Gigabyte continues their introduction of Thunderbolt 3 certified devices, the currently fastest single-wire connection available. After having released quite a few motherboards with this feature, it is time for the small form factor systems called BRIX to get the same treatment. Gigabyte released four new BRIX model with Thunderbolt 3 support through a USB Type-C connector and there isn’t much difference between the four.
The new BRIX systems are the GB-BSi7T-6500, GB-BSi7HT-6500, GB-BSi5T-6200, and the GB-BSi5HT-6200. The two first come with an Intel Core i7-6500U 2.5 GHz CPU (3.1GHz Boost) and the other two come with an Intel Core i5-6200U 2.3GHz CPU (2.8GHz Boost). The difference between the models within the same CPU is the height of the chassis and whether there is space for a 2.5-inch storage drive or not. HT are the ones with room for a drive, the T models are the one without.
Now that we know the differences between the models, let’s have a look at what they got in common. You can add two SO-DIMM DDR4 modules with a speed up to 2133MHz for a total maximum of 32GB system memory. The Intel HD Graphics 520 iGPU is able to deliver 4K 60Hz display output on both the HDMI and mini-DP connectors for an optimal workspace experience.
There are two internal expansion slots, one M.2 2280 for storage and one M.2 A-E key slot that is occupied by the Wireless and Bluetooth module. External ports continue with one Gigabit Ethernet port by an Intel i219V controller, and the built-in audio is supplied by a Realtek ALC255 codec.
The Thunderbolt 40Gbps connection is provided through a USB 3.1 Type-C connector and comes with support for different protocols such as DisplayPort 1.2, which is able to drive a 4K resolution display at 60 FPS, and USB 3.1. Additionally, Thunderbolt 3 over USB Type-C has the ability to daisy-chain up to 6 devices, helping you to declutter your desktop and have a true one-cable solution.
Overall, you get everything from a huge system packed into small form factor system you can hold in the palm of your hand where the only limitation comes from the limited drive expansion abilities.
