What's inside a Maibenben pocket computer? Disassembly of the PCJ4 microcomputer that fits in the palm of your hand

I often use mini-computers for various purposes, the latest models reach the performance of mediocre laptops. The benefits of such a “microbe” are noticeably greater than from large desktop PCs, and they take up noticeably less space. Yes, and the cost is more democratic. Modern models are quite quiet, fast and may well meet the needs of the average user in terms of office work and multimedia work. For example, a fresh model Maibenben PCJ4 Mini PC, with disassembly and temperature check under load.

The mini-computer is designed to minimize the space occupied on the desktop, while maintaining the relative performance and overall capabilities for working with office documents and browsing the Internet. The Maibenben PCJ4 mini-computer, despite its compactness, is also quiet, equipped with a number of popular interfaces (USB-C, USB3.0, HDMI, MicroSD), a fast SSD drive and wireless connection to 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. The size of the computer is such that it fits literally in the palm of your hand and fits into your pocket.

Characteristics:
Name: Maibenben PCJ4
Type: Office Mini Computer
Purpose: working with office documents, surfing in a browser, viewing media content
Processor: Intel Celeron J4125
Memory: 8 GB / 128 GB
Video: Intel UHD 600
Power: 12V via Type-C connector
Interfaces: USB3.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm audio
Cooling: active
Dimensions: 62 x 62 x 42 mm
Weight: ~ 100 g.

The Maibenben computer case is slightly smaller than a cigarette pack, contains an Intel J4125 mobile processor, 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD drive. The cooling system is active and implies speed control depending on the temperature and load on the processor.

You can use a microSD card as additional storage and file sharing. The USB-C input is intended to power the computer, the complete power supply has a fixed output of 12 volts with a maximum power of 24 watts. Quite convenient, especially considering the possibility of mobile power supply from external batteries with support for the PD standard and the corresponding trigger.

It is quite convenient to work with a wireless keyboard / mouse set, there are a minimum of wires on the table, and the Maibenben computer itself can be mounted directly behind the monitor, for this a embedded thread is provided on the bottom panel. Both USB 3.0 outputs, HDMI output is intended for connecting a monitor. It is quite convenient to use such a mini-computer as a media center, for example, for a projector, home theater or large TV.

As is the case with other similar mini-computers, it is quite interesting to find out what is inside this model, to check the declared characteristics. The body is made of aluminum profile, the latches are hidden under the rubber pads on the bottom panel.

We shift the case, freeing the main board assembly. Before us is a multilayer structure with WiFi antennas, a drive, a processor board, an interface board.

The Maibenben PCJ4 pocket computer is a sandwich with a dense mounting of several boards. At the very top is a board with peripherals, below is a motherboard with a processor. This is followed by a cooling system with a copper radiator.

Power and video output are located on the bottom board, USB3.0 ports and the drive are on the top. The boards are connected by two wide loops.

The little-known MMY HC128GS6HA7T with 128 GB and an average access speed of ~ 500 MB / s was used as a solid-state drive. As you can see, the popular SM2256 controller from Silicon Motion is used. Since the drive is standard, if desired, you can replace it with a similar one, for example, with an increased volume.

If you unscrew the racks and remove the interface board, you can see a battery designed to store BIOS parameters. On the back of the motherboard there is a dual-band WiFi module with two antennas.

Next to the processor is soldered memory (DDR4 8 GB). The cooling system has a massive (so to speak for a micro-computer) copper heatsink with a fan.

The processor from Intel is a mobile Celeron J4125 with a TDP of 10 W (total). Pretty fresh for office work, handles 4K videos. There are no special problems with disassembly, as well as with reassembly, it is quite possible to carry out periodic dust prevention or replace the thermal interface.

We collect in the reverse order, connect and check. It is quite possible to play if you choose games and graphics settings for the Intel UHD 600 video integrated into the core.

Since the Maibenben PCJ4 is based on the M1T computer platform, the results are at the same level. For example, in the Cinebench R15 test, the result is 224 units and 16 fps, in the Geekbench test, the result is 447/1293 units. The OCCT and Furmark stress tests pass without any hangups, and the active cooling system turns on under load.

Under moderate load (office/browser), the computer heats up slightly above room temperature (~ 28…36 degrees), occasionally turning on the fan based on temperature sensor readings. When running heavy applications and games, the fan turns on for a long time. After a half-hour stress test, the temperature is at the level of 62…68 degrees.

The computer will be of interest to those who do not need the excessive power of desktop PCs or expensive laptops. A fresh model from Maibenben will completely replace the “old men with Avito”. A decent amount of RAM will be enough for graphics and 3D editors. An unusual pocket form factor makes it possible to take such a Computer with you, for example, to the office or to a presentation. That is, you will always have the necessary documents in your pocket, and connecting to a projector or TV via HDMI will not be difficult. Yes, and if desired, the computer will let you play games once or twice. So the Maibenben PCJ4 Mini PC mini-computer is quite an interesting option for its money (~ 11 thousand rubles), which completely covers office tasks, online work, multimedia playback up to 4K.