MSI Cubi N ADL: A Fanless Mini-PC Powered by Intel Alder Lake-N

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MSI Cubi N ADL
MSI Cubi N ADL

MSI, a leading manufacturer of gaming and business computers, has recently launched a new product in its Cubi series of mini-PCs. The MSI Cubi N ADL is a compact and fanless desktop computer that runs on the Intel Alder Lake-N (N100) processor, a low-power chip designed for entry-level devices.

What is Intel Alder Lake-N?

Intel Alder Lake-N is a family of processors that belong to the 12th generation of Intel Core CPUs. These chips are based on a hybrid architecture that combines high-performance cores (P-cores) and power-efficient cores (E-cores) on a single die. The idea is to optimize performance and battery life for different workloads and scenarios.

However, unlike the higher-end Alder Lake-S and Alder Lake-P processors, which have both P-cores and E-cores, the Alder Lake-N processors only have E-cores. These are the same cores that power the Intel Atom processors, which are known for their low cost and low power consumption.

The Intel Alder Lake-N processors have four E-cores and four threads, with a base power consumption of 6 watts and a maximum power consumption of 25 watts. The E-cores can boost up to 3.4 GHz for the N100 model and up to 3.7 GHz for the N200 model. The processors also feature Intel UHD Graphics with 24 or 32 execution units, depending on the model.

What are the features and specifications of the MSI Cubi N ADL?

The MSI Cubi N ADL is a mini-PC that measures 4.9 x 4.9 x 2.1 inches and weighs 540 grams. It has a 0.66-liter chassis that can be mounted on the back of a monitor or placed on a desk. The mini-PC has a sleek and minimalist design, with a black metal case and a silver MSI logo.

The MSI Cubi N ADL is equipped with the Intel Alder Lake-N (N100) processor, which has four E-cores, four threads, and a 6-watt TDP. The processor supports DDR4-3200 memory and has a 4 MB cache. The mini-PC has a single SODIMM slot that can accommodate up to 16 GB of RAM. It also has an M.2 2280 slot and a 2.5-inch drive bay for storage options.

The MSI Cubi N ADL has a variety of ports and connectors, including:

  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort)
  • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
  • 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A
  • 1 x HDMI 2.0b
  • 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
  • 2 x Gigabit Ethernet
  • 1 x 3.5 mm audio jack

The mini-PC supports up to three displays at the same time, with a maximum resolution of 4K at 60 Hz. It also has a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 module for wireless connectivity. The mini-PC comes with a 65-watt power adapter and a VESA mount kit.

One of the most notable features of the MSI Cubi N ADL is that it is fanless, meaning that it does not have any moving parts that generate noise or dust. The mini-PC relies on a passive cooling system that consists of a large heatsink that covers the entire bottom of the chassis. The heatsink dissipates the heat generated by the processor and other components, keeping the mini-PC cool and quiet.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of the MSI Cubi N ADL?

The MSI Cubi N ADL is a mini-PC that offers several benefits for users who are looking for a small, silent, and energy-efficient desktop computer. Some of the advantages of the mini-PC are:

  • It has a compact and lightweight design that can fit in any space and environment.
  • It has a fanless and dust-free cooling system that ensures silent and reliable operation.
  • It has a low-power processor that consumes less energy and generates less heat than conventional CPUs.
  • It has a decent performance for basic tasks such as web browsing, office work, media playback, and light gaming.
  • It has a flexible and expandable configuration that allows users to customize their memory, storage, and display options.
  • It has a rich set of ports and connectors that support multiple devices and peripherals.
  • It has a wireless module that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 standards for fast and stable connectivity.

However, the MSI Cubi N ADL also has some drawbacks that users should be aware of before buying the mini-PC. Some of the disadvantages of the mini-PC are:

  • It has a limited performance for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.
  • It has a low cache size and memory bandwidth that may affect the responsiveness and multitasking capabilities of the mini-PC.
  • It has a lack of P-cores that may limit the compatibility and optimization of some applications and games that require higher-performance cores.
  • It has a higher price tag than some of its competitors that offer similar or better specifications.

Who is the target audience and use case for the MSI Cubi N ADL?

The MSI Cubi N ADL is a mini-PC that is designed for users who value simplicity, silence, and efficiency over performance, features, and aesthetics. The mini-PC is ideal for users who need a basic desktop computer for everyday tasks such as web browsing, office work, media playback, and light gaming. The mini-PC is also suitable for users who have limited space and budget, as well as users who care about the environment and energy consumption.

The MSI Cubi N ADL is a mini-PC that can be used for various purposes and scenarios, such as:

  • Home entertainment: The mini-PC can be connected to a TV or a monitor and used as a media center or a gaming console. The mini-PC can stream online videos, play local files, and run casual games with ease. The mini-PC can also support multiple displays and speakers for a more immersive experience.
  • Office work: The mini-PC can be used as a workstation or a thin client for office applications and cloud services. The mini-PC can handle documents, spreadsheets, presentations, emails, and web conferencing without any issues. The mini-PC can also support multiple monitors and peripherals for a more productive workflow.
  • Education: The mini-PC can be used as a learning device or a teaching tool for students and teachers. The mini-PC can access online courses, educational apps, and digital textbooks with ease. The mini-PC can also support interactive displays and projectors for a more engaging and collaborative learning environment.
  • Digital signage: The mini-PC can be used as a digital signage device or a kiosk for advertising and information. The mini-PC can display dynamic and interactive content on large screens or touchscreens with high resolution and quality. The mini-PC can also support remote management and control for a more convenient and secure operation.

Conclusion

The MSI Cubi N ADL is a fanless mini-PC that runs on the Intel Alder Lake-N (N100) processor, a low-power chip designed for entry-level devices. The mini-PC has a compact and lightweight design, a passive cooling system, a decent performance, a flexible and expandable configuration, a rich set of ports and connectors, and a wireless module. The mini-PC is ideal for users who need a small, silent, and energy-efficient desktop computer for basic tasks such as web browsing, office work, media playback, and light gaming. The mini-PC can also be used for various purposes and scenarios, such as home entertainment, office work, education, and digital signage.

The MSI Cubi N ADL is a mini-PC that offers several benefits for users who value simplicity, silence, and efficiency over performance, features, and aesthetics. However, the mini-PC also has some drawbacks that users should be aware of before buying the mini-PC, such as a limited performance, a low cache size and memory bandwidth, a lack of P-cores, and a higher price tag. The mini-PC is not suitable for users who need a powerful and feature-rich desktop computer for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.

The MSI Cubi N ADL is a mini-PC that is powered by Intel Alder Lake-N, a new generation of processors that combine high-performance cores and power-efficient cores on a single die. The mini-PC is one of the first products to showcase the potential and limitations of this hybrid architecture. The mini-PC is a product that reflects the current trends and challenges of the PC industry, as well as the future possibilities and opportunities of the PC market.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog article. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for your attention. 😊

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