Gigabyte Brix Pro: A Compact PC for Basic Computing Needs

Sometimes, you don’t need a desktop PC to fulfill your computing needs, and even the smallest Mini-ITX systems can throw off the aesthetic of the room. In order to serve this market, a slew of compact PCs has been released from all the major players, including Intel (NUC), HP (Elitedesk/ProDesk), MSI (Cubi), and more. Today, we’ll take a high-level look at the Gigabyte Brix Pro.

Specifications and Features

Gigabyte has 14 Brix Pro models that vary in both size, and installed hardware. This article focuses on the latest generation we have in our hands. As far as size, the Brix Pro measures in at 7.7″ x 1.7″ x 5.5″ (196.2 x 44.4 x 140 mm) or about 1.16L if you’re interested in total volume. The unit can easily hide with other AV Components or not take up much space on the desk. If you are using this device with a TV/Monitor, it can also mount to the back using a standard VESA (100 mm x 100 mm) mount.

The latest Brix Pros use either the 11th generation Intel Tiger Lake-based processor or an AMD Ryzen based embedded processor. The Ryzen embedded CPUs are V1605B quad cores with eight threads or a 2c/4t option. The V1605B CPU runs at 2 GHz to 3.6 GHz with a 25W TDP. The Intel processor is also a 4c/8t unit. It runs from 1.2 GHz up to a smoking fast 4.8 GHz while fitting in a 28W TDP.

On both systems, there are two SO-DIMM slots for RAM. The Intel systems support up to 64GB and speed up to DDR4 3200 MHz. The AMD systems use up to DDR4 2400 RAM with a maximum capacity of 32 GB. This is plenty of processing power for a web or streaming PC. Worth noting is these are barebones units, and you will need to purchase RAM (and storage) for the devices.

Video is handled by the new Intel X or the Radeon Vega 8 integrated graphics. Both of these iGPUs can easily handle web-based gaming or even some very light games at 1080p. These aren’t gaming powerhouses but do suffice for basic needs.

The AMD models (GB-BSRE-1505 / GB-BSRE-1605) sport up to four HDMI outputs supporting a maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz (same with the Intel models). There are two GbE LAN ports and integrated Wi-Fi (802.11ac / BT4.2). The Intel-based models (BSi3-1115G4 / BSi3-1135G7 / BSi3-1165G7) sport integrated Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5 GbE.

These tiny PCs include two M.2 sockets for your storage needs. One socket supports both PCIe and SATA modes, while the second socket only supports SATA based modules. Additionally, there is a single SATA3 6 Gbps port. For the expected use scenarios, there is plenty of storage capability.

For audio, the AMD-based Brix Pros use the Realtek ALC269 codec, while the Intel machines use a model a bit down the product stack in the Realtek ALC255. While these aren’t premium audio solutions, the stereo sound (no surround, note) worked well in games and in TV shows/movies I watched when using it.

Below is a list of specifications:

Use and Conclusion

After purchasing and installing the RAM and M.2 storage module, we installed Windows 10 from a USB stick. This process only took around 10 minutes, which is about right even for much faster desktops. The Gigabyte website lists all the drivers, BIOS, and software you need to start. It even has a driver package with everything in it (called EZ Install) for one-click installation. I used this, and it worked without issue.

For my household, we used the Brix Pro to smarten up a ‘dumb’ TV. Using the included VESA mounting bracket, I attached the device to our TV and powered it up. Windows boots just as fast on the Brix Pro as it does with my desktop, thanks to the fast PCIe/NVMe based drive we used.

On the streaming front, our device had no issues running content from Netflix or Hulu. The Wi-Fi proved plenty capable even through two floors where the router is located. The audio is stereo only, but for its intended use, that shouldn’t be a problem for most users.

On the gaming side of the house, I plowed through several web-based games and even some Roblox games that my kids enjoy without issue. For giggles, I installed PUBG and PGA Tour 2K2. Surprisingly, both of these games were playable with a mix of settings, but just barely. The PUBG experience wasn’t optimal, being a first-person shooter where every FPS counts, but the golf game played without issue.

There are many different uses for these diminutive PCs, including basic office type work. Even with large(ish) Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations, the Brix didn’t flinch. If you need more horsepower, you’ll want to step up to the higher-end Intel-based units.

In the end, Gigabyte has produced several compact PCs that vary in performance and price. Starting at $249, these are a good option for a basic office PC, signage, or even a basic home PC, so long as you aren’t doing anything really gaming heavy. The use of Ryzen based APUs and Intel’s 11th generation low-powered CPUs with the new Intel X graphics pack enough punch to cover the basics and do so in a compact package. If you’re looking for something performant enough for basic computing with a tiny footprint, the Gigabyte Brix Pro is a great option.

Joe Shields (Earthdog)