The Ninkear M8_226V mini PC has surfaced online with Intel’s Lunar Lake Core Ultra 5 226V processor. The leaked design includes a front-mounted OCuLink port and USB4 connectivity to address the expansion limitations of older configurations.
The mini PC retains the 128 by 128 mm footprint of the brand’s AMD-powered predecessor but weighs approximately 675 grams (1.49 lbs). Similar to the GMKtec Nucbox M3 Pro, the device offers a compact desktop footprint for users with limited space.
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The Core Ultra 5 226V processor uses TSMC’s 3 nm node and includes four Lion Cove performance cores and four Skymont efficiency cores. It also packs an integrated Intel Arc 130V graphics chip, a 40 TOPS neural processing unit (NPU), and 16GB of on-package LPDDR5x-8533 RAM. Because the memory is built directly on the processor package, users cannot upgrade the RAM after purchase.
The inclusion of a front-facing OCuLink port alongside USB4 allows users to connect external graphics enclosures with higher bandwidth than standard Thunderbolt. Placing the OCuLink port on the front panel rather than the rear is an unusual design decision that should make connecting enclosures easier. The rear panel adds two HDMI outputs, a DisplayPort connection, a 2.5 GbE Ethernet jack, and USB-A ports.
Hands-on photos show a single M.2 storage slot situated next to a large SoC heat spreader. The bottom label of the pre-release unit confirms a maximum power delivery rating of 100 W at 20V and 5A. Pricing and release date details have not been announced, as full testing of the engineering sample is still pending.
Source: Reddit
