XCY X41

XCY X41 CORE I7 COMET LAKE IN A MINI PC

So there’s nothing really new in this model, which has existed at least since the 8th generation of Intel processors, except that it now paves the way to the 10th generation. The XCY X41 now features the Core i7-10510U, a quad-core Comet Lake-U chip launched last September by Intel.

It is not the most powerful processor of this new range at the foundry, the Core i7-10510U is a quad-core and octuple threads with 8 MB of cache memory and a 15 watt TDP. It oscillates on frequencies ranging from 1.8 to 4.9 GHz and can operate in full cores at 4.3 GHz. It features 24 Intel UHD graphics units running at 1.15 GHz. A chip with very complete performance and suitable for many uses.

The processor is actively ventilated with a solution that resembles a laptop system. The mark indicates that this system is very quiet with a fan that only turns on when necessary and a noise level of less than 20 dB. On this point, it seems useful to me to take out big tweezers… This kind of system is generally noisier and runs at best at 30-35 dB. But it is a format that can easily be moved and hidden under a desk for example.

The XCY X41 embeds this chip in a 15 cm wide by 13.65 cm long and 5 cm thick case. A compact case with a volume of 1 liter, much cheaper than a NUC with a barebone format that starts at 391.52€ in import.

This model will need to be equipped with the two SoDIMM slots for a maximum indicated 32 GB of DDR4 2400 or 2666 MHz. Storage will be provided by an NVMe M.2 2280 PCIe SSD. There are no 2.5″ slots available in the engine.

Connectivity is good with one USB Type-C port, four USB 3.0 Type-A ports and four USB 2.0 ports. There are also two RJ45s to handle two Gigabit Ethernet networks and two video outputs with one HDMI and one DisplayPort, each capable of driving one UltraHD display. Two separate 3.5mm audio jacks for headphones and microphone are available as well as a MicroSDXC card reader. A MiniPCIe network card is present, which delivers a Wifi5 signal and Bluetooth 4.0 and can be upgraded to a more recent solution.

Among the interesting points of this XCY X41 is its support for Wake On Lan which allows you to wake up the machine remotely. As well as an automatic wake-up function as soon as the machine is powered on. Functions that allow you to control a network machine totally remote from your workstation without having to physically manipulate it. The machine is given as compatible with Windows as with Linux, besides I suppose that the embedded components are very standard: Intel i219-LM and Realtek RTL8111 for the network part, audio management via a Realtek ALC662… The Wifi is not detailed.

At 391.52€, this XCY X41 can become an interesting ally for all kinds of uses. As a main machine, as a standby station. But also as a network management solution to make a powerful mini server. Or as a 100% autonomous solution on site that can be remotely controlled. Pre-equipped versions of memory and storage are also available with, for example, a 16 GB DDR4 model associated with a 512 GB SSD for 578.40€. In all cases, an operating system will have to be installed.

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