Minitbox Mini is a low power mini PC based on Compulab Fitlet-i computer powered by AMD A4 Micro-6400T “Mullins” processor and running Linux Mint that was launched in 2015. There’s now an upgraded model – Mintbox Mini Pro – with a more powerful AMD A10 Micro-6700T, more RAM and storage with 8GB DDR3 and a 120 GB SSD, and faster and better networking thanks to 802.11ac WiFI, and dual Gigabit Ethernet.
Mintbox Mini Pro specifications:
- SoC – AMD A10 Micro-6700T 64 bit quad-core processor up to 1.2 GHz / 2.2 GHz (Boost frequency) with Radeon R6 Graphics (4.5W TDP)
- System Memory – 8 GB DDR3L-1333 SDRAM (SODIMM module)
- Storage – 120GB mSATA (SATA 3.0) SSD, and micro-SD slot (SDXC support, rate 25 MB/s)
- Video Output – Dual HDMI 1.4a up to 1920×1200@60Hz; support two independent displays
- Audio I/O
- Output – HDMI, digital S/PDIF 7.1+2 channels output, 3.5 mm stereo audio jack
- Input – Digital S/PDIF input, 3.5mm audio microphone jack
- Codec – Realtek ALC886
- Connectivity – 2x Gigabit Ethernet (Intel I211), 802.11ac Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz dual band Intel 7260HMW) + Bluetooth 4.0
- Cellular – Support for mobile data communication with on-board 6-pin micro-SIM socket
- USB – 2x USB 3.0 + 4x USB 2.0 including one USB 2.0/eSATA combo port.
- Expansion – miniPCIe (normally used for WLAN); mSATA socket (used by SSD)
- Other I/Os – RS232 mini serial connector
- Power Supply – Unregulated 10 to 15V DC; 12V/3A power supply included
- Power Consumption – 4.5 to 10.5 Watts
- Dimensions – 10.8 cm x 8.3 cm x 2.4 cm
- Weight – 250g
- Temperature Range – Commercial: 0°C to 70°C; Extended: -20°C to 70°C; Industrial: -40°C to 70°C
The mini PC is pre-loaded with Linux Mint 18 Cinnamon 64-bit, but in case you’d change your mind, it also supports Windows 7/8/10, other 32-bit and 64-bit Linux distributions, and unnamed 32-bit and 64-bit Embedded OS.
The device ships with the power supply, an HDMI to DVI adapter, a 3.5mm audio jack to to RCA cable, two WiFi antennas, a mini-serial to DB9-male adapter cable, and the mSATA heatsink.
The company also published a comparison table showing the differences between Mintbox Mini and Mintbox Mini Pro.
| Mintbox Mini | Mintbox Mini Pro | |
| SSD mSATA | 64GB | 120GB |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Chipset | A4-Micro 6400T | A10-Micro 6700T |
| Graphics | Dual HDMI – Radeon R3 | Dual HDMI – Radeon R6 |
| Ethernet | Gbe | Dual Gbe |
| Wifi | 802.11n dongle | Dual-band 802.11ac mini-PCIe |
| Bluetooth | None | 4.0 |
| Price | $295 | $395 |
You’ll find a more detailed comparison here.
Since AMD Mullins processor are not quite as common as Intel Cherry Trail/Braswell processors, it might be interesting to compare AMD-A10-Micro-6700T to a better known processor, and I’ve done so by pitting it against Intel Celeron N3150 Braswell processor found in mini PCs such as MINIX NGC-1.
Based on GeekBench 3 results, multi-core performance is about the same, but single core performance of A10 Micro-6700T is about 34% faster. CPUBoss also reports that the AMD processor should consume less than the Intel one, as the former is rated 4.5 W TDP against the latter 6W TDP. How much a given mini PC will consume will depend on the overall system design.
Mintbox Mini Pro can be purchased for $395 plus shipping and VAT, and a 5-year warranty on Fit-PC website. You may also be able to find some more info on Mintbox Mini Pro product page.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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