ASRock trots out tiny micro-STX gaming systems with the DeskMini RX and GTX

ASRock has announced the DeskMini RX and GTX, both micro-STX systems that aim to pack a decent amount of gaming firepower in a small 2.7L package. First unveiled back at CES 2017, the new desktops are the latest additions to a growing line-up of powerful ultra-compact systems from various brands.

The micro-STX form factor is actually a souped-up version of Intel’s mini-STX motherboards. Both form factors have the same width, but the micro-STX models are slightly larger and extend downward to fit in an MXM slot for the graphics card. But like the mini-STX boards before them, they will also take full-fledged desktop parts like the 91 watt Intel Core i7-7700K (4.20GHz, 8MB cache).

The DeskMini RX and DeskMini GTX will come with the aforementioned Intel Core i7-7700K and the latest AMD and NVIDIA GPUs. As their names suggest, the DeskMini RX will support AMD’s Radeon RX 400 series cards, including the flagship RX 480, while the GTX will take the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060. It also stands to reason that when MXM versions of the GeForce  GTX 1050 and 1050 Ti are available, it will support those too.

Both systems will be based on Intel’s new Z270 chipset, so they will presumably allow for overclocking.

There’s plenty of room for expansion on the storage front as well, with up to three M.2 sockets. An M.2 Wi-Fi slot will also allow you to work away from an Ethernet cable. On top of that, you get a Thunderbolt 3 port, which means support for up to two 4K displays.

There’s no word on price yet, but we hear that ASRock intends to sell the DeskMini as a barebones kit.

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