Intel’s Core i3-8130U processor doesn’t get as much attention as the Core i5-8250U and Core i7-8550U chips, partly because it was released several months after those chips and partly because it’s a dual-core processor rather than a quad-core chip.

But like its big siblings, the Intel Core i3-8130U is a 15 watt processor based on Intel’s Kaby Lake Refresh architecture. It features a base clock speed of 2.2 GHz, turbo speeds up to 3.4 GHz, and the processor includes Intel UHD 620 graphics with support for 4K displays.

It’s also typically found in lower-cost laptops… but a couple of PC makers have also tapped this chip for use in mini desktops.

Newegg is already selling an Asus PN60 mini PC model with a Core i3-8130U chips for about $330, and Gigabyte has just unveiled a new BRIX mini PC powered by the same chip.

Asus PN60

Asus PN60

The Asus mini PC measures 4.5″ x 4.5″ x 1.9″ and weighs about 1.5 pounds. The version Newegg is selling is a barebones device with a processor, wireless card, and power supply but no memory, storage, or operating system.

You can equip it with up to 32GB of DDR4-2400 RAM thanks to two SODIMM slots and there’s an M.2 slot for a solid state drive as well as a 2.5 inch drive bay for a hard drive or SSD.

Other features include:

  • 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C
  • 3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A
  • 1 x USB 2.0
  • HDMI
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • Audio jack
  • 802.11ac WiFI
  • Bluetooth 5.0

There’s also a configurable port that can be used for VGA, COM, DisplayPort, or LAN. The model Newegg is selling has a mini DisplayPort and COM port.

Gigabyte BRIX GB-BRi3H-8130

Gigabyte’s new mini PC joins the company’s Core i5 and Core i7 models that launched earlier this year.

It measures 4.7″ x 4.4″ x 1.8″ and supports a 2.5 inch drive as well as M.2 2280 SSDs and features 2 SODIMM slots for up to 64GB of DDR4-2400 memory.

Other specs include:

  • 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C
  • 1 x USB 3.1 Type-A
  • 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A
  • HDMI 2.0
  • DisplayPort 1.2a
  • Audio jack
  • Dual array microphones
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • 802.11ac WiFi
  • Bluetooth 4.2

via AndroidPC.es

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3 replies on “Asus, Gigabyte launch Core i3-8130U mini PCs”

  1. Asus specs show only Bluetooth 4.2, not the listed 5.0. Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168. looking for barebone with 5.0

  2. This looks better than most mini PCs. The Core i3 is a big plus. I like the 2.5 inch drive capability, instead of the lame non-upgradeble 32gb storage soldered to the motherboard of el cheepo mini PCs. I also like TWO memory slots that support more than 8gb of RAM. My only concern is the ‘user configurable port’ which probably needs proprietary drivers. Drivers could be a big issue with Linux or Windows versions other than Windows 10. If video doesn’t work out of the box with multiple operating systems, this user configurable port could be a deal breaker.

    1. bought the PN60 from ebay, thought the configurable port was going to be LAN (as was pictured).
      But no, it’s a com port, should have read the description a little more thoroughly 🙁
      what am I going to do with a com port?

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