Asus announces PN64 mini PCs with Intel Alder Lake processors and PN52 models with Ryzen 5000H APUs

The first Intel Alder Lake mini PCs are starting to roll in. Among the first OEMs to announce such devices there is Asus with the introduction of the MiniPC PN64 models. Additionally, Asus is also refreshing the AMD-based mini PCs with the PN52 models that are powered by Ryzen 5000H processors as opposed to last year’s models that are powered by Ryzen 5000U APUs. Both mini PC variants feature the same 5.1 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches case but the port selection is somewhat different.

First up is the PN64 model that can be equipped with a wide range of processors, including six Alder Lake-P SKUs with up to an i7-1280P, and two Alder Lake-H SKUs with up to an i7-12700H. These can be coupled with DDR5-4800 RAM via two SODIMM slots, and the storage department offers an M.2 2280 slot for NVMe solutions and a 2.5-inch bay for SATA HDD / SSD. Unfortunately, Asus does not offer Thunderbolt 4 connectors for this variant, but the port selection is still quite robust as it includes 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x HDMI 2.0 video outs, an audio jack, a 2.5 Gbps jack and a configurable port (either HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, VGA, COM, or RJ45). There is also Wi-Fi 6E / 6 connectivity.

On the other hand, the PN52 supports only DDR4-3200 RAM, but includes an extra M.2 2280 slot for up to three storage devices. Even though Asus does not mention the exact processors planned for this variant, we can expect up to a Ryzen 7 5800H, which is a decent upgrade over last year’s Ryzen 7 5700U top-of-the-line. Port selection is a bit different with 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 and 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 connectors and the Ethernet jack is not included by default but with the configurable solution. Apparently, the AMD model is missing the Wi-Fi 6 card, as well.

Availability for both variants is scheduled Q2 2022, and the Intel-based PN64 will start at US$369. Asus does not mention anything about the AMD prices, yet these will most likely cost slightly less.

Buy the Asus PN51-E1mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor on Amazon