value.
    Having built a lot of systems around products like the early SG01, we know what issues can be faced with these design restraints.
    If all you look at is the material cost, then you’d never buy anything nicer than a Hyundai – because why pay more than £10,000 for ‘4 wheels and an engine’ – but life is not so simple.
    You really need to see this product in the flesh, and try a build with it, to see all of the advantages – in terms of physical design and aesthetics.
    If you get a chance, try and get your hands on a complete system, then come back and let us know if you still feel the same 🙂