What is a small form factor CPU?
A small form factor CPU is a processor built into a compact computer, typically a mini PC that is small enough to mount behind a monitor, on a wall, or inside a machine. The processor is the same type of chip used in full-size desktops, but it is paired with a smaller board, lower power draw, and compact cooling. Small form factor systems save space, use less power, and fit into kiosks, digital signage, factory lines, and office desks.
Thinvent has small form factor mini PCs with Intel, AMD, and ARM processors. The Intel Core i3-1215U, Core i5-1335U, and Core i7-1255U processors use 12th and 13th generation designs with 6 to 10 cores and boost speeds up to 4.7 GHz. The Intel Core 5 120U and Core Ultra 5 125U use 14th generation designs, with the Core Ultra 5 125U providing 12 cores. The AMD Ryzen 5 7430U has 6 cores and boosts up to 4.3 GHz with 16 MB of cache. The Intel Celeron N5095A has 4 cores at up to 2.9 GHz for basic and light-duty tasks. The ARM Cortex A55 has 4 cores at up to 1.9 GHz for embedded Linux applications.
Key specifications
| Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | Cache | Memory Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB DDR5 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 MB | 8 or 16 GB DDR4 |
| Intel Celeron N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 MB | 4 GB DDR4 |
| ARM Cortex A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 1 MB | 4 GB Onboard RAM |
Use cases
Small form factor CPUs suit several settings:
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Office and desktop computing: Core i3, i5, and i7 and Ryzen 5 systems run Windows 11 Pro for office software, browsing, and business applications.
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Development and Linux workloads: Several models ship with Ubuntu Linux, including Aero systems with Core i3-1215U and Core Ultra 5 125U processors.
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Kiosks and signage: The ARM Cortex A55 Micro 6 Pro runs Thinux Embedded Linux and includes an HDMI port, suiting digital signage and embedded control.
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Light-duty and entry tasks: The Celeron N5095A system suits basic computing and Linux-based tasks.
Wireless networking varies by model. Some Aero and Treo systems include Dual Band WiFi, while others ship with no WiFi. Dual LAN is available on the Aero systems with Core i7-1255U and Core Ultra 5 125U processors.
Thinvent small form factor products
Thinvent's range covers Intel, AMD, and ARM processors in mini PC form factors. Aero Mini PCs use Intel Core processors from 12th to 14th generation. Treo Mini PCs use Intel Celeron and AMD Ryzen 5 processors. The Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex A55 processor with Thinux Embedded Linux. Choose a model by processor speed, core count, memory, storage, and operating system.
