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No motherboard vendor approaches the mini-ITX form factor with the same daring quirkiness as ASRock, particularly for Intel's High-End Desktop (HEDT) platform. The ASRock X299E-ITX/ac certainly brings something refreshing to an often monotonous enthusiast motherboard market. ASRock makes a number of brave design choices which pay off and prove that with the right ideas the mini-ITX form factor doesn't have to be as restricted or compromising as previously thought.
ASRock's key innovation genuinely works – using four SO-DIMM memory sticks instead of two DIMM slots. As a result the benefits of quad-channel memory are preserved and it is still possible to get up to 32GB of 3800MHz memory or 64GB of 3200MHz memory which is plenty enough capacity and speed for even the most discerning user.
Further innovations in the use of daughterboards mean ASRock has deployed a staggering three M.2 slots, all of which operate at 32Gbps PCIe speeds, while retaining six SATA ports and plentiful USB. Networking is generously catered for too with dual Gigabit Ethernet, 2T2R 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2.
ASRock has worked closely with its industry partners to ensure that the rest of the components required for a system build are available and validated for use, including a tailored waterblock from Bitspower and ultra-fast SO-DIMM memory from G.Skill.
The ASRock X299E-ITX/ac may be the only choice for X299 mini-ITX builds but ASRock certainly hasn't been complacent about that monopoly, producing what is easily the best mini-ITX motherboard of the last year.
The ASRock X299E-ITX/ac is available at Overclockers UK for £379.99. ASRock offers a 3 year manufacturer warranty with this product through Overclockers UK.
Pros:
- Triple M.2 and plentiful SATA/USB
- Dual Gigabit and integrated Wi-Fi
- Quad-channel memory
- Custom waterblock available
- Innovative use of daughterboards and underside PCB placement
- Keeps up with “normal” X299 motherboards
- Compact but potent VRM
Cons:
- SO-DIMM memory is more expensive
- High density of components means high airflow needed to cool M.2 drives and CPU VRMs
KitGuru says: ASRock proves that the mini-ITX form factor doesn't have to compromise on performance or features, even for Intel's X299 HEDT platform.
I like that vertical design, sure we can save some space with designs like that.
I understand that having a lot of daughterboards increase the cost, but I live to see a day when I could be able to build a custom pc like the apple mac g4 cube.