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ASRock DeskMini A300 (Ryzen 5 2400G)

crazyeyesreaper

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System Name Old reliable
Processor Intel 8700K @ 4.8 GHz
Motherboard MSI Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon AC
Cooling Custom Water
Memory 32 GB Crucial Ballistix 3666 MHz
Video Card(s) MSI RTX 3080 10GB Suprim X
Storage 3x SSDs 2x HDDs
Display(s) ASUS VG27AQL1A x2 2560x1440 8bit IPS
Case Thermaltake Core P3 TG
Audio Device(s) Samson Meteor Mic / Generic 2.1 / KRK KNS 6400 headset
Power Supply Zalman EBT-1000
Mouse Mionix NAOS 7000
Keyboard Mionix
ASRock looks to impress with the DeskMini A300. Bringing desktop performance to a mini-PC, it offers full support for Ryzen APUs while simultaneously having various add-on upgrades for extra functionality alongside plenty of space for proper storage. It indeed redefines the performance one can expect from such a small form factor system.

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Why test with such games?
 
I like the review, I've been considering one of these to replace my htpc and this is perfect. Does anyone know if it will support Ryzen 3000 Apus when they get released?
 
In the US it seems the only configuration of the A300 available comes bundled with the WiFi, for the same $149.99 price. I believe I read somewhere that AsRock had said the US was only receiving the bundled WiFi version.
 
Why test with such games?
Why not? If it can run newer titles, then there's no problems with older titles/new games with lower graphics.

Also, 2400G's IGPU can run Crysis. ;)
 
USB3.1 Type C really helps as an external GPU could be used to improve graphics.
I like this little system and can't help but wonder too if the new Ryzen 3 series APUs can be used and how much improvement they bring to the table.
 
Why not? If it can run newer titles, then there's no problems with older titles/new games with lower graphics.

Also, 2400G's IGPU can run Crysis. ;)
Cause sane people don't buy it to play AAA games. That's my issue with all recent iGPU tests on TPU.
Just a few tests like CS:GO, WoT, Rocket League, PuBG or Warframe can paint a much better picture: relatively lightweight, and something people can actually relate to.
...or Crysis, since you've mentioned it.

USB3.1 Type C really helps as an external GPU could be used to improve graphics.
That's just a USB-C port, not thunderbolt. Even intel-based Desk-mini's don't have TB3.

Does anyone know if it will support Ryzen 3000 Apus when they get released?
No, I'm 100% sure it won't support 3000-series APUs.
It's built around A300 chipset and as far as I know only B350/450 and X370/470 boards will get (or already got) a Zen2 BIOS update. Not A320 or A300.
 
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No, I'm 100% sure it won't support 3000-series APUs.
It's built around A300 chipset and as far as I know only B350/450 and X370/470 boards will get (or already got) a Zen2 BIOS update. Not A320 or A300.

The A300 is literally the chipset built into the processor. It is very possible that this will get a BIOS update to support newer processor, it will all be up to AsRock on if they want to do it or not.
 
These are quite nice, currently evaluating for office environments where some GPU grunt is necessary and these look to fit the requirements nicely.
 
The A300 is literally the chipset built into the processor. It is very possible that this will get a BIOS update to support newer processor, it will all be up to AsRock on if they want to do it or not.
It doesn't matter, since BIOS and consequentially - CPU microcode is still on the motherboard.
 
Cause sane people don't buy it to play AAA games. That's my issue with all recent iGPU tests on TPU.
Just a few tests like CS:GO, WoT, Rocket League, PuBG or Warframe can paint a much better picture: relatively lightweight, and something people can actually relate to.
...or Crysis, since you've mentioned it.


That's just a USB-C port, not thunderbolt. Even intel-based Desk-mini's don't have TB3.


No, I'm 100% sure it won't support 3000-series APUs.
It's built around A300 chipset and as far as I know only B350/450 and X370/470 boards will get (or already got) a Zen2 BIOS update. Not A320 or A300.

Why not I tested with Dota 2 it ran that maxed out no problem meaning League of Legends and most free to play titles will run just fine. At 720p It handled all games here users could likely increase settings on more than a few titles, is that ideal? no but for a system not meant for gaming you can still play most titles at reasonable settings if so desired.

Also you complain about AAA games but BF4 came out 5 years ago.... it might be AAA but its still a game that was developed with PS3 and Xbox 360 in mind.
MGS V scales well on most hardware and is also quite old at 4 years.
GTA V again quite old at 4 years.
Witcher 3 4 years old

I wonder how much people would bitch if I used truly new titles? No i picked much older games that look good scale well and were entirely playable on this system. At 720p on a tv in the living room judging the difference between 720p and 1080p was quite the challenge. The fact is the games were entirely playable sure not to the same extent as my high end rig but enough so that I had no complaints in fact it was quite enjoyable to relax on the couch and just game for a bit.

You then go on to recommend PubG which isnt well optimized and still runs like shit today. Warframe CS:GO etc run on just about everything. I know CS:GO if set to all low can run on a potato. Intel's IGP on an 8700K can run the game at 1080p high with 8x MSAA and still give you 30+ fps. The above titles I test act as a buffer, newer stuff will run on all low, older stuff will run better. They serve as a good compromise for now.

As for testing more games and casual titles that was the plan. However, after losing the house and needing to move, I am not paying Spectrum cable $7000 so I can have faster internet. So for the time being I am stuck with 3.5 mbps down on avg. Considering every system that comes through needs drivers / OS updates etc + game updates for the titles already tested. Some patches take 3-4 days to download already.

Currently working on setting up a remote download box that I can drive to in order to snag Steam / Origin etc titles that are completed and up to date so I can get more games in for performance testing. It is what it is. Doing what I can with what I got.
 
It doesn't matter, since BIOS and consequentially - CPU microcode is still on the motherboard.

Right, and like I said, there is no guarantee it won't or it will right now.
 
I understand that memory was supplied for this review, still would be interesting to see results with a faster/overclocked kit (e.g. 3200 CL16).
 
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