MINISFORUM is the latest Mini-PC manufacturer to jump on the bandwagon of Intel’s Alder Lake-N processors, ideal for this type of compact, low-cost, low-energy-consuming computer.
The manufacturer sells two different models depending on the processor:
- MINISFORUM Venus UN100 with Intel N100 CPU with 4 cores / 4 threads, frequency up to 3.4 GHz and 6 Mbytes of cache. Its GPU is a 750 MHz Intel UHD with 24 execution units.
- MINISFORUM Venus UN305 with Intel Core i3-N305 CPU with 8 cores / 8 threads, frequency up to 3.8 GHz and 6 Mbytes of cache. Its GPU is a 1.25 GHz Intel UHD with 32 execution units.
Except for the processor, the rest of the features are identical for the two models, based on a metal chassis in a square format and a size of just 12 cm. The amount of base memory is 8 GB LPDDR5 soldered on board and users can choose to increase it to 16 Gbytes. Storage is the responsibility of an M.2 SSD connected to a PCIe port and a 2.5-inch bay for a SATA hard drive or solid-state drive.
The connectivity it is quite good, with what a user expects from a basic Mini-PC and with a variety of ports placed on the back and on the front:
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 2 HDMI outputs
- 1 x USB Type-C (with DisplayPort Alternate Mode)
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1 3.5mm audio jack
- 1 microSD card reader
- 1 DC power input
youalso include a wireless card Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 compatible. Outdated by 2023 standards, but since that card plugs into an M.2 2230 slot on the motherboard, it’ll be easy to upgrade in the future. Finally, say thatThese compacts can feed content to up to three displays simultaneously using the HDMI ports and the USB-C port at the same time.
The new MINISFORUM Venus with Intel Alder Lake-N processors are now available on their official website. with prices starting from $199. They are also sold for the European market with a price starting at 219 euros with Intel N100 CPU, 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256 Gbyte SSD. A fairly tight price and if you need more you can opt for the Core i3 CPU, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB SSD.
