Credit: Corbin Davenport / How-To Geek / MSI
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MSI has released a single-board computer powered by Intel Alder lake, Amston Lake, or Twin Lake x86 processors, in a similar form factor as a Raspberry Pi. It’s intended for “deployment in extreme environments and industrial use cases.”
The MS-CF16 V3.0 computer uses a Pico-ITX form factor, measuring just 101 x 73 millimeters (roughly 4 x 2.9 inches) and weighing 300 grams (0.6 pounds). That’s similar in size to a standard Raspberry Pi board, with a similar set of connectivity options. You get two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, two Ethernet LAN connectors (2.5 Gb and 1 Gb), an M.2 B Key slot for storage or cellular modules, an M.2 E Key slot for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth cards, SATA 3.…
Credit: Corbin Davenport / How-To Geek / MSI
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MSI has released a single-board computer powered by Intel Alder lake, Amston Lake, or Twin Lake x86 processors, in a similar form factor as a Raspberry Pi. It’s intended for “deployment in extreme environments and industrial use cases.”
The MS-CF16 V3.0 computer uses a Pico-ITX form factor, measuring just 101 x 73 millimeters (roughly 4 x 2.9 inches) and weighing 300 grams (0.6 pounds). That’s similar in size to a standard Raspberry Pi board, with a similar set of connectivity options. You get two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, two Ethernet LAN connectors (2.5 Gb and 1 Gb), an M.2 B Key slot for storage or cellular modules, an M.2 E Key slot for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth cards, SATA 3.0.
This board can use up to two displays at once, using the HDMI port in combination with the LVDS or embedded Display Port. It’s also designed for “harsh environments” ranging from -40°C (-40°F) to 70°C to (158°F), despite only having a passive cooler.
MSI is selling the board with three processor options. First is the Intel Atom X7433RE, a 4-core CPU with a max clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a 9W TDP. There’s also the Intel Processor N97, which has 4 cores, a 3.6 GHz max turbo frequency, and a 12W TDP. Lastly is the Intel Processor N150, a 4-core 6W TDP chip with a 3.6GHz max turbo frequency that we’ve seen in plenty of mini PCs and entry-level Windows laptops.
Unfortunately, this tiny PC isn’t being sold through normal retail channels. It’s intended exclusively for use in embedded hardware for companies and other organizations, such as “factory automation, smart kiosks, transportation systems, and edge devices.” I wasn’t able to find it at any US-based distributors yet, but it’s available from authorized sellers in Canada, Germany, and elsewhere.
MSI said in a press release, “With its compact size, wide temperature tolerance, and rich feature set, the MS-CF16 V3.0 is designed to meet the diverse needs of embedded system developers, industrial OEMs, and system integrators. Whether used in smart manufacturing, medical equipment, digital signage, or transportation infrastructure, this board delivers performance, stability, and expandability in a small form factor.”
If you’re in the United States and want a compact x86-based PC, you’re better off with options like the GMKtec NucBox G5 or fanless MeLE Mini PC. Unlike a Raspberry Pi, those computers can run a standard version of Microsoft Windows if needed, or many other operating systems built for x86 PCs.
Source: MSI, Rosch Computer