- Kingel PHX18/K3 Mini PC -Design sounds smart but it’s more a gimmick
- Ryzen Chip brings power but not enough gates to justify its price
- Offers USB4, 8K -Video and three simultaneously connected screens
Modular computer devices are intended to offer flexibility, but the new Kingel PHX18/K3 Mini PC appears to prioritize form rather than function.
The device offers respectable performance and some versatility thanks to its two-part magnetic design and AMD Ryzen processors. The base model includes an AMD Ryzen 5 6600U, a 6-core chip with integrated Radeon graphics. A more powerful configuration contains Ryzen 7 7840u with RDNA3 graphics.
It comes with up to 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, and storage starts with a 512 GB NVME SSD, which can be expanded via another M.2 castle in the modular base – up to 8TB in total.
New modular design but need more work
The PHX18/K3 separates the most important computer device from its base so that users can run PC standalone via USB-C or attach the lower section for multiple ports and additional storage.
While the modular design is new, that question raises. Why Separate Access to Key Connections? Even with the associated base, it doesn’t offer much more than most integrated systems. Since the division does not result in greater savings or expanded functionality, the design feels as a solution in search of a problem.
Connection includes USB4, HDMI 2.0, Displayport 1.4, Dual 2.5G LAN ports, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The system supports 8K video output at 60Hz with HDR and can run up to three screens at once.
It sounds impressive and suggests potential as a compact media or content work station. But the PHX18/K3 struggles to justify its price. From $ 329 for a barebones model, it’s more expensive than alternatives that offer similar performance with integrated gates.
The device comes with Windows 11 Pro, but also supports Linux. It is targeted at business users with niche needs for portability, modularity and storage expansion.
Outside of these edge cases, however, it is difficult to see a compelling reason to choose it rather than more conventional, better connected systems at lower prices.
Via Androidpctv
