Compact and Powerful: Review of the Asus Mini PC PN50 with AMD Ryzen 4300U
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is a bare bones mini PC?
- Specifications of ASUS Mini PC PN50
- 3.1 Size and Weight
- 3.2 RAM and Storage Options
- 3.3 Processor Options
- Performance and Benchmarks
- 4.1 Gaming Performance
- 4.2 productivity Performance
- 4.3 Temperature and Power Consumption
- Hardware Installation and Maintenance
- Versatility and Potential Uses
- 6.1 Plex Server
- 6.2 Daily Driver or Content Creation PC
- User Experience and Issues
- 7.1 Microphone Pickup
- 7.2 Windows 10 Compatibility
- Pricing and Availability
- Conclusion
- FAQ
🖥️ ASUS Mini PC PN50: A Compact and Powerful Bare Bones Option
The ASUS Mini PC PN50 is a bare bones mini PC that offers users the flexibility to customize their system to their specific needs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the PN50, its specifications, performance, and potential uses. From its small form factor to its powerful AMD processors, the PN50 offers an interesting option for those looking for a compact and versatile PC.
1. Introduction
The ASUS Mini PC PN50 is similar to other bare bones mini PCs on the market, such as the Intel NUC. When we say "bare bones," we mean that the PC does not come with memory, storage, or an operating system. These components need to be supplied by the user themselves. While some PC builders offer pre-built systems with these components included, there is often a price premium for the convenience.
2. What is a bare bones mini PC?
A bare bones mini PC is a compact computer that provides the basic components necessary for a functional system without including memory, storage, or an operating system. This allows users to customize their system by choosing components that best suit their needs. It provides a cost-effective option for those who already have spare parts or prefer to select their own components.
3. Specifications of ASUS Mini PC PN50
3.1 Size and Weight
The PN50 measures 11.5 by 11.5 by 4.9 centimeters or about 4.5 by 4.5 by 1.9 inches. Despite its small size, it is made of plastic with a brushed steel appearance, giving it a sleek and modern look. It weighs about 1.2 pounds or about half a kilogram, making it lightweight and portable.
3.2 RAM and Storage Options
The PN50 features two RAM slots that support up to 64 gigabytes of DDR4 3200 megahertz memory. It also has an M.2 drive that supports SATA and NVMe and can accommodate drives up to two terabytes. Additionally, it has a 2.5 inch drive slot that can support either a SATA SSD or hard drive, with a maximum capacity of up to eight terabytes.
3.3 Processor Options
The PN50 offers three different processor options, all from the AMD 4000 laptop series. The entry-level option is the 4300U, followed by the 4500U, and the top-tier option is the 4700U. The 4700U is an eight-core, sixteen-thread processor with a 15-watt TDP, which offers impressive performance for such a compact system.
4. Performance and Benchmarks
4.1 Gaming Performance
While the PN50 is not primarily designed for gaming, it can handle some games on low settings at 1080p. For example, CS:GO runs at an average of 79.8 frames per Second (FPS) with a 1% low of 26.2 FPS. Similarly, GTA 5 runs at an average of 37.7 FPS with a 1% low of 19.1 FPS. These performance levels are modest but may be acceptable for casual gamers or those who are willing to compromise on graphics quality.
4.2 Productivity Performance
In terms of productivity performance, the PN50 fares well. It achieves a Cinebench R20 single-core average score of 421 and a multi-core score of 1506. The system also completes the Blender Classroom benchmark in 31 minutes and 7 seconds, showcasing its efficiency despite its low-powered CPU.
4.3 Temperature and Power Consumption
The PN50 features a single exhaust fan that pulls in air through the bottom of the case and expels it out the back. During heavy load scenarios, such as gaming or benchmarking, the CPU temperature can reach around 95 degrees Celsius. In terms of power consumption, the system uses approximately 7-8 watts at idle and peaks around 38-39 watts during a Cinebench multi-core run. These figures demonstrate the PN50's energy-efficient nature.
