ASUS VivoPC X: Core i5, GeForce GTX 1060, 512 GB SSD, 5-Liter Chassis, $799
by Anton Shilov on January 6, 2017 10:45 AM ESTASUS at CES has introduced its new game console-like PC that weds relatively high performance, compact dimensions and a moderate price tag. The new VivoPC X packs Intel Core i5 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU into a 5-liter chassis.
Traditionally, ASUS has positioned its Vivo-series computers as miniature PCs for mainstream tasks, whereas ROG systems were designed for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts. With the release of the VivoPC X, the computer maker changes that positioning and offers an SFF gaming-grade system under the Vivo brand. The reasons for the decision are simple: sales of small form-factor PCs are growing and so are sales of machines for gamers. ASUS wanted to address both markets with computers at more or less mainstream prices and the VivoPC X is a result of this decision. The mini PC is positioned below the ROG GR8 II and its performance is lower, however, ASUS thinks that the combination of price and performance will satisfy many people looking for a console-like gaming PC.
The ASUS VivoPC X M80 is based on the Intel Core i5-7300HQ (4C/4T, 2.5 GHz/3.5 GHz, 6 MB cache, HD Graphics 630, 45 W) mobile processor, the Intel HM175 PCH as well as NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1060 graphics processor with G-Sync support. Since many gamers demand to have the performance of an SSD and capacity of a hard drive, the system will be equipped with a 512 GB M.2 SATA SSD as well as a 2 TB HDD with 7200 RPM spindle speed. The PC also comes with 8 GB of DDR4-2133 memory. To cool down the system components, ASUS uses a custom cooling system consisting of a blower for the GPU and a large aluminum heatsink for the CPU.
ASUS VivoPC X Specifications | |
M80 | |
CPU | Intel Core i5-7300HQ Quad Core 2.5 GHz/3.5 GHz 6 MB cache HD Graphics 630 |
PCH | Intel HM175 |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with GDDR5 memory |
Memory | 8 GB of DDR4-2133 |
Storage | 512 GB SSD (SATA) 2 TB 2.5" HDD (7200 RPM) |
Wi-Fi | IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi + BT 4.1 |
Ethernet | GbE |
Display Outputs | 2 × HDMI 2.0b 1 × DisplayPort |
Audio | 5.1-channel audio |
USB | 4 × USB 3.0 Type-A (5 Gbps) 2 × USB 2.0 Type-A |
Other I/O | - |
Dimensions | 75.94 mm × 259.8 mm × 279.9 mm 2.99 × 10.23 × 11.02 inches |
PSU | 230 W |
OS | Windows 10 |
When it comes to connectivity, the ASUS VivoPC X has four USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 headers, Gigabit Ethernet, an IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi with BT 4.1 module, three display outputs (two HDMI and one DisplayPort), 5.1-channel audio with Sonic Suite software enhancements and so on.
The computer uses mobile PC components in a bid to keep its physical size small and power consumption low: its volume is about five liters and its power consumption is less than 230 W (it uses an external power brick to feed itself). Meanwhile, usage of such components also means that its future upgrades will be rather complicated if possible at all (for example, the GPU is soldered to the motherboard and is thus not upgradeable).
The ASUS VivoPC X will be available in March, 2017, for $799.
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Source: ASUS
23 Comments
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niva - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
Yeah but laptops fail too, and oftentimes CPU is soldered into the motherboard, I went through this recently... replacing the mobo+CPU cost as much as another low end laptop, ultimately I junked the system except for the SSD and RAM (though I can't use the ram in my new laptop.)It's very hard to get away from the ATX mobo standards and the previously established PC modularity, I applaud companies for trying new things.
BrokenCrayons - Sunday, January 8, 2017 - link
Laptops and desktops are all throw away, disposable bits of technology. If they fail within warranty, then they ought to be repaired at the company's time and expense. After that, send them to the electronics recycler. Computers are cheap, expendable trinkets as long as you don't do something silly like spending more than you can afford to toss directly into the trash on one.meacupla - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
Check the pictures. It looks like a standard laptop power connector on the back.RamIt - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
If this would have been announced a month ago I would have waited.I just picked up an Alienware R2 and the 1060 in the ASUS would have swayed that decision.
vLsL2VnDmWjoTByaVLxb - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
This is a decent little box! We buy Dell XPS 8900s for just a little bit less than this, and these have much more graphical punch than those.The serviceability is less and less important these days. I manage a fleet of machines for corporations, and the last desktop that actually died I serviced years ago. It just isn't that common anymore. If the noise levels can be kept down, this thing would be a great fit....
fasterquieter - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
If only I could buy a Mac at this price point with these specs. I'd be so excited I'd fall off my chair.Morawka - Friday, January 6, 2017 - link
i dont see how they sell it so cheap and still give you a warrantyC.C. - Saturday, January 7, 2017 - link
You are forgetting this is made by Asus, the company that loves to blame it's failed parts on "physical damage" that doesn't exist...Or you know, just flat out denying warranty coverage just because they can. Read some of the horror stories on the forums..I will NEVER buy an Asus branded laptop ( which this is sans screen) since I have 4 family members that have had laptops fail within the first year.eldakka - Saturday, January 7, 2017 - link
They would have been better off using a 35W desktop 'T' processor than a laptop processor.The i5-7600T is only 35W but is 2.8-3.7GHz vs the 7300HQ's 45W and 2.5-3.5GHz.
The i5-7500T is embeddable, 35W 2.7-3.3GHz.
I'd also like to have seen better cooling to make the system quieter. Even if it cost a bit more to do so, I'd think it would be worth it to make it more HTPC-like when not playing games.
Lolimaster - Sunday, January 8, 2017 - link
Would've been better with the 7700T 35w.