MSI is expanding its Cubi line of mini-desktop computers with a new model that’s… expandable.
The MSI Cubi 2 Plus measures 6.1″ x 5.8″ x 2.3″ and features a mini STX 5×5 socketed motherboard. That means you can buy a system with, say, an Intel Core i3 chip and upgrade it to a Core i5 or Core i7 processor down the road.
MSI says the Cubi 2 Plus will be available globally starting in early March.
While the system is a little larger than an Intel NUC, it’s still small enough to be attached to the back of a monitor with a VESA mount.
The computer features two memory slots for up to 32GB of DDR4 2133 MHz RAM, support for an M.2 SATA SSD and/or a 2.5 inch hard drive or SSD.
MSI will offer models with 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 or just 802.11b/g/n WiFi. And each model has two a range of ports:
- Rear: HDMI, DisplayPort, 2 USB 3.1, and Ethernet
- Front: 3 USB 3.1 type-C, 3 USB 2.0, headset, and SD card reader
- Top: USB 2.0 port with super charger
In addition to a standard Cubi 2 Plus, MS will offer a vPro edition with support for Intel vPro technology.
Leave a Reply
Man the problem with these mini PCs is they arent very durable so you can’t leave it plugged in all the time
Many PCs are also super expensive
Are you just making shit up? These aren’t even on the market yet.
If you’re referring to mini PCs in general, explain yourself, that’s quite a vague accusation.
I know of many NUCs being used for server usage, no reliability problems.
If they can make a model with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, they will be very popular with the 4K HTPC crowd.
Hopefully they sell a barebones model. Perhaps with only a CPU included (seeing how there isn’t much choice anyways).
I would also love to see a model that supports 3.5″ drives. I hate being limited to 2.5″ drives. I would love to have 4tb in a mini PC without having to get an SSD
Why not spinning 2.5″ HDD?
Because 2.5″ HDDs are limited to 2tb of capacity at the moment. And even the 2tb drives are mostly low-performance low-wattage drives (WD Green).
Some brands have higher performance 2tb 2.5″ drives, but they are fairly pricey (Seagate has a 2tb 7200rpm drive for over $300).
I want the option of having a 4-6tb higher performance HDD (WD Black, etc).
You mean something like the Asus VivoPC?
http://www.asus.com/us/Mini-PC…
Honestly, I think the capability to take a 3.5″ drive defeats the purpose of these mini systems with smaller than standard form factors. At that point you might as well just build your own mini-ITX form factor system.
Edited for more commentary
I think we these generally lower power machines, you should focus on adding SSDs, and that matches their support for 2.5″ drives perfects. Just my opinion.