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Mini PC makers have been stuffing high-performance cellular chips into compact desktop computer systems for years. However lately we’ve seen corporations take a considerably stranger method through the use of the identical chips in mini ITX motherboards, permitting customers to construct their very own mini PC.
Why is that bizarre? As a result of mini ITX boards may also assist socketed, desktop-class chips, giving clients a wider alternative of processor choices. That stated, should you’re not planning to improve your processor anytime quickly, the brand new MINISFORUM AR900i mini ITX motherboard packs lots right into a compact house, together with an Intel Core i9-13900HX processor and assist for up as much as 96GB of RAM, 4 SSDs, and discrete graphics.
The board measures 170 x 170mm (about 6.7″ x 6.7″ and options Intel’s 55-watt, 24-core, 32-thread Core i9-13900HX processor, which is soldered in place.
There are two SODIMM slots for DDR5-5600 reminiscence (overclockable as much as 6400 MT/s), 4 M.2 2280 slots with assist for PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage, and a PCIe 5.0 x16 connector for a discrete GPU.
Ports embody:
- 1 x HDMI 2.0
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-C (with DisplayPort Alt Mode)
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-A
- 2 x USB 2.0 Sort-A
- 1 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet
- 1 x 3.5mm audio
Different options embody an M.2 2230 E-Key slot for an elective wi-fi card, 4-pin headers for a CPU fan, system fan, and SSD fan.
MINISFORUM says the embody 120mm fan can dissipate warmth whereas the processor is working at as much as 100 watts, and the fan velocity will be personalized by UEFI/BIOS settings. There’s additionally an SSD heatsink included with the board.
The MINISFORUM A$90ii has an inventory worth of $689, but it surely’s presently on sale for $559 from the MINSIFORUM web site.
When you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit cheaper, MINISFORUM additionally affords an analogous mini ITX motherboard with an AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX processor that’s on sale for $399 at Amazon once you clip the on-page coupon.
