Orange Pi Mini PC featuring Cixin P1 SoC is gearing up for launch.

Maybe you missed it? Orange Pi X debuts with Intel N100/N150 processor.

The Orange Pi Mini PC is preparing for its final launch.

The Orange Pi team is developing a new Mini PC called the Orange Pi Mini, featuring an ARM processor based on the Cixin P1 SoC. While Intel and AMD mini-PCs have their advantages, Chinese companies are also creating domestic hardware solutions that are likely more cost-effective, and this device fits right in. Featuring a 12-core GPU with clock speeds of up to 3.2GHz, it delivers great performance including 45 TOPS so it can be used to run AI models. Equipped with high-frequency DDR5 memory of up to 64GB, this device easily handles mainstream games and tasks, delivering impressive performance. Now, let’s dive into its specifications and features.

Orange Pi Mini PC: Front-facing view

Rear view of the Orange Pi Mini PC.

Specifications

Powerful hardware: Built for high-demand graphics and crafted with gamers in mind.

Cixin P1 SoC: A groundbreaking new chipset featuring an efficient and super-fast processor.

The Cixin P1 is a recently launched AI-focused System-on-Chip (SoC) by the Chinese tech company Cixin Technology, representing China’s debut into the consumer-grade AI PC market. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Summary of CPU specifications:

• Key Features of the Cixin P1 SoC
• Architecture: ARM-based, similar to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite
• Process Node: Built on a 6nm fabrication process
• CPU Configuration:
  • 12 cores total
  • 8 performance cores
  • 4 efficiency cores
  • Max frequency: 3.2 GHz
• AI Capability:
  • Integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit)
  • Delivers up to 45 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second), aligning with Copilot+ platform requirements
• Memory Support:
  • Up to 64GB LPDDR5-6400
• Display Support:
  • Up to 4K resolution at 120 FPS
• Connectivity:

Ⅱ. GPU architecture

The Cixin P1 SoC includes a 12-core GPU, and while the exact architecture hasn’t been officially named, it’s designed to deliver robust performance for both AI and graphics workloads. Here’s what we know:

🎮 GPU Specs of the Cixin P1 SoC

• Core Count: 12 GPU cores
• Clock Speed: Up to 3.2 GHz
• Performance:
  • Optimized for mainstream gaming
  • Capable of running AI models with up to 45 TOPS (shared with the NPU)

What It Means in Practice

• 12 Compute Units (CUs): Similar to AMD’s Radeon 780M, the SoC graphics chipset also boasts 12 Compute Units (CUs) with 768 shader cores. It offers remarkable parallel processing power, making it perfect for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
• Power Efficiency: Even with its impressive speed, it runs within a 15–54W TDP range, making it perfect for slim laptops and compact mini-PCs.

Key Features

• Dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit): Its 45 TOPS NPU makes it fully compatible with Microsoft Copilot+.
• Copilot+ Compatible: The SoC is designed for Copilot, bringing advanced AI capabilities to Windows 11, such as Cocreator for text-to-image generation, Click to Do for contextual actions, and improved search functionality.
• AI Performance: The chipset AI processor provide 45 TOPS (trillions of operations per second), ranking them among the fastest AI-enabled chips available for consumer laptops and Mini-PCs.

Real-World Use Cases

• Content creation: AI-driven tools for tasks like video editing, image creation, and efficient multitasking.
• Gaming: Enhanced frame rates and breathtaking visuals driven by AI.
• Productivity: Boost productivity with smart search, voice transcription, and real-time collaboration tools. Smart search, voice transcription, and real-time collaboration tools enhance efficiency.
• Boost productivity: with smart search, voice transcription, and tools for real-time collaboration.: Smart search, voice transcription, and real-time collaboration tools.
• Accessibility: Real-time translation and captions for calls and media.

Interfaces

This upcoming mini-PC boasts a versatile array of I/O ports, conveniently accessible from both the front and rear. Up front, it includes dual USB 3.2 ports, a USB4 Type-C connector for fast data transfer and display output, and a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or microphones. On the back, it offers another USB 3.2 port, a legacy USB 2.0 port, a DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.0 output for external monitors, dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for high-speed networking, and a Kensington lock slot for added security. This design ensures smooth integration with peripherals, displays, and secure setups in various environments.

Internal Storage

By default, the Orange Pi Mini is equipped with a 1TB NVMe SSD, which can be upgraded through an M.2 PCIe 4.0 socket. PCIe 4.0 x20 lans offers a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 40 Gbps. In real-world use, using top-tier SSDs like those with the Phison E18 controller or Samsung’s 980 Pro typically deliver read speeds of 7,000–7,500 MB/s and write speeds of 6,000–7,000 MB/s. That being said, according to the Orange Pi team lab tests, the average sequential read speed expected is approximately 4500MB/s, which is still pretty dam good, making this device an excellent option for gaming, 4K video editing, and other high-bandwidth applications.

Enhanced Connectivity

The Orange Pi Mini PC is set to launch with built-in Wi-Fi 6E support through an expansion card, which could likely be upgraded to Wi-Fi 7 as well. It also features Bluetooth 5.3 and dual 2.5G network ports, making it potentially usable as a gateway device capable of running Linux distributions like OPNsense.

Price and Availability

Because the product is very new, we currently do not have additional new information to share. Once we are sure, we will update this article with relevant information including prices.