Gigabyte is updating its BRIX line of mini PCs with new models sporting 8th-gen Intel Core “Kaby Lake Refresh” quad-core processors.
There are four new models, including two that have room under the hood for an M.2 2280 solid state drive and two taller versions that have a 2.5 inch drive bay in addition to that M.2 slot.
So here’s the complete lineup:
- GB-BRi5-8250Â – Core i5-8250U/M.2 SSD
- GB-BRi7-8550Â – Core i7-8550U/M.2 SSD
- GB-BRi5H-8250Â – Core i5-8250U/M.2 SSD/2.5″ drive
- GB-BRi7H-8550Â –Â Core i7-8550U/M.2 SSD/2.5″ drive
Each version has 2 SODIMM slots for DDR4 memory, Mini DisplayPort and HDMI ports, a USB 3.1 Type-A port, a USB 3.1 Type-C port, two USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, dual array microphones, and a headphone jack.
They also come equipped with 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 and the ltitle laptops have VESA mounting brackets in case you want to connect them to the back of a monitor or TV.
The smaller model measures 4.7″ x 4.4″ x 1.4″ while the versions with room for a 2.5 inch hard drive or SSD are 4.7″ x 4.4″ x 1.8″.
via MiniMachines
The lack of Thunderbolt 3 is severely disappointing.
Also, I’m always angered by Gigabyte’s decision to put unnecessary ports on the front of the Brix units. Why is the only USB 3.1 Type-C connector on the front of the box? I’m far more likely to use a 3.1 Type-C port for some kind of semi-permanent accessory, like a expansion station, or an external HDD.
I know that the few people that use Type-C thumbdrives will appreciate the front-mounted Type-C, but I feel that Type-C Thumbdrive owners are probably limited to Macbook users.
Any IR? If no, it’s a no-go.
Can’t you just buy an USB dongle with an IR receiver these days?
For most people that wouldn’t be a solution. Some PCs with integrated IR receivers have options in the EFI menu (BIOS menu) to enable the ability to power on/off the PC using IR. Its a fairly desirable feature for HTPC users.
The 8250 is tempting, but I guess it’ll be way more expensive than a J5005 as well.