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ASRock M8 Mini-ITX Z87 Barebones System Review

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ASRock ships the M8 in a black box that features computer-generated graphics of the system and information regarding its specifications.

A plastic carrying handle allows users to easily carry their M8 system to wherever it is required.

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Supplied documentation consists of a driver CD, product guide, installation poster, and 3 month subscription to the live-streaming X Split service.

The installation poster features plenty of directions and tips in a black and white form. For the most part, the directions are actually clear and easy to understand, which is somewhat surprising with a Mini-ITX system of this nature.

bundle

ASRock provides the usual accessories such as SATA cables and mounting screws. A power cord is also supplied as the system uses a 3-prong version, rather than the more common kettle-style lead.

A hex-tool and screwdriver (which looks like a pen) ensure that installation can be completed without the requirement of separate tools.

The bundle consists of:

  • 4x long SATA cables.
  • 2x short SATA cables.
  • 1x 3-prong power lead.
  • Mounting screws.
  • 1x screwdriver tool.
  • 1x hex-tool.
  • 4x rubber strips.
  • 2x keys (for the chassis lock).
  • 1x wide VGA card support bracket.

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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 🙂