Once entry-level Intel processors have been on the market for long enough, we often start to see systems sell for under $100. The TexHoo QN15 mini PC is offered with a recent Intel Processor N150 Twin Lake CPU for just around $100 in its barebone configuration with WiFi 5, but no RAM, and no storage.
The mini PC supports DDR4 memory and NVMe and SATA storage, and offers two 4K-capable HDMI ports, gigabit Ethernet, a M.2 socket for WiFi and Bluetooth, and five USB ports with two USB 3.2, two USB 2.0, and a USB Type-C port.
TexHoo QN15 specifications:
- SoC – Intel Processor N150 quad-core Twin Lake processor @ up to 3.6 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel UHD graphics @ 1.0 GHz; TDP: 6W
- System Memory – SO-DIMM socket for DDR4-2666/32000 up to 32GB
- Storage
- M.2 2280 socket for SATA or NVMe SSD
- 2.5-inch SATA bay (proprietary SATA cable needed)
- Video Output – 2x HDMI 2.0 ports
- Audio – 3.5mm audio (HP+mic) jack, digital audio via HDMI
- Networking
- Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port (Realtek controller)
- Optional WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 via M.2 2230 module
- USB – 2x USB 3.2 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports, 1x USB Type-C port (no display support)
- Misc
- Power button
- Cooling fan and “thermal board”
- CMOS pinhole
- Power Supply – 12V/3A via DC jack
- Dimensions – TBD
The $100 barebone version ships without an operating system, but variants with 8GB or 16GB RAM, and a 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD ship with Windows 11. While there’s a SATA bay, it requires an FPC cable that’s apparently not included (you may have to ask when ordering), and might be like the SATA cable in the Maxtang MTN-FP750 mini PC we reviewed in 2023.
There’s also a TexHoo QN11 model with the same design, but based on the Intel Processor N100 Alder Lake-N CPU, selling for about $3 cheaper. Technically Unsure got a sample a few months ago, and he tested it with Windows 11 and Ubuntu, and also went through a teardown to check the hardware design.
The AliExpress store has three barebone models with WiFi 5: the QN15 for $99.94, the QN11 for $96.94. and the QN10 for $109.93. The QN10 is based on the Intel N100, but offers two 2.5GbE ports, a microSD card slot, and a SO-DIMM DDR5 socket that should allow for up to 64GB memory. As a side note, AliExpress currently offers some $10 coupons, such as USAFF10 (US only) or AESS10 (several countries) that work for any order greater than $79.
Via AndroidPC.es
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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QN10 seems worth it since RAM speed is important. On the other hand, DDR4 is cheap.
yes and 2 eth ports (especially i226 @2.5G) around $100 is not common.
Loud, dusty fan included.
At the moment, Firebat T8 Plus is more appealing. N100, smaller, has 2 ethernet interfaces and it comes with 8GB/256GB for 93€ without coupon.
Where is the “93€ without coupon” offer?
The low price is shown in the search results, but when I click on the link, it’s $130.
They’ve probably increased the price.
Now I see the price depends on the country. In France it’s 109 Euros, in Spain about 100 Euros… Here’s the (affiliate) link: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCBwub9
Why is the N100 more appealing to you?
Well the difference between N100 and N150 CPU is barely noticeable. GPU is more noticeable, but honestly it’s not for playing and that would be a very specific use. Emulation is based on CPU mostly, so it would be ok for me.
I saw Firebat T8 raised the price, but now Chuwi Herobox is 95€ (at least in Spain).
I like that has VGA output, nice for something you will be running emulators on.
A little correction: BE200 (WiFi 7) works with N100, I don’t see a reason why it wouldn’t also work with the newer N150.
What is the use of n150 with DDR4? Nonsense.
Lower price perhaps
ACEMAGICIAN Mini PC Advanced CPU Twin Lake N150 up to 3.6GHz 16GB DDR4 RAM 256GB SSD Desktop Mini $139 only
https://www.amazon.com/ACEMAGICIAN-Advanced-Desktop-Computer-Display/dp/B0F13Q2SLL
Another new n150 device is the AOOSTAR R1 2 Bay 40T Storage Nas Intel N150 Mini PC: https://aoostar.com/products/aoostar-r1-2-bay-40t-storage-nas-intel-n100-mini-pc-black?variant=49817168773418
The previous version had an n100 cpu and was white, this one is black.
In US cost shows up $271, $58 shipping on Aliexpress
If I switch to a US address, I get a “Welcome deal” at $187.89, plus $58.91 for shipping.