The ASRock 4X4 BOX-7840U offers near-class-leading number-crunching capabilities while consuming less power than its direct competition. Additionally, it is easier to work on and upgrade, making it a well-rounded system for a home office, casual gaming, or emulation.
very expensive compared with minisforum’s/beelink’s offerings
which they would add an oculink port to it for use with external gpu’s
Honestly, getting something like a ROG Ally and a dock is about the same price (though obviously would have 16 GB vs the 32 GB as tested) and you’d have a device that could be used handheld too.
Steamdeck’s and ROG Ally’s have completely changed the math on these more premium USFF PCs. If it’s only going to be couple hundred more to get similar performance, that convenience of a portable can easily tip the scales in their favour.