MSI's catalogue has recently been expanded with the addition of the Cubi 5 12M, an upgrade to the compact computer series, which now features Intel's Alder Lake platform. This article provides an overview of this compact office computer and the benefits of multi-monitor setups.
With the onset of the pandemic in 2020, remote work scenarios have become more prevalent. Yet, home environments may not always accommodate a separate office or a sizable workspace. MSI's response to this challenge is a compact yet potent solution - the MSI Cubi 5 12M. This device is a compact, hand-sized computer.
Earlier this year, MSI unveiled the newest iteration of the Cubi 5 12M, available in two distinct configurations. Essentially, this mini PC receives an upgrade to Intel's Alder Lake platform. The CPUs on offer include the Intel Core i3-1215U, i5-1235U, or i7-1255U, thus providing either six or ten core options, with a top clock speed reaching up to 1.7 GHz.
The high-end i7-1255U variant comes with an integrated Iris Xe graphics unit with 96 execution units, while the i5's GPU has 80 execution units. Furthermore, the device has two DDR4 RAM slots that can accommodate up to 64GB, along with the option to install a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD. There is also the option to install a faster M.2 SSD, such as the MSI Spatium M461, by simply loosening the underside. All of this hardware is housed within a compact casing measuring just 124 x 124 x 53.7 mm, featuring a variety of ports on the front. These include 2x USB 3.2 Type-A ports, 1x USB-C port with Thunderbolt support, and a combined audio jack. The rear side hosts 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2x LAN ports, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 output, and an HDMI 2.0 port. The device is also equipped with an integrated WiFi 6E module, including Bluetooth 5.3 support.
One of the distinguishing features of this compact office computer is its capacity to be mounted behind a monitor. This unique design frees up valuable desk space, creating a more spacious and organized work area. This is made possible by a VESA mount, with MSI supporting both VESA 75x75 and VESA 100x100 standards.
