Fodenn F10 Review

Connectivity

External

Front and back
  • Ports: We find 4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 HDMI ports, a headphone jack and a LAN port.
  • Indicators: Power and CLR COMS lights for quick status checks.
  • Wireless: Realtek 8821CE ensures a robust wireless experience with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac.
  • Notable: Well-organized ports with rear placement of 2 USB, 2 HDMI, LAN and power port, with a convenient front setup for the power button, 2 USB and headset jack.
  • Defects: Unfortunately, no USB type C port, which could be a drawback for some users.

Internal

Inside

  • Expansion: Limited M.2 and RAM slots (one each) but compensates with an additional SATA 2.5 bay.
  • Cable Management: Efficient design for rapid access to internal components, allowing easy upgrades.
  • Accessibility: Quick internal access with just 4 screws.

Hardware

CPU

  • Intel N95: This processor, with Alder Lake architecture, runs at 1.7GHz base speed, reaching a max of 3.4GHz, featuring 4 Cores and a 15W TDP.
  • Performance in Windows 11:
    • Geekbench Results.
    • Cinebench: SingleCore 60pt, MultiCore 95pt.
  • Performance in Ubuntu 22.04:
    • Geekbench Results.
    • Cinebench SingleCore 60pt, MultiCore 95pt, SingleCore 60pt.
    • Compression 7zip Results.
    • OpenSSL Results.

RAM

  • Memory: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
  • Performance:
  • Upgradability: Supports up to 16GB DDR5 4800MHz

Storage

  • Types: One 512GB ShiJi M.2 SSD
  • Speed: Cristal Disk Mark
  • Upgradability: Only one M.2 slot, but the presence of an extra SATA bay allows for storage expansion.
  • Defects: During one of the initial startup sessions (within the second or third boot and less than an hour of uptime), noteworthy metrics surfaced regarding the SSD. With readings such as 85 Power On Count, 34 Power On Hours, Total Reads > 2TB, and total Host Writes >2TB, it raises the possibility that the SSD might not be entirely new. While this could be attributed to the preinstalled Windows operating system, the relatively high figures prompt consideration. S.M.A.R.T.

GPU

  • Integrated GPU: Intel® UHD Graphics, running at 1.20GHz and supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz.
  • Performance:

Other

Heat Dissipation and Noise

  • Cooling: Efficient cooling with temperatures ranging from 40C at idle to a maximum of 70C under full load.
  • Noise Levels: Remarkably quiet operation with a single fan, nearly indiscernible unless closely inspected.
  • Stability: Consistent stability without high-temperature spikes, as the device remains reliably cool, about 70-80 degree even during prolonged usage and under full load.

Power Consumption

  • Usage Details:
    • Under full load, the Fodenn F10 draws approximately 15W, translating to a daily consumption of 0.36kW.
    • During normal home lab usage with around 2% CPU usage, the power consumption hovers around 7W, equating to a daily usage of 0.168kW.
    • In idle mode, it consumes a mere 5W, resulting in a minimal daily usage of 0.12kW.

Packaging

  • Contents: Unbox a complete package featuring the MiniPC, along with a 20cm HDMI cable, a 1m HDMI cable, a Power Supply, a convenient Mounting Bracket (complete with screws), and an informative User Manual.
  • Consideration: I was pleasantly surprised by the presence of two HDMI cables which is not so common in these products

Price

Last update 22/02/2024

  • Purchase: Acquired from Amazon at €189.99.
  • Current Availability: Fodenn F10 on Amazon for 269.99€.
  • Other options: We can find several alternatives to this mini PC, especially on Aliexpress in particular:
  • Value: Comparing it with some similar devices we see that, with a price of 269.99€, it is off the market. However, if you manage to get it at a discount or in any case paying for it under 200€ then the purchase becomes reasonable also having Amazon’s assistance and customer service.

Other Details

  • Operating System: Pre-installed with Windows 11

Conclusion

Summary

The Fodenn F10, a compact mini PC, exhibits a well-thought-out design with commendable connectivity options, efficient internal accessibility, and notable hardware components. Its Intel N95 processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics promise a solid computing experience. The cooling system and power consumption add to the overall positive user experience.

Verdict

The Fodenn F10 stands out for its reliable performance and thoughtful design, making it suitable for various use cases, including serving as an always-on PC for a home lab. The absence of a USB Type-C port may disappoint some users, but the inclusion of a SATA bay for storage expansion compensates for this limitation. The efficiency in power consumption further enhances its appeal, providing an energy-efficient solution for continuous home lab usage.

Highlights

Pros:

  • Connectivity: Well-organized external ports, efficient internal accessibility.
  • Hardware Performance: Intel N95 processor delivers satisfactory results with low power consumption.
  • Heat Dissipation: Efficient cooling system maintains stable temperatures even under full load.
  • Power Consumption: Low power usage, making it an energy-efficient option for daily tasks or also as always one device on a home lab.

    Cons:

  • Connectivity: Lack of USB Type-C port may be a drawback for some users.
  • Storage Defects: Initial metrics suggest the SSD may not be entirely new, warranting consideration.
  • Price: The price, if higher than €200, appears to be too high.