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The Maxtang SXRL-20 is a compact, fanless computer designed for digital signage applications, but it could also be a good fit for some home users thanks to its support for user-replaceable memory and storage, better-than-bottom-of-the-line processor, and silent operation.
The little computer is available now from AliExpress for $479 and up and features an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, four HDMI ports, and two Ethernet ports.
While there are cheaper mini PCs with Alder Lake-N processors, there are a few advantages to opting for a model with an Alder Lake-U chip like the Core i5-1215U. For one thing, it’s a faster processor with 10 CPU cores and 12 threads (thanks to 2 Performance cores and 8 Efficiency cores) and an Intel Iris Xe integrated GPU with 80 execution units.
For another, Alder Lake-N chips only support single-channel memory and 9 PCIe 3.0 lanes, while Alder Lake-U chips support dual-channel RAM and 20 PCIe 3.0 or PCIe 4.0 lanes.
The MaxTang SXRL-20 makes use of those capabilities by providing users with two SODIMM slots for up to 64GB of total DDR4-3200 memory (2 x 32GB) and two M.2 2280 slots – one with support for a PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD and another with support PCIe 3.0.
There’s also an M.2 E-Key slot for a WiFi & Bluetooth card and a B-Key slot that can be used for an optional cellular modem.
Ports include:
- 4 x HDMI 2.0 (4K)
- 1 x 2.5 Gb Ethernet (Intel i226)
- 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (Intel i219)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A
- 1 x 3.5mm audio
- 1 x RS-232 COM (RJ45 console)
The computer has an aluminum body that measures 271 x 135mm (8.54″ x 5.31″).
Maxtang’s product listing also mentions models with higher-performance Intel Core i7-1255U (Alder Lake-U) and Core i7-1355U (Raptor Lake-U) processors. Those models are also said to include an HDMI input on one side with support for capturing video signals with resolutions up to 4K at 30 frames per second, but at time of publication the only model available for purchase is the entry-level configuration with a Core i5-1235U processor, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB or 1TB SSD, but no HDMI input.
via AndroidPC.es