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To test the Gigabyte BRIX i7-4500, we partnered it with 16GB of 1600MHz DDR3 SO-DIMM memory from G.Skill's Ripjaws series and a 128GB Plextor M5M mSATA SSD.
While the 22nm Intel Core i7-4500U CPU is technically a 1.8GHz part, the chip will turbo up to a maximum frequency of 3.0GHz when a single core is loaded, or 2.7GHz when two cores are tasked.
We will be outlining the performance of our BRIX i7-4500-based system in a variety of realistic usage scenarios, which include media playback, video conversion, light gaming, and general usage tasks.
Our CPU-Z screenshot taken at an arbitrary time shows the Core i7-4500U processor hovering around the 2.7GHz mark. We had no issues running sixteen gigabytes of G.Skill's Ripjaws memory at 1600MHz CL11.
The system's CPU-Z validation (taken at a different time to the above screenshot) can be viewed here.
Gigabyte BRIX i7-4500 System:
- Barebones System: Gigabyte BRIX i7-4500.
- Memory: 16GB (2x 8GB) G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3 Low Voltage SO-DIMM 1600MHz.
- System Drive: Plextor M5M 128GB mSATA.
- Operating System: Windows 7 Professional w/ SP1 64-bit.
Settings:
- Intel 9.18.10.3220 HD graphics drivers.
- Intel 9.4.0.1016 chipset drivers.
- Intel 9.5.0.1428 management engine.
Software Suite:
- PCMark 8
- SiSoft Sandra 2013 SP4
- Cinebench 11.5 64 bit
- Super Pi
- VLC Media Player 2.0.7
- HandBrake 0.9.9
- WinRAR
- ATTO
- LAN Speed Test
- Dirt Showdown
That is a spectacular looking little system, love it.
Its like their version of the Mac Mini, but more powerful and better priced. very impressive. Only thing is its a shame they didn’t ship with slightly more powerful graphics, but nothing much they can do about that in the space I suppose.
Ideal for a media centre or office machine. bit expensive though by the time you factor in the SSD etc.
Like the Sapphire EDGE, but a more practical shape for behind a TV or something.
Worth a look in the new year, when I finally get my new TV. Dont want to use my desktop with the tv to watch my MKVS!
@Ben: The Mac mini is a generation old at least, and it’s cheaper. The i5 version @ 2.5ghz dual core is comparable to the Brix ( albeit likely faster. ) If you decide to compare Apple’s i7 instead of the i5, you’d be comparing a quad core chip at a significantly higher clockspeed. For about $80 more, the Mac Mini would outperform the Brix, whether it’s multi core or single core.
The Mac Mini is right on par with the expected specs of a micro build, except it’s just a bit better for the price … maybe. The Mini is reaching its end of life, where the components in the Mini are not entirely satisfactory ( see: the slow HDD included. )
Not sure what makes you think otherwise.
is this a latest upgrade…mc.mini gigabyte…..sooo cool…can i have this 1….^_^