Chinese PC maker CWWK is selling a set of tiny desktop computers that measure just 75.4 x 75.4 x 52.5mm (3″ x 3″ x 2.1″), but which pack a lot of functionality into that compact design.
The CWWK Mini M1, for example, features dual 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports and support for up to three displays, while the CWWK Superfan M1 only supports two displays, but has four 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports. And both models are available with a choice of Intel Processor N100, N200, or Core i3-N305 chips, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to a 1TB SSD.
While the little computers aren’t the cheapest Alder Lake-N mini PCs I’ve seen. I’m impressed with the number of configuration options available, given the computer’s compact design.
And CWWK is offering a 10% coupon for customers who shop at Amazon at the moment, which means that as of Nov 3, 2023 prices start at:
CWWK Superfan M1 (4 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet)
- Intel N100/8GB RAM/no SSD for $212
- Intel N200/8GB RAM/no SSD for $276
- Intel Core i3-N305/8GB RAM/128GB SSD for $385
CWWK Mini M1 (2 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet)
- Intel N100/8GB RAM/no SSD for $203
- Intel N200/8GB RAM/no SSD for $266
- Intel Core i3-N305/8GB RAM/no SSD for $372
Keep in mind that those prices are subject to change though (all prices were a bit higher when I checked again on November 6, 2023).
You can also pay more for models with up to 16GB of RAM or up to a 1TB SSD, or you can bring your own: the computer has an M.2 2242 slot for a PCIe 3.0 x2 SATA or NVMe SSD.
The little computers are also available from the CWWK Store at AliExpress, but at time of publication it’s cheaper to buy them from Amazon.
The computer’s LPDDR5-4800 memory is soldered to the mainboard though, so you’ll want to decide between the 8GB and 16GB options when buying the computer.
Note that the selection of ports varies depending on whether you opt for a model with 2 Ethernet ports or 4:
| CWWK Mini M1 | CWWK Superfan M1 | |
| Ethernet | 2 x Intel i226-V | 4 x Intel i226-V |
| HDMI | 2 x HDMI 2.0 | 1 x HDMI |
| USB Type-A | 3 x USB 3.0 Type-A | 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A |
| USB Type-C | 1 x (video and data) 1 x (12V – 19V power only) | 1 x (video and data) 1 x (12V – 19V power only) |
| Audio | 1 x 3.5mm mic/headphone combo | |
| Starting price | $203 (as of Nov 3, 2023) | $212 (as of Nov 3, 2023) |
Also worth keeping in mind is that the computers are actively cooled, with a copper thermal block and a 60 x 10mm fan inside the case.
The computers feature Intel i226-V Ethernet controllers, and should be compatible with a wide range of software and operating systems: you can use them as little Windows or Linux PCs, or as networking appliances for applications such as network-attached storage, personal file server, or firewall, or router, among other things.
While the computers don’t ship with a wireless card, CWWK says they can support an optional WiFi module package with a tempered glass cover and support for Realtek or Intel WiFi6/Bluetooth 5.2 cards. I haven’t found a purchase link for that yet though.
CWWK Mini M1
CWWK Superfan M1
I would like to see this type fanless. I know it is possible and I’m looking forward to get it and use it as router
It costs 200.
Is the USB-C power input standard conform?
I mean, if it is just a plain 12V – 19V intake, then use good oldschool 5.3mm coax connector, or similar, but not USB-C.
Otherwise, if it is actually using PD to negotiate Voltage >5.0V, that would be great, too.
Wish we’d start seeing these with 10gbps ports. 2.5gb is annoying because there’s never a 2.5G plan from the ISP. Here in Canada for example it would be 1gbps, 3gbps, 5gbps, 8gbps at Bell for example
Give us the 10GbE already guys come on
It looks like you can put it in the what what Samwell
I’m running one of CWWK’s “Home Router” boxes (branded KingnovyPC) on Win11Pro right now, N305/16G RAM/4TB nvme. I was curious to see if it could function as a low-powered gaming device. It seems to work well enough at 720p-low for most of the stuff I play, GTA-V, The Long Dark, that kinda thing. Ark struggles in Win, was better in Ubuntu; I doubt any new AAA game will work. I see CWWK is offering a 4*nvme expansion board for these systems, now, so maybe they have the storage capacity for a NAS or HTPC. I get 33W power draw at full chat, 10W at idle.
I suspect the guts of the machines in this article are the same as the 4-port home router I have, packaged differently. I’m don’t think the smaller form factor has a place in my hoard, but it would function well as a replacement workstation, if you don’t need the greater capacities that 2280 drives can offer.
There are load of these PC’s.
I have a 10 years old PC which was just ultra slow. I put in the maximum memory it would take and an SSD. Now it’s running again on windows 10.
Many sites recommend buying a refurbished Lenovo or DELL pro PC for 100-200$ saying they’re speedy, consume 10-20W. Then we have these mini’s coming from mostly china. I even have an old chineese mini PC which is now running slow which was to replace a smart TV.
So what’s the best choice, a refurb or a chineese mini PC, which might have a more modern CPU ?
Of all the options out there, this one has me intrigued and excited
https://liliputing.com/build-your-own-alder-lake-n-pc-with-asrocks-new-intel-n100-motherboards/
https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/N100DC-ITX/index.asp
It is the world’s first DC powered motherboard
Let that sink in
The best of both worlds
This is not the world’s first DC powered motherboard. “thin-mini ITX” form factor has been available for almost a decade. I had a socketed 4th gen Intel system running on a GA-Q87tn motherboard from gigabyte, powered by a Dell laptop charger.
What do you mean by world’s first DC powered motherboard? All motherboards are DC powered.
Intel..
Why CWWK doesn’t use AMD..
Because they would cost 100€ more. AMD abandoned completelly low cost market since they released Ryzen, and the only “low cost” you find are Mini PC’s with 2nd or 3rd gen Ryzen mobile computers, and even so they are pricier than N100 ones. I like AMD better than Intel for so many reasons, but low cost isn’t one of them whatsoever.