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When first looking at the M8, it’s easy to see that the enclosure is what provides the biggest spark of innovation. Built from steel, aluminium and plastic, the Mini-ITX enclosure features a unique style that is intended to make efficient use of its space.
An octagonal window on each side panel gives a glimpse into the M8. ASRock smartly distorts a large proportion of the side panel window that gives a view into the main system area; this has the function of hiding the untidy cable section.
Strong carry handles positioned on each of the M8’s four corners allow the system to be lifted with safety. They also help to reinforce the chassis’ structure.
A slot-loading DVD drive is found on the M8’s front side, above four USB 3.0 ports. Using a DVD drive is probably the best decision, given the M8's target audience (gamers). However, to many people, a BluRay drive would have been a welcomed component for a small increase in cost.
A circular OLED display and multi-function controller, which ASRock is calling ‘A-Command’, can be used to display system information and operate specific functions. The A-Command button also doubles up as the M8’s power switch.
A 4-in-1 card reader and pair of 3.5mm audio jacks can be shut into the chassis or uncovered when required.
![rear]](http://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/rear.jpg)
A pair of PCI shields shows that the M8 can handle dual-slot expansion cards. Ventilation gaps also help heat escape from the graphics card area.
The 3-prong power connector positioned on the M8’s rear side extends through to the internally-housed SFX 450W power supply.
ASRock’s own Z87-M8 motherboard features a healthy set of connections on its rear IO panel. The connections include; four USB 3.0 ports, Intel Gigabit LAN, four USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA connector, DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, and 7.1 channel audio, including an optical SPDIF output.
Two 70mm fans, one intake and the other exhaust, sit beneath the M8’s ventilated roof panel. The panel also features a locking mechanism that holds both of the side panel doors securely in position.
Another pair of 70mm fans, with one intake and one exhaust, is located behind the M8’s bottom panel. Performance of the bottom intake fan is limited when standing the M8 upright on a carpet floor; external air is hard to gather when the system sinks into a thick carpet.
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 🙂