Introduction
Contents
The ASRock DeskMini 110 is a barebone Mini-PC that uses a 5×5 (Mini-STX) motherboard, compatible with socket LGA1151 CPUs up to 65 W. Let’s take a look at it.
The Mini-STX, also known as 5×5, is a new motherboard form factor, smaller than Mini-ITX, intended to be used in ultra-SFF (small form factor) computers.
The DeskMini 110 is, like its name suggests, a desktop computer in a very small size. It is bigger than a typical NUC, but it has the advantage of using a regular desktop CPU, while NUCs usually come with soldered, low-TDP (and low performance) CPUs. The DeskMini 110 measures 6.1 x 6.1 x 3.1 inches (155 x 155 x 80 mm), which is aproximately the size of a typical desktop power supply.
There are three versions of the product: the DeskMini 110 (which we are analyzing), the DeskMini 110W (which comes with a Wi-Fi interface) and the DeskMini 110/COM (which comes with a legacy serial port).
The DeskMini 110 is a barebone PC, which means it comes with chassis, power supply, and motherboard, but you have to install a CPU, RAM, and a storage device. Its motherboard has an LGA1151 socket, being compatible with sixth- and the forthcoming seventh-generation Intel CPUs, with TDP up to 65 W. It has also two SODIMM DDR4 slots for RAM, and has two bays for 2.5 inches storage devices.
In Figure 1, you can see the box of the ASRock DeskMini 110.
Figure 1: box of the DeskMini 110
Figure 2 shows the contents of the box: an external 120 W power supply, manual, drivers disk, two SATA cables, screws, and four rubber feet. You can purchase a VESA mount for installing it behind your video monitor.
Figure 2: package contents
Figure 3 unveils the front of the ASRock DeskMini. It has connectors for headphones and microphone, one USB 3.0 type-A port, one USB 3.0 type-C port, a power button, power and HDD activity LEDs.
Figure 3: the ASRock DeskMini 110
In the following pages, we will look at the DeskMini 110 in detail.
