share on BufferIn 2012 ASRock commissioned BMW DesignworksUSA to create the M8, a gaming machine and the first Small Form Factor PC (SFF) in their product portfolio.
The M8 is an ultra compact gaming tower focused on performance and efficiency. It was designed so that it can be placed in vertical and horizontal position and look good from any perspective.
This is not the first time the BMW’s subsidiary has designed a PC case: in 2009 the design studio created the Level 10 Concept for Taiwan-based Thermaltake.
For this new project, the main task of the design was to show the beauty of the motherboard. A key design element is the muscular casing which carefully protects the motherboard.
The side of the case is partially transparent so that the inside of the PC becomes visible. Gamers can personalize the chassis: The side panels which are magnetic can be removed for quick access to all technical gear and ventilation.
The front knob is a multi functional control button with an integrated OLED display. It shows an array of information so that no extra monitor is needed. The knob, called A-Command, provides information on the systems` status of usage and heat, date and time and it allows adjusting the volume and the fans inside the tower.
The ventilation pattern of the chassis is designed to provide optimal cooling for the PC. Additionally the power of the fans can be switched between speed, standard or eco mode. Integrated handles on every corner maximize functionality and ready the M8 for any situation.
“We know that gaming is all about emotion and individuality”, says Laurenz Schaffer, President of BMW Group DesignworksUSA.
“So we created a design which is very much an exaggerated mode of expression. It speaks to the gamers’ souls and offers iconic differentiation in a small Gaming-PC”.
LL Shiu, Chief Operating Officer of ASRock, comments: “One does not play games on a boring gaming rig. Gamers should be able to feel the adrenaline rush the moment they power on their PCs, just as drivers get fired up the moment they start their engines. That’s why we have decided to collaborate with BMW Group DesignworksUSA.”
The technical equipment includes a 802.11ac WiFi module and Bluetooth v4.0 that provides up to 867Mbps wireless internet connection and a Creative SoundCore 3D quad core processor, compatible with numerous sound programmes for realistic audio effects.
About ASRock Inc.
Tapei-based ASRock Inc. was established in 2002, and specializes in the field of motherboards. The company is presently building up its own brand.
(Source: BMW)
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