We’ve covered several Intel Processor N100 mini PC, mostly from smaller Chinese companies with models such as the Morefine M9, the ZX01 Plus/Topton M6S, or the Beelink EQ12 which we reviewed with Windows 11, TrueNAS, pfSense, Ubuntu, etc…
But if you prefer to rely on more established brands, the MSI Cubi N ADL is an option for $289 on Amazon with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, or the ASUS ExpertCenter PN42 fanless Intel N100 mini PC which is now listed for pre-order on B&H for $220 and up.
ASUS ExperCenter PN42 specifications:
- SoC – Intel Processor N100 quad-core Alder Lake-N processor @ up to 3.4 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel HD graphics; TDP: 6W
- System Memory – Up to 16GB single-channel DDR4 3200MHz memory via one SO-DIMM socket
- Storage – 1x M.2 22080 PCIe 3.0 x4 socket for NVMe SSD
- Video Output
- HDMI
- DisplayPort 1.4 up to 4Kp60
- Configurable port with extra DP 1.4 port, VGA connector, or USB-C port (DP 1.2 Alt Mode)
- Support for up to three independent displays (depending on configurable port option)
- Audio – 3.5mm headphone jack, 3.5mm microphone input jack, digital audio output via HDMI or DisplayPort
- Networking
- 2x 2.5GbE Ethernet RJ45 ports
- WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2
- USB – 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 3x USB 2.0 Type-A ports; USB-C port via configurable port option
- Serial – Optional COM port (DB9) via configurable port option
- Misc – Power button, infrared receiver, Kensington lock slot, pad-lock
- Power Adapter – 65W with power barrel
- Dimensions – 172.5 x 132 x 57.7 mm
- Weight – 840 grams
- Temperature Range – 0 to 50°C
- Humidity – 0 to 95%
- Certifications – BSMI, CB, CE, FCC, UL, CCC, ENERGY STAR, C-Tick, VCCI
B&H is taking pre-orders for four different models, namely three barebones with either a COM port, a USB-C port, or a DisplayPort 1.4 installed in the “configurable port” location, and one system with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage preloaded with Windows 11 Pro that sells for $270. But there are more options since the bottom left connector can also be an extra HDMI connector or a VGA port as explained on the product page on the ASUS website. The product page also reveals the PN42 mini PC will also be sold with an Intel Processor N200 Alder Lake-N SoC, and it does show up on Amazon Germany as “currently unavailable”.
Via Liliputing
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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DDR4 3200MHz seems to be a potential bottleneck.
From reviews that I have seen, DDR5 4800 MHz does show a noticeable boost in performance.
> From reviews that I have seen, DDR5 4800 MHz does show a noticeable boost in performance.
Which reviews and in which area those reviewers felt a performance boost? Since when measuring asides little higher memory bandwidth not a lot happens comparing DDR4 (3200MT/s) and DDR5 (4800MT/s): https://github.com/ThomasKaiser/sbc-bench/issues/63#issuecomment-1540974562
Perhaps it’d show in Stockfish.
A variety of reviews on YouTube where retro gaming performance in particular was highlighted. Frame rates were higher when DDR5 was used, which in some ways helps to compensate for the single channel RAM.
> A variety of reviews on YouTube
Can you link at least to one video (exact timestamp for the claim preferred) where DDR4 and DDR5 are compared side-by-side with otherwise identical settings?
I like that case design, in the video they claim it is PASSIV without Fan, does somebody know how much Power this Intel Hardware has at MAX?
For 2024, I will buy something like this with the newest “AMD Hawk Point (Phoenix Refresh with Zen 4 Cores & RDNA 3.5 GPUs) in the U/HS Version“
I hope Asus will read this.
Well interestingly there’s no PL1 to be found anywhere. Seems like this one is really fixed to 6W. How odd nowadays!
Still, what makes you believe you can buy a Phoenix-R next year. Currently even the 1st gen Phoenix are only anounced and I’d be really surprised if you can buy a mini PC anytime before Christmas. I totally agree Phoenix or even Phoenix-R in a mini PC would be great, but I don’t see that happen very soon.
Of course referring to the U versions. With the HS you could also sit next to a hair dryer with anything above idle.