ARM-powered Linux stick

Following its N100-powered Linux stick PC, Azulle launches a Rockchip-powered Ubuntu computer, the Access ARM. Despite its small size, it provides impressive connectivity, including Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet. Its graphics capabilities are equally good, featuring an ARM Mali G52 MC3 GPU that supports 4K video output at 120fps through its HDMI 2.1 interface. The entry-level 4GB / 64GB model is available for just $120 while the 8GB / 128GB unit retails for $150.

Ryzen 9 8945HX solution

Keep them coming! We absolutely love these mini-ITX motherboards featuring high-performance mobile CPUs. The MINISFORUM BD895i SE comes with a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX processor based on the Zen 4 architecture. This "Mobile on Desktop" (MoDT) board boasts 16 cores and 32 threads with a maximum boost clock of 5.4 GHz and integrated Radeon 610M graphics. It supports up to 96GB of dual-channel DDR5-5200MHz memory through two SO-DIMM slots, making it suitable for both intensive gaming and professional creative workloads (active cooling will probably be required). The BD895i SE is available for $529.

Arctic MX-7 launched

The MX-7 is the latest high-performance thermal compound from Arctic. This new formula is characterized by a significantly higher viscosity compared to its predecessors. Because of this dense, viscous texture, Arctic advises users not to use a spatula for spreading and instead recommends the "cross method" where the mounting pressure of the cooler naturally distributes the paste into a uniform layer. In terms of performance, the MX-7 shows temperature reductions of over 2°C compared to MX-6 when used with high-power processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K. The MX-7 is available today in 2g, 4g, or 8g.

DIY Raspberry Pi streamer

"My original plan was to put a low-profile heatsink directly over the CPU — but mounting the SSD underneath wasn’t possible; the total stack height exceeded the chassis thickness. I then considered moving the SSD to the side, but PCIe lanes aren’t flexible and the ribbon cable length tops out at around 70–80 mm due to high frequencies. So I embraced the overengineering and built a passive cooling solution using bent copper tubes and aluminium panels. CNC machining was an option, but €50 per part made me think twice. The end result is unique, effective, and fanless."

Source: reddit 

Euler TX3 available for €148

The Akasa Euler TX3 supports Intel® Core™ (8th-14th Gen) and Core™ Ultra (15th Gen) processors up to 35W TDP. With a compact volume of only 3.9L, the case is well-suited for industrial automation, point-of-sale (POS), kiosk, digital signage or other commercial systems that require long operational life and minimal maintenance.

The enclosure’s fully fanless design utilises an aluminium thermal module to transfer heat efficiently from the CPU to the external aluminium fins, while eliminating noise and mechanical failure points, ensuring stable and long-term performance. The design incorporates Akasa’s patented spring mounting system to ensure reliable thermal contact and compatibility across a diverse range of Thin Mini-ITX form factor boards.

Compatible with Thin Mini-ITX motherboards with Intel® LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200 and LGA115X sockets, the Euler TX3 supports Intel® Core™ and Core™ Ultra processors (8th-15th Gen) up to 35W TDP. With dimensions of 262.6 x 215 x 68.5 mm, its compact 3.9-litre-volume footprint suits installations where space is limited. VESA mounting allows the system to be placed behind displays or in other space-constrained locations. The Euler TX3 is available today from Caseking for €148.

Waterproof Core Ultra 9 system

"The industrial-grade chassis, precision-manufactured in Germany, weighs 7 kg and is built from aluminium and steel. Integrated O-ring gaskets and silicone seals provide effective protection against dust and water spray, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments. This model includes the ASRock B860i motherboard, known for its stability and robust feature set: dual LAN (2.5GbE + 1GbE), Wi-Fi 6E, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 via USB-C. Efficient, silent cooling is achieved using a copper CPU block connected to external cooling fins via heat pipes. The motherboard’s chipset also benefits from heat pipe cooling, eliminating the need for air vents. With no moving parts and no airflow through the chassis, the system offers dust-proof, maintenance-free reliability."

Source: Atlast! Solutions 

Throwback Thursday: Scythe Susanoo

The Scythe Susanoo was a massive, high-end CPU cooler officially launched in April 2011 by Japanese company Scythe. It was notable for its exceptional size, earning it a reputation as a "monster" cooler with dimensions of 210 x 210 x 160 mm. Its size meant it covered a significant portion of the motherboard, sometimes even partially covering the graphics card. It featured a record 12 heat pipes and weighed 1.2kg. While it performed well, some reviews at the time suggested that despite its huge size, its cooling performance was not that impressive. The Susanoo was also too large for the vast majority of standard PC cases, and was quickly discontinued.

Image source: Tech-Review 

Passively cool everything

The TERRAMASTER D1 SSD Plus 40Gbps is definitely the most impressive M.2 SSD enclosure available today. This beautiful piece of hardware is made with aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and weights a whopping 246g (without a drive). There is no doubt that this enclosure offers greater cooling capacity than many fanless mini PCs. We want one.

Acer Chromebox Mini review

"Acer’s Chromebox Mini CXM1 is a compelling value for minimal-performance scenarios, such as digital signage and point-of-sale systems. Its compact, fanless design easily mounts out of sight, and it bristles with connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6E. If you're not a business buyer, though, the Mini makes a lot less sense: the system only gives you enough performance for basic web browsing. For the more demanding needs of the mainstream audience, our Editors' Choice-award-winning Geekom A6 and Apple Mac mini receive the nod."

Source: PCMag 

Core Ultra 9 at an okay price

The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H is a beast. This Meteor Lake CPU is configured with 16 cores and 22 threads, composed of six high-performance P-cores, eight power-efficient E-cores, and two ultra-low-power LPE-cores situated on the SoC Tile, which together enable scalable performance and improved power efficiency. This 45W processor can achieve a maximum boost frequency of 5.1 GHz for its P-cores and is built on the state-of-the-art Intel 4 process technology. This multi-LAN machine comes with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for $759.99.