Introduction, Specifications, and Design

A fanless chassis and 6th gen Core i5 highlight this barebone system

Azulle's Inspire Barebone Mini PC offers a range of processor options and is, in all but the Intel Core i7 variant, a fanless system. The Inspire supports up to 32GB of DDR4 across two SoDIMMs, and supports both 2.5-inch SATA and M.2 storage. We had a chance to test out a Core i5-powered variant, and we'll explore both the design and performance in this review.

As this is a barebone system, the Inspire – like Intel NUC computers – requires users to supply memory and storage, leaving only the processor to be selected when you order. Four Intel platform options are available, with Apollo Lake ($169.99), Core i3 ($269.99), Core i5 ($334.99), and Core i7 ($449.99) CPUs. Our review unit is equipped with an Intel Core i5-7200U, which is the $334.99 configuration, and Azulle sent over NVMe storage and DDR4 memory to make this a complete system.


Specifications from Azulle:

  • Processor:
    • Intel Apollo Lake J4205
    • Intel Kaby Lake i3-7100U
    • Intel Kaby Lake i5-7200U
    • Intel Kaby Lake i7-7500U
  • RAM: Up to 32 GB DDR4
  • Storage: MMC Optonal, SSD supported
    • M.2. Slot: x1
    • SATA: x1
  • GPU: Intel® HD Graphics 620
  • Wi-Fi: 2.4g/5.0g Dual-Band
  • Ethernet: 1x Gigabit
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0
  • DisplayPort: x1 Port, 4K @ 60 FPS
  • HDMI: x1 Port, 4K @ 60 FPS
  • USB: x3 3.0 Port, x1 Type-C
  • SD Card Slot: x1
  • IR: IR Control
  • Audio Output: 3.5 mm Jack
  • BIOS: Wake On LAN/ PXE/Auto Power
  • Power Supply: 12V/3A
  • Dimensions: 4.9 in x 4.9 in x 1.9 inches

Pricing and Availability:

  • Inspire Mini PC Barebone – Intel Kaby Lake Core i5-7200U: $334.99, Amazon

In addition to the mini PC and power adapter, the Inspire package includes a pair of removable external wireless antennae, an IR remote control, and SATA data and power cables for a 2.5-inch drive install.

Now we'll take a look around the Inspire:

The front of the Inspire offers basic connectivity, with USB Type-C and a standard USB 3.0 port, along with microSD, 3.5 mm audio, and an IR sensor.

Around back we have 12V power input, full-size DisplayPort and HDMI ports, a serial port, Gigabit LAN, and a pair of USB 3.0 ports. The wireless antenna connectors flank the ports on either side, and above these connections you can see the vented upper chamber (which houses the heatsink). To aid in cooling, the top of the Inspire is fully vented as well:

The base of the Inspire offers rubber feet and is attached using standard philips screws.

The Inspire is a fairly compact mini-PC at appoximately 5 inches square and 2.5 inches high:

Next we'll take a look inside the Inspire, and then run some system benchmarks to give you an idea of its performance.

Review Terms and Disclosure
All Information as of the Date of Publication
How product was obtained: The product was on loan from Azulle for the purpose of this review.
What happens to the product after review: The product was returned to the company upon completion of the review.
Company involvement: Azulle had no control over the content of the review and was not consulted prior to publication.
PC Perspective Compensation: Neither PC Perspective nor any of its staff were paid or compensated in any way by Azulle for this review.
Advertising Disclosure: Azulle has not purchased advertising at PC Perspective during the past twelve months.
Affiliate links: This article contains affiliate links to online retailers. PC Perspective may receive compensation for purchases through those links.
Consulting Disclosure: Azulle is not a current client of Shrout Research.
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