Asus is continuing its ExpertCenter line of mini PCs with the release of the 'ExpertCenter PN42' low-power computer. This mini PC is powered by an Intel N100 or N200 processor based on the selected configuration. These processors only use six watts of power to deliver 4-cores and 4-threads of performance. This ultra-low power draw allowed Asus to design the PN42 completely without an active cooling fan.
Rather than use active cooling, the PN42 has a unique chassis design with slats on all possible sides of the device. These slats combine with the integrated heatsink on the device to passively dissipate enough heat to keep the device running, even during longer sessions of active use. The PN42 can connect to up to four displays, features six USB ports for peripherals, and supports 3.5mm audio and ethernet.
Fanless Mini PCs
Asus Unveiled its 'ExpertCenter PN42' with a Completely Silent Design
Trend Themes
1. Fanless Computers - New fanless mini PC designs using passive cooling technologies represent disruptive opportunities for users who want silent operation and high performance computing.
2. Low-power Processors - The use of low-power processors in mini PCs allows manufacturers to create more energy-efficient devices, with potential opportunity for the Internet of Things (IoT) market.
3. Multi-display Computers - The ability to connect to multiple displays in mini PCs provides disruptive opportunities for broadcast, gaming, and medical industries to enhance their operations.
Industry Implications
1. Computer Hardware Manufacturing - These new fanless technologies present a disruptive opportunity for computer hardware manufacturing, allowing them to create new products with differentiating features from competitors.
2. Broadcasting Industry - The ability to connect to multiple displays is a disruptive opportunity for the broadcasting industry to enhance the viewing experience for their consumers.
3. Medical Industry - Multi-display and silent operation features of fanless mini PCs represent disruptive opportunities for the medical industry, as they can be used in hospital environments without causing any disturbance to patients.