CHH ID: AC♥小武

With the continuous innovation of chip manufacturers, computer hardware performance is becoming increasingly powerful. Compared to traditional desktop hosts, Mini PCs not only have higher integration and stronger computing performance but also have more compact dimensions. Nowadays, the application scenarios of Mini PCs in our daily lives and work are also increasing.

Asus is one of the early brands to enter the Mini PC field. Its PN series Mini PCs are well-known. At CES 2022, Asus launched the latest Intel platform Mini host – Asus PN64. The PN64 has three versions: i7, i5, and i3. I chose the top configuration version, equipped with a 12th generation 12700H processor, 16G DDR5-4800 memory, and 512G SSD. Additionally, it has a 2.5-inch hard drive bay for storage expansion, and the powerful configuration is sufficient to meet my daily usage needs.

First, let’s look at the official parameters of the PN64.

The packaging design is still as simple and atmospheric as ever, exuding a business atmosphere, and the product appearance can be prominently seen on the packaging box.

The back of the packaging box has a configuration parameter sticker and an energy efficiency label.

The inner paper box is partitioned for packaging, showing the thoughtful design of a big brand.

A pile of paper manuals includes multi-language product manuals, wall mounting guides, warranty cards, safety notices, etc. The included screws are for wall mounting installation and the installation of the built-in 2.5-inch hard drive.

Accessories include power cables and wall mounting brackets. The included wall mounting bracket allows for VESA wall mounting functionality, making it possible to mount the host on the back of the monitor or fix it to the wall or under the desktop to save more desktop space. The matching power adapter has a maximum output power of 20V 6.0A, up to 120W, with a DC charging interface design.

The PN64 has a simple and exquisite appearance that I really like. The overall dimensions are 120mm x 130mm x 58mm, with a volume of less than 1 liter, yet it houses a 14-core 20-thread Core i7-12700H processor, 16G DDR5-4800 memory, and a 512G SSD, and it comes pre-installed with the Windows 11 64-bit Home edition operating system, which completely matches the performance configuration of a desktop computer, making it a powerful little monster! The front of the host provides a 3.5mm audio interface, a USB-C 3.2 Gen2 interface, two USB-A 3.2 Gen2 interfaces, and a square power button.

The right side of the host has a large area of cooling openings to help dissipate heat during operation.

Next, let’s look at the back of the host, which provides two HDMI2.0 interfaces, one DP1.4 interface, one USB-A 3.2 Gen2 interface, one USB-C 3.2 Gen2 interface, one 2.5G RJ45 network port, and a DC power interface. Among them, the USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-C on the back is a full-function interface that supports video output and power supply. Additionally, there are cooling openings at the top of the interface.

The left side of the host also has a large area of cooling openings, allowing a glimpse of the heat sink and fins.

Although the PN64 has powerful performance, the small size of the Mini PC makes heat dissipation an issue that cannot be ignored. The bottom of the host also has cooling openings, forming a wind path that draws air in from the bottom and exhausts it quickly from the other three sides to ensure stable operation of the host.

Next, I opened the host. I happened to have a 2TB 2.5-inch mechanical hard drive on hand, which can be installed for expansion or used as a download machine.

Unscrewing the four screws at the bottom (with an anti-fall design) allows you to open the host. After separating the top and bottom, you can see that the interior uses a top and bottom shell partitioned structure connected by wiring.

First, let’s look at the top shell. The 2.5-inch hard drive bay is located here and can support the installation of mechanical hard drives or solid-state drives with a thickness of less than 9.5mm. Above the hard drive bracket is a thermal pad for the M.2 solid-state drive, which fits perfectly over the surface of the M.2 solid-state drive when closed.

Insert the 2.5-inch mechanical hard drive.

The hard drive bay has reserved holes for installation screws.

Installation is complete.

Now let’s look at the top shell, where the important hardware components are integrated.

It comes with a 2280 specification M.2 hard drive slot and supports PCIe 4.0 X4 protocol. It comes pre-installed with a Micron 512GB PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive, with a controller from Phison PS5019-E19, with read and write speeds of 3700/3200MB/S. If you feel the capacity is insufficient, you can replace it yourself.

The built-in network card is the Intel AX211 wireless network card, supporting WiFi 6E wireless network and Bluetooth 5.2 protocol.The WiFi 6E protocol adds a 6GHz frequency band on top of WiFi 6, effectively alleviating network congestion while providing high-speed wireless transmission of 2402Mbbps.

In terms of memory, it provides two SO-DIMM laptop memory slots, but only comes with one Hynix DDR5 4800 frequency memory. It is recommended to purchase another one to form a dual-channel memory. After forming a dual-channel, the default single memory UHD integrated graphics can be upgraded to XE integrated graphics, and performance will be further improved.

Finally, let’s look at the desktop effect.

The compact size of the PN64 is very convenient for portable mobile office. When placed on the desktop, it can be placed on a shelf or hidden under the monitor stand.

The wiring at the back is also very simple and neat.

Testing SectionThe PN64 comes with Asus Manager management software, which can view hardware information, hardware diagnostics, and driver updates. The pre-installed genuine Windows 11 Home Chinese version can be activated and used immediately upon startup, and subsequent updates are also very convenient.

Hardware information image from Luda Master.

Luda Master score.

Read and write speed image of the included Micron 512G solid-state drive.

AIDA64 single 16G memory test score. If another 16G memory is added, the score will be even better, and the key is that the integrated graphics performance will improve significantly.

The Core i7-12700H processor equipped in the PN64 adopts Intel’s advanced 7 process, with a specification of 14 cores and 20 threads, including 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, with a turbo frequency of up to 4.7GHz, and a built-in 24MB high-speed cache as well as 96EU Iris Xe integrated graphics. The powerful performance is more than enough for my daily office software and audio-visual entertainment needs.

CineBench R23 test, single-core score 1221, multi-core score 10902.

Game testing is not the strong suit of integrated graphics. When using a single (single-channel) memory, the integrated graphics will automatically switch to UHD integrated graphics. If dual-channel memory is used, the integrated graphics will be upgraded to Iris Xe integrated graphics, resulting in a performance increase of about 14%.

Asus PN64 supports 4K and 8K ultra-high-definition resolution output. Coupled with the outstanding encoding and decoding capabilities of Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, playing high-definition 4K original discs is completely effortless.

In AIDA64’s FPU single burn test, the PN64 can release a maximum of about 65W. After a long burn, it will drop to around 35W, and the temperature stabilizes around 72°. The noise level varies from person to person, but it is within my acceptable range.

Conclusion

Mini hosts have many advantages, such as fashionable appearance, compact and portable size, lower power consumption, and quiet performance. With the continuous efforts of chip manufacturers, the performance of Mini hosts is becoming increasingly powerful, and their uses and application scenarios are also increasing.The Asus PN64 Mini host, with its powerful performance, easily meets my daily work and entertainment needs. After using it for a period, I truly love it. Using a small host paired with a large screen to build a simple and exquisite desktop system to carry the heavy responsibilities of my work and study, as well as family entertainment terminals.