The ASRock DeskMini X600 barebones is hard unit to gauge as its value, performance, and overall capabilities will essentially be decided by the consumer. That said, the configuration I tested which works out to around $523 is a great mix of performance and value depending on what is important to you! Considering its small footprint of 155 x 155 x 80 mm it still makes use of the AM5 Socket, meaning you can use AMD's Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors up to a maximum 65 watt TDP. For testing purposes I used a Ryzen 5 8600G as it keeps overall costs in check, while also taking a look at how a six core desktop CPU would compare to other similarly priced mini-PCs using AMD's 8-core / 16-thread processors. In this regard I can say the lower core count didn't significantly hamper performance. In fact, it kept pace with higher core count chips and while It did lose here and there it was not by enough that I would consider it noticeable in daily tasks or workflows.

Furthermore, due to its larger size, the included heatsink is a bit more robust than what is seen on most mini-PCs utilizing mobile processors. This results in far lower noise levels. Looking at the data directly the Ryzen 5 8600G did hit its thermal throttle point and TDP limit at an ambient room temp of 20°C with noise levels peaking to 47 dBA at 6 inches (15 cm). However, I would like to note that it still managed to keep an all core clock speed of 4.6 GHz. Its also worth keeping in mind that this was in an extreme workload using AIDA64 stress test to load the CPU, FPU, memory, cache and GPU. In regular workloads the system is essentially silent, with temperatures typically bouncing in the 50-70°C range and noise levels hovering in the 37 to 44 dBA range.

Since the system can be upgraded it can also be made quieter and cooler with an aftermarket heatsink. ASRock notes that the Jonsbo HP-400S and Noctua NH-L9A-AM5 are both compatible. For processors like the 8300G or 8500G the included heatsink is likely more than adequate. As for the 8600G some extra performance can be had with better cooling, meanwhile, If you planned to go with an 8700G some extra cooling headroom would certainly elevate overall performance. Still, these results with the out-of-the-box cooler are quite good especially since you're not forced into a single option.

In terms of power consumption ASRock's DeskMini comes with a strict 65 watt TDP limit that it adheres to with the entire system as configured pulling 98 watts from the wall under extreme load. At idle it sips power with the entire system pulling 13–16 watts and lighter workloads resulting in a total system power draw of 30–50 watts. This makes it a fairly efficient option as a system for office use, or daily tasks. While it's not as efficient as some of the mobile based mini-PCs, I still consider this a great showing regardless as the repairability and upgradeability on offer here is a step above.

The system does have some major weaknesses. First is the lack of USB including USB4, and while ASRock does offer upgrade kits that are optional, finding them can be a pain. While I can see leaving out Wi-Fi capabilities since that can be added quite easily, skimping on the USB ports and needing an optional upgrade kit that can be hard to find is not a winning combination. Maybe if the system offered USB4 I would be a bit more lenient, but the system uses the older USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard which is limited to 5 Gbps, while USB 3.2 Gen 2 is double that at 10 Gbps, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 is 20 Gbps, and finally USB4 offers 40 Gbps. If ASRock do not wish to offer the latest and greatest at least they should offer some extra ports. Thus, the current USB implementation is not only minimal, it is quite dated, meaning unlike many other mini-PCs, users will not be able to utilize an eGPU setup on the ASRock offering.

The BIOS isn't as robust as ASRock's standalone motherboards, however, they have stepped up and the DeskMini X600 does feature a BIOS with true customization options. First and foremost you have support for memory overclocking, built in curve optimizer profiles and other advanced features along with custom fan profiles. While part of that is likely due to the system making use of a desktop processor, it doesn't change the fact most other mini-PCs do not offer that level of control. Therefore, I give ASRock credit for this and hope they move the fan control and some of the curve optimizer features to other mini-PCs in their product portfolio down the road.

When it comes to emulation the DeskMini X600 when paired with the Ryzen 5 8600G is a great option, only MGS3 proved troublesome, but that has always been the case, especially in regard to cutscenes. That said, other titles such as Onimusha Dawn of Dreams, Suikoden IV + V, Kessen 1 + 3, etc., ran perfectly at 1080p, making the system a great option for a true emulator station without compromises.

With pricing, the model as tested will set you back $523 which isn't terrible. The cost will entirely depend on how you wish to build the system. However, that said, it's entirely possible to keep the total cost below $450. While there are some weaknesses, I think in the right situations it can be a truly standout option. Meanwhile if you need more CPU performance the DeskMini X600 also offers support for AMD's latest 9000 series processors, namely the 9700X and the 9600X. So it can be scaled down or up.

Overall, the ASRock DeskMini X600 is a great barebones offering that depending on what you're looking for, provides a solid base to build from if you're in need of a small form factor system. Furthermore, if you have a mid-tier AM5 system already and planned to upgrade your CPU, then the DeskMini X600 may be a great way to repurpose your older processor, if it's compatible, to gain an affordable secondary system.