As shared by a Twitter user, ASRock has created a new accessory for PC builders that lets you convert or turn your PC chassis’ side panel into an LCD monitor. The gadget is a 13.3’ side panel kit that has been designed to be tapped to the inside of your see-through side panel, providing the users an extra display for monitoring system resources and temperatures or being used as a secondary monitor altogether. 

The screen is a 16:9 aspect ratio 1080P IPS 60Hz display, that measures around 13.3 inches diagonally. This screen is similar to a laptop display. It uses a similar connection method to laptops, featuring an embedded DisplayPort (eDP) connector. 

But this can be a problem for most PC users. The connector was actually designed solely for mobile, and embedded PC solutions, which means the connector is not available on standard desktop motherboards or graphics cards. 

As an outcome of this, only ASRock motherboards are seen supporting the side panel, and just a few models at best, have less than ten motherboards featuring the eDP connector. The list consists of the motherboards namely: Z790 LiveMixer, Z790 Pro RS/D4, Z790M-ITX WiFi, Z790 Pro Steel Legend WiFi, Z790 PG Lightning, Z790 Pro RS, Z790 PG Lightning/D4, H610M-ITX/eDP, and B650E PG-ITX WiFi. 

Unfortunately, adapters are not a solution either since eDP to DP (or any other display output) adapters do not exist today. Moreover, creating an adapter is really a problem as eDP runs both powers as well as video signals via a single cable. 

It is a shame that this accessory won’t gain mainstream popularity because of these compatibility issues. But for some of the users with the correct motherboard, this side panel kit can give a full secondary monitor that takes up no extra space on your desk. The only thing you need to give away is blocking all the shiny RGB lighting inside your chassis.