This has given rise to a rapidly growing demand for Mini PCs, which claim to offer similar levels of computing performance in a much smaller package. Sure, you won't be able to get the same level of graphics output as you would with a dedicated GPU. But now that external GPUs are much more common and affordable, it's not like you can't build a similar setup in less than half the space.
Considering such things, ASUS has decided to launch their latest Mini PC offering, called the ExpertCenter PN53, which features the latest-gen AMD Ryzen 6000 series processors for ultimate performance in a compact form factor. This ultra-compact unit comes on the heels of the launch of the ExpertCenter D7, which is their version of a Mini Tower PC for enterprise users, featuring high-end Intel processors and NVIDIA GPUs.
The PN53 is less than a quarter the size of that model and can be equipped with a variety of processors, including the AMD Rembrandt-H Ryzen 5 6600H, Ryzen 7 6800H, and Ryzen 9 6900HX. It also features integrated RDNA 2 iGPUs and comes with a TDP of just 45W. You get many options for RAM and storage input as well, including two M.2 2280 slots for PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives, a 2.5-inch drive bay, and two SODIMM slots for up to 32 GB of DDR5-4800 RAM.
There are also lots of connectivity options, including a 3.5mm audio jack, a 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, five USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, two USB 4 Type-C ports, and one configurable port which can be used for COM, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, or even VGA output. All of this is on top of the built-in support for Bluetooth and the latest WiFi 6E.
We are hoping that they have left enough space for a decent cooling mechanism, considering all that is packed within such a small body. Only time will tell if the design will be able to do justice to the performance available on tap. You will also have to wait for the device's official price and availability information, as this was just an initial showcase of all that is on offer.
