Ninkear N9 is an inexpensive mini PC powered by an Intel Processor N95 quad-core Alder Lake-N processor that sells for just around $123 shipped on AliExpress with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. European readers will also find it on GeekBuying for 149 Euros shipping from the company’s European warehouse.
The mini PC supports three independent displays through HDMI, DP, and USB-C connectors, comes with a 3.5mm audio jack, offers gigabit Ethernet and WiFi 5 connectivity, and four USB 3.0 ports for expansion.
Ninkear N9 specifications:
- SoC – Intel Processor N95 quad-core Alder Lake N-series processor @ up to 1.10 GHz / 3.4 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 16EU Intel HD graphics @ 1.20 GHz; TDP: 12W
- System Memory – 8GB DDR4
- Storage – 256GB M.2 SSD (Unclear whether SATA or NVMe)
- Video Output
- HDMI port up to 4Kp60
- DisplayPort connector up to 8Kp60
- USB-C via DisplayPort Alt mode up to 8Kp60
- Triple independent display support
- Audio – 3.5mm headphone+mic jack, digital audio output via HDMI and DP ports
- Networking
- Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2
- USB – 4x USB 3.0 ports, 1x USB Type-C port
- Misc
- Power button
- Kensington lock slot
- Power Supply – 12V/2A via DC jack
- Dimensions – 12.8 x 12.8 x 4.5 cm
- Weight – 370 grams
The mini PC ships with Windows 11, but the company claims Ubuntu/Linux is supported. The mini PC is said to ship with a SATA cable, a screw pack, and a user manual. The SATA cable would imply it’s possible to add a 2.5-inch drive, but it’s not listed in the specs, and I don’t see any illustrations or photos to confirm that. There should also be a power adapter, but only with an EU plug from whatever shop it is purchased.
The type of M.2 SSD used is also unclear as the GeekBuying page mentions “256GB SSD SATA storage”, but at the same time we are shown a funny illustration with a weird “8GB DDR4 RAM stick” with and M.2 Key-B connector and a SATA port and a 256GB M.2 Key-M NVMe SSD, namely WD Blue SN550. So at this point, I’d expect no 2.5-inch SATA support and a 256GB M.2 SATA drive to be on the safe side.
![8GB DDR5 SATA NVMe SSD 8GB DDR5 SATA NVMe SSD](https://www.cnx-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/8GB-DDR5-SATA-NVMe-SSD-720x686.webp)
If you are sensitive to fan noise, you may want to avoid it, as one customer left feedback on AliExpress as follows:
Its so loud fan noise and, I have no idea how to change fan speed. I did change all cmos setting but, there was no different. So I just put a resistor of 100 ohm on the fan. Now its quiet enough.
![Mini PC cooling Fan resistor hack Mini PC cooling Fan resistor hack](https://www.cnx-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mini-PC-cooling-Fan-resistor-hack-720x540.webp)
Via AndroidPC.es
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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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I’m going with “AI generated” for that monstrosity
“What is that?” Indeed, that’s bizarre. You’ve got a SATA M.2 socket with a SATA+power plug on it and what appear like an SO-DIMM header. While they show an NVME M.2 SSD next to it.
It’s this thing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CN9WL5W with ‘8GB’ photoshopped onto it.
That makes it even more cursed!
This PC is priced in such a way that it competes directly with the raspberry pi and other SBC’s like it. Not so much the maker community of the Pi, but those that are using SBC’s as desktop devices or even headless servers. The N95 is much faster, its x86, so running software, and keeping it up to date won’t be a pain. This makes it more compelling to purchase a PC like over an SBC of my use case was a server or a desktop replacement.