Gigabyte BRIX Mini PCs Are Power in Tiny Packages, Meet New Models Announced
Want a desktop PC without it dominating your desk? Gigabyte's BRIX mini PC lineup just got a lot more interesting. They've recently expanded the family, adding new models that pack some serious Intel processing power into incredibly compact forms. So, let's dive in and find out what makes these new BRIX systems tick.
Two Families, Two Approaches: BTIP and BRU Series
Gigabyte's new additions fall into two distinct categories, each catering to different needs and performance levels:
BRIX GB-BTIP Series: Efficiency Focused
For great power efficiency at an excellent value, have a look at the GB-BTIP series: models like the GB-BTIP-N150 and updated GB-BTIP-N250 based on the Intel "Twin Lake" processors sip no more than 6 watts to grant quad-core performance. Just consider these kinds of devices good to go when your needs aren't that steep-or for every other day-again, watching movies, social networking, simple word processing tasks, and everywhere it is needed or desired that one keeps his system's power draw low.
BRIX GB-BRU Series: Unleash the Performance
Where more oomph is required, the series GB-BRU seriously ups the ante. The GB-BRU7-255H and GB-BRU5-225H will be equipped with Intel's new "Arrow Lake" Core Ultra processors, respectively. These are 28-watt chips with a hybrid architecture and feature up to 16 cores in the highest-end model. This means noticeably faster performance-giving them suitability for more demanding applications and content creation, even some light gaming.
Side-by-Side Specs Comparison
Let's make the differences a little clearer by putting these new BRIX models against each other, spec for spec:
| Feature | BRIX GB-BRU7-255H | BRIX GB-BRU5-225H | BRIX GB-BTIP-N250 | BRIX GB-BTIP-N150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (16-core, up to 5.1 GHz, 28W TDP) | Intel Core Ultra 5 225H (14-core, up to 4.9 GHz, 28W TDP) | Intel Processor N250 (4-core, up to 3.8 GHz, 6W TDP) | Intel Processor N150 (4-core, up to 3.6 GHz, 6W TDP) |
| Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics, 8 cores, up to 2.25 GHz | Intel Arc Graphics, 8 cores, up to 2.2 GHz | Intel UHD Graphics, 32 EU, up to 1.25 GHz | Intel UHD Graphics, 24 EU, up to 1 GHz |
| RAM | 2 x SODIMM DDR5-6400, up to 96GB | 1 x SODIMM DDR5-4800, up to 16GB, unofficially 32GB | Details not provided in source text | Details not provided in source text |
| Storage | 2 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4x4 | 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3x2, 1 x 2.5" SATA | 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3x2, 1 x 2.5" SATA | 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3x2, 1 x 2.5" SATA |
| Ports (Example) | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C (DP Alt Mode + PD), USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, 2.5GbE LAN | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DP Alt Mode), USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet | Port layout varies between N250 and N150 units - check Gigabyte's website | Port layout varies between N250 and N150 units - check Gigabyte's website |
| Wireless | WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wireless details vary - check Gigabyte's website | Wireless details vary - check Gigabyte's website |
| Power | 100W USB-C | 65W (Dedicated Adapter) | Power delivery not fully detailed in text | Power delivery not fully detailed in text |
| Dimensions | 119.4 x 112.6 x 34.4mm (0.5L) | 116.5 x 113 x 56.2mm (0.7L) | Dimensions likely similar to GB-BTIP-N150 - refer to Gigabyte website | 116.5 x 113 x 56.2mm (0.7L) |
Compact Size, Different Priorities
Here lies the most interesting twist: the more powerful GB-RU series actually manages to be even slimmer than the GB-BTIP units, foregoing the 2.5-inch drive bay for an even smaller footprint. This goes to highlight their focus on pure processing power and speed-appropriately enough, since it's likely targeting users who'd give up some maximum internal storage capacity in favor of performance.
Pricing and exact availability is still a bit of a secret, but Gigabyte's newest BRIX mini PCs certainly seem like attractive options for those that need a little computer. For general everyday usage with a tight power budget to a powerful small-form-factor, the new line of BRIX units seems to have it. Keep checking their website for further information as it becomes available.
