ASRock launches the side panel kit
At the end of September, ASRock launched a series of Z790 motherboards to meet the needs of different user groups to build the Intel Raptor Lake platform. ASRock also mentions that these Z790 motherboards are unique in that they provide an eDP connector, a new customization concept that allows users to install an additional display inside the chassis, opening up new possibilities for personalization. At the time, ASRock said it would launch a 13.3-inch display kit that would perfectly match the standard form factor chassis, but it didn’t show the product.
Recently, Twitter user @momomo_us shared the ASRock side panel kit, which users can install on the side panel of the chassis, providing users with an additional display screen for monitoring system resources and temperature information, or completely used as an auxiliary display.
This 13.3-inch display has a display ratio of 16:9, a resolution of 1080P, and a refresh rate of 60Hz. Not only is the size equivalent to a normal laptop screen, but the connection method is the same, via eDP (Embedded DisplayPort). Of course, this connection method is a problem for most PC users, because the general desktop and discrete graphics cards are not supported.
According to ASRock, the motherboard models currently supporting this side display kit include Z790 LiveMixer, Z790 Pro RS/D4, Z790M-ITX WiFi, Z790 Steel Legend WiFi, Z790 PG Lightning, Z790 Pro RS, Z790 PG Lightning / D4, H610M-ITX/eDP, and B650E PG-ITX WiFi.
Due to compatibility issues, it is difficult for ASRock’s design to become mainstream. This secondary monitor can provide full display functions without taking up extra space on the desktop but requires users to sacrifice some of the RGB lighting effects inside the chassis.