ASRock has recently launched the X600TM-ITX, the world’s first thin mini ITX motherboard featuring the AM5 socket. It’s designed to offer cutting-edge performance in a remarkably small form factor, measuring just 6.7 inches by 6.7 inches. This makes the X600TM-ITX ideal for mini PCs, as well as “all-in-one solutions, smart mirrors, educational tools, and home theater PCs”, according to ASRock.
Although it isn’t quite small enough for building a traditional 4×4 NUC, the motherboard is compatible with AMD’s Ryzen 7000, 8000, and new 9000 series CPUs, which have seen their launch delayed, failing to hit the original July target.
ASRock X600TM-ITX specs & features
| Form factor | Thin Mini-ITX |
| Compatibility | AMD AM5 Socket CPUs, up to 65W |
| Memory support | Dual DDR5 6400+(OC)MHz memory, Max. 96GB |
| Display outputs | Dual HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x LVDS |
| Storage | Dual Hyper M.2 Socket (PCIe Gen4 x4 & SATA 6Gb), Dual SATA 6Gb |
| USB | 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
While its compact size doesn’t compromise performance, it is limited to a 65W TDP, due to the 4+1+1 power design. This means it can accommodate Ryzen 5 9600X and Ryzen 7 9700X CPUs but not the more power-hungry Ryzen 9 models, like the Ryzen 9 990X and Ryzen 9 9950X. However, the user manual does imply that overclocking will be possible for both the graphics and processor.
In terms of memory, the X600TM-ITX features dual SO-DIMM slots that support up to 96GB of DDR5 memory with speeds over 6,400MHz. When it comes to storage, the motherboard includes two M.2 slots as well as dual SATA 6Gbps ports, offering support for PCIe Gen4 x4 and SATA 6Gbps. This provides ample storage options for users looking to build systems with significant storage capacity and speed.
Despite its compact size, the motherboard has a robust I/O setup which is customizable and offers up to 8 configuration options. There’s a wide variety of USB ports allowing it to support up to four displays, with its dual HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and one LVDS. It also won’t require a PSU as it takes power from a 19V DC power adapter. However, one limitation of the X600TM-ITX is the absence of a PCI Express expansion port, which means it cannot support a discrete graphics card.
What we think
To summarise, ASRock’s X600TM-ITX is a groundbreaking solution for building compact yet high-performance systems, like mini PCs and HTPCs, with integrated graphics, a ton of storage, and heaps of RAM. The motherboard comes with a CPU cooler and its versatile I/O configurations offer flexibility depending on the needs of the buyer. While the X600TM-ITX has officially launched, promising to deliver new possibilities to the mini PC market, pricing and availability details are still pending.
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