MSI announces Cubi 2 Plus mini-STX PC systems

by Mark Tyson on 24 February 2016, 11:31

Tags: MSI, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qacyv7

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MSI has launched a new range of compact PCs which it refers to as its MSI Cubi 2 Plus systems. The firm enthusiastically refers to the new systems as "handheld size" PCs for both consumers and businesses. These are some of the first complete PC systems marketed and sold based upon Intel's mini STX (5x5) motherboard form factor - the smallest motherboards to be able to make use of user-swappable processors for easy upgrades.

MSI Cubi 2 Plus specifications and configuration options

 

MSI® Cubi 2 Plus

MSI® Cubi 2 Plus vPro

Processor

Intel® Core™ i3-6100T
Intel® Core™ i5-6500T
Intel® Core™ i7-6700T

Intel® Core™ i3-6100T
Intel® Core™ i5-6500T
Intel® Core™ i7-6700T

Operating System

Windows 10 Home (64-bit)

Windows 10 Home (64-bit)

Chipset

Intel® H110

Intel® Q170

Graphics

Intel® HD Graphics 530

Intel® HD Graphics 530

Memory

DDR4 2133MHz 2 slots (max to 32GB)

DDR4 2133MHz 2 slots (max to 32GB)

HDD

1x M.2 SATA SSD, max to 256GB
1x 2.5“ 7200 rpm HDD or SATA SSD, max to 1TB

1x M.2 SATA SSD or PCIe SSD, max to 256GB
1x 2.5“ 7200 rpm HDD or SATA SSD, max to 1TB

Wireless

802.11ac + BT4.0
802.11b/g/n only

802.11ac + BT4.0
802.11b/g/n only

sI/O

Top: 1x USB 2.0 (with super charger)
Front: 1x Mic/Audio Jack, 3x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 type-C, 1x Card Reader
Rear: 1x RJ45 LAN port, 1x HDMI out, 1x DisplayPort out, 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1

Top: 1x USB 2.0 (with super charger)
Front: 1x Mic/Audio Jack, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 type-C, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1x Card Reader
Rear: 1x RJ45 LAN port, 2x HDMI out, 1x DisplayPort out, 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1x USB2.0, 1x COM port

Adapter

90W

90W

 

As you can see above, MSI is marketing two distinct types of Cubi 2 Plus systems, one for consumers and one for businesses. The business version features Intel vPro technology with its associated remote manageability, extra security and Intel UNITE features. There is little other difference other than the vPro version offering a few extra ports; an additional USB 3.1 Gen port on the front and on the back there is one more HDMI port, an extra USB 2.0 port and a COM port.

All the systems use Intel's latest Skylake architecture for energy efficient computing. Users of these systems can easily hook up to create dual-monitor setups. The MSI Cubi 2 Pus is VESA mountable for convenience and tidiness and is referred to as a 'low noise PC' so is a rather discreet device. The overall dimensions of the MSI Cubi 2 Plus PCs are: 155.3 x 147.9 x 58.6mm.

Those interested in the MSI Cubi 2 Plus models need only wait until the beginning of March for global availability.

HEXUS Forums :: 2 Comments

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Posted by J3FFW1SH - Wed 24 Feb 2016 15:52
Windows 10 home for business use? I really hope that's a typo, kinda need to use GPO here! Other than that they look really nice, any chance of a review when they hit the shelves please Hexus.
Posted by jcdenton - Wed 24 Feb 2016 18:40
Skylake seems to have resulted in a lot of competition for these size PCs, onboard graphics should make them ideal for portable media players and playing older games. I am awaiting the release of the updated Asus VivoMini UN65H which was announced last summer.