There were times when products from the Taiwanese brand were not valued in the market due to low recognition. This was around 2008-2012. An unknown manufacturer was already offering motherboards with solid-state capacitors back then. No one understood what it was and why. But years later, users realized how durable the computer equipment from this brand is. It cannot be said that ASRock is a market leader, but it can be confidently stated that these guys produce quality products. The new ASRock Mini-PC 4X4 series BOX-5000 naturally attracted attention.
This attention is primarily based on the reliability of the offered systems. After all, only 10% of users, following the trend, buy new products annually and resell them on the secondary market after a year. The remaining 90% try to purchase decent equipment with a lifespan of 5-10 years. ASRock is designed precisely for their needs.
Mini-PC – what it is, who needs it
A Mini-PC is a compact system unit designed to solve specific tasks. Initially, Mini-PCs replaced Barabone systems as more compact versions. The essence of a Mini-PC, according to certification, is the impossibility of upgrade. Like a laptop without a screen. But nothing prevents changing RAM and storage, which extends the device’s functionality.
What are the advantages of Mini-PC?
The undeniable advantages are mobility and compactness. Essentially, it’s the same as a TV set-top box, but with higher performance. Mini-PCs are easy to connect to a monitor or TV. The device doesn’t require a niche in the desk or much free space on the surface. It connects to any display and accepts any peripherals. Full versatility in everything.
It’s a pity that many buyers who prefer laptops do not fully understand the benefits of purchasing. At least in terms of cost savings. It’s the same as a laptop. Only here, you can connect any monitor via video output, whether 19 or 32 inches. Or even 80 inches. No difference. The point is, why buy a 17-inch laptop if the functionality is identical? Of course, this is about stationary use of the computer for personal needs.
Mini-PC is convenient for use at home and in the office, and for travel. Usage restrictions are minimal. Yes, it’s a closed-loop cooling system, and high gaming performance cannot be expected. But at medium quality settings, gamers will get the expected results. For work and leisure, it’s an excellent solution in terms of functionality and price.
ASRock Mini-PC 4X4 Series BOX-5000 – Review
The manufacturer offers several variations:
- BOX-5800U. Platform – Ryzen 7 5800U.
- Platform – Ryzen 5 5600U.
- BOX-5400U. Platform Ryzen 3 5400U.
It uses Zen 3 architecture, with 4 or 8 physical cores and 8 or 16 virtual threads, respectively. Integrated graphics – Radeon Vega. The differences only concern processor performance. Everything else is identical:
- Network ports 2.5 Gb/s supporting DASH and 1 Gb/s.
- Wi-Fi 6E.
- Bluetooth 5.2.
- 2 Key M (Mini-PC is shipped without storage).
- DDR4 SO-DIMM slots with a frequency of 3200 MHz (not included).
- SATA III port.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 and two USB 2.0 ports.
- HDMI 2.0a and three DisplayPort 1.2a (2 via USB Type-C). Support for 4K at 60 Hz on all outputs.
A nice addition is the presence of a TPM 2.0 module, allowing the installation of any Windows operating system up to version 11. There are VESA mounts for fixing the Mini-PC on the back of monitors. The device dimensions are 110x117x48 mm.
And finally, many are curious about what the formula ASRock Mini-PC “4X4” means. It refers to the simultaneous connection of the device to multiple displays. 4 active video outputs for connecting 4 screens. With all screens (monitors and TVs), the ASRock Mini-PC 4X4 series BOX-5000 will operate at its maximum capabilities.
The price of the ASRock Mini-PC 4X4 series BOX-5000 will vary depending on the installed processor. From $500 to $800. Don’t forget to add the cost of SO-DIMM DDR4 memory and M.2 Key M storage, which must be purchased separately. This adds about $300 to the stated price for a working device. Some might say this is the price of a laptop. Maybe, but a laptop that will reliably last 5 or more years. And it’s very compact and fast. The choice is yours, dear readers.
