ASRock's Upgradable Desk Mini Max SFF PC Makes Room for 16-Core AMD CPU, Discrete GPU

ASRock
(Image credit: ASRock)

Modern high-performance small-form-factor (SFF) PCs have a number of indisputable advantages: They offer decent levels of performance despite their compact dimensions. Yet they have one strong disadvantage for enthusiasts: They usually are not expandable or upgradeable. ASRock decided to address this limitation with its DeskMini Max 10-liter concept PC. 

ASRock's DeskMini Max is a custom-designed PC powered by AMD's Ryzen processor with up to 16 cores and up to 105W TDP (all available today) or an APU with built-in graphics. The system comes with a Mini-ITX motherboard and can be equipped with up to 128 GB of DDR4 memory, a discrete graphics card (up to 20 cm or 7.87 inches), an M.2 SSD, and all the connectivity technologies you'd expect from a modern PC.  

Unlike most SFF desktops, ASRock's DeskMini Max provides a certain degree of freedom when it comes to its configuration. A buyer or system integrator who gets the DeskMini Max as a barebones kit can install various storage devices, add-in-cards, and configure the system with a high-end CPU or a low-power APU. ASRock says that just like previous-generation DeskMinis, the Max version is easy to use, and a system can be assembled in a 'few minutes.' As for dimensions, the PC measures 168 (W) x 220.8 (D) x 268 (H).

(Image credit: ASRock)

Depending on the exact version of ASRock's DeskMini Max, it can integrate at least one high-end single-slot or dual-slot graphics card (though its 7.87-inch limit means it won't fit some of the best graphics cards available today), up to two 3.5-inch HDDs, up to two 2.5-inch SSDs/HDDs, one 5.25-inch ODD (or four more 2.5-inch drives), a closed-loop liquid cooling system, and/or other add on cards (with additional SATA or USB ports). There are loads of configuration options, but the 500W PSU the company includes will be a limitation.  

ASRock did not disclose pricing of its DeskMini Max or availability timeframe, but since the system does not use a brand-new platform or components, expect it to arrive earlier rather than later. As for prices, they are going to depend on the specific configurations. 

Anton Shilov
Freelance News Writer

Anton Shilov is a Freelance News Writer at Tom’s Hardware US. Over the past couple of decades, he has covered everything from CPUs and GPUs to supercomputers and from modern process technologies and latest fab tools to high-tech industry trends.