Thunderbolt 4 ports should the Thunderbolt logo instead of just writing "type-C", tbh. Nobody knows what "type-C" means: 480Mbps to 40 Gbps are possible.
IIRC, people that want Thunderbolt do recognize the logo. If it's TB4-certified, it should be TB4 or at least the logo.
And, IIRC, even if the CPU has TB4 support, it still has to be certified (e.g., see the Framework Laptop's similar issues).
I have a similar unit with N5105, and the heat transfer CPU-to-case works well. The storage was a problem. If you use a 'warm' M.2 SSD, you will have heat problems. I had to put a Raspberry Pi fan inside the case, prop it up with non-conductive wedgies, and plug it in to the SATA power source on the board. It dropped to fairly acceptable temps (~45C) after that, but I went extra and got an external 120mm fan and bolted it to the outside for ~35C.
I may get all tinkery and see if I can rig a heat pipe from the SSD to the case...
I don't understand. do you want it to be all USB-C? or do you just want more USB-A?
Because if it's the first one, that I/O port configuration makes good use of Alder Lake mobile, without getting extravagantly expensive by using all 4x TB4 ports. While with the second one, Alder Lake mobile only offers 4x USB 5gbps ports and 10x USB2.0, so you'd have to use a hub or additional chip to get more.
And since it has a TB4 port, you can hook up a TB4 dock for more ports, without being limited to the 5gbps from the USB3.0 ports.
I should have been clearer. I don't think computers should include antiquated ports. This one will also look like crap with all the high-speed peripherals plugged into the front.
I think calling USB 2.0 "antiquated" is a bit strong. Many, many devices are still developed and put on the market that use it and would not benefit from a newer revision. Why would a mouse, keyboard, Bluetooth adapter, microphone, serial port adapter etc. need anything faster?
it only has 2x 2.0 ports, which are typically used for keyboard/mouse, and there still plenty of such devices that don't behave well on 3.0+ ports, so its nice to see dedicated 2.0 ports for such instances
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ikjadoon - Friday, May 5, 2023 - link
Thunderbolt 4 ports should the Thunderbolt logo instead of just writing "type-C", tbh. Nobody knows what "type-C" means: 480Mbps to 40 Gbps are possible.IIRC, people that want Thunderbolt do recognize the logo. If it's TB4-certified, it should be TB4 or at least the logo.
And, IIRC, even if the CPU has TB4 support, it still has to be certified (e.g., see the Framework Laptop's similar issues).
HideOut - Saturday, May 6, 2023 - link
they are most certainly NOT paying the fee to intel to call it TB4, it just happens to be compatible. Tons of computers are like that.mukiex - Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - link
What's funny is, through the magic of USB4 2.0, 480Mbps to 80 Gbps are now possible.thomasjkenney - Friday, May 5, 2023 - link
I have a similar unit with N5105, and the heat transfer CPU-to-case works well. The storage was a problem. If you use a 'warm' M.2 SSD, you will have heat problems. I had to put a Raspberry Pi fan inside the case, prop it up with non-conductive wedgies, and plug it in to the SATA power source on the board. It dropped to fairly acceptable temps (~45C) after that, but I went extra and got an external 120mm fan and bolted it to the outside for ~35C.I may get all tinkery and see if I can rig a heat pipe from the SSD to the case...
nicolaim - Saturday, May 6, 2023 - link
It's great to see so many USB-A and USB 2.0 ports in 2023 😉meacupla - Saturday, May 6, 2023 - link
I don't understand.do you want it to be all USB-C? or do you just want more USB-A?
Because if it's the first one, that I/O port configuration makes good use of Alder Lake mobile, without getting extravagantly expensive by using all 4x TB4 ports.
While with the second one, Alder Lake mobile only offers 4x USB 5gbps ports and 10x USB2.0, so you'd have to use a hub or additional chip to get more.
And since it has a TB4 port, you can hook up a TB4 dock for more ports, without being limited to the 5gbps from the USB3.0 ports.
nicolaim - Sunday, May 7, 2023 - link
I should have been clearer. I don't think computers should include antiquated ports.This one will also look like crap with all the high-speed peripherals plugged into the front.
meacupla - Monday, May 8, 2023 - link
Wait, you put mini PCs on your desk? I mount them behind the monitor, so I can hide all the cables behind a slab of LCD.Eletriarnation - Sunday, May 14, 2023 - link
I think calling USB 2.0 "antiquated" is a bit strong. Many, many devices are still developed and put on the market that use it and would not benefit from a newer revision. Why would a mouse, keyboard, Bluetooth adapter, microphone, serial port adapter etc. need anything faster?bunnyfubbles - Monday, May 8, 2023 - link
it only has 2x 2.0 ports, which are typically used for keyboard/mouse, and there still plenty of such devices that don't behave well on 3.0+ ports, so its nice to see dedicated 2.0 ports for such instances