CompuLab’s Intense PC was already pretty cool when it shipped with Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors. Now it’s available with Haswell chips, making the IPC2 more powerful and more efficient than its predecessor.
The aesthetics haven’t changed. The IPC 2 still looks more like a cable modem/heatsink hybrid than a desktop computer. Those fins help keep it running nice and cool. Don’t forget, the IPC2 is a fanless, silent PC (as long as you opt for an SSD over an HDD). Three base configurations are available: a low-end model with a Core i3 chip, a mid-range i5, and a Pro model with an i7.
The new configurations also feature twice as many USB 3.0 ports (4 total), blazing fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi, a second HDMI port, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, and support for up to three internal drives. The original only offered a single SATA bay, but the IPC2 bolts on two mSATA sockets for additional SSD capacity.
There’s even a SIM card slot and support for cellular modems in the event that you’re building something like a remote kiosk or surveillance system that needs Internet connectivity.
Although it’s been given a significant upgrade, the IPC2 actually has a lower sticker price than the original. The entry-level config is expected to sell for around $388 when it becomes available next month.
You’ll be able to pick it up from Amazon or from one of CompuLab’s other official distributors.
Seems like a good price for decent hardware.
Is WiFi standard?
Glad to see fanless mini boxes getting cheaper while getting more powerful. Good thing they went with Intel GbE NICs intead of Realtek this time. They’re even using an Intel Wireless NIC as well which is good for Linux users.