ASRock J5005-ITX Review: motherboard with integrated processor ideal for HTPC

ASRock has launched a new mini-ITX motherboard that implements the Intel Pentium Silver J5005 processor , unlike most motherboards for Gemini Lake architecture that usually incorporate the Intel Celeron J4005 processor, a chip cheaper than the one implemented by ASRock . In fact, there are few boards that incorporate the Pentium Silver J5005 processor and this is one of the features that stand out from the company’s new motherboard. The differences of the chip J5005 against the J4005 is the have four cores of CPU Goldmont Plus and an improvement of the integrated graphics : UHD Graphics 605, with better frequencies. These features increase the value of the processor to almost double the Celeron. The ASRock J5005-ITX is designed for computers that have integrated power supplies , is powered by a 24-pin ATX connector and a two-phase VRM that provides the 10 W that the processor needs.

The socket is surrounded by two DDR4 SO-DIMM RAM slots that support a maximum of 8 GB of memory. The expansion slots include a PCIe x1 and an M.2 E-key port designed for use with WLAN cards. The video outputs of this motherboard include an HDMI 2.0 and a DVI. It has two USB 3.0 connectors on the rear IO panel and two connectors on the board. On the rear panel you can find Ethernet connectors and 8 audio channels. This motherboard is ideal for equipping it in a HTPC.

ASRock J5005-ITX Specifications

Special features
ASRock Super Alloy
Black PCB Sapphire.
High density PCB glass fabric
ASRock Full Spike Protection (for all USB ports, Audio, LAN)
ASRock Live Update & APP Shop
CPU
Intel ® Quad-Core Pentium ® Silver J5005 (up to 2.8 GHz)
Memory
Dual Channel DDR4 memory technology
2 x DDR4 SO-DIMM slots
Maximum system memory capacity: 8GB
BIOS
128Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
Graphics
Integrated Intel ® UHD 605 Graphics: 18 EUs inside (Up to 800MHz)
DX12, OpenGL 4.3, OGL ES 3.0, OpenCL 2.0
Multiple graphics output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
Audio
Audio 7.1 CH HD with content protection (Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec)
ELNA audio capacitors
Expansion slots
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
1 x M.2 socket (Key E), supports WiFi / BT module type 2230 and Intel ® CNVi (Integrated WiFi / BT)
Storage
2 x 6.0 Gb / s SATA3 connectors
2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb / s connectors
Connectors
1 x COM Header port
1 x chassis intrusion and speaker header
1 x processor fan connector (3-pin)
1 x fan connector box (3-pin)
1 x ATX 24 pin power connector
1 x audio front panel connector
2 x USB 2.0 heads (Support 3 USB 2.0 ports)
1 x USB 3.1 Gen1 head (supports 2 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports)
Rear panel Input / output
1 x PS / 2 mouse port
1 x PS / 2 keyboard port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x DVI-D port
1 x HDMI port
1 x Optical output port SPDIF
2 x USB 2.0 ports
2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports
1 x port with RJ-45 LAN LED (Activation / connection and speed LEDs)
HD Audio connectors: Rear speaker / Center / Bass / line input / Front Speaker / Microphone
Format
Mini-ITX format: 17 cm x 17 cm

It is estimated that the retail price of this plate will be about 200 or 250 dollars.