MSI has launched its smallest ever mini-PC range. The MSI Cubi PC systems measure just 115 x 111 x 35mm (4.5 x 4.4 x 1.4-inches) and are based upon 14nm Intel Broadwell processors, including a vPro option. The "nifty" new range is great for office, business and UHD HTPC usage says the firm.
The MSI Cubi case has a capacity of just 0.45 litres. It is similar in dimensions to a stack of 4 conventional audio CD album cases but a little smaller in each dimension. (I just assembled such a CD stack as it's better than MSI's comparison of the Cubi to an "an XL soda can".) These are Broadwell based systems which are said to offer a good balance of low power consumption and high performance. Buyers will be able to pick up a Cubi with a choice of Intel Core i5-5200U, Intel Core i3-5005U, Intel Pentium-3805U, or Intel Celeron-3205U processor.
Beyond the processor choice there will be configurable amounts of RAM and flexible fixed storage options available. The common MSI Cubi system specs are as tabulated below:
|
Operating System |
Windows 8.1 |
|
Chipset |
Intel SoC |
|
Graphics |
Integrated Intel HD Graphics |
|
Memory |
2GB or 4GB DDR3L 1600, SO-DIMMs x 2 slots / Max 8GB |
|
HDD |
Support mSATA slot x 1, Support 2.5-inch HDD x 1 |
|
Wireless |
802.11 ac + BT4.0 option |
|
I/O |
Front: Headset /Mic in x1, USB3.0 x 2, Rear: USB3.0 x 2, RJ45 LAN port, HDMI out, Mini DisplayPort out, DC jack |
|
Adapter |
65W |
As with many similar rival NUC-like systems MSI positions its most compact mini-PC range as being suitable for both businesses and consumers. In the business space it could be deployed to power an interactive retail display, for example, and is easy to mount to a wall using a standard VESA mount. It is powerful enough for regular office PC duties and offers Intel vPro technology for those organisations which require it. At home you might use an MSI Cubi as a home theatre PC (HTPC) capable of playing back Ultra High-Definition content.
Dual display (via HDMI and mini Display Port) could be useful both in business and at home. While all these systems are said to consume less than 30W there aren't any fanless variants on offer. However MSI says the Cubi is "as quiet as a forest," at 20dB. A Cubi system should fit in nicely with other tech you have at the home or office as it is available in either black or white livery. As mentioned above, availability is scheduled for the end of March but a pricing structure is yet to be announced.
