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. Two Gigabit Ethernet ports make 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, which also covers home-office and digital-signage duty. This is the N100 model, not the older i5-8279U AK10 Pro.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| DDR5-4800 memory | WiFi 5 instead of WiFi 6 |
| Two Gigabit Ethernet ports for routing work | RAM is soldered and non-upgradeable |
| 4.4 x 4.9 x 1.7-inch chassis at about a pound | Fan noise rises under sustained load |
| Dual 4K display support (HDMI + DisplayPort) | Intel UHD graphics cannot run modern games |
| Windows 11 Pro pre-installed | Single M.2 slot, so no second drive |
| M.2 NVMe storage expandable to 2TB | Power supply is an external 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 | Yes |
| In the Box | Mini PC, Mounting Bracket, HDMI Cable, Power Adapter, Instruction Manual |
| Expandability | M.2 slot takes drives up to 2TB; RAM is soldered |
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Two Ethernet ports and DDR5 in a one-pound shell
The N100 is a quad-core Alder Lake-N chip (up to 3.4GHz) that handles office work and media playback without trouble, paired here with DDR5-4800 memory. The DDR5 gives it more memory bandwidth than the DDR4 boxes it competes with, which helps the integrated graphics and everyday multitasking.
The two Gigabit Ethernet ports make it a practical base for a home router, firewall, or NAS, and they are what a pfSense or OPNsense gateway needs. The HDMI and DisplayPort outputs drive a dual 4K 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 older titles at low settings; demanding modern games are beyond them.
A cheap dual-LAN platform with fixed RAM and Wi-Fi 5
Buy it for the second Ethernet port; a firewall or a small NAS is the one job where the AK10 offers something a same-price single-LAN N100 box does not. Gaming or creative work calls for a higher-tier machine, as does anyone who needs Wi-Fi 6.
AWOW’s newer models include the N150-based AK11, so check what is currently listed before buying. To compare this box with other models, use Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the AK10 use?
Intel’s 12th Generation Alder Lake N100, a quad-core chip with four threads that turbos to 3.4GHz. Power draw stays low, which suits it to everyday computing tasks.
Can I upgrade the RAM in the AK10?
No. The memory is soldered to the motherboard, so the configuration you buy is the one you keep.
Does the AK10 support dual monitors?
Yes, two 4K displays, one on the HDMI output and one on the DisplayPort.
Is the AK10 suitable for running pfSense or OPNsense?
The two Gigabit Ethernet ports make it a reasonable candidate for pfSense, OPNsense, or similar router and firewall software, which is what a dual-LAN N100 box is built for.
How much storage can the AK10 support?
M.2 NVMe expansion goes up to 2TB. The listed build ships with a 256GB SSD.
Is the AK10 good for gaming?
Not for modern titles. Intel UHD Graphics can run older games at low settings, but graphically demanding applications will struggle. For gaming, look at a mini PC with dedicated graphics.
Does the AK10 have WiFi 6?
No. Wireless is WiFi 5 (802.11ac) with dual-band support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, plus Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless peripherals.
How loud is the AK10 during operation?
Light workloads like web browsing and office tasks stay quiet. 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.