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Gigabyte injects six Brix mini-PCs with seventh-generation Intel Kaby Lake CPUs

Gigabyte said on Friday it has refreshed its Brix line of palm-sized PCs with seventh-generation Intel Core Kaby Lake processors. Thanks to these chips, the Brix series now sees 10 percent better performance in the graphics department over the previous generation and updated features like HDMI 2.0 connectivity and HDCP 2.2 video DRM technology.

“This 7th Gen Core processor utilizes a power efficient microarchitecture, advanced process technology and silicon optimizations to deliver faster performance than previous generation processors,” Gigabyte said. “By leveraging Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology, performance and power is dynamically controlled — for cores and graphics — boosting performance precisely when it is needed, and saving energy when it counts.”

Here are the three Brix vanilla models:

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GB-BKi3A-7100 GB-BVKi5A-7200 GB-BKi7A-7500
Processor Intel Core i3-7100U Intel Core i5-7200U Intel Core i7-7500U
Memory 2x DDR4 slots
max 32GB @ 2,133MHz
2x DDR4 slots
max 32GB @ 2,133MHz
2x DDR4 slots
max 32GB @ 2,133MHz
LAN Gigabit Gigabit Gigabit
Audio Realtek ALC255 Realtek ALC255 Realtek ALC255
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 620
HDMI Output 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz
Mini DP Output 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz
Expansion slots 1x M.2 slot
1x PCIe M.2 slot (used)
1x M.2 slot
1x PCIe M.2 slot (used)
1x M.2 slot
1x PCIe M.2 slot (used)
Front I/O 1x USB 3.1 Type-C
1x USB 3.1
1x audio/mic combo
1x USB 3.1 Type-C
1x USB 3.1
1x audio/mic combo
1x USB 3.1 Type-C
1x USB 3.1
1x audio/mic combo
Rear I/O 1x HDMI (2.0)
1x Mini DP (1.2)
2x USB 3.0
1x Ethernet
1x Kensington lock
1x HDMI (2.0)
1x Mini DP (1.2)
2x USB 3.0
1x Ethernet
1x Kensington lock
1x HDMI (2.0)
1x Mini DP (1.2)
2x USB 3.0
1x Ethernet
1x Kensington lock
Wi-Fi Card + Bluetooth Wireless AC Wireless AC Wireless AC
Size 1.35 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches 1.35 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches 1.35 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches

Now here is what makes the three S models different from the first batch:

GB-BKi3HA-7100 GB-BKi5HA-7200 GB-BKi7HA-7500
Size 1.84 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches 1.84 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches 1.84 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches
Storage 2.5-inch HDD/SSD support 2.5-inch HDD/SSD support 2.5-inch HDD/SSD support

Essentially there are two versions of three different models, with one version providing a larger form factor so that users can install a 2.5-inch hard drive or solid-state drive — at least, that is what the specifications show. Customers are required to provide their own memory sticks, storage solutions, and operating system for all six units, making them cheaper bare-bone miniature PCs.

These updated Brix mini-PCs should be ideal as a multimedia center or a high-productivity PC thanks to the device’s multiple video outputs. Gigabyte said they would be great for multi-display scenarios in the industrial and commercial industries too. Regardless, their small form factors make them an ideal addition in most rooms, fitting nice and snug into small spots in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and so on.

Gigabyte did not provide pricing in its announcement, but you can find a load of Brix models listed on the likes of Newegg and Amazon.

Kevin Parrish
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
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