Intel-powered Asus mini PC launches with compact 0.66-liter design and USB PD support

Asus has introduced a new mini PC in China that's powered by an Intel Raptor Lake processor, the VM61. It packs the Core i5 13500H, which has a 12-core configuration.

This Raptor Lake processor also has an 80-EU Intel G7 Xe iGPU, and while this isn't a very capable iGPU, it still can handle moderate graphical workloads and media demands. Asus has paired this CPU with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, but the two SO-DIMM slots have a maximum capacity of 32GB.

There are two M.2 slots for NVMe drives, and each one of them should be capable of holding up to an 8TB SSD. The mini PC, however, ships with 512GB of storage (Lexar 2TB NM1090 Pro curr. $349.99 on Amazon). Asus also notes that the system is equipped with a proper cooling setup, and there are three fan modes available: quiet, standard, and high performance.

Another notable highlight of the Asus VM61 mini PC is the compact 0.66-liter chassis. The rounded corners should make it easily fit in different workspaces as well. Now, while it's small in size, there are a good number of connectivity ports, including:

• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C with DP1.2 and PD
• 1x USB-C with PD
• 1x DisplayPort 1.2
• 2x HDMI
• 2x Gigabit Ethernet
• 1x 3.5mm audio

The dedicated USB-C port for power has support for PD 3.0, and this should make it easier to run the mini PC in complicated setups. The DP1.2, two HDMI, and one full-function Type-C also brings support for quad-display output. WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a sleek design are among the other highlights.

In China, the Asus VM61 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD has a launch price of CNY 3,999, about $595. This exact model doesn't seem to be available outside China, but the ExpertCenter PN64 has a similar set of specs.