ASRock recently announced a partnership with DesignworksUSA, the creative consultant for the BMW Group. Together the two are working on an ultra compact gaming chassis known as the M8 that is set to debut this week at Computex in Taipei, Taiwan.
Details are still a bit scarce but we do know the case is being built with clear panels designed to show off the hardware within. These panels are held in place with magnets instead of traditional screws for quick access to what's inside.
On the front bezel is a control panel that uses an OLED screen to display various system information like power usage, temperatures, fan speeds and the date / time. Fans can be connected to the control panel and controlled on-the-fly using a knob built into the front of the case.
ASRock's first small form factor PC is designed to lay flat or stand vertically, whichever you choose. BMW says it will look good from any perspective but of course they are just a bit biased. That said, the chassis does look pretty sweet based on the renderings released thus far. We will reserve final judgment until we can see it in person, however.
This isn't the first time that BMW has been involved with helping to create computer components. The automaker collaborated with Thermaltake a few years ago to create the unique-looking Level 10 case. That chassis likely would have had a better following had it not been for the astronomical price tag attached to it.