ASRock VisionX 471D Review - Evolutionary Upgrades for a Powerful mini-PC
by Ganesh T S on January 26, 2015 6:00 AM ESTFinal Words
The VisionX 471D addresses a couple of improvement aspects that we had discussed in our VisionX 420D review. ASRock was one of the earliest vendors to jump on to the mini-PC bandwagon and they currently own one of the most comprehensive mini-PC lineups in the market. However, the absence of a truly high-end CPU-equipped model was disappointing. The VisionX 471D lays that to rest by integrating a Core i7-4712MQ. SSDs have also become more affordable, and ASRock actually had no excuse to avoid creating SSD-equipped models in their mini-PC lineup. The VisionX 471D includes a 256 GB mSATA SSD that actually performs really well. With the latest firmware for the JMicron JMF667H, performance consistency as well as long-term durability are not a major concern. BIOS updates to the VisionX Haswell models has also ensured that consumers can utilize the media capabilities of the Intel iGPU such as Quick Sync (for hardware-accelerated decoding and transcoding).
The VisionX series crams a lot of functionality into a small chassis. The SD card reader, multiple audio outputs and Intel NIC are nice to have features. The AMD GPU (Radeon R9 270MX) is also a top notch choice for gaming in this form factor. The MHL port (along with the supplied MHL cable) is a unique feature of the unit. It allows users to mirror the display of a supported smartphone while also charging it. The WLAN component (Broadcom-based 2x2 802.11ac) is the best amongst all the mini-PCs that we have evaluated so far.
On the other side, we are a bit surprised by the absence of a Blu-ray option for this configuration (either go with no ODD, or include one befitting a premium mini-PC). It is also definitely time for ASRock to reconsider the bundled MCE remote. In its place, a mini-keyboard / trackpad combo would be a better option.
The main concern we have with the VisionX 471D is the thermal design. Temperatures close to Tjmax are easier to reach on the VisionX 471D compared to the VisionX 420D. We reported this to ASRock, but they claim that temperatures only reached slightly above 90 C (we were seeing 97 - 99 C) with the 'power virus' test. In any case, these sort of power viruses are not reflective of typical usage - so it is not really a show-stopping issue.
Consumers looking for a non-DIY gaming mini-PC which doesn't skimp on features and has a reasonable acoustic profile will find the VisionX 471D is a very good choice. As the mini-PC market becomes crowded, innovative features that can distinguish products from the competition could become a major marketing point. With the updates in the VisionX 471D, ASRock seems to be on the right track.
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Zizy - Monday, January 26, 2015 - link
I don't see the point of this. Not good enough for fhd gaming, too expensive and power hungry for a HTPC.As for HTPC duties, what about testing 4K@60 and FHD@60 (both with H.265)? Not really needed now, but I would rather get something future proof, especially for this kind of money.
Daniel Egger - Monday, January 26, 2015 - link
I totally agree. My (Desktop-grade) Haswell Core i5 with 750 Ti OC uses less in Idle and only slightly more under FurMark load yet is a completely different beast allowing for Full HD gaming despite running very quietly and staying cool.heffeque - Monday, January 26, 2015 - link
If you want hardware h.265 4K60p, you'll have to wait until Carrizo comes around.MLSCrow - Monday, January 26, 2015 - link
I honestly believe that Carrizo, is going to be the greatest HTPC/MiniGamingPC APU when it comes out and probably the first AMD processor that is worth purchasing since the Phenom II. Granted, they aren't going to release a Desktop version strait away if ever, and instead are releasing a Kaveri update, which is, meh, imo, but whatever...I'm just waiting for Zen to shock the world with it's Intel dominating performance, until Intel copies it, puts more money into it, and produces a better performing product, as they always have.baii9 - Monday, January 26, 2015 - link
I believe Intel had the lead on hardware 4k decode for a while, so stick with igpu? :)kmmatney - Monday, January 26, 2015 - link
yes - this is pretty neat, but you can get a laptop with better specs at this price, and inlcudes a screen and it portable. This system doesn't really need such a high end processor.britjh22 - Tuesday, January 27, 2015 - link
I'm guessing this would actually be decent at FHD gaming, just not at the presets/detail settings that are used for AT's testing. I would really like to see a second detail setting for FHD be tested, as just because it fails at ultra settings doesn't mean it would at high/medium.boe - Tuesday, February 3, 2015 - link
I definitely want lot's of 4K goodness! I don't care if it makes it bigger use heat radiators and lose the fan. Offer a black model to match my other HT equipment as well. Offer a model without a disc player as I'm only using this to stream from a server.Rafterman - Saturday, February 21, 2015 - link
H.265 not really needed now, I would dissagree. AFAICS H.265(HEVC) is fast replacing AVC.ToTTenTranz - Monday, January 26, 2015 - link
The GPU's PCB seems to be risen above the motherboard's level.Is the M270X a MXM module? Can it be changed?