Mini PCs at Computex 2015: Computing in your pocket
Many ultra-compact mini PCs debuted at Computex 2015, and we've rounded up some of the more interesting ones for you here. As it becomes possible to cram increasingly powerful hardware into smaller devices, the entire computing experience has never been more flexible.
The ASUS VivoMini UN45 utilizes a fanless design for near-silent operation. (Image Source: ASUS)
As processors and SoCs become ever more compact and powerful, it’s become possible to cram a computer into a dizzying array of form factors. Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) and Compute Stick are just some examples of the myriad possibilities out there.
Plenty other manufacturers are looking to enter the market of mini PCs and get a slice of the mobile computing pie. We take a look at a few mini PCs unveiled at Computex 2015.
ASRock
The ASRock Beebox is available in black, white and gold. It's also the only mini PC here to feature support for a Type-C USB 3.0 port. (Image Source: ASRock)
The ASRock Beebox features Intel’s latest Braswell SoCs. This is actually a dual-core Intel Celeron N3000 processor with a base frequency of 1.04GHz and burst frequency of 2.08GHz.
The Beebox is capable of rich multimedia functions like 4K ultra-high definition video playback and HEVC decoding. Thanks to the low thermal design power (TDP) of 4 watts, the N3000 doesn’t require any active cooling, so ASRock has been able to go with a fanless design for super quiet operation.
In addition, the device has a fairly rich selection of ports. The back of the device is adorned with two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort output, two USB 3.0 ports, and one Gigabit Ethernet port. Round the front, there is a headphone jack, an additional USB 3.0 ports, and a USB 3.0 Type-C connector for support for the next-generation of storage connectors.
ASRock is releasing the Beebox in three different configurations – a barebones kit, a full system without OS, and a full system with OS pre-installed. Users will also be able to choose from black, gold, or white models.
ASUS
ASUS also refreshed its line-up of mini PCs with three new VivoPCs and one Chromebox.
At the top of the line-up is the VivoPC VC65, ASUS’ mini PC flagship. And here’s the interesting part, the VC65 is powered by Intel’s sixth-generation Core i Skylake processors, making it among the first to use the as yet unreleased chips.
The ASUS VivoPC VC65 will be among the first to feature sixth-generation Intel Skylake processors. (Image Source: ASUS)
The VivoPC VC65 offers fairly flexible storage options for such a compact PC – it can accommodate up to either two storage drives (both HDDs and SSDs). Furthermore, it supports RAID, allowing it to be used as either a mini-server or NAS device. What’s more, it even comes with an optical disc drive and supports VESA mounting options.
The ASUS VivoMini UN65H and UN45 will feature Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Pro graphics. ASUS didn’t elaborate on which generation of processors they will incorporate, but it’s safe to assume it isn’t Skylake.
ASUS VivoMini UN65H. (Image Source: ASUS)
Both mini PCs will support M.2 SSDs and 2.5-inch hard drives so you’ll have the option to either go for a speedy drive or larger capacity storage. They will both also support the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard.
Chrome OS has made its way into a mini PC as well with the ASUS Chromebox CN62. It is powered by the latest fifth-generation Intel processors and supports VESA mounting options, which means it can be mounted on the back of your monitor or TV to easily turn it into a Chromebook. Users can choose between an Intel Core i7-5500U, Core i3-5010U, or a Celeron 3205U processor, allowing them to choose the level of processing power they think they will need.
It boots up instantly and allows users to run web apps and watch videos in resolutions up to 4K. It's also designed to be extremely quiet and power-efficient, drawing less power than an LED bulb when idle.
ASUS Chromebox CN62. (Image Source: ASUS)
Dell
Dell Inspiron Micro Desktop. (Image Source: Dell)
The Dell Inspiron Micro Desktop is equipped with a complete suite of features, all in an ultra-compact package that fits in your palm. Measuring approximately 13cm by 13cm, the micro desktop is designed to be an unintrusive computing solution for the household.
Users can choose between the latest (Dell didn’t specify if this means Braswell) dual-core Intel Celeron and quad-core Pentium processors with integrated Intel HD graphics. The micro desktop also comes with 2GB of DDR3L RAM and includes a 32GB SSD for fast boot times and speedy access to data.
Display connectivity is handled by HDMI and DisplayPort connectors, which also allows users to connect multiple displays for a rich entertainment experience. In addition, it comes with four USB ports and a 3-in-1 SD card reader for more convenient access to SD cards. To cap it all off, there’s of course a Gigabit LAN port and support for Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
The Inspiron Micro Desktop is already available in the US, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East regions and on Dell’s website at US$179.99.
Zotac
The Zotac ZBox CI521 nano incorporates Intel’s new Broadwell Core M-5Y10C processor, 8GB of LPDDR3 memory and a passively cooled, fanless design for quiet operation. In addition, there is support for both M.2 and 2.5-inch SSDs or hard drives, offering greater flexibility to users who require either fast storage or higher capacities.
The Zotac ZBox CI521 nano Plus features a unique, honeycomb design. (Image Source: Zotac)
The ZBox CI521 nano also has fully featured connectivity options in the form of dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, Bluetooth 4.0 and the 802.11ac wireless standard. Two USB 3.0 ports adorn its front, with two more USB 2.0 ports at its rear. Display connectivity options include one HDMI 1.4 port and a second DisplayPort 1.2 output.
In addition, it can accomodate an M.2 SSD and a single 2.5-inch drive. Zotac is also releasing a Plus version, which will ship with a 60GB M.2 SSD.
Furthermore, the R- and E-series models are also equipped with Intel’s fifth-generation Broadwell chips. The R-series mini PCs consist of models like the ZBox RI323 and RI531, the standout feature being that they support two 2.5-inch drives in either RAID 0 or RAID 1 configurations. According to Zotac, they could serve as personal cloud storage devices, function as embedded units in a vast array of machinery and electronic devices, or even act as a controller and data transfer device.
Zotac's ZBox RI531 Plus isn't quite as sleek looking as the offerings from other brands, looking more like a router than a mini PC. (Image Source: Zotac)
The E-series models like the EN960 and EN970 are gaming-oriented ultra-compact PCs, which does sound a little incongruous to begin with. They will feature Intel Core i5-5200U processors and discrete mobile GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M and 970M.
The Zotac EN960 features a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics card for gaming. (Image Source: Tom's Hardware)
Finally, Zotac also released the MA760 mini PC, designed expressly as a multi-display device. It uses an AMD FX-7600 APU, which means it can support up to four displays with Eyefinity, quite a feat for such a small PC. It also accommodates up to 16GB of RAM, and comes with four USB 3.0 ports and a 3-in-1 SD card reader.
The ZBox MA760 Plus was designed to support multiple displays with AMD's FX-7600 APU. (Image Source: Zotac)
In addition to the usual wireless connectivity options, the MA760 can take 2.5-inch SSDs and HDDs. There’s also a Plus version for the MA760 that comes with a 500GB hard drive.
Source: ASRock, ASUS, Dell, Zotac
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