Minisforum's TL50 Mini PC Packs in Tiger Lake, Xe Graphics, Thunderbolt 4

Minisforum
(Image credit: Minisforum)

Minisforum has introduced its new ultra-compact form-factor (UCFF) desktop PC that combines miniature dimensions with decent performance, rich connectivity, and upgradeability. The TL50 system packs Intel's 11th Generation Core 'Tiger Lake' processor with built-in Xe Graphics and features two 2.5GbE connectors, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and three display outputs. 

The PC is based on Intel's quad-core Core i7-1135G7 processor, paired with 12GB of LPDDR4-3200/3733 memory as well as a 512GB M.2-2280 SSD with a PCIe interface. The CPU is cooled via a heatsink and a fan, so the 28W chip should be able to spend a fair amount of time in Turbo mode.

(Image credit: Minisforum)

While Intel's Tiger Lake platform enables PC makers to build very feature-rich computers on a very small footprint, there are only a few UCFF desktops featuring these processors that take full advantage of their capabilities. Minisforum's TL50— which measures 5.9×5.9×2.2 inches — is a prime example. 

Normally, miniature desktops have constraints when it comes to graphics performance and storage capacity, but the Minisforum TL50 can be equipped with two 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs as well as an external eGFX graphics solution using a Thunderbolt 4 port.

(Image credit: Minisforum)

TL50's connectivity department looks quite solid, including a Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth module, two 2.5GbE ports, three display outputs (DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and Thunderbolt 4), six USB Type-A connectors (four USB 3.0, two USB 2.0), audio input and output and one USB Type-C for the power supply. 

The Minisforum TL50 is currently available for pre-order through Japanese crowdfunding site Makuake starting from $651, reports Liliputing. The company plans to make the systems available by the end of July, but by that time they will naturally get more expensive.

(Image credit: Minisforum)
Anton Shilov
Contributing Writer

Anton Shilov is a contributing writer at Tom’s Hardware. Over the past couple of decades, he has covered everything from CPUs and GPUs to supercomputers and from modern process technologies and latest fab tools to high-tech industry trends.