Entry-level Minix NUC300 launches with speedy Ethernet port and HDMI CEC support

The Minix NUC300 is a new addition to the company's portfolio, and while it doesn't pack powerful hardware, it brings some media-centric features. One of them is support for the HDMI CEC function, typically found in devices that are meant to be connected with a TV, such as the Steam Machine.

With HDMI CEC, both the mini PC and the connected TV can be powered on and off with a single remote. The processor inside, the entry-level Intel Core i3 N300, doesn't have a powerful iGPU, but with sound transcoding abilities, it's good enough for media needs.

Another notable highlight is that the Minix NUC300 has a 2.5GbE port, and with dual M.2 slots, it can act like a lightweight NAS if needed. In addition to this speedy Ethernet port, the mini PC has the following ports:

• 1x USB 2.0 Type-A
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
• 2x HDMI 2.1
• 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 1x 3.5mm audio

Among the two USB-C ports, one is full-featured, supporting DP1.4 (3.3-feet Silkland USB-C monitor cable curr. $11.88 on Amazon), and with the two HDMI ports, the mini PC gains triple-display output support. While all that sounds great, the Minix NUC300 has only one SO-DIMM DDR5 slot, which is essentially the limitation of the Intel Core i3 N300.

Other highlights included WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a compact chassis. Minix is offering the NUC300 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, and this configuration costs $650, which isn't really an affordable price tag for the hardware.