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The tests were performed in a controlled environment with the temperature maintained at a constant 23°C. Idle temperatures were measured after sitting at the desktop for 5 minutes. Load measurements were acquired by running FurMark and Prime95′s Blend setting together for 5 minutes.
As gaming is one of the main usage scenarios for the ASRock M8, we also decided to measure component temperatures while playing Battlefield 3. We did the same while playing a 1080P MKV movie file.
We allowed the CPU cooler to operate at its default – PWM – settings. All fans were operating from the ASRock motherboard's ‘standard' profile.
With a Prime95 load applied, the temperature of our 4770K CPU quickly reached the limit where it would start throttling – 100°C. Safety measures ensured that the processor stayed slightly below 100°C by reducing CPU voltage and operational frequency.
It's clear that the M8 isn't ideally suited to housing the hot-running 4770K processor, not with the reference or Phanteks PH-TC90LS CPU coolers, at least. A better CPU cooler may have provided lower temperatures, but they would still be in a region that is potentially dangerous for long-term usage. We would advise using a lower-powered, cooler-running part, such as the 4770S or a Core i3/i5.
GPU temperature stays around the levels that we have observed with the GTX 760 housed inside most cases. The fan speed increases to keep load temperatures around the 82°C-mark.
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? 🙂
I like it – wonder if STEAM OS would go on it well 🙂
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.
Wasnt expecting this – I think a 3570k would be better for temps, not sold on those Haswell cookers.
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
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.
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.
The Silverstone SG05 is smaller and better in every way for $39
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!!
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 🙂