Acer Chromebox Mini review

"The Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1 is a VESA-mountable mini PC that runs Chrome OS and has a modest set of internals. Having a low-power CPU is a net benefit here, as the CXM1 is passively cooled and therefore silent when used. It comes with a bracket and Velcro strips to mount it out of the way, keeping the external power brick out of the way as well.

You also get an excellent selection of ports, including five USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, two HDMI 1.4b outputs, USB-C, and an audio combo jack. The USB-C port also supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, bringing the total to three displays. And you'll be able to get by if you limit yourself to a single web app at a time, or maybe a couple of browser tabs for research."

The Acer Chromebox Mini CXM1 is not a powerful device. I know I keep saying it, but if I don't, someone will pick one up and be disappointed by what it can't do. Not having 4K60 support due to HDMI 1.4b limitations is the most disappointing thing here, although most browser-based streaming services will be limited to 1080p on Chrome OS anyway."

Source: XDA 

Works better than it looks

This is a textbook example of "extreme DIY engineering." What you’re looking at is a GMKtec NucBox (Ryzen 7 7825U) that has been completely stripped of its original chassis and cooling fan to accommodate a massive, passive desktop CPU cooler. These mini PCs usually rely on a small, high-RPM laptop-style fan that can get quite whiny under load. It looks absurd, and those exposed components are one static shock away from retirement, but honestly? We’re obsessed with it.

Source: reddit

Build a $65 retro gaming console

Courtesy of Chase Brogan

The Steam (punk) Machine

This strikingly beautiful build integrates a massive Victorian-era cast iron radiator as its primary cooling component. The PC - featuring the RTX 5080 and the Ryzen 7 9800X3D - is mounted directly to the base of the 80kg radiator. Because of the massive thermal mass, it takes about one hour for the loop to reach temperature equilibrium. This build does feature a couple of fans but can run completely passively.

Source: reddit

Lenovo ThinkEdge Solutions teased

ThinkEdge SE10n Gen 2, a compact intelligent gateway that provides reliable mobile management where needed. Built for connectivity, data capture and lightweight edge analytics, the fanless nano gateway is easy to deploy and delivers essential performance for customers of all sizes without the commitment of large investments.

ThinkEdge SE30n Gen 2, a versatile AI-ready gateway that turns data into decisions with real-time inferencing right next to the equipment. A rugged yet compact device built for real-world edge conditions, the fanless gateway optimizes the Intel Core processor to streamline device orchestration and fleet-level manageability for complex edge deployments.

ThinkEdge SE60n Gen 2, a high-performance edge computer solution with AI capability that supports multi-camera vision, predictive analysis and autonomous workflows across industry and enterprise edge deployments. Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated AI accelerators delivering up to 97 TOPS, the device brings reliable edge AI to the most demanding conditions, including industry automation, commercial autonomous robots, smart retail, healthcare, transportation, and more.

These new solutions are scheduled for release in H2 2026, stay tuned. Special thanks to Pedro Chen over at Lenovo for the hi-res pictures. 

Akasa Euler CMX unboxing

Learn more about the mini-ITX case here.

Akasa Euler CMX launched

Unlike previous Euler models - compatible with Thin mini-ITX motherboards only - this new fanless case supports standard mini-ITX motherboards, and comes with an internal 220W DC-to-DC converter. The compact 4-liter case supports 35W desktop Intel CPUs up to the Core Ultra 9 285T. The Euler CMX is available today from Quiet PC as a standalone product or as a complete PC. The definitive best fanless PC of 2026 has officially arrived.

Case: https://www.quietpc.com/akasa-euler-cmx

PC: https://www.quietpc.com/sys-euler-cmx-i18

ZimaBoard 2 as home server

Courtesy of TechteamGB

Demonic LEGO review

"The Cyber X1 might look like a demonic LEGO, but its ability to hold a steady clock speed under load is genuinely impressive. That really should not be a surprise, though. MeLE has been cranking out fanless mini PCs since 2018 and they’re good at it. Just ask the astrophotography community.

While I doubt building a fanless digital audio workstation is at the top of many people’s lists for things to do with the Cyber X1, I hope some of you will be able to extract useful data-points from this experiment to help with whatever project you are currently researching. But yeah, it’s a well-built, silent N150 mini PC that doesn’t turn into a space heater under load, and better yet, it knows how to Linux." 

Source: Interfacing Linux

Rare copper SSD cooler

"Works really well once installed! Make sure to use both the orange and pink thermal pads — they’re just about the right thickness for proper contact on both sides. The orange pads are about 0.8–0.9 mm, and the pink ones around 0.4–0.5 mm. This was my first time installing a heatsink, and I definitely had a “what do I do with these?” moment since the instructions aren’t very clear. Once you get everything seated correctly though, it performs great — my temps are now sitting between 31°C and 60°C. Overall, a solid heatsink once you get past the setup. Without I was hitting 74C on top end under load."

Source: Amazon