The Stheno DroiX Stheno F5 Gaming Mini PC is not the first Mini PC from this brand since we have already seen the Nvisen Y-MU-01 which is also a rather original solution on the market. An important detail to note about this previous model, its price has largely deviated between its announcement and the weeks that followed. This is not a requirement or a rule, but it could be a nice surprise for this newcomer.
The DroiX Stheno F5 Gaming Mini Computer comes with an Intel Core i5-9300H which is a quad-core, eight-threaded processor clocked at 2.4 to 4.10 GHz with 8 MB cache and Intel UHD 630 graphics. This chip has a TDP of 45 watts, which must be properly dissipated on a chassis of this type. This chip is designed by Intel to equip laptops and their integration in a MiniPC of this type is therefore not a heresy, provided of course that the internal cooling is up to standard.
These show a large side vent on the chassis and an opening under the machine. So there’s plenty of room for fresh air and heat to be drawn out of the machine like a laptop. The Gaming Mini PC will need this because its equipment does not stop here. On board there is also an additional graphics processor with an Nvidia GTX 1650 chipset. With this equipment, the Stheno F5 will offer nice performance in terms of computing and display.
Especially since it can be equipped with 16 to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM on two dual channel DDR4 SoDIMM slots. In reality, the machine can perfectly well handle up to 64 GB of RAM, but the brand does not offer this option. Storage is ranging from 256GB to 1TB of SSD through an undetailed M.2 2280 model. The device also offers a 2.5″ SATA 3.0 bay to add a second storage easily. Beware though, the bay only supports 7mm thick SSDs.
The whole thing fits in a compact format of 22.2 cm wide by 19.5 cm deep and still 4 cm thick. It’s not the tiniest of devices of this type, but it’s what you’d expect from a device of this kind. It is therefore possible that the unit will not generate too much noise for intensive use.
The rest of the machine is more classic even if some details can be annoying like the front panel without any connections. Only a button is present to start the machine. On the back, on the other hand, it’s quite complete since we find from left to right: a power jack, a USB Type-C port, a DisplayPort, an HDMI, two USB 2.0 Type-A, four USB 3.0 Type-A, a Gigabit Ethernet port and a 3.5 mm audio combo jack. The device may be missing a memory card reader, but it’s pretty complete. The Nvisen GX01 also offers a Wifi5 device, mounted on an M.2 2230 slot, which also offers Bluetooth 4.0.
