Gigabyte Launches BRIX Mini-PC

Computer hardware manufacturer Gigabyte has entered the mini-PC market with the BRIX mini-PC, a miniature system that is nonetheless highly customizable and packs a lot of power.

The palm-sized system, known officially as the GB-XM1-3537 but referred to with the much-easier to remember term BRIX, was first unveiled at CES this year. But Gigabyte now released a more polished, appealing version of the system.

Measuring only 1.2×4.2×4.5 inch, BRIX is shaped like a rectangular brick that easily fits in the palm of your hand. Its elegant frame showcases a nice sheen, due to the fact that it is made of anthracite aluminum with a glass surface chassis.

Gigabyte says the device is highly customizable and can be configured any way the users desire and for whatever purposes. It can be used as an everyday desktop, but also as a peripheral device. The device is also provided with a VESA bracket to be mounted on the wall or on the back of your display.

But the most impressive part about this mini-PC is that it packs a lot of power, being able to support any ultrabook-class of Intel Ivy Bridge processors, up to Intel Core i7. This will be the default option for shipments, but users will be able to opt for an Intel Core i3 or i5 instead. Besides these three options, users will also be able to order a BRIX powered by a Celeron 1037U.

The BRIX is also equipped with two DDR3 RAM slots and can support up to 16GB memory. Other features include an integrated Intel graphics chip and Realtek LAN.

The system will be shipped without storage, memory or OS. It will be sold with the Ivy Bridge processor the buyer will choose, with Wi-FI, Ehernet, HDMI, a mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0 and expansion options via an mSATA slot and a mini PCIe slot.

The retail price for the BRIX is yet unclear, Gigabyte announcing only that the cost will depend on the processor options you choose. According to Techspot, similar, but less powerful systems on the market cost $165 to $330.

[Image via MaximumPC]