ASRock 4X4 BOX-7735U/D5 Barebones Mini-PC Review 20

ASRock 4X4 BOX-7735U/D5 Barebones Mini-PC Review

A look Inside »

A Closer Look


Like the previously reviewed 4X4 BOX-4800U, ASRock sticks with a similar design for the 4X4 BOX-7735U/D5. The top unit is functionally the same as the older one, with the plastic housing featuring indents that add visual interest to the otherwise plain exterior. You will also find the power button here as well in the bottom left corner. Flipping the system over shows four screws holding the chassis together with two mounting holes for the VESA bracket in the middle. It should be noted the shiny plastic is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, not that it will matter much since the unit is primarily tuned for digital signage, office work, kiosks, home media centers, etc. However, with the RDNA 2-based 680M, it will likely prove to be a fantastic gaming system for older titles or as an emulator station.


The Front I/O consists of a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port and 2 USB4 ports that also support DisplayPort 1.4a. More importantly, while ASRock has not confirmed eGPU support, Tom's Hardware has confirmed that a USB4 port can, in fact, be used with an external GPU. This opens up the system to many new usage scenarios and even as a full-on gaming PC, as you could utilize an eGPU for both a laptop and this system for gaming purposes. The key issue will be compatibility for the time being, as ASRock has been slow to test eGPU functionality. Hopefully, this will change sooner rather than later; either way, your mileage may vary. Beyond the two USB4 ports, ASRock has opted to include a 3.5 mm Microphone / Headphone combo jack on the front as well. Meanwhile, the right side has a vented opening for cooling, although it is somewhat restricted, which may come into play later on.


Looking at the back I/O, you will find 2x USB 2 Type-A ports, 1x HDMI 2.1 (7680 x 4320 @ 60 Hz), 1x DisplayPort 4096x2160 @ 60 Hz, 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x 1 GbE LAN with DASH support, a power plug, and a Kensington lock. In terms of overall system I/O, it offers great functionality but is also a bit limiting since extra USB ports will require using a Type-C to Type-A hub or adapter. Meaning it's lacking compared to a full-on desktop, but it is quite well-equipped for a system of this size or when compared to most thin and light laptops. The 4X4 BOX-7735U/D5 can handle up to four displays in total and features Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.2 via the RZ616 module. All in all, it is quite well equipped for an SFF system or Mini-PC. No, I didn't forget the right side, but as can be seen, it is much the same as the left in that it is vented but also heavily restricted.


To power the system, ASRock opted for an AcBel 120-watt power brick.
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Jul 23rd, 2024 23:25 EDT change timezone

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