5. Hardware Installation and Maintenance
The PN50 is designed with convenience in mind when it comes to hardware installation and maintenance. To access the RAM, storage, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module, users need to unscrew four screws on the bottom of the unit and slide off the bottom cover. Additionally, ASUS includes VESA mounting equipment, allowing users to mount the PN50 on the back of a monitor or TV.
6. Versatility and Potential Uses
6.1 Plex Server
One potential use for the PN50 is as a home media server, particularly for running Plex. While the PN50's storage options may be limited with a maximum of two terabytes for the M.2 drive, users can employ external hard drives to store additional data. The compact form factor and low power consumption make it an ideal choice for a dedicated media server.
6.2 Daily Driver or Content Creation PC
The PN50 can also serve as a daily driver or content creation PC for those who require a compact and powerful system. With Microsoft's Cortana personal assistant and dual microphones, it offers a convenient user experience for tasks such as video conferencing or voice commands. The availability of AMD Ryzen 4000 series APUs facilitates hardware encoding, making it a suitable option for users in need of a capable multimedia workstation.
7. User Experience and Issues
7.1 Microphone Pickup
One issue that some users may encounter is the microphone pickup. Under medium to high load, the microphones on the PN50 may inadvertently capture the sound of the exhaust fan, leading to audio interference during video calls or voice recordings. It is advisable to consider external microphones if high-quality audio capture is essential.
7.2 Windows 10 Compatibility
Some users have experienced compatibility issues with the Netflix app from the Windows Store, resulting in system crashes. However, these issues can often be resolved through driver updates. It is recommended to keep the system up to date using the latest drivers provided by ASUS.
8. Pricing and Availability
The pricing of the PN50 can vary depending on the configuration and the retailer. As of this writing, the bare bones system with the 4300U processor can be found for around $330 at Microcenter. Prices may fluctuate, so it is advisable to compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, the ASUS Mini PC PN50 offers a compact and versatile solution for users who prefer to customize their systems. With its AMD processors, ample RAM and storage options, and various connectivity ports, it caters to a wide range of computing needs. While it may not excel in demanding gaming scenarios, its performance in productivity tasks and multimedia applications is commendable. Considering its reasonable pricing and user-friendly design, the PN50 is worth considering for those seeking a reliable mini PC.
10. FAQ
Q: Can the PN50 support multiple displays?
A: Yes, the PN50 can support up to four 4K displays at 60Hz simultaneously or a single 8K display at 60Hz via DisplayPort in dual mode.
Q: Is the PN50 suitable for gaming?
A: The PN50 can handle some games on low settings at 1080p. While it may not provide a gaming experience on par with dedicated gaming PCs, it can be suitable for casual gaming or less demanding titles.
Q: What are the available processor options for the PN50?
A: The PN50 offers three processor options: the 4300U, the 4500U, and the 4700U. The 4700U is the most powerful option, featuring eight cores and sixteen Threads with a 15-watt TDP.
Q: Can the PN50 be used as a Plex server?
A: Yes, the PN50 can be used as a Plex server. However, its limited storage options may require the use of external hard drives for additional storage capacity.
Q: How easy is it to install additional hardware components in the PN50?
A: It is relatively easy to install additional hardware components in the PN50. Users can gain access to the RAM, storage, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module by removing four screws on the bottom of the unit and sliding off the bottom cover.
Q: Does the PN50 support hardware encoding for video editing?
A: Yes, the PN50 supports hardware encoding, which can enhance video editing performance. Software such as Adobe Premiere Pro can utilize the Ryzen 4000 series APUs for efficient hardware-accelerated encoding.
Q: Can the PN50 be mounted on the back of a monitor or TV?
A: Yes, ASUS provides VESA mounting equipment for the PN50, allowing users to mount it on the back of a monitor or TV. This enhances its versatility and reduces clutter.
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