Review: Asus ExpertCenter PN64

By
Vertex
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0

Conclusion

We’ve come to the end of this test, and this Asus ExpertCenter PN64 mini PC has left us on a half-hearted note. Although the solution is complete and offers very interesting functionality in the professional environment, its lack of USB and its price leaves us wanting more. It has to be said that, as a laboratory technician, the possibility of having an RS232 socket or a second RJ45 port directly on the device seemed very interesting for certain test benches. Alas, we only have a single USB port on the back of the device, which greatly limits the use of other input peripherals.

Then there’s the price: while it’s listed at €630, it’s now possible to get a NUC 13 PRO with Thunderbolt 4 ports and more USB for less than €550. Asus ExpertCenter PN64 - IO avant

As a reminder, the Asus ExperCenter PN64 is available for 629.95€ in its i5-12500H version without RAM or SSD.

A quick update on the Asus ExpertCenter PN52 that we were initially due to test. We received it in Barebone format, and therefore without RAM or SSD. Based on an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H architecture, it’s closer to the Geekom AS6 we’ve just tested. Compared to the PN64, it has 1 additional PCIe M.2 slot and two USB ports. And like the PN64, it can be configured as an RS232, VGA, HDMI, RJ45 or DisplayPort port. The R7-5800H version costs 599.77€, while the R5-5600H version costs 449.99€ without RAM or SSD.

And here are a few photos of this Asus ExpertCenter PN52.

The Asus ExpertCenter PN64

We liked:

  • CPU performance
  • Compact form factor
  • Efficient cooling
  • Build quality
  • Upgradability
  • Dual RJ45 or RS232 configuration possible

We would have liked :

  • Easier removal of the motherboard for servicing
  • A better price
  • At least 4 USB type-A ports on the rear of the device

In the end, we choose to award bronze to this Asus ExpertCenter PN64, whereas the PN52 would certainly have received gold. So, we have good performance and build quality, as well as the ability to connect RS232 or 2 RJ45 directly. However, the lack of a USB type-A port and a high price tag prove to be prohibitive for a professional PC.