This time, a mini PC equipped with the Intel Alder Lake-N N100 CPU newly released by the familiar Chuwi “HeroBox 2023 Games” will be reviewed.
The Intel N100 is a CPU that has a higher performance than conventional low-priced CPUs such as Atom and Celeron, but has gained popularity in low-priced machines such as this machine in the 20,000 yen range.
「HeroBox 2023 Games” is now available on the official Chuwi store.this pageSo, it is on sale at 22,900 yen, which is 4,000 yen off from 26,900 yen.
It is one of the small and cool appearance like ↓.
Let’s see!
Appearance and specs
First of all, from the bundled items. As shown below, in addition to the main unit, there is an AC adapter, manual, VESA mount attachment, and replacement screws.
The manual is Japanese, and in addition to the basic usage, the storage replacement method is also written in detail.
The specs are 4-core 4-thread Intel Alder Lake-N N100 CPU, 12th generation Intel UHD Graphics 24EU GPU, 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB SATA SSD, Windows 11 Home, Wi-Fi6, Bluetooth 5.2.
Built-in active cooling fan, storage is M.2 2242/2280 and 2.5″ SATA. HDD/SDD storage replacement / expansion is possible. Specific method will be described later.
First of all, the main unit has an Intel logo sticker on the front like ↓, as well as USB Type-C, USB3.0 Type-A x2, microSD card slot, and power button.
On the back is a reset button, DC-12V, VGA, HDMI2.0, wired LAN, USB2.0 Type-A x2, 3.5mm earphone jack as shown below. 4K output and multiple display output are also possible. Although it is small, it has all the ports.
On the side is an exhaust hole for the fan like ↓.
The lock key of ↓ is also attached.
The bottom has four rubber feet, grooves for VESA mounting, and multiple screw holes for easy removal of the bottom panel.
The main body is very lightweight at 500g as shown below.
Storage retrofit/expansion method
Next, let’s look at how to replace or add storage.
The bottom has a double structure.
The simplest way is to open the inner lid by removing 6 screws, and the 2.5 inch bay and SATA slot will appear as shown below.
So, you can add storage just by buying and installing a 2.5 inch SATA SSD or HDD here.
To replace the main storage, open the outer screws as well.
You can access the internal board by removing the other four screws as shown below.
However, at this stage, only the SATA port is visible.
If you remove 4 screws with adhesive from here and gently pull the board, you can access the main part as shown below.
The main storage is attached to the M.2 slot here, so you can easily remove it by removing one screw for M.2 as shown below.
With the above method, you can replace the main storage or add sub storage.
benchmark score
Look at the benchmark scores.
CINEBENCH R23 has a single core of 920pts and a multicore of 2,815pts. Compared to Celeron and Atom, it became much faster.
Comparison with other CPUs is shown below. Here is a single core
↓ is multi-core.
Of course, it’s difficult to play the latest heavyweight AAA games, but if you’re playing an older 3D game, it’s perfectly fine. Skyrim, for example, is smooth.
Storage read/write is as below.
the area of perfection
that’s all,”HeroBox 2023 GamesI’ve seen
Intel N100-equipped mini PCs have a good reputation, but this machine is also well made without exception.
Price, performance, scalability, etc. are well-balanced, and 23,000 yen is a great cost performance.
Taking advantage of the characteristics of a mini PC, you can use it compactly without taking up space around your desk, and you can add or replace it if you need storage.
It will meet a wide range of PC uses such as document creation, browsing, watching videos, and coding with office software.
So, if you are looking for a cheap mini PC that you can use, please check it out!
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