Move along Thunderbolt and OCuLink, DeskMeet X600 enables full PCIe speed through external cables
ASRock has launched a new Mini-PC that has an interesting design choice.
The ASRock Mini-PC is just 3.5 liters in size and doesn’t have enough room for a powerful discrete GPU like the RTX 40 series. Instead of adding extra space to fit a single-slot and low-profile GPU, the company decided to expose the PCIe connector in a way that allows a direct connection with an external GPU dock.
We have seen similar attempts to enable a full PCIe interface for external GPUs. Minisforum designed their PCB in a way that positions the PCIe connector on the side where the special GPU dock can be connected. ASRock doesn’t have a custom GPU dock that attaches to the Mini-PC, but they offer a bracket that supports PCIe risers, which can be used just as well. Their DeskMate X600 has a connector placed and hidden under a cover that can be exposed by users at any time.
DeskMate X600, Source: ASRock
External GPU connections:
- Thunderbolt 3/4 : up to ~40 Gbps
- OCuLink (PCIe 4×4) : up to ~64 Gbps
- PCIe 4×16: up to ~256 Gbps ⬅️
The PCIe risers and extension cables are not problem-proof, and choosing a high-quality cable is crucial to ensure proper signaling and no loss of data. Proper shielding and cable reinforcement are equally important, so it is better to pick an official cable that comes with the PC. Currently, ASRock doe snot appear to offer any special GPU Clock or cabling for the DeskMate X600.
DeskMate X600, Source: ASRock
As for the Mini-PC itself, it supports AMD Ryzen 7000 and 8000G series (most likely also 9000, but they are not launched yet). It supports up to four DDR5 7200 memory (EXPO) modules and up to 192GB of capacity. This PC uses an ATX-DC power supply up to 120W, so to use an external GPU, one must use another power supply for the graphics card itself.
The system is available as a barebone PC or equipped with Ryzen 8000G series. Pricing is as follows:
- Barebone: 1398 RMB (approx. $195 USD)
- With WiFi Card: 1498 RMB (approx. $210 USD)
- Ryzen 5 8600G + Cooler: 2998 RMB (approx. $420 USD)
- Ryzen 5 8600G + Cooler + 16GB RAM + 1TB SSD: 3898 RMB (approx. $545 USD)
- Ryzen 7 8700G + Cooler: 3698 RMB (approx. $515 USD)
- Ryzen 7 8700G + Cooler + 16GB RAM + 1TB SSD + WiFi: 4598 RMB (approx. $645 USD)
The product was announced last week for the Chinese market, but shipments will not commence until June 20. Currently, there is no information about a launch elsewhere.
Source: ASRock Store (JD)