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:
| 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.