Curiosity in the world of miniPCs that we find today in AliExpress, since we first came across a PC that includes an Intel Core i7-8306G processor.
This is a 14nm Kaby Lake G family processor, which is now discontinued and was originally intended for notebook computers. A chip that undoubtedly stands out for its dedicated Radeon RX Vega M GL GPU with 4 GB of integrated HBM2 memory and a 65 W TDP, a configuration unthinkable today and that allows you to move games without too many graphic demands in 1080P resolutions. If you want to know more details about a miniPC with this type of processor and AMD graphics, you can read our review of the Beelink Kaby G7.
The rest of the hardware of this mini PC does not contribute much, its case is made of aluminium, and internally it has a fan to cool the processor that surely gets quite hot when the AMD GPU is used.
Processor, RAM and storage
This mini PC includes an Intel Core i7-8306G processor, a Quad Core chip with 8 threads capable of reaching 4.10 Ghz in burst mode. For graphics we have an AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL GPU with 20EU with a maximum speed of 1,011 Mhz and integrated HD Intel 630 graphics with a maximum frequency of 1.1 Ghz that takes care of tasks that need a low graphic performance such as navigation or office automation.
For memory, we have two slots for SO-DIMM DDR4-2666 / 2400 where we can mount up to 64 GB of RAM in Dual Channel and for storage we find a single M.2 NVMe port where to connect an SSD
Other specs
The barebone version in addition to coming without RAM or storage does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but we can install a Wifi 6E + BT 5.1 module for very little money, since it has a specific M.2 slot. Regarding connectivity, we see 2 3.5 mm audio jacks, 4 USB 3.0 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit network port and for video a VGA output and another HDMI 2.0 that reaches a maximum resolution of 4K @ 60fps.
The power supply is external, and a plastic support is also included to put the box in an upright position without the risk of it tipping you over.
Price and availability of this miniPC
- This Chinese mini PC with Intel Core i7-8706G processor can be bought in AliExpress from €556.26 / $572 in its Barebone version, a totally crazy price for a configuration like this.
