7 replies to this topic

[GTom]

At this point I am considering one of the three GMKTec computers and one from "szbox", all have pro's and cons...

 

M6: strong Ryzen 6600U CPU and fast RAM in case I want to retask the mini for everyday use. BUT likely higher power consumption? Weight: 518g,heaviest of the bunch = should be mounted on the counterweight bar...

 

G3: Hardware is OK for guiding (N100+16GB), same size as the M6, modern wifi6/BT5.2, weighs less at 361g

 

G5: Really tiny, Hardware is slightly weaker than the G3 (power restricted N97 +12GB), only 3 USB ports and only wifi5/BT4.2, just 206g

 

SZBox S100: another really tiny one with "standard" hardware (n100 + 16GB DDR5), only 3 USB ports, BUT with sizeable wifi/BT antennae, that might help in remote operations - or just get in the way all the time...

 

Any experience with any of these? I really like the small form factor of the G5 and S100, but feel them a bit limited. Would love to brave the beast Ryzen CPU but a little afraid of its power consumption when guiding on battery.

Edited by GTom, 01 October 2024 - 08:06 AM.

[bluesteel]

The G3 N100 processor can run off 12 volts. Not 13.8v.
This can be accomplished many ways, but note the USB c port does NOT negotiate voltages when used with power banks or USB chargers that support 12 volt PD protocol (not all support the 12 volt).
N95 processor is anemic, and I would not recommend unless running a stripped down Linux OS.
For what it's worth, I have a bunch of G3 systems, running as servers doing various tasks, and if provided with proper power, and not stressed to 100% constant CPU usage, they keep chugging along happily. One has been running over 6 months straight without any issues. Others have been restarted for maintenance, and work fine. If you can get a stable, stripped down OS, and don't allow it to upgrade, they will run great, whether it be Windows or Linux.

[GTom]

The G3 is not USB powered, simple DC jack:

The G3 N100 processor can run off 12 volts. Not 13.8v.
This can be accomplished many ways, but note the USB c port does NOT negotiate voltages when used with power banks or USB chargers that support 12 volt PD protocol (not all support the 12 volt).
N95 processor is anemic, and I would not recommend unless running a stripped down Linux OS.
For what it's worth, I have a bunch of G3 systems, running as servers doing various tasks, and if provided with proper power, and not stressed to 100% constant CPU usage, they keep chugging along happily. One has been running over 6 months straight without any issues. Others have been restarted for maintenance, and work fine. If you can get a stable, stripped down OS, and don't allow it to upgrade, they will run great, whether it be Windows or Linux.

[bluesteel]

https://www.gmktec.c...ni-pc-nucbox-g2
https://www.amazon.c...B/dp/B0CCDL6VS3
This is the one I have many of. Sorry for the confusion. So many dang models of these things nowadays.
They were on sale recently for around $160, for 16gb or 32gb RAM, with 1tb HDD, but have gone back up in price.

Edited by bluesteel, 01 October 2024 - 12:52 PM.

[GTom]

Yeah, very confusing. The M6 I am also eyeing is besides the main 19V, USB PD if I understand correctly. Found this complaint that on some models the USB is just a form factor, the electronics expects a fixed 12V in those.

[bluesteel]

The USB power port as mentioned, does NOT negotiate anything with a PD charger/battery pack.
There are ways around this, using a PD trigger cable, like this:
https://www.amazon.c.../dp/B08NRM6X2Y/
This is the exact one I use, and solder on the other end, a USB-C connector, chopping off the barrel jack. Note though, you MUST label the USB cable end that belonged to the barrel jack, as that connector MUST be plugged into the USB charger or battery pack if you want it to negotiate the 12 volts. Also note, if you go down this route, you have to look into any of the charger/battery pack specs, to verify it can indeed output 12 volts. Not all chargers have this option, and fewer battery packs can do this.

[GTom]

I was wondering about the voltage tolerances if there is a 12V Jack available on the PC, if its ok with 14.7V from the lifepo4 being actually charged...

If possible, I'd avoid adding DC/DC converters.

Edited by GTom, 01 October 2024 - 03:36 PM.

[bluesteel]

If your PC is a recent build, AND has a USB-C port, you can attempt to purchase the PD (power delivery) trigger cables, and see if 12 volts is supplied to the barrel jack via a multimeter from it, if this is your inquiry.
I am unsure about the 13.8-14+ volts the LiFePo packs provide. I have not tempted fate with my units past 12 volts. The computers do not consume copious amounts of power though, and a power bank that has PD 12 volt capabilities should last you all night unless you are trying to do stacking on the mini-pc itself. If wanting to do stacking, this unit will probably be underpowered, and your first choice would be much better.

I was wondering about the voltage tolerances if there is a 12V Jack available on the PC, if its ok with 14.7V from the lifepo4 being actually charged...

If possible, I'd avoid adding DC/DC converters.