Skip to main content

Gigabyte injects six Brix mini-PCs with seventh-generation Intel Kaby Lake CPUs

gigabyte brix mini pc refresh intel kaby lake cpus
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Gigabyte said on Friday it has refreshed its Brix line of palm-sized PCs with seventh-generation Intel Core Kaby Lake processors. Thanks to these chips, the Brix series now sees 10 percent better performance in the graphics department over the previous generation and updated features like HDMI 2.0 connectivity and HDCP 2.2 video DRM technology.

“This 7th Gen Core processor utilizes a power efficient microarchitecture, advanced process technology and silicon optimizations to deliver faster performance than previous generation processors,” Gigabyte said. “By leveraging Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology, performance and power is dynamically controlled — for cores and graphics — boosting performance precisely when it is needed, and saving energy when it counts.”

Here are the three Brix vanilla models:

GB-BKi3A-7100 GB-BVKi5A-7200 GB-BKi7A-7500
Processor Intel Core i3-7100U Intel Core i5-7200U Intel Core i7-7500U
Memory 2x DDR4 slots
max 32GB @ 2,133MHz
2x DDR4 slots
max 32GB @ 2,133MHz
2x DDR4 slots
max 32GB @ 2,133MHz
LAN Gigabit Gigabit Gigabit
Audio Realtek ALC255 Realtek ALC255 Realtek ALC255
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel HD Graphics 620
HDMI Output 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz
Mini DP Output 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz 3,840 x 2,160 @ 60Hz
Expansion slots 1x M.2 slot
1x PCIe M.2 slot (used)
1x M.2 slot
1x PCIe M.2 slot (used)
1x M.2 slot
1x PCIe M.2 slot (used)
Front I/O 1x USB 3.1 Type-C
1x USB 3.1
1x audio/mic combo
1x USB 3.1 Type-C
1x USB 3.1
1x audio/mic combo
1x USB 3.1 Type-C
1x USB 3.1
1x audio/mic combo
Rear I/O 1x HDMI (2.0)
1x Mini DP (1.2)
2x USB 3.0
1x Ethernet
1x Kensington lock
1x HDMI (2.0)
1x Mini DP (1.2)
2x USB 3.0
1x Ethernet
1x Kensington lock
1x HDMI (2.0)
1x Mini DP (1.2)
2x USB 3.0
1x Ethernet
1x Kensington lock
Wi-Fi Card + Bluetooth Wireless AC Wireless AC Wireless AC
Size 1.35 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches 1.35 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches 1.35 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches

Now here is what makes the three S models different from the first batch:

GB-BKi3HA-7100 GB-BKi5HA-7200 GB-BKi7HA-7500
Size 1.84 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches 1.84 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches 1.84 x 4.43 x 4.7 inches
Storage 2.5-inch HDD/SSD support 2.5-inch HDD/SSD support 2.5-inch HDD/SSD support

Essentially there are two versions of three different models, with one version providing a larger form factor so that users can install a 2.5-inch hard drive or solid-state drive — at least, that is what the specifications show. Customers are required to provide their own memory sticks, storage solutions, and operating system for all six units, making them cheaper bare-bone miniature PCs.

These updated Brix mini-PCs should be ideal as a multimedia center or a high-productivity PC thanks to the device’s multiple video outputs. Gigabyte said they would be great for multi-display scenarios in the industrial and commercial industries too. Regardless, their small form factors make them an ideal addition in most rooms, fitting nice and snug into small spots in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and so on.

Gigabyte did not provide pricing in its announcement, but you can find a load of Brix models listed on the likes of Newegg and Amazon.

Editors' Recommendations

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Power up your tech game this summer with Dell’s top deals: Upgrade for a bargain
Dell Techfest and best tech on sale featured.

One of the best times to upgrade your tech stack, be it your desktop, a new laptop, or some high-resolution monitors, is when great deals are to be had. Well, I'm here to share that thanks to Dell's top deals, you can power up your tech game and have most of the summer to make it happen. Maybe you're happy with your current system or setup. That's excellent, but you're likely considering upgrading somewhere, and that's precisely what these deals are all about. Dell has a smorgasbord of deals on laptops, desktops, gaming desktops, monitors, accessories, and so much more. We'll call out a few of our favorite deals below, but for now, know that you should be shopping this sale if you're interested in anything tech-related.

 
What summer tech should you buy in Dell's top deals?

Read more
I love the MacBook Pro, but this Windows laptop came surprisingly close
Apple MacBook Pro 16 downward view showing keyboard and speaker.

There are some great machines in the 15-inch laptop category, which has recently been stretched to include the more common 16-inch laptop. The best among them is the Apple MacBook Pro 16, which offers fast performance for tasks like video editing and the longest battery life.

The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 is aimed not only at other 16-inch Windows laptops but also at the MacBook Pro 16. It offers many of the same benefits but at a lower price. Can it take a place at the top?
Specs and configurations

Read more
How to set an ‘Out of Office’ message in Microsoft Teams
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

Many people use Microsoft Teams regularly to communicate with colleagues both inside of the office and remotely. It is considered one of the most efficient ways to ensure you can stay in contact with the people on your team, but what if you need to let people know you’re not readily available? Microsoft Teams has a method for you to set up an "Out of Office" status for your profile to let staff members know when you’ll be gone for the afternoon, for several days on vacation, or for an extended period.
Where do I go to set up my ‘Out of Office’ status for Teams?
It is important to note that your Microsoft Teams and Outlook calendars are synced. This includes your out-of-office status and automatic replies. So, whatever you set up in Microsoft Teams will reflect in Outlook. Similarly, you can set up your out-of-office status in Outlook, and it will be reflected in Teams; however, the former has a more straightforward instruction.

First, you can click on your profile icon in Teams and go directly to Schedule an out of office, as a shortcut. This will take you to the settings area where you can proceed. You can also click the three-dot icon next to your profile icon, then go to Settings > General, then scroll down to the bottom of the page. There, you'll find out-of-office settings and click Schedule.

Read more