MeLE PCG02
The MeLE PCG02 is an ultra-compact fanless mini PC stick that fits in your pocket. Powered by an Intel Processor N100, it delivers silent operation in a form factor that measures just 5.75 inches long and 2.4 inches wide. The device runs Windows 11 Pro and offers dual HDMI 2.0 outputs for 4K displays, making it suitable for digital signage, home theater setups, and basic productivity tasks where noise-free operation is essential.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely silent fanless operation | Heavy power throttling limits N100 performance |
| Ultra-compact pocket-sized form factor | Slow eMMC storage affects responsiveness |
| USB-C PD 3.0 allows power bank operation | No internal storage or RAM upgrades |
| Dual HDMI 2.0 supports two 4K displays | WiFi 5 only with weak signal from metal case |
| Very low power consumption (3-4W idle) | Struggles with 4K 60fps video playback |
| VESA