Question 1

Does it has a DVD drive incorporate?
The specification is missing to say anything about optical drive.

That is the meaning of Barebone (just without operating system)?

Accepted Answer

The unit DOES come with a DVD drive.  Windows Device Manager lists it as "Slimtype DVD A DL8A4SH".  Note that this is NOT a Blu-Ray drive.

By "barebone" they mean that the customer must supply mouse, keyboard, monitor, OS, and any upgrades to the unit.  In my case, I added Windows 8.1, mouse, keybd, Samsung monitor, Hauppage WinTV-HVR-950 USB TV tuner, and upgraded the memory to the full 16GB, and replaced the HDD with a Samsung EVO SSD.  I was unable to find a suitable Blu-Ray drive, but the included DVD drive works well.

It is a sweet little unit which my wife uses constantly in the kitchen for picture viewing, email, audiobooks, music, occasional DVDs, TV viewing and recording.  It may be the most used pc in the house!

Very fast, very quiet, very well made.  You will not regret the investment!

Question 2

Is the DVD drive a writable drive (R/W) or just a read-only DVD ROM drive?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is but VERY fussy about media, and many times does not recognize blank or data discs until after several tries. Also, for what it has in it (mine has 16GB RAM) it is slow, very slow!

Question 3

I see on Asrock website that the VisionX series is blue ray and 3D compatible. I do not see that within he specs for this product listed here. Is it compatible?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is, but technically it's not.  It's not coming out of the box.  One has to go inside and replace the slim line combo drive with a slim line blu ray drive.  The Philips Lite-on 4X Blu-ray Reader + Super-MultiDrive DVD/DVD DL/CDRW- SATA Internal is the best one for this unit.  If you are used to working on computers, it's a snap.  However, if not, you may find this task too much trouble.
Yes, ASRock should have put a blu ray drive in it at the factory!

Question 4

Does it play Blu-ray?

Accepted Answer

Without bothering to check the ASRock for compatible Blu-Ray OOD I purchased a Panasonic 12.7mm UJ-265. It comes with a plastic bezel with the eject button on the far left. This case comes with the eject to the right of center. I believe the bezel will remove fairly easily but would like to have an active eject button even though I could always use the Windows Explorer to eject.

Since then I've discovered that ASRock has an OOD compatibility list that indicates Liteon DS-6E2SH will work and the images appear to show the eject button in the proper location.

Haven't decided yet if I will just go with the Panasonic BD Writer or return the unit and buy the pricier Liteon BD ROM. I'll never write a BD anyway so I'm on the fence.

Has anyone out there used a Panasonic in one of these ASRock VisionX units?

Question 5

want to install mSATA SDD and 8GBX2 memory upgrade.  What are specific, compatible products for this?

Accepted Answer

Any mSata will do...I used crucial's with no issues...I usually stay away from ADATA.  I have 16GB of Ram as well and I used GeIL as I found that I could run the memory at 1866Mhz, CL9, v1.35 on auto.

Question 6

What Windows does this come with?

Accepted Answer

No operating system was included; as a buyer, you need to obtain and install an operating system.

Question 7

What brad of blue-ray burner is compatible with this unit?

Accepted Answer

My apologies. I thought this was about the ECS LIVA. I have no idea why I got questions for other products when I was answering them for the LIVA. That is not a good system. Ignore my answer please.

Question 8

It's listed as "Barebone".  What parts are NOT included that I must install myself to have a running PC?  CPU, RAM, ODD, HDD, etc.?

Accepted Answer

you just need to have your own operating system

Question 9

what operating system does this unit come installed with?

Accepted Answer

None included.  Supports windows 7 and 8.

Question 10

Does the DVI included support analog signal output via DVI-I to VGA adaptor?

Accepted Answer

I utilize the VisionX as a HTPC, use the HDMI output and can not speak to the specifics of the DVI. I will say that after replacing the DVD drive with a Blu-ray drive, the video from the AMD Radeon on a 70" display is superb. I have been pleased with the VisionX as a Home Theater PC.

Perhaps you may find the info you desire on the ASRock website or some of the online forums.

Questions & Answers