KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
Firstly, we are pleased to report that our Roccat Kone XTD mouse worked to its usual standard in the UEFI BIOS of the M8's ASRock Z87-M8 motherboard. This is a positive point as we have experienced problems when using certain mice in the UEFI BIOS of other motherboards in the past.
The Z87-M8 motherboard’s UEFI BIOS follows ASRock’s typical styling.
System information, such as the memory quantity and speed, is displayed on the UEFI interface’s ‘Main’ page.
Despite its Mini-ITX form factor and modest overclocking requirements, ASRock’s Z87-M8 motherboard provides plenty of flexibility in regards to voltage and frequency settings.
Four optimised CPU overclock profiles are installed on the Z87-M8 motherboard. We weren’t able to test their operation as heat became an issue with our test components.
A feature that has become common in ASRock’s modern UEFI BIOSes is system browser. The tool outlines some of the installed components and attached devices and can be useful when troubleshooting problematic hardware.
Up to three UEFI BIOS setting profiles can be saved to the Z87-M8 motherboard’s memory. I would typically say that three profiles is an inadequate number, especially when testing out different overclocking settings, but given the M8’s intended usage scenarios, the quantity should be sufficient.
For example, one profile could be allocated for daily usage with low- power and noise states active. Another could be used for gaming when enhanced cooling is necessary, but sound output isn’t a major concern. That leaves another profile free to be tweaked to an individual’s preference.
ASRock’s HWMonitor page gives users access to temperature, fan speed, and voltage readings.
The customisable fan profile allows a unit’s speed to be tweaked at five difference temperature intervals which is good for keeping temperatures or noise output under close control.
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 🙂