Companies keep on releasing new Intel Processor N100 mini PCs, and the latest one is the MINIX Z100-0dB fanless mini PC with support for 2.5GbE and WiFi 6 networking, and dual display setups through two HDMI ports.
The mini PC is said to support up to 32GB RAM, ships with up to 512GB NVMe SSD, and comes with the usual USB 3.2/2.0 ports, microSD card slot, and 3.5mm audio. The “0DB” name comes from the fact that it is a fanless system as shown on the top of the top device with the string “ZERO dB Cooling System”.
MINIX Z100-0dB specifications:
- SoC – Intel Processor N100 quad-core Alder Lake-N processor @ up to 3.4 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel HD graphics @ 750 MHz; TDP: 6W
- System Memory – 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB DDDR4-3200, upgradable to 32GB
- Storage
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe Gen3 x4), upgradable up to 4TB
- MicroSD card slot
- Video Output
- 2x HDMI 2.0 ports up to 4Kp60
- Up to 2x independent displays supported
- Audio – 3.5mm headphone+mic jack, digital audio output via HDMI
- Connectivity
- 2.5GbE RJ45 port
- Dual-band 802.11b/g/n/ac/ax WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 with two high-gain external antennas
- USB – 2x USB 3.2 ports (10 Gbps), 1x USB 3.2 (10 Gbps) Type-C port for data only, 2x USB 2.0 ports
- Misc
- Power Button
- CMOS reset pinhole
- Kensington lock slot
- BIOS with support for Wake on LAN, Auto Power on, and RTC wake-up
- Power Supply – 12V to 19V DC jack (12V/3A power supply provided)
- Dimensions – 12.3 x 12 x 4.6 cm
- Weight – 1.3 kg (Is that correct? That seems too much, although the enclosure is made of aluminum and galvanized steel)
The Mini PC comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, and ships with a 12V/3A power adapter, an HDMI cable, a VESA mount, and two WiFi antennas. We hadn’t heard about MINIX for a while, but we reviewed several of their mini PCs in the past, and they provide solid devices albeit usually at a higher price than competitors.
While the MINIX Z100-0dB is said to ship with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, only the model with 8GB RAM and a 256GB NVME SSD is available on GeekBuying for $285.56 including shipping right now, although the coupon NNNMNZ10DB lowers that to $243.10… I don’t see the mini PC on the manufacturer’s website yet, so it might be an early release.
Via AndroidPC.es
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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Good ports, has the SMA antennas, and the 2.5 GbE some were looking for. Lacks USB-C DisplayPort and the price is high. Could use a second USB-C port.
What is the power consumption in idle and in full load? I’d like to compare it with ARM SBCs like Raspberry Pi.
Every system is a little different, but for reference, the Beelink EQ12 is another Intel N100 mini PC and we have power consumption numbers for it.
The MINIX X100-0DB is fanless so it will consume a little less under load since it does not have to power the fan. Small fans typically consume around 1W.
MINIX told me 9W idle and 20W under load. But the idle value seems a little high and I don’t know how they tested it.
DDDR4-3200 is a shame.
If they are going to include USB 2.0 ports, put them on the front, where controllers/mice/keyboards are more likely to be utilised, where wireless dongles benefit from more line of sight operation.
Even the discount price for the 8Gb/256Gb model is rather high.
Minix has only minor brand name recognition, so brand name style pricing is not likely to be that successful.
The fanless design does have appeal, assuming that it actually works.
I glossed over the DDR4-3200, that’s a hit to performance.
Generally permanent cables such as keyboard and mouse are connected to the back, as on the front they’re really annoying. However what you want in front is to connect USB sticks, and that’s a good choice that they’ve placed USB3 on the front. Thus on the opposite I find the ports arrangements extremely relevant to the vast majority of use cases.