Imagine wanting an ultra-compact computer. The Raspberry Pi is one of the most economical options, and the amount of compatible software is enormous, but if Windows is non-negotiable and you need more robust storage support, you might want to wait for the Gigabyte GA-SBCAP3350. It's a platform based on a dual-core Intel Celeron with passive cooling, and includes M.2 and DDR3L slots, so you can use your own hardware.
We've explored the virtues of compact computers more than once. There are plenty of reasons to keep our classic towers on the desk, and I insist this is one of the best times to build a PC, but at the end of the day not all users need a GeForce GTX 1080 Ti or a half-meter tall RGB case with liquid cooling. Some terminals are simply that: terminals. Their task list is much more specific, and efficiency is a very important parameter. In recent months we've seen several examples of dynamic advertising using a Raspberry Pi in the background, and with a seven-watt TDP in extreme situations, few options can compete there. However, the folks at Gigabyte are preparing something that could be interpreted as an alternative.
I say "could" because ARM-x86 comparisons don't always end well, but I must at least admit that the new GA-SBCAP3350 is striking. At first glance anyone could mistake it for a "naked" BRIX, though technically it's larger (14.6 by 10.2 centimeters). The GA-SBCAP3350 comes equipped with a dual-core Celeron N3350 chip at 1.1 GHz, with a Turbo of 2.4 GHz. Its TDP doesn't exceed six watts, and that allows Gigabyte to use a passive aluminum plate on the back as a heat sink. We also find two Gigabit Ethernet connections, two M.2 slots for WiFi cards and solid state drives, a DDR3L memory socket with a maximum of 8 GB, an LVDS connector that facilitates integrating LED displays, two USB 3.0 ports, and two video outputs (HDMI and VGA).
The images reveal SATA ports, serial and fan headers, a battery connector (operating voltage is 9-36V), and even a connector that behaves as an LPT or GPIO port. Unfortunately, Gigabyte didn't give any details about price or release date, and that makes me think their priority isn't the general consumer. In fact, I think it will be much better positioned in point-of-sale systems (for example, McDonald's or Burger King cash registers), but we should never rule out personal projects.
