ASRock have announced their CeBIT debut lineup including a unique X99 mini-ITX motherboard.
The new X99E-ITX/ac features USB 3.1, dual Gigabit LAN, a M.2 slot, SATA Express and Wireless AC networking. The thought of a comprehensive feature list like this along with a 6 or 8 core CPU, DDR4 memory and a full sized GPU will no doubt leave SFF enthusiasts drooling.
There are some compromises though, with the board having only two memory channels as opposed to the usual four on X99 motherboards and they have been forced to use a modified socket that prevents the use of regular 2011 coolers. Though it appears as though ASRock are bundling a cooler to remove this as a hassle, its size may be a limiting factor when overclocking the already toasty Haswell-E processors.
Until now, manufacturers have been unable or unwilling to produce a mini-ITX motherboard mostly due to the sheer size of the 2011 socket, so this will truly be a first.
ASRock are also preparing a full USB 3.1 refresh of their lineup, including selected X99 and Z97 boards with Type-A and Type-C connectors.
A new X99 OC Formula/3.1 with a modified socket for improved memory and cache overclocking will also debut alongside other models at CeBIT.
Availability and pricing of the new models has not yet been released.
