The SZBOX Mini PC with Intel Alder Lake N100 processor is designed for office productivity, offering Windows 11 Pro, DDR4 RAM, dual 4K display support, and compact energy efficiency. Its 1000M LAN and WiFi 5 ensure stable connectivity, while the M.2 2280 slot provides fast storage upgrades. Ideal for multitasking and space-conscious setups.
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Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
How Does the Alder Lake N100 Processor Enhance Performance?
Intel’s 12th-gen N100 CPU features 4 efficiency cores, 3.4GHz boost clock, and 6MB cache. This x86 architecture delivers 35% faster multitasking than Celeron predecessors while maintaining 6W TDP. Office applications like Excel and Chrome run smoothly, with Quick Sync Video enabling efficient 4K decoding for presentations.
The Alder Lake N100 leverages Intel’s hybrid technology, combining high-efficiency cores with improved single-thread performance. This design allows seamless handling of spreadsheet calculations, video conferencing, and document editing simultaneously. Compared to older Gemini Lake processors, the N100 shows 2.8x faster JavaScript execution in web applications. Its integrated UHD Graphics with 16 execution units supports hardware-accelerated decoding of H.265 and VP9 codecs, making it suitable for financial dashboards with embedded video content.
| Feature | N100 | Celeron N5105 |
|---|---|---|
| PassMark Score | 3,850 | 2,700 |
| 4K Playback | 60 FPS | 30 FPS |
| Power Consumption | 6W | 10W |
What Connectivity Options Does This Mini PC Offer?
The SZBOX includes 2x HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), 3x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports. Wireless features span WiFi 5 (867Mbps) and Bluetooth 4.0 for peripherals. The 1000M LAN supports VPN configurations and NAS access, while DisplayPort-over-USB-C enables third monitor connectivity.
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Can You Upgrade the RAM and Storage Easily?
This model supports up to 16GB DDR4-3200 via single SODIMM slot. The M.2 2280 PCIe Gen3x2 slot accommodates NVMe SSDs up to 2TB, while a 2.5″ SATA bay allows HDD/SSD expansion. Tool-free bottom panel removal enables upgrades in under 5 minutes.
The memory compartment uses a single-channel configuration that supports DDR4 modules from 4GB to 16GB capacity. For optimal performance, pair a 16GB Crucial CT16G4SFRA32A module with a WD Blue SN570 NVMe SSD. The PCIe Gen3x2 interface delivers read speeds up to 2,000MB/s, making large file transfers 3x faster than SATA SSDs. Users can configure a dual-storage setup with a 1TB NVMe drive for OS/applications and a 2TB SATA SSD for archival data.
| Component | Supported Specs |
|---|---|
| RAM | DDR4-3200 SODIMM (Max 16GB) |
| Primary Storage | M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3x2 |
| Secondary Storage | 2.5″ SATA III HDD/SSD |
How Does It Handle Thermal Management?
A copper heatsink with graphene coating and 25mm fan maintains CPU temps below 75°C under load. The chassis’ perforated aluminum design enables passive airflow cooling. Noise levels remain under 28dB during typical office workloads.
What Security Features Are Included?
Windows 11 Pro provides BitLocker encryption, TPM 2.0, and secure boot. Kensington lock slot deters physical theft. BIOS-level password protection and vPro-free design make it suitable for HIPAA-compliant environments.
“The N100’s hybrid architecture brings desktop-level IPC gains to mini PCs. When paired with dual-channel memory, it eliminates traditional SFF bottlenecks. SZBOX’s implementation particularly shines in driver optimization – their thermal velocity boost algorithm sustains clock speeds 18% longer than competitors.”
– Data Center Infrastructure Specialist
FAQs
- Does it support Linux distributions?
- Yes, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Fedora 38 have certified drivers for all components. UEFI firmware includes CSM mode for legacy OS support.
- What’s the power consumption?
- Idles at 6W, peaks at 28W under full CPU+GPU load. Includes 36W GaN power adapter with 90% efficiency rating.
- Can it drive dual 4K monitors?
- Yes, via HDMI 2.0 ports. Supports 3840×2160@60Hz on both displays simultaneously using Intel UHD Graphics (16EU).