Currently, one of the most emerging markets within computing are Mini PCs. These really compact computers hide quite powerful and efficient processors. Due to the increase in power and adjusted prices, there are many who choose to buy them and forget about huge hulks.
Obviously we cannot ask these systems for the power of a large computer. While there are tiny PCs that can run games, they are far from enough for Triple A titles. But they can run games like CS:GO, Minecraft, Fortnite, or Dota 2, among other similar games.
A more than interesting proposal
This new ASUS system has as its main striking element its processing. Specifically, it integrates a Intel N100 4 cores and 4 threads that work at a frequency of 3.4 GHz. It integrates a Intel UHD discrete graphics working at 750 MHz. It is very striking that this processor has a consumption of only 6 W, which is very low.
In addition, this processor supports up to 16GB of RAM in DDR4, DDR5 and LPDDR5 format. It is not a large amount that is supported, but for browsing and office automation, as well as multimedia, it is more than enough.
Based on the performance data we have, this processor is not bad at all. They show you have a performance similar to Intel Core i3-9100 launched in the second quarter of 2019. One of the peculiarities of this processor is that it consumed 65 W, about 11 times more than the N100. Efficiency has been greatly improved, as we can see.
As standard this system comes without RAM and no storage unit. We can install, as we have said, up to 16 GB DDR4 and up to a 2 TB SSD. More or less, we can install 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD for around 100-120 euros, depending on the model.
It has great connectivity this compact computer. Specifically, it has four USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and three USB 2.0 ports, as well as one HDMI and one DisplayPort 1.4. It also integrates two 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports and, as usual, WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5. It integrates an infrared sensor on the front to be used by remote control.
Note that this PN42 will have variable connectivity. There are variants with a DisplayPort, USB-C, HDMI, VGA and Serial port, so we will have to look at the specifications.
ASUS PN42 price and availability
We do not have an official release date for this new Mini PC, but it should not be long in coming. ASUS has listed the PN42 with a starting price of $270, which is available to pre-order now. This model has 4 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 128 GB M.2 SSD, being a very basic configuration.
On the other hand, one store has listed it without RAM and without SSD for $220. As we said, for around 100-120 euros more you can have 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. The ASUS setup is therefore unappealing.
