Elkhart Lake Mini PC: Leistungsstarkes und vielseitiges Gerät

Elkhart Lake Mini PC: Leistungsstarkes und vielseitiges Gerät

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Hardware Overview
   • Front Panel Features
   • Back Panel and Ethernet Ports
   • Internal Components and Upgradability
3. Performance Analysis
   • CPU Performance and Benchmarks
   • Power Consumption
4. Operating System Options
   • OPNsense Configuration
   • Proxmox Virtualization
5. User Experience and Build Quality
   • Ease of Setup
   • Build Quality and Design
6. Comparison with Competitors
   • Comparison with Intel N5105 Units
7. Pros and Cons
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Article: Elkhart Lake Mini PC Review: A Powerful Small Form Factor Option

Hey guys, this is Patrick from STH, and today we're diving into the latest Elkhart Lake mini PC, equipped with six 2.5 gig Ethernet ports and a low-power processor. If you've been following our YouTube Channel, you're probably familiar with our coverage of similar AliExpress units. The new Elkhart Lake model, featuring the J series Celeron processor, promises exciting possibilities. Is it worth your investment? Let's unpack everything from hardware details to performance benchmarks and user experiences.

Hardware Overview

Front Panel Features

Let's start with the front panel, which introduces some unique features not commonly found in similar units. It boasts four USB ports (two USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0), catering to different peripheral needs. The inclusion of an HDMI port, replacing older VGA ports, makes it more accessible for modern setups. Moreover, the integrated GPU supports up to 4K displays, though practical usage might vary.

Back Panel and Ethernet Ports

Moving to the back panel, the standout feature is the presence of six Intel i226v 2.5 gig Ethernet ports. These newer-generation ports ensure robust networking capabilities, although compatibility nuances with older i225 versions should be noted. The chassis, albeit larger than its predecessors, offers better cooling efficiency, crucial for sustained performance.

Internal Components and Upgradability

Inside, the unit surprises with dual SO-DIMM slots supporting up to two ESDIMMs, a departure from single DIMM configurations seen in many pre-built units. Our review unit came equipped with a Vaseki SSD and memory, highlighting cost-efficient components. However, the use of MSATA and SATA SSDs instead of NVME might affect storage performance for some users. Additionally, the presence of a SIM card slot for optional modems adds versatility, although practical usage may vary.

Performance Analysis

CPU Performance and Benchmarks

Powered by the Intel Celeron J6413, this mini PC delivers competitive performance in its class. Benchmarks reveal it closely matches rivals like the N5105, albeit with slight performance variations across different workloads. The CPU's efficiency allows for reliable multitasking and moderate workloads without excessive power consumption, making it suitable for small office or home setups.

Power Consumption

With a fanless design and efficient power supply, the unit maintains reasonable power consumption levels under load, hovering between 11 to 22 watts depending on usage scenarios. This makes it ideal for environments where noise and energy efficiency are priorities.

Operating System Options

OPNsense Configuration

Out of the box, our unit came pre-configured with OPNsense 22.7, optimized for the Intel i226v NICs. This ensures seamless integration and robust firewall capabilities, suitable for networking enthusiasts and IT professionals looking to deploy a secure gateway solution.

Proxmox Virtualization

For users interested in virtualization, installing Proxmox VE 7.3 proved straightforward, although we encountered limitations with NIC passthrough capabilities. While virtual machines ran smoothly, advanced features like SRI-OV and NIC passthrough were absent, limiting its potential as a high-end virtualization host.

User Experience and Build Quality

Ease of Setup

Setting up the unit was straightforward, thanks to clear documentation and accessible internal components. The inclusion of a serial console port and reset button adds convenience, though the unconventional placement of power buttons may confuse users initially.

Build Quality and Design

Overall build quality is commendable, with adequate thermal management and sturdy chassis construction. However, minor quality control issues with thermal pads and component placements were observed, reflecting common manufacturing variances in budget-friendly devices.

Comparison with Competitors

Comparison with Intel N5105 Units

In comparison to Intel's N5105-equipped models, the J6413 offers similar performance metrics at a slightly lower price point. However, the N5105 units excel in features like NVME support and enhanced virtualization capabilities, making them preferable for users prioritizing advanced storage and virtualization setups.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:

  • Six 2.5 gig Ethernet ports for robust networking.
  • Efficient power consumption with a fanless design.
  • Competitive CPU performance for its class.

• Cons:

  • Limited NVME support with SATA and MSATA storage options.
  • Issues with advanced virtualization features like NIC passthrough.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Elkhart Lake mini PC offers commendable performance and versatility, especially for users seeking a cost-effective networking or small-Scale virtualization solution. While it may lack some advanced features of higher-end models, its affordability and solid build make it a viable option for home labs or small business deployments.

FAQ

Q: Can I upgrade the storage in this mini PC? A: Yes, you can upgrade the storage using the available SATA and MSATA slots. However, NVME support is not available.

Q: How noisy is the mini PC during operation? A: The mini PC operates silently due to its fanless design, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

Q: Is the mini PC compatible with pfSense? A: Yes, it supports pfSense, but compatibility with Intel i226v NICs out of the box is better with OPNsense.

Resources:

• STH YouTube Channel