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The MeLE Overclock line of computers are small systems with enhanced cooling that allow laptop-class processors to run at higher-than-typical power limits. Up until recently MeLE had mostly focused on releasing models with low-power chips in the 6 to 15 watt range, like the Intel Celeron N5095, Intel Processor N100, or Intel Core i3-N300. But now the company has launched the first model with a 45-watt processor.

MeLE's new Overclock X5 mini PC features an Intel Core i5-12450H processor and features support for up to 64GB of RAM and up to two SSDs. It's available from AliExpress for $385 and up.

The starting price is for a model with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, but no operating system. You can pay $15 more for a Windows 11 Pro license, or pay extra for configurations with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

At 180 x 103 x 31mm (7.1″ x 4.1″ x 1.2″), the Overclock X5 is a little larger than the Overclock 4C (178 x 94 x 21mm or 7″ x 3.7″ x 0.8″). But the extra room should help dissipate heat from the higher-power processor, and it also allowed MeLE to equip the new model with more features.

Instead of a single SODIMM slot for memory, there are now two. Instead of a single M.2 slot for storage, there are now two. And instead of a single Ethernet port, there are now two.

You can probably thank to the processor for some of those updates. While the Intel Core i5-12450H is a few years old at this point, it's still a higher-performance processor than the Intel Core i3-N300, which was the most powerful chip available in a MeLE Overclock mini PC up until now.

While the Core i3-N300 is based on Alder Lake-N architecture, the Core i5-12450H is a full-fledged Alder Lake chip. So instead of topping out at 32GB of single-channel DDR4-3200 memory, it supports up to 64GB of dual-channel memory. And instead of 9 lanes of PCIe 3.0 it supports up to 28 lanes of PCIe 3.0/4.0.

Alder Lake-N chips also only have Efficiency cores. So while the Core i3-300 processor is a pretty decent performer thanks to its 8 CPU cores, the Core i5-12450H scores substantially higher in single-core and multi-core performance tests thanks to its mix of 4 Performance cores and 4 Efficiency cores.

The MeLE Overclock X5 has one M.2 2280 slot with support for PCIe 4.0 x4 storage and a second that can be used for a SATA SSD. The system also comes with an Intel AX201 wireless card with support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, but MeLE notes that the computer is compatible with Intel's BE200 card if you want to upgrade to WiFi 7.

Ports include:

  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps, DisplayPort 1.4, and power input)
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps and DisplayPort 1.4)
  • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps)
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps)
  • 2 x HDMI 2.0
  • 1 x 2.5 Gb Ethernet (RTL8125B)
  • 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RTL8111H)
  • 1 x 3.5mm audio
  • 1 x microSD card reader
  • 1 x DC power input (19V/6.32A)

    • MeLE says the system supports up to four displays, which could make it an option for digital signage. But with a processor designed for 2022-era mainstream laptops, it could also serve as a decent general-purpose computer.

    It would have been nice to have seen a Thunderbolt port on this models – one of the other differences between Alder Lake and Alder Lake-N chips is that the former support Thunderbolt while the latter do not. But overall the Overclock X5 looks like a nice step up from other members of the OverClock family for those that need a little more power and are willing to put up with a slightly larger footprint to get it.

    via AndroidPC.es

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