Some mini PCs and firewall/network appliances are starting to show up with the Intel Processor U300/U300E penta-core CPU on Aliexpress and Amazon. It looks to be a 15W entry-level part for the 13th Gen Raptor Lake processor that may provide a more powerful and slightly more expensive alternative to the popular Alder Lake-N Processor and Core i3-N305 SoCs.
The Processor U300 offers one Performance core clocked at 1.10 GHz to 4.30 GHz (Turbo) and four Efficiency cores clocked at up to 3.20 GHz, with the embedded part (U300E) handling slightly lower max frequencies for a wider operating temperature range. As usual, the Performance core supports multi-threading, so the Processor U300 supports six threads. Intel Ark shows it can support up to 96GB DDR5-5200 RAM, embeds a 48EU Intel UHD Graphics capable of driving up to four independent displays, and offers 20 lanes of PCIe Gen4 (vs 9-lane for Alder Lake-N), as well as Thunderbolt 4 support.
Let’s have a look at the specifications on the HUNSN BJ03 mini PC from the Amazon link to better understand its benefits:
- SoC – Intel Processor U300
- Penta-core/6-thread Raptor Lake CPU with one P-core @ 1.10 GHz / 4.40 GHz (Turbo) and four E-cores up to 3.3 GHz with 8MB Cache
- GPU – 48EU Intel UHD Graphics up to 1.10 GHz
- Package – FCBGA1744 (50x25mm)
- Processor Base Power: 15 W; Maximum Turbo Power: 55 W: Minimum Assured Power: 12 W
- System Memory – Up to 64GB (not 96GB?) dual-channel DDR5-5200 via 2x SODIMM slot
- Storage – M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 socket for NVMe SSD
- Video Output
- 2x HDMI 2.0 ports
- 2x DisplayPort via USB-C up to 7680×4320 @ 60 Hz
- Four independent displays support
- Audio – 3.5mm (stereo output+mic) headphone jack
- Networking
- 2.5GbE RJ45 port via Intel i226-V controller
- Optional WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 via M.2 wireless module
- USB
- 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
- 2x USB 3.2 Type-A ports
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports
- Security – TPM 2.0
- Misc
- Power button
- RST pinhole
- “Smart silent fan”
- Power Supply – 12V to 19V via DC jack (12V/5A PSU provided)
- Dimensions – 120 x 112 x 47mm
- Weight – 600 grams
- Temperature Range – Operating: -20°C to 60°C; storage: -40°C~85°C
- Relative Humidity – 5% to 90% non-condensing
The HUNSN BJ03 mini PC ships with a 60W power supply, a power cord, a VESA mount, and a warranty card. The system ships with Windows 11 Pro by default, but the company says Windows 10, Ubuntu, and other Linux distributions are also supported. You can apparently leave a message to let HUNSN install the OS of your choice…
The good thing about the specifications for the BJ03 is that it uses the quad-display output capabilities of the Processor U300 SoC, and offers dual-channel DDR5 which should especially help with 3D graphics performance along with the more powerful iGPU. What’s a bit disappointing is the lack of a Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 port as the Raptor Lake processor should support it according to Intel Ark.
The price/performance ratio is probably not quite as good as the Alder Lake-N models, as the HUNSN BJ03 sells for $473.30 on Amazon with 16GB DDR5 and a 256GB SSD, and I was unable to locate that specific model on Aliexpress. For reference, an Intel Processor U300E-based 2-in-1 mini PC and network appliance with eight 2.5GbE ports starts at $428.99 (barebone) on Aliexpress, but you can lower the price with coupon USAFF50 (US only) as Aliexpress has a promotion for orders over $369. As a side note, the Intel Processor U300E is also an option in the AAEON COM-RAPC6 COM Express module we covered last month, and the U300/U300E processors were launched in Q1 2023, at the same time as most Alder Lake-N processors, but never quite got the same level of adoption or press coverage…
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.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
I’m surprised we haven’t seen more use of the 2+8 Alder/Raptor dies. I guess Intel is keeping them relatively expensive as they chase higher margins. The ubiquitous quad-core Alder Lake-N products are using a gimped version of a “tiny” die. Half the cores disabled, and only 16-24 of the 32 EUs except for the N200. Even the worst 2+8 Alder/Raptor Lake-U dies have a minimum of 48 EUs, as well as dual-channel memory. These bottom-of-the-barrel pentacores could be outperformed slightly in multi-threading by the i3-N305, but with much better single-thread/core performance from the P-core. Then above the pentacores you have… Read more »
I already find the models based on the U300 penta-core processor a bit expensive. I’d expect them to cost more than Alder Lake-N models, but it would be much more popular with mini PCs in the $350 price range. With complete systems at over $450, it competes against some AMD/Intel octa-core systems like the GEEKOM A5 ($399, or even a bit lower with coupons).
It’s overpriced normally. The prices will settle over few months. At least this is viable homelab host with 2 mem slots.
Why bother with this when you can get ryzen 5700u 16GB/256GB for $246?