The ASRock DeskMini X300 is a compact barebone PC supporting AMD Ryzen 5000 series APUs, offering desktop-grade performance in a 1.9L chassis. It features dual storage slots, DDR4-4800+ RAM support, and customizable cooling, making it ideal for home offices, light gaming, and space-constrained setups. Its BIOS updates ensure compatibility with newer processors like the Ryzen 7 5700G.
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Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
How Does the ASRock DeskMini X300 Support AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs?
The DeskMini X300 supports Ryzen 5000 APUs via BIOS updates (version P1.70 or later). Users must flash the BIOS using older APUs like Ryzen 4000-series chips before installing 5000-series processors. The system’s AM4 socket and 65W TPD limit ensure compatibility with CPUs like the Ryzen 7 5700G, though higher-TDP desktop chips aren’t supported.
To ensure seamless compatibility, ASRock provides detailed firmware update guides and recovery tools. The BIOS flash process typically takes 5-8 minutes using a USB drive formatted with FAT32. Users should note that Ryzen 5000G-series APUs require UEFI mode for installation, with CSM (Compatibility Support Module) disabled in BIOS settings. Thermal design improvements in the X300’s VRM section allow sustained 65W power delivery, though sustained workloads may benefit from aftermarket cooling solutions.
What Are the Key Specifications of the DeskMini X300?
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Socket Support | AMD AM4 (65W TDP limit) |
| Memory | Dual DDR4 SO-DIMM (64GB max, 4800MHz+) |
| Storage | 1x M.2 NVMe (PCIe 3.0), 1x 2.5″ SATA |
| Video Outputs | HDMI 2.1 + DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Networking | 802.11ax Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2 |
What Are the Limitations of the DeskMini X300?
The system lacks:
– Dedicated GPU support
– PCIe 4.0 connectivity
– Thunderbolt ports
– 3.5″ drive bays
– Front-panel USB-C on older revisions
– Overclocking headroom due to power limits
These constraints make the X300 unsuitable for GPU-intensive tasks or high-speed storage arrays. The PCIe 3.0 x4 interface limits NVMe SSD speeds to 3,500MB/s versus newer PCIe 4.0 drives capable of 7,000MB/s. Users requiring multiple displays should note the dual-output limit, though USB-C Alt Mode adapters can add monitor connectivity. For storage expansion, external USB 3.2 Gen2 enclosures provide up to 10Gbps transfer speeds.
“The DeskMini X300 redefines SFF computing by supporting 65W Ryzen APUs. Its modular design lets users balance cost and performance—pair a Ryzen 5 5600G with fast RAM for 60 FPS in eSports titles, or max out with a 5700G for content creation. Just ensure proper cooling; we’ve seen 10°C differences between paste applications.” — Redway Hardware Engineer
FAQs
- Can the DeskMini X300 Run a Ryzen 9 5950X?
- No—the 105W TDP exceeds the system’s 65W limit. Stick to Ryzen G-series APUs like the 5700G.
- Does the X300 Support 4K Gaming?
- The Vega 8 GPU handles 4K video playback and light gaming at 30 FPS (low settings). For AAA titles, target 1080p medium.
- How to Fix BIOS Update Failures?
- Use a Ryzen 3000/4000 APU for initial BIOS flashing. Clear CMOS after update, and verify BIOS file integrity with ASRock’s SHA-256 checksums.
The ASRock DeskMini X300 bridges the gap between mini PCs and desktop performance. With Ryzen 5000 support, it’s a versatile system for productivity and gaming, though limited by its 65W TDP and lack of PCIe 4.0. Regular BIOS updates and aftermarket cooling solutions help maximize its potential in a sub-2L footprint.