MSI has added two fanless models to its third generation Cubi series mini desktop computers. The Cubi 3 Silent and Silent S mini-PCs are built around Intel's Kaby Lake processors, are enclosed in aluminum housings with a CPU heatsink up top and cater for easy component upgrades.
The two new Cubi 3 Silent mini computers are each enclosed in a 6.28 x 2.74 x 4.34 in (159.6 x 69.5 x 110.2 mm) aluminum housing that's topped by an aluminum heatsink to keep the internals cool without the need for fans. This design results in energy efficient, silent operation, with MSI reporting that the fanless design should reduce malfunctions and increase the computer's life cycle.
The brains of the operation is an Intel Kaby Lake U processor with Intel HD graphics, though users can connect to a 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) monitor over HDMI if 1080p just doesn't cut it. The computer can be had with an NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD supported by DDR4 RAM, with MSI promising easy upgrades by simply removing four screws at the bottom of the chassis to swap the SSD for a 2.5-inch HDD, or up the memory modules to the 32 GB supported max.
The Cubi 3 Silent model has four USB 3.1 ports, a DisplayPort and one Ethernet connection, together with dual-band Wi-Fi. The Silent S appears to differ only in the IO port and LAN department, having two additional USB 2 ports, an extra RJ45 connection, an RJ45 to COM port in addition to a standalone COM port, and Intel (instead of Realtek) Gigabit LAN.
Either way, a combination of hardware and software security measures are included to keep data safe and, with a wall mount kit, users can take the mini-PC off the desk altogether and mount it to a wall or behind the monitor.
MSI hasn't revealed pricing or availability as of writing, but you can see what's on offer in the intro video below.
Product pages: Cubi 3 Silent, Cubi 3 Silent S