If you’re in need of a PC that boasts a compact and mini form factor, ASUS presents the ExpertCenter PN53 as your solution. Powered by AMD Ryzen 6000H Series processors and featuring modern amenities such as numerous ports, this mini PC offers a practical user experience with reliable performance. In conjunction with this, ASUS also introduces the ZenScreen MB166C, an ultra-thin and lightweight portable monitor that’s easy to carry anywhere. While these two devices aren’t sold as a bundle, they complement each other perfectly and can be used in various scenarios.
ASUS ExpertCenter PN53 Review
Performance – 8/10
Design – 9/10
Features – 9/10
Overall Rating: 8.7/10
Conclusion
In its mini form, the ASUS ExpertCenter PN53 manages to deliver robust performance with comprehensive modern connectivity options.
What We Liked
Compact design
Abundant and varied ports
Robust performance
Power-efficient CPU
Upgradeable slots available
What We Didn’t Like
Fan noise can be noticeable
How Gadgetren Reviews Products
ASUS ExpertCenter PN53
As previously mentioned, the ASUS ExpertCenter PN53 boasts a remarkably compact body with dimensions of just 120x130x58 mm. This mini PC takes up minimal space and is easily concealable, thanks to its petite, unobtrusive design. Its sleek black exterior blends seamlessly with other electronic devices, making it a flexible solution for computing activities in various settings.
Impressively, the ExpertCenter PN53 offers an extensive and diverse range of ports. At the front, you’ll find two USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, a USB-4 Type C with DisplayPort 1.4 support, and an audio jack. On the back, there are three USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, a 2.5G RJ45 LAN port, another USB-4 Type C with DisplayPort 1.4 and PD input, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and a DisplayPort 1.4 (in the tested unit). For wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi 6E are available, ensuring high-speed, stable networking. The PN53’s connectivity package is nearly complete and would be perfect with the addition of an SD card reader.
Despite its diminutive size, the ExpertCenter PN53 packs a punch in terms of performance. It is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, an 8-core, 16-thread processor with a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz, ensuring a smooth user experience. For graphics processing, it relies on the built-in Radeon Graphics 680M, paired with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, which is more than sufficient for modern needs.
While the 512GB SSD might feel limited for storing large media files, ASUS provides ample expansion options, including two SO-DIMM RAM slots, two M.2 SSD slots, and one 2.5-inch HDD slot. However, the combination of the Ryzen 7 processor and PCIe Gen4x4 SSD ensures excellent responsiveness, from booting Windows 11 to swiftly launching applications.
Benchmarking with Cinebench R23, the Ryzen 7 6800H inside the ExpertCenter PN53 achieves scores of up to 10,549 points for Multi-Core and 1,440 for Single Core performance. These numbers are highly competitive for a mobile processor. When evaluated using PCMark 10, the overall system performance yields a score of approximately 6,213 points, which is comparable to laptops with similar specifications.
Notably, the ExpertCenter PN53 boasts effective cooling solutions, resulting in stable performance. ASUS even incorporates a Self-Cleaning Anti-Dust system to maintain optimal cooling efficiency. With such performance capabilities, the ExpertCenter PN53 can handle casual gaming with ease. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, for instance, runs smoothly at around 33 FPS on High graphics settings at 1080p resolution, though the fan noise can be quite audible during gaming sessions.
One of the key advantages of the ExpertCenter PN53 is its power efficiency, thanks to the Ryzen 7 6800H’s low 35W TDP. Moreover, this mini PC supports Power Delivery Input and Output via the USB-C port at the back. This feature allows the ExpertCenter PN53 to receive power while simultaneously transmitting DisplayPort signals through a single USB-C cable, provided the monitor can deliver at least 100W of power. This reduces cable clutter significantly. The included Power Adapter for the ExpertCenter PN53 has a 120W power output.
Furthermore, the ExpertCenter PN53 can be connected to up to four 4K monitors simultaneously, utilizing each available port. Speaking of monitors, the Gadgetren team had the opportunity to test the ZenScreen MB166C portable monitor in conjunction with the mini PC.
ASUS ZenScreen MB166C
In terms of appearance, the ZenScreen MB166C closely resembles a detached laptop screen. Its ultra-thin and lightweight design makes it a suitable solution when you need a larger display while on the go or in unconventional settings.
The back of the monitor features a ¼-inch socket for tripod mounting, offering a semi-permanent placement solution. Additionally, there’s a foldable storage sleeve that doubles as a stand, providing flexibility in how you set up this portable monitor.
The ZenScreen MB166C boasts a 15.6-inch IPS panel with Full HD resolution, ensuring sharp visuals and vibrant colors. ASUS has incorporated Low Blue Light and Flicker-free technology, making the screen comfortable for extended use, while its gentle and non-intrusive backlighting reduces eye strain. The screen is also equipped with an anti-glare coating to minimize reflections, whether you’re in a well-lit room or outdoors. ASUS’s DisplayWidget allows for customization of various settings, from color calibration to screen orientation.
Connecting the ZenScreen MB166C is a breeze, requiring just a single USB Type-C cable on the left side. However, it should be noted that there are no other ports available, so you’ll need a device with USB-C support for display output.
During use, the ZenScreen MB166C proves to be easy on the eyes for work and enjoyable for video content consumption. When combined with the ExpertCenter PN53, it provides a spacious workspace without cluttered cables.
Conclusion
In summary, both the ExpertCenter PN53 and ZenScreen MB166C are devices suitable for specific scenarios. The ZenScreen MB166C serves as an additional monitor, ideal for those in need of extra screen real estate on the go, while the ExpertCenter PN53 is a compact, powerful computer solution that doesn’t take up much space. However, it’s important to note some limitations due to their respective form factors, such as limited upgrade options for the mini PC and support only for USB Type-C in the portable monitor. These two products are certainly worth considering, especially if you require such devices in your setup.
It’s also worth mentioning that the ASUS ExpertCenter PN53 is sold as a barebone unit, which means you’ll need to add your own RAM and storage components to tailor it to your preferences.