Gigabyte has updated its BRIX range of mini-PC barebone systems to include the latest Intel 7th generation Core Processors. Customers who are interested in a new Kaby Lake BRIX can choose one of three processors in the 0.46L (34.4 x 112.6 x 119.4mm), or slightly taller 0.6L (46.8 x 112.6 x 119.4mm) chassis. If you opt for the taller (46.8mm) chassis you can fit both a 2.5-inch drive and an M.2 SSD. Users of the shorter (34.4mm) chassis can only fit an M.2 SSD.

The following are the new processor options; the Intel Core i3-7100U, Core i5-7200U, or Core i7-7500U processors. All these are 2C/4T processors. I've tabulated their base performance specs below.

Intel Core i3-7100U Processor Intel Core i5-7200U Processor Intel Core i7-7500U Processor Cores 2 2 2 Threads 4 4 4 Processor Base Frequency 2.4GHz 2.5GHz 2.7GHz Max Turbo Frequency N/A 3.1GHz 3.5GHz Cache 3MB SmartCache 3MB SmartCache 4MB SmartCache Bus Speed 4GT/s OPI 4GT/s OPI 4GT/s OPI TDP 15W 15W 15W

All the above processors are equipped with Intel HD Graphics 620 with a 300MHz base freq, which can boost to 1GHz (1.05GHz for the i7). These systems support up to 32GB of DDR4 2133MHz memory (two SO-DIMM slots).

With compact systems such as these BRIX, the integrated graphics are extremely important. Intel's Kaby Lake graphics are said to provide about a 10 per cent uplift over the previous generation BRIX machines, plus the new HEVC 10-bit hardware acceleration for superior 4K playback and content creation could be an important consideration.

Gigabyte's VESA mountable BRIX offer a good selection of connectivity options such as; 1x USB 3.1 Type-C port, 1x USB 3.1 TYpe-A port, 2x USB 3.0 ports, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, Dual Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, Combo Audio jack.

Remember these are barebones machines so you will have to add your own memory, storage, and OS to make a complete working system.