CHUWI Herobox
The first stop is a compact unit made by a company that has specialized in these systems. CHUWI has focused on this type of compact computer and the truth is, with great success. Their Mini PCs are sold very easily, due to their great quality/price ratio.
This system is based on the Intel Celeron N5100 processorwhich was launched at the beginning of 2021. It is characterized by being a processor of 4 cores and 4 threads tworking at a base frequency of 1.1 GHz that reaches 2.8 GHz in Boost mode. It integrates a Intel UHD graphics discrete that offers support for 4K video outputs.
Regarding RAM memory, this unit has 8GB LPDDR4, to offer the best possible performance. integrates a 256GB M.2 SATA SSD that we can replace with a drive up to 1TB. Also include space to install a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD.
We jump to connectivity, an important point in any system. It has two USB 3.0 ports and one USB-C on the front, as well as two USB 2.0 on the back. This system integrates an HDMI, a VGA and an Ethernet port. Also offers WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
Among the options on the market, this is one of the best and has a rather elegant design that is different from the rest. If you are interested, you also have this CHUWI Herobox for 147 Euros on Aliexpress (applying coupons)
GK3 PLUS N95
We are now going with another solution, but in this case based on the format introduced by Intel some time ago. GK3 presents us with a more conventional Mini PC with more than interesting features. Above all, the processor of this system stands out and that it comes with Windows 11 installed natively.
We start with the processor, a Intel N95 which was released at the beginning of the year, so it’s a modern and high-performance solution. This processor has 4 cores and 4 threads working at a maximum frequency of 3.4 GHz. This processor is accompanied by a Intel UHD graphics of good quality that supports up to three monitors in 4K resolution.
integrate this system 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, although it can be expanded up to 16 GB. Regarding storage, it has a 256GB M.2 SATA SSD that we can expand up to 1 TB. The truth is that the native capacity is very fair, although for daily use it could be worth it. It also has space for a 2.5-inch SATA storage drive.
Regarding connectivity, on the front it has two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0. In addition, on the back it has a USB 2.0, an HDMI, a VGA, an Ethernet port and a headphone jack. How can it be otherwise, it offers support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.
It seems to us a more than interesting solution based on a latest generation processor from Intel.
Beelink N5095
The last of the options that has caught our attention is this Mini PC, also with a “conventional” design. Beelink is another of the recognized brands within the sector of these compact size computers. It is a solution with quite good features, although it has a small drawback. Possibly the best thing is the price, since the Beelink N5095 is worth 169 euros on Amazon.
Naturally, we’ll start with the processor, since it uses a Intel Celeron N5095which is from early 2021. This processor has 4 cores and 4 threads working at a base frequency of 2.0 GHz and reaching 2.9 GHz in Boost mode. It is accompanied by a discrete integrated Intel UHD graphics that allows video output, without more.
This system has 8 GB DDR4 SODIMM RAM and we can expand it up to 16 GB. The worst part is the storage as it only offers a 128GB SATA SSD, which is very little. We recommend upgrading to a drive up to 2TB, which is the maximum supported.
Let’s go with the connectivity, which is quite good. It has two USB 3.2 Gen2 on the front and a headphone jack. On the back we have two additional USB 3.2 Gen2, an Ethernet port and two HDMI ports. In addition, it has support for Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth.
We don’t like that it has so little storage to be realistic, but when it comes to connectivity, it’s the most robust of all.