Gigabyte Launches Ultra-Compact Mini-PC BRIX Line Featuring Core Ultra 225H and 255H Processors

Just over a week ago, Gigabyte revealed its new line of mini-PCs, the BRIX GB-BRU5, which are designed in an ultra-compact form factor measuring 11.3×3.5×12 cm. The new models are powered by Intel Core Ultra 5 225H and Core Ultra 7 255H processors, which are among the first to feature the Meteor Lake architecture in this series.

Depending on the configuration, the CPUs offer between 14 and 16 cores, including performance cores (P-cores), efficiency cores (E-cores), and low-power cores. This combination ensures that the system can effectively handle everyday office tasks and web browsing, as well as more resource-intensive operations such as multimedia processing or project compilation.

The graphics are supported by an integrated Intel Arc chip based on the Xe-LPG+ architecture. This chip can support up to 8 Xe cores, hardware ray tracing, AI acceleration, and advanced video processing. This capability is useful for tasks such as local AI inference, media conversion, or interactive displays.

The system can accommodate up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM (two SO-DIMM modules of 48 GB each, up to 6400 MHz). For storage, it features two M.2 slots—one for PCIe Gen5 and the other for Gen4—a rarity in such compact systems. Coupled with the ability to replace the wireless module (there is a dedicated slot for Wi-Fi), the BRIX becomes an appealing option for users looking to customize without sacrificing compactness.

The mini-PC can output to four 4K displays at 60 Hz via two HDMI 2.1 ports and two USB-C ports with Alt Mode DisplayPort support. This setup is ideal for video walls, dashboards, NOC stations, and other scenarios where displaying a lot of information simultaneously is crucial. Additional ports include three USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, a 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. The configuration is modern and uncompromised, suitable for home use, office environments, and automation.

When considering the broader market, the BRIX GB-BRU5 isn’t for everyone; it’s aimed at those seeking a balance between compactness, performance, and upgrade potential. This mini-PC is particularly effective in the following scenarios:

**Office Workstations** – Especially useful for those wanting to hide the system unit behind a monitor (VESA mounting hardware included), while achieving silence and saving space.

**Development and Testing** – The system can handle tasks like project builds, automated code reviews, and local development using containers.

**Smart Home Infrastructure or Personal «Cloud» Solutions** – With Wi-Fi 7 and low energy consumption, the BRIX is suitable for applications requiring local data processing and reliable wireless connectivity.

**Digital Signage and Multimedia** – The support for four displays makes it an excellent choice for kiosks, storefronts, and even home theaters.

The BRIX is sold as a barebone kit, meaning you’ll need to install the memory, storage, and operating system yourself. A power adapter and VESA bracket are included. Prices have not yet been announced, but it can be expected to start around 50,000-60,000 rubles for the base configuration, judging by current prices for Intel NUCs with similar CPUs.

Considering that Intel has transitioned NUC platform development to third-party companies, Gigabyte is well-positioned to carve out its niche in the market by 2025, especially given the availability of components, good repairability, and focus on modularity.