AWOW AK10
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The AWOW AK10 is a budget mini PC built on Intel’s N100 (a quad-core Alder Lake-N chip, up to 3.4GHz) with DDR5 memory in a small 4.4 x 4.9 x 1.7-inch chassis. Its main draw is the dual Gigabit Ethernet, which makes it a fit for a home router, firewall, or NAS as much as a desktop. It ships with Windows 11 Pro and has both HDMI and DisplayPort for a dual 4K setup, covering home-office, digital-signage, and light-server roles. This is the N100 AK10, not the older i5-8279U AWOW AK10 Pro.
Pros and Cons of the AWOW AK10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| DDR5 4800MHz RAM for improved performance | WiFi 5 instead of WiFi 6 |
| Dual Gigabit Ethernet for networking tasks | RAM is soldered and non-upgradeable |
| Compact form factor saves desk space | Fan noise increases under heavy load |
| Dual 4K display support (HDMI + DisplayPort) | Intel UHD Graphics limits demanding applications |
| Windows 11 Pro pre-installed | Limited availability on major retailers |
| Storage expandable up to 2TB | Bulky external power brick |
AWOW AK10 Comparison Chart
 AWOW AK10 | |
| Price | List Price: $159.99 Amazon Prices: |
| Version | 8GB/256GB/Intel N100 |
| Performance Rating | 4.3 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100 |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 4.4 x 4.9 x 1.7 inches (111.76 x 124.46 x 43.18 mm) |
| Weight | unknown |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ethernet | 2 Ethernet ports at 1 Gbps |
| HDMI | 1 Full-Size HDMI Port |
| DisplayPort | 1 DisplayPort |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| OCuLink | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | SD Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | No |
| In the Box | Mini PC, Mounting Bracket, HDMI Cable, Power Adapter, Instruction Manual |
| Expandability | Support the expansion of storage space to 2TB |
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Detailed Information on the AWOW AK10
The N100 is a quad-core Alder Lake-N chip (up to 3.4GHz) that handles office work, web browsing, and media playback without trouble, paired here with DDR5-4800 memory. The DDR5 gives it a bit more memory bandwidth than the DDR4 boxes it competes with, which helps the integrated graphics and everyday multitasking.
The dual Gigabit Ethernet is the real differentiator: it makes the AK10 a practical base for a home router, firewall, NAS, or a pfSense/OPNsense gateway, which is the use these dual-LAN N100 boxes are built for. Both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort outputs drive a dual 4K-at-60Hz setup, so it also works as a small productivity or signage box.
The chassis is 4.4 x 4.9 x 1.7 inches and about a pound, easy to tuck behind a monitor, though there is no VESA bracket. Storage expands via a single M.2 NVMe slot up to 2TB, and there is an SD card reader. Cooling is an active fan, quiet during light work but audible under sustained load. The Intel UHD graphics handle 4K video and light older-title gaming, not demanding modern games.
Conclusion
The AWOW AK10 is a sensible budget pick for someone who values dual Gigabit Ethernet and a small footprint over raw power. The N100 and DDR5 are enough for everyday productivity, media, and light multitasking, and the dual LAN ports make it a capable little home-networking box: a pfSense firewall, a compact office machine, or a behind-the-monitor desktop.
The limits are clear: Wi-Fi 5 (not 6), soldered RAM, and Intel UHD graphics that cap it at basic visual tasks. If you need gaming, a creative workstation, or Wi-Fi 6, a higher-tier machine is the better buy. But for an affordable dual-LAN platform or a space-saving Windows 11 Pro box, the AK10 is good value.
Availability can be spotty: AWOW has moved on to newer models (such as an N150-based AK11), so check current stock before buying. To compare the AK10 with other models, use Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the AWOW AK10 use?
The AWOW AK10 features Intel’s 12th Generation Alder Lake N100 processor, a quad-core chip with four threads capable of turbo speeds up to 3.4GHz. This efficient processor handles everyday computing tasks while maintaining low power consumption.
Can I upgrade the RAM in the AWOW AK10?
No, the RAM in the AWOW AK10 is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded after purchase. The configuration you select at purchase is permanent.
Does the AWOW AK10 support dual monitors?
Yes, the AWOW AK10 supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz through its HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort connections. This makes it suitable for productivity setups requiring multiple screens.
Is the AWOW AK10 suitable for running pfSense or OPNsense?
Yes, the dual Gigabit Ethernet ports make the AWOW AK10 a reasonable candidate for running pfSense, OPNsense, or similar router and firewall software, which is the most common use these dual-LAN N100 boxes are built for.
How much storage can the AWOW AK10 support?
The AWOW AK10 supports M.2 NVMe storage expansion up to 2TB. The base configuration includes a 256GB or 512GB SSD depending on the variant purchased.
Is the AWOW AK10 good for gaming?
The AWOW AK10 is not designed for gaming. Its Intel UHD Graphics can handle very light gaming on older titles at low settings, but modern games and graphically demanding applications will struggle. Consider a mini PC with dedicated graphics for gaming purposes.
Does the AWOW AK10 have WiFi 6?
No, the AWOW AK10 includes WiFi 5 (802.11ac) with dual-band support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. It also features Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless peripheral connectivity. If WiFi 6 is essential, consider newer alternatives.
How loud is the AWOW AK10 during operation?
The AWOW AK10 operates quietly during light workloads like web browsing and office tasks. However, under sustained heavy loads, the small cooling fan ramps up and becomes noticeably audible. For near-silent operation during all tasks, consider fanless mini PC alternatives.