CORE 2 – compact digital signage player with desktop CPU

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: CORE 2 – compact digital signage player with desktop CPU.

Just like its predecessor, the Mini-PC is 4K capable and convinces with its excellent price/performance ratio. But new is though: the CPU is now freely selectable. From the Intel Pentium to the i7 processor, we got the right solution for every application.

From Pentium to i7: Coffee Lake in all variants
For the performance of the CORE 2 spo-comm counts on 8th generation Intel CPUs (Coffee Lake), which are extremely economical with a TDP of just 65 watts. Customers can choose between an Intel Pentium G5400 at 2 x 3.7 GHz processor, a Core i3-8100 at 4 x 3.6 GHz, a Core i5-8400 at 6 x 2.8 GHz (maximum 4.0 GHz) and the ultra-performant Core i7-8700 at 6 x 3.2 GHz (up to 4.6 GHz). This allows the Mini-PC to perfectly match to the performance needs of the particular application. Compared to its predecessor, a huge increase in performance can be seen. Benchmarks show, that even the Pentium processor performs better than the Intel Core i5 in the previous CORE.

Lots of storage in a small space

The ultra-compact industrial PC with dimensions of just 142 x 167 x 37 millimeters offers an enormous storage space. The CPU can be supported with a maximum of 32 GB of SO-DDR4 RAM. In addition, the CORE 2 offers space for up to two SSDs: One m.2 starting with 240 GB (maximum 960 GB) as well as a 2.5-inch SSD, which starts already with 120 GB of storage space. Like this, it is possible to save for example the operating system and data on different media.

Connections for multimedia solutions

The new CORE 2 has got all the connections a digital signage player needs. A DisplayPort and HDMI port allow the playback of content in 4K resolution (3840 x 2140 pixels) – thanks to one line-in and one line-out also with audio. Furthermore, there are three USB 3.0, one USB Type C and two USB 2.0 ports on the Mini-PC. Network connections are made possible by the LAN interface on the back panel or optional Wi-Fi. If you use the CORE 2 in public places, you can protect it against theft with the Kensington Lock. As
operating systems, Windows 10 in the Home, Pro or IoT variant and Linux Ubuntu are available.
Anyone looking for an ultra-compact digital signage player with a high-performance processor is well advised with the CORE 2. The Mini-PC is available from now on and can be configured and ordered at www.spo-comm.de

Highlights and technical data at a glance:

•  CPU: Intel® Pentium G5400, Intel Core i3-8100, i5-8400, i7-8700
• Chipsatz: Intel® H310
• Graphics: Intel® UHD630
• RAM: up to 32GB SO-DDR4
• 1x SSD: from 120 GB up to 960 GB
• 1x M.2: from 240 GB up to 960 GB
• Max. resolution: 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz
• Up to 2 independent displays
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 142 x 167 x 37 mm
• Digital Signage
• VESA mount
• Ambient conditions: -0 ° C to 50 ° C with 0 ~ 90% of non-condensing moisture

Connectors:

• 3x USB 3.1, 1x USB Type C, 2x USB 2.0
• 1x DP 1.2
• 1x HDMI 1.4
• 1x LAN
• 2x Audio (1x Line-out, 1x Line-in)
• 1x Kensington Lock
• 1x Antenna
• Optional WiFi