- Kingdel PHX18 / K3 Mini PC Design seems intelligent, but it’s more a gadget
- Ryzen Chip brings power, but not enough ports to justify its price
- USB4, 8K video offer and three screens simultaneously connected
Modular IT devices are supposed to offer flexibility, but the new mini PC Kingdel PHX18 / K3 seems to prioritize the form compared to the function.
The device offers respectable performance and a certain versatility, thanks to its two -part magnetic design and its Ryzen AMD processors. The basic model includes a Ryzen 5,6600u AMD chip, a 6 -core chip with integrated raft graphics. A more powerful configuration includes the Ryzen 7 7840U with RDNA3 graphics.
It is delivered with up to 16 GB of RAM DDR5, and storage begins with a 512 GB NVME SSD, expandable via a second M.2 location in the modular base – up to 8 to in total.
New modular design, but needs more work
The PHX18 / K3 separates the main computer unit from its base, allowing users to execute the autonomous PC via USB-C or fix the lower section for more ports and additional storage.
Although the modular design is new, it raises questions. Why separate access to key connectors? Even with the attached base, it does not offer much more than most integrated systems. Since the split does not lead to major savings or enlarged functionality, the design resembles a solution to the search for a problem.
Connectivity includes USB4, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, Dual 2.5G LAN PORTS, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The system supports the 8K video output at 60 Hz with HDR and can drive up to three screens at a time.
It seems impressive and suggests potential as a compact or content station. But PHX18 / K3 has trouble justifying its price. From $ 329 for a Barebones model, it is more expensive than alternatives that offer similar performance with integrated ports.
The device is delivered with Windows 11 Pro but also supports Linux. It targets professional users with niche portability, modularity and storage expansion.
Apart from these cases, however, it is difficult to see an imperative reason to choose it in relation to more conventional systems and better connected at lower prices.
Via AndroidPctv
