Tiny, Passively-Cooled Gaming PC - Compulab Airtop 2

Linus Tech Tips explores the Compulab Airtop 2, a compact gaming-grade PC that claims to deliver a rare trifecta: small size, high performance, and silent operation. The host introduces the Airtop 2 as a passively cooled machine that challenges the conventional tradeoffs in desktop design, arguing that this model combines a powerful internal configuration with a minimalist, desk-friendly footprint. The video walks through the hardware, noting a Core i7-7700, GTX 1060, 32 GB of RAM, and up to 3 TB of SSD storage, all housed inside a chassis with thick heat sink fins on either side. It emphasizes that the system remains completely fanless while still achieving respectable load temperatures,about 70 C for the CPU and 80 C for the GPU after extended stress testing. A front display provides real-time CPU temperatures and clock speeds, though the GPU temperature readout is criticized for accuracy. The hosts compare the Airtop 2 to open-air test benches, finding only a small gap in performance, while commending the clever thermal design that relies on copper blocks, heat pipes, and natural convection to dissipate heat. They highlight the device’s robust I/O options, including seven display outputs and multiple drive bays, with room for Wi-Fi, SIM cards, and memory upgrades, pointing to its workstation-grade expandability. The discussion covers practical considerations like the price, with the G model at roughly $2,500 and the fully loaded configuration at about $3,700, then contemplates a future Inferno variant with higher-end components and a Kickstarter launch. The video closes by noting the Airtop 2’s suitability for VR and portable workstation use, while teasing future developments and upgrades and tying the product to Linus Tech Tips' broader ecosystem of gear and sponsorships.

Topics · hardware · technology · pc_builds · gaming_pc