Colorful releases Micro-ATX motherboard with Intel Core i9-13900HX laptop CPU

Colorful announced a new Micro-ATX motherboard that integrates an Intel Core i9-13900HX, a processor originally designed for high-end laptops. The motherboard, named BATTLE-AX HM770M-K WIFI D5 V20, aims to offer an affordable option for users wanting a powerful PC without high costs. Although intended for laptops, the CPU has been modified with a copper encapsulation to improve thermal performance and compatibility in a desktop environment.

The Intel Core i9-13900HX is a 13th Gen Raptor Lake processor with 24 cores, including 8 P-Cores and 16 E-Cores, and 32 threads. It reaches a turbo frequency of 5.40 GHz and has a base TDP of 55W, scaling up to 157W in turbo mode. In single-core performance, it is comparable to a Ryzen 9 7900 or an i7-13700K, and in multi-core tasks, it rivals a Ryzen 9 7900 or an i9-14900. This makes it a compelling choice for demanding applications and gaming.

The CPU, although designed for laptops, has been modified with a copper encapsulation to improve thermal performance and desktop compatibility.

The motherboard itself is compact and supports DDR5 memory up to 96 GB at 4,800 MT/s, with overclocking reaching 6,400 MT/s. It features a PCI-Express 4.0 x16 slot for the graphics card, two M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for SSDs, and space for a PCI 3.0 x1 expansion card. Connectivity options include USB 3.2, USB 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, 1 Gbps Ethernet, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The absence of a USB-C port might require an additional hub for more connections.

This approach of using mobile CPUs in desktop motherboards reflects a growing trend, especially among Chinese manufacturers and custom builders. It enables reusing laptop chips in compact, cost-effective formats, offering high performance at a lower price point. Colorful's initiative fits into this innovative movement aimed at maximizing hardware reuse and affordability.