more models good and different

We often write about miniature PCs that take up a minimum of desktop space. But they bring maximum benefit, since devices of this format are very different, from productive models capable of working with media content to specific devices like network devices. At CES 2023, manufacturers have introduced several new interesting models that are worth talking about.

ASRock NUC Box and NUCS Box (Intel Raptor Lake-P)

These are the latest representatives of the ASRock NUC Box lineup. Inside is a 13th generation Intel Core i5 or Core i7 P-series processor. Device case size is 110 x 117.5 x 38 mm (SSD only model) or 110 x 117.5 x 47.9 mm (HDD model).

Several configurations are available for each model. However, all versions support up to 64GB of RAM, PCIe Gen 4, multi-display, and 2.5 GbE Ethernet.

The weight of the devices is less than 1 kg, and the case is made of metal with plastic parts. Devices can be mounted to the wall, table, back of the monitor. As for graphics, all models are equipped with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics and can work with 4 displays at the same time.

Manufacturers have not said anything about the cost yet.

Asus ExpertCenter PN64-E1 (Intel Raptor Lake)

A fairly productive device with an active cooling system – precisely because the system is powerful. The developers said that the device will be based on the 13th generation Intel Core processor. It also supports up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM, plus 2 PCIe 4.0 SSDs.

The model has two Thunderbolt ports, two HDMI ports, DisplayPort. Four 4K displays can be connected.

List of ports and connectors:

2x Thunderbolt

2 x HDMI

1 x Display Port

1 x Ethernet

5 x USB 3.0 Type-A

1 x 3.5mm audio

Unfortunately no more information is available. The only other thing the manufacturers have said is that the mini PC will be released in the first quarter of 2023.

Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 (Intel Raptor Lake-H)

And this is a mini-PC from the Chinese company Lenovo, and this particular model is likely to be available in Russia. The body size is 7.2″ x 7″ x 1.4″. It’s not exactly a miniature device, but it’s still smaller than traditional desktop PCs.

The system is based on an Intel Core i5 processor, so the mini-PC is quite powerful. Supports up to 32 GB of RAM. List of ports and connectors:

1 x HDMI 2.1

1 x Display Port

1 x Ethernet

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A

2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A

2 x USB 2.0 Type-A

1 x 3.5mm audio

The device will be equipped with a wireless communication module WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.

MSI Cubi N ADL (Intel Alder Lake-N)

According to the developers, this mini-PC will fit in the palm of an adult, it is so small. In general, it can be carried in a pocket, connecting, for example, to peripherals in the home and office. Well, you can fix it on the back of the monitor and use it as a desktop PC without transportation.

The system will be based on Intel Processor N200 or N100 chips. Unfortunately, there is only one SODIMM slot for RAM. But there is a slot for an M.2 SSD and a hard drive. List of ports and connectors:

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort)

2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A

The device will also receive a wireless communication module with support for modern protocols. These will be Intel Wireless AC 3168 or 9462 modules.

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