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Copying the design of the Asrock Vision 3D series the VisionX is a stylish looking book-sized computer and unlike many previous mini PC models it comes in one of two colors, silver or black. Like other units we've reviewed before, our sample came in black.
The compact design and attractive exterior helps it blend into any home theater setup, while its small footprint also allows it to fit just about anywhere.
The system measures 200mm (W) x 200mm (L) x 70mm (H) making it a fraction wider and longer than previous models. It can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, although rubber feet are only on the bottom of the case. Based on the Mini-ITX form factor, it has an internal volume of 2.8L while weighing 1.8kg fully configured. The VisionX 321B feels very polished and it's obvious that Asrock has paid attention to minor details when designing their Mini PC series. The rear I/O panel has been given a coat of black paint, while all the ports have been properly labeled to make installation easier for the user. The Blu-ray player is a slot-loading model, so it's recessed into the case allowing it to blend in with the rest of the body.
Around back you'll find a significant amount of connectivity options for such a small computer, including a total of four USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, LAN, HDMI, DVI, a powered eSATA 6Gb/s port, five audio jacks and an optical S/PDIF output. There is also a small DC-in power connection for a Delta Electronics 19v AC/DC adapter. The front of the VisionX is identical to the Vision 3D models featuring a headphone and microphone jack along with a pair of USB 3.0 ports, 4-in-1 card reader and embedded slot loading optical drive. There is also a power button which is worked into the design nicely and emits a blue light when active.
By default, all VisionX comes bundled with a Media Center Edition remote control to provide a convenient way to watch movies or listen to music from the comfort of your living room couch, completing the VisionX as an ideal HTPC solution. |
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magsol76 |
Posted on: 10/13/2012 07:02 AM
The small 30 mm fan next to the hd - how much of the noise comes from that? Did you try disconnecting it to hear the difference? Does it cool anything but the hd? I´m thinking of purchasing this and replacing the hd with a ssd thus minimizing noise and heat (my main storage is on a nas). Regarding the ssd - are there connections for an msata ssd? |
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Ragingsoul |
Posted on: 10/09/2012 09:45 AM
@ProX: If you read my post again, I wasn't talking about normal playback. Using MadVR renderer, with certain ffdsow filters to enhance video quality,I can put my i7 on its knees with video playback. |
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solidstate |
Posted on: 10/03/2012 11:10 AM
Looks really nice. I have been looking out for a review on this so tanks. |
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blunty |
Posted on: 10/03/2012 10:29 PM
Will there be a bare bone version without memory and the hard drive? I would rather go for more memory and an SSD. |
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Khanov Posts: 3 Joined: 2012-10-04 |
Posted on: 10/04/2012 09:39 AM
Looks great. Thanks for the review. Is it possible to turn the unit on using only the remote? i.e. If it is off/in standby do you need to press the power button on the front panel or can it be powered on by the remote control? |
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ProX |
Posted on: 10/04/2012 09:55 AM
@Khanov - Yeah I have the Vision 3D and you can turn off using the same remote, this looks to be the exact same remote anyway. Thanks for the review. |
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Ragingsoul |
Posted on: 10/05/2012 09:25 PM
nice review but I don't see the point in those tests, and completely ignoring its first use as an HTPC. There is no Movie playback review, no 3D movie playback test. Would have been also great to get some 1080p movies with high bitrate using MPC-HC and MadVR for example. Since MadVR doesn't support hardware acceleration but increases the quality a lot, an HTPC like this would completely benefit from it. Overall, you made some benchmark test, but didn't really test the product, unless I miss something. |
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ProX |
Posted on: 10/06/2012 04:33 AM
@ Ragingsoul - We all know that a mobile Core i5 and even Core i3 processor can easily playback 1080p content, that's not much of a test. Look at those frame rates when encoding videos, that is a far better test. |
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Khanov Posts: 3 Joined: 2012-10-04 |
Posted on: 10/06/2012 10:15 AM
Ok thanks for that. But with some of the other small form factor pc's with remote (Shuttle's for example) you can turn it off with remote but you cannot turn it ON with remote. Once it is off you have to press the power button on the front, just like on any normal pc. So I'd love to know if you can turn this one ON with the remote control? I'm so close to buying one of these but it won't pass the Mrs. test if she has to get up and cross the room every time to turn the bugger on. |
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ProX |
Posted on: 10/06/2012 08:47 PM
@ Khanov - Ohh sorry I meant to say on and off. So to confirm yes you can turn these on using just the remote. That said I just let it go into sleep mode rather than turn it completely off. |
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Khanov Posts: 3 Joined: 2012-10-04 |
Posted on: 10/07/2012 12:49 AM
Brilliant. Thanks ProX. I think I'll be buying one soon then. |
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XavierX |
Posted on: 01/20/2013 10:33 PM
I know it's been a while since this article was posted, but has anyone switched out the i5-3210M for an i7-3612QM/3632QM? (CPU options are the same as well as the TDP so a BIOS update "shouldn't" be necessary) I'm looking to utilize the VisionX 321B for medium gaming, VMware Workstation, home PC and HTPC as well...with a Quad-core CPU & 16GB, this little puppy has a lot of potential... |
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bob |
Posted on: 01/27/2013 05:54 AM
Unit seems to answer a lot of htpc needs, but why do current user comments reflect so many problems? Egghead is the only place to buy it in the US, which also makes me wonder. The money doesn't bother me because I'm not interested in building my own. But is this thing reliable? |