Got PC? - PC Smaller than a Milk Jug (Brix VR)
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Promos
Crunchyroll sponsor link: Sign up for Crunchyroll today at crunchyroll.com Rosewill sponsor links: 25U Open Frame Rack on Amazon amztk.com Server Chassis on Amazon amztk.com Server Rails on Amazon amztk.com How small is too small? Can the Brix VR actually perform without insane amounts of thermal throttling? Buy Gigabyte Brix Amazon: geni.us Newegg: geni.us Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Linus Tech Tips merchandise at designbyhumans.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Production gear: geni.us twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk
The video presents a practical examination of a Gigabyte Brix VR PC that is significantly smaller than typical gaming rigs, described by Linus as a 2.6-liter ultra form factor machine. The host highlights how the compact design achieves surprising performance, noting a chassis size of 110 mm square by 220 mm tall and featuring a VR-grade graphics card with two HDMI 2.0 ports and two display port mini ports. Throughout the segment, the host explains upgradeability within the limited footprint, including the presence of two M.2 slots, space for a 2.5-inch drive, and the ability to modularly add memory and components, while cautioning that the unit is not a plug-and-play workstation and requires careful budgeting for OS, storage, and memory. The video demonstrates real-world performance tests including VR workloads and synthetic benchmarks, where the compact PC maintains mid-80s GPU temperatures but can drive CPU throttling into the high 90s during heavy CPU stress, such as FPU tests, leading to meaningful but expected trade-offs. In addition to technical results, the host evaluates acoustics and overall usability, concluding that the Brix VR excels as a portable VR-ready living room or home theater PC, with the caveat that its CPU cooling limits may affect sustained workloads. The piece closes with casual commentary on its form factor, practical takeaways for potential buyers, and sponsor messages, wrapping up with a humorous nod to chocolate milk as a lighthearted running theme. Overall, the video frames the Brix VR as a credible ultra compact option for VR and casual gaming, while managing expectations about raw CPU performance in sustained tasks.
Topics · technology · hardware · virtual reality · gaming
Questions answered
- What is the Gigabyte Brix VR in terms of its form factor and key features?
- The Gigabyte Brix VR is an ultra small form factor PC, about 2.6 liters in volume, built around a VR-ready graphics card with dual HDMI 2.0 and dual display port mini outputs, plus compact storage and memory expansion options like two M.2 slots and space for a 2.5 inch drive.
- How does the Brix VR perform in VR and synthetic benchmarks, and what are the downsides?
- In VR and synthetic benchmarks the Brix VR maintains strong GPU performance and relatively quiet operation, but the CPU can throttle into the high 90s under heavy CPU stress, indicating that it's not a full-fat workstation and may have limitations for sustained CPU-intensive tasks.