MSI announces four new mini-PCs for all tastes

With the progress made in recent years in terms of thermal efficiency, it is now possible to squeeze into a small volume an ultra-powerful PC capable of valiantly coping with the most demanding uses. Intel is at the forefront with its NUC (Next Unit of Compute) series, which even ventures into the field of video games. However, the American giant announced a few weeks ago to put an end to the development of products of this type, as we reported.

But not all players in the IT world hear it that way. As proof, MSI announces the arrival of four new mini-PCs, which the Taiwanese brand is intended mainly for the professional world.

PRO DP21 13M

This first model corresponds to a case with a volume of 2.3 litres, the design of which was designed to be placed vertically on a supplied support. It is offered in different versions with 13th generation Intel Core processors. The fastest version can accommodate an i7-13700 and 64 GB of RAM. To adapt to all situations, MSI has provided a wide connection with four USB 2.0 Type A at the front in addition to the audio sockets. The rear panel offers HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs as well as a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1. The user can also count on an Ethernet and a COM port, an old format still present for some professional peripherals. The PRO DP21 13M offers one slot for an M.2 format SSD and two slots for 2.5-inch drives. For wireless, several options are available, with for example a Bluetooth 5.3 and wifi 6E duo. The set measures 204 x 208 x 54.8 mm for a weight starting at 1.27 kg.

PRO DP10 13M

More compact, the PRO DP10 13M can blend into a library among books when positioned vertically. Indeed, it measures only 178.82 x 34.48 x 179 mm with a starting weight of 1.1 kg and a volume of 1.1 l. This mini-PC is also based on 13th generation Intel Core processors, from the i5-1315U to the i7-1360P. It can accommodate up to 64 GB of RAM and two M.2 SSDs in addition to another storage unit in 2.5-inch format. At the front, we find a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 and three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1. On the other side, nothing is missing with a Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, two video outputs (HDMI and DisplayPort) as well as an Ethernet. The PRO DP10 13M also offers a VGA video output which can be replaced by an optional COM port.

Cubic 5 12M

This machine adopts a square format in the Mac Mini spirit. Measuring 124 x 124 mm for a thickness of 53.7 mm, it weighs between 0.55 and 1.4 kg depending on the components chosen for a volume of 0.66 l. The Cubic 5 12M runs on the basis of 12th generation Intel Core processors, from i3-1215U to i7-1255U, accompanied by up to 64 GB of RAM. For storage, two slots are available, the first in M.2 format and the second in 2.5 inches. In total we find four USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 and one USB-C Thunderbolt 4, not to mention the two video outputs (HDMI and DisplayPort). Note also the presence of two Ethernet (in 2.5 and 1 Gb / s).

Cubi N ADL

This is an economical version of the Cubic 5 12M which therefore displays the same volume as this one. It is distinguished by less ambitious mechanics with Intel N series processors (N100 or N200). The Cubic N ADL can ingest at best 16 GB of RAM and two M.2 or 2.5-inch storage units. It does without Thunderbolt 4.

MSI has not yet communicated on the availability and price of these mini PCs.