ASRock iBOX-N97 is another x86 mini-PC from the well-known Taiwanese hardware manufacturer, with a profile reminiscent of the iBOX 1300, which was launched last April with support for Intel Raptor Lake processors and includes passive cooling, so it does not use fans and is quieter.

ASRock iBOX-N97 is a more modest model Intel N97 processor based on Alder Lake-N and that it provides four physical cores, four threads and that it operates at 12 watts, except 16 GB DRR4 RAM at 3200 MHz provided through a single module. As a security mechanism, it implements TPM 2.0, the same feature required by Windows 11.

For data storage, it provides a PCIe 3 interface via an M.2 2280 slot and a SATA 3 port to which an SSD or 2.5-inch mechanical hard drive can be connected. Like the iBOX 1300, the iBOX-N97 runs on a passive heatsink, so the inclusion of a mechanical hard drive may somewhat defeat the purpose of the computer being quiet.

The ASRock iBOX-N97 measures 135 x 110 x 44.5 millimeters and weighs approximately 0.7 kilograms. Regarding external connections, the user will find six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, four of which are Type A and two are Type C; two Realtek connectors for 2.5Gbps Ethernet; two HDMI 2.0b ports capable of offering a maximum resolution of 4,096 × 2,160 pixels at 60 Hz; support for DisplayPort 1.4as with a maximum resolution of 4,096 × 2,160 pixels at 60 Hz via USB Type-C ports; Kensington Castle; one M.2 expansion slot with PCIe; in addition with a power of 65 watts.

This mini-PC from ASRock is mainly aimed at the industrial sector, where passive dissipation can contribute to continuous operation, especially in dusty environments where the fan could cause damage. On the other hand, the Alder Lake-N processor it contains is not particularly powerful, so the buyer needs to be clear about what type of product they are buying and for what purpose.