GMK has expanded its lineup of mini PCs with the introduction of the NucBox G2 and NucBox G3. Both models are powered by the energy-efficient 6-watt Intel Processor N100 chip, offering a budget-friendly option for those interested in compact computing.

The NucBox G2 features a palm-sized design measuring just 3.4″ x 3.4″ x 1.6″. Despite its small size, it offers a robust set of ports, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, three USB-A ports, an audio jack, and a USB-C port for power. However, it does have some limitations, such as non-upgradeable LPDDR5 memory and an M.2 2242 slot for SATA storage instead of the larger M.2 2280 slot for NVMe storage.

The NucBox G2 is available in various configurations, including a model with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $190. Additionally, it can be purchased from Amazon, with a 12GB/18GB model priced at $153.

On the other hand, the NucBox G3 boasts a slightly larger form factor, measuring 4.5″ x 4.2″ x 1.7″. It offers DDR4 memory and an M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD. However, it has fewer video outputs and only a single Ethernet jack. The NucBox G3 is available on Amazon, with prices starting at $180 for an 8GB/128GB configuration.

Here are the specifications for both models:

GMK NucBox G2

• CPU: Intel N100, 4-cores/4-threads, up to 3.5 GHz, 6-25 watts
• Graphics: Intel UHD, 24 execution units, up to 750 MHz
• RAM: LPDDR5-4800
• Storage: M.2 2242 SATA SSD
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x Gigabit Ethernet, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x 3.5mm audio, 1 x Type-C (12V/3A power input only)
• Wireless: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
• Dimensions: 3.4″ x 3.4″ x 1.6″

GMK NucBox G3

• CPU: Intel N100, 4-cores/4-threads, up to 3.5 GHz, 6-25 watts
• Graphics: Intel UHD, 24 execution units, up to 750 MHz
• RAM: DDR4
• Storage: M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 NVMe
• Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB-C, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x 3.5mm audio, 1 x DC power input
• Wireless: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
• Dimensions: 4.5″ x 4.2″ x 1.7″

Overall, the GMK NucBox G2 and G3 offer affordable options for those in need of a compact and versatile mini PC. With their energy-efficient processors and various port options, these devices cater to the needs of users interested in servers, Linux, DevOps, and home labs.

Source: Liliputing.

Simply NUC has introduced the Zircon, a new compact desktop computer that is not only one of the company’s cheapest offerings but also a highly configurable option. Priced at $199 and up, the Zircon is equipped with a 15-watt Intel N95 quad-core Alder Lake-N processor, support for up to three 4K displays, and a 2.5 GbE Ethernet port.

The Zircon stands out among other mini PCs with Alder Lake-N chips due to its SO-DIMM slot that supports DDR4-3200 memory. The base model, priced at $199, comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SATA SSD, but both of these can be upgraded. The system can support up to 32GB of RAM and includes an M.2 2280 slot for PCIe Gen 3 NVMe or SATA solid-state drives, as well as a 2.5-inch bay for a hard drive or SSD.

In terms of connectivity, the Zircon features an Intel AC7265 wireless card that supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. The system has a variety of ports, including 2 HDMI 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 2.5 GbE Ethernet (Intel i225-V), 1 3.5mm headset jack, and 1 microSD card reader.

Overall, the Simply NUC Zircon offers a compelling option for those seeking a mini PC with a QuickSync enabled processor and 2.5 GbE Ethernet interface, making it suitable for applications such as media servers.

Source: Liliputing.

The PALMSHELL NeXT H2 is an affordable micro server and single-board computer (SBC) powered by an AMD Ryzen Embedded R1505G processor. It offers impressive networking capabilities with two 10GbE SFP+ cages and one 2.5GbE RJ45 port. The system also supports up to 32GB of RAM and has storage options including an M.2 NVMe SSD and two SATA drives. It features wireless connectivity options such as WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and the possibility of adding a 4G LTE or 5G module. These network features make it an interesting option for various homelab uses. Theoretically, the device could support ECC memory as the Ryzen Embedded R1505G has such support, but this is not mentioned in the specifications for the NeXT H2 specifications, although it is mentioned in the specifications for the CPU. It should be noted that such support also depends on motherboard and firmware, not just on the CPU.

The system is equipped with a customized copper heatsink and a 3000 RPM PWM speed control fan for efficient cooling. It can be powered by a 12V to 19V DC power supply. The PALMSHELL NeXT H2 is designed to support multiple operating systems, including Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Fedora, Debian, OpenWrt, Windows, pfSense, and ROS.

The SBC without memory, storage, or wireless connectivity starts at $199. The barebone model with a metal enclosure is priced at $249. Two models with 8GB RAM/256GB SSD and 16GB/512GB configurations, along with the Intel AX210NGW WiFi 6E/BT 5.2 module, are available for $299 and $349, respectively. Power supply is not included with any of the options.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Liliputing reports that the ACEMAGIC S1 mini PC is now available for pre-order. This small desktop computer features an Intel Processor N95 (Alder Lake-N) chip, 16GB of RAM, dual HDMI ports, and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports. One of the standout features of the ACEMAGIC S1 is the small LCD display on the front of the case, which can be used to display computer status information or function as a digital clock. The computer’s ports include two Gigabit Ethernet ports, two HDMI ports, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, a 3.5mm audio (aux) port, and a DC power input. The ACEMAGIC S1 is available for pre-order now, with an expected delivery date of October 1, 2023. The two Gigabit Ethernet ports could make it an interesting option for various server and network use cases.

Source: Liliputing.

Liliputing reports on the ZX05 mini PC, a compact computer that measures just 145 x 62 x 20mm (5.7″ x 2.4″ x 0.8″), making it small enough to fit in a pocket. Despite its size, it is a full-fledged computer with a 6-watt Intel Alder Lake-N processor and 12GB of RAM. It is currently available from AliExpress for $150 and up.

The starting price includes a model with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM soldered to the mainboard, but no storage or operating system. However, users can provide their own storage through the computer’s M.2 2280 slot with support for a PCIe NVMe SSD. Alternatively, there are options to purchase models that come with an SSD, with prices ranging from $160 for a 128GB SSD to $200 for a 1TB model. While a spec sheet on the product page suggests that the computer may be available with optional Intel Processor N200, Core i3-N300, or Core i3-N305 Alder Lake-N processors, and up to 16GB of RAM, these configurations are not currently available for purchase.

In terms of ports, all versions of the ZX05 mini PC include 2 x HDMI, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x 3.5mm audio, and 1 x USB Type-C for power input. The system also features an Intel AX201 wireless card with support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, as well as a CR2032 battery for a real-time clock.

This compact computer could be an interesting choice as a server paired with an NVMe SSD, as an x86_64 alternative to the Raspberry Pi for example, albeit without any GPIO and similar features.

Source: Liliputing.

Liliputing reports that Zotac has released two new ultra-thin PCs, the ZBOX Edge MI648 and MI668, both equipped with Raptor Lake-P chips. The ZBOX Edge MI668 is a compact computer measuring 149.5 x 149.5 x 28.5mm and features a 28-watt Intel Core i7-1360P processor with support for up to 64GB of DDR5 memory. The ZBOX Edge MI648, on the other hand, comes with an Intel Core i5-1340P processor and offers similar features.

Both models include two SODIMM slots for DDR5 5200 MHz or 4800 MHz memory and two M.2 slots for storage. The ports available on the PCs include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C, 2x Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The computers feature a fan for active cooling, but the chassis has a honeycomb-style vent for heat dissipation, making them “whisper quiet.” The 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports could make it interesting for a variety of networking applications.

Zotac has not yet announced pricing and availability details for both models. For those looking for a silent computer, Zotac has also introduced the ZBOX Edge CI343, a fanless PC with an Intel Processor N100 chip, although it offers lower performance compared to the MI648 and MI668 models.

Source: Liliputing.