Xiaomi to enter mini PC market with barebones fitting dual-slot dGPU and NUC-like models

The small form-factor PC market has grown significantly in the past few years. In the early days, only Intel and a few Taiwanese companies were offering mini PC models, but the market seems to be quite saturated now, from case makers that focus on more powerful mini-ITX desktop-grade builds, to fully-equipped palm-sized models powered by low-powered mobile PC chips and sold by the host of Chinese makers. Backed by its powerful smartphone and laptop brands, Xiaomi is now considering entering the mini PC market, as well. According to some Weibo posts, the Chinese brand was apparently planning to announce two mini PC models with the postponed launch of the Mi 13 smartphones that should have happened yesterday.

One of Xiaomi’s mini PC incursions is called the Mini Host and involves a barebone case that only features a custom power supply. Although the case appears to fit a dual-slot dGPU, the provided PSU is rated for just 100W. It is unclear if the PSU can be replaced with a more powerful model. Looking at the pictures leaked on Weibo, the case does not seem to feature any other vents besides the ones on the back that should allow for two 90 mm fans. There might be vents on top and underneath, but the pictures do not show this. The package also includes a special key cap that can be attached to the PSU to unlock a special function when users hit Win+M in Windows.

There is also a fully-equipped model that resembles an Intel NUC. This one is rumored to be powered by AMD’s Ryzen 7 6800H processor that integrates a Radeon 680M GPU. The system also features 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB storage, plus 2 USB-A ports and an audio jack on the front panel. It is supposed to cost 3999 RMB in China, which is the equivalent of US$570, but prices for the Western markets may differ.

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