Skip to main content

This mini PC from Asus packs Intel Core i9-9900K power in a tiny frame

Ahead of CES 2019, Asus announced updated versions of its compact PCs. The latest entry to the family, the Mini PC ProArt PA90, packs options for the newest Intel Core i9-9900K processor and promises all the performance and power that designers and content creators need in a PC, but in a stylish form factor similar to a smart speaker.

Though the leading model of the Asus Mini PC ProArt PA90 is powered by the Intel Core i9-9900K processor, there is also a model available with the Core i7-9700K. Both are an upgrade from last generation’s Mini PCs, packing in 30 percent performance improvements. Elsewhere, the Mini PC ProArt PA90 also comes with options for the Nvidia Quadro P4000 or P2000 graphics, ensuring that there is enough power for video, photo editing, and other processing tasks.

Cooling also isn’t a worry as the new PC is equipped with an all-in-one CPU liquid cooler, allowing for it to be 36 percent quieter than average desktops. A top cover on the Mini PC ProArt PA90 will even extend automatically when temperates have reached above 176 degrees, allowing for up to 38 percent more airflow.

With other specifications, Asus is including options on the Mini PC ProArt PA90 which can help consumers blow through multi-tasking with ease. It comes with options for up to 64GB RAM, though 32GB is the standard. Storage space is also fairly generous, coming in with options for two 512GB M.2 PCIe SSDs and one 1TB 2.5-inch HDD. Connectivity is great, too, coming with two USB-3.1 ports on the front and rear, four Display Ports on the rear, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports.

“With its powerful CPU and professional GPU, Mini PC ProArt PA90 delivers reliable computing performance for computer-aided design (CAD) workflows for architecture, engineering, and manufacturing as well as media and entertainment, combined with an attractive, compact design that blends easily into any workspace,” Asus said.

Pricing was not immediately made available, but considering the upward of $500 cost of the Intel Core i9-9900K, you can expect for it to be well above the $1,000 range. We reviewed that processor in October, finding that it has record-breaking processing power and game performance that beats AMD’s Threadripper processors. Look out for more on the Asus Mini PC ProArt PA90 at CES 2019.

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
AMD Ryzen 5900X vs. Intel Core i9 10900K: Revenge of the underdog?
amd ryzen 5900x vs intel 10900k zen3cpu15

AMD's Ryzen 5000-series looks set to compete with Intel's best CPUs like never before. Building on the strong pedigree of the Zen and Zen 2 architectures, the Zen 3 design makes great strides in performance and efficiency. If AMD's claims about the 5900X prove true, it could be a new performance king in the making.

In Intel's 10900K, though, it faces stiff competition. With 10 cores and a clock speed in excess of 5GHz, the 10900K is nothing to laugh at. Until now, it has proven itself the king of high-end gaming in many recent games.

Read more
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X vs. Intel Core i9-9900K
AMD Ryzen 9 3900x pins.

The period between late 2018 and early 2019 was an inflection point in the ongoing battle between AMD and Intel. In late 2018, Intel continued its dominance in the gaming space by releasing the i9-9900K, which was the first CPU outside of Intel's Extreme range to sport the i9 marker. AMD followed up shortly after with the Ryzen 9 3900X. Although AMD had been competitive in productivity apps in its two previous Ryzen generations, the 3900X proved that team red still has the power to go up against Intel.

The 3900X marks a return for AMD, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's better than the 9900K. Let's dig into the details to find the better CPU.
By the numbers

Read more
Intel Core i9-11900K vs. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Promotional image of an Intel Core processor.

After taking a beating with the launch of Ryzen 5000, Intel is back with a new generation of processors. The eight-core Core i9-11900K leads the lineup, boasting huge IPC improvements, a high boost clock, and a surprisingly low price tag. Early benchmarks make Intel's upcoming launch feel like deja vu, though. Although it's clear the 11900K improves on the previous generation's 10900K, Intel's upcoming processor looks like a carbon copy of AMD's flagship 5900X -- with fewer cores.

In this guide, we're going to see how the two stack up spec-for-spec. Keep in mind that the 11900K hasn't launched yet, so we can't draw any firm conclusions until more reviewers have a chance to test the chip.
Pricing and availability

Read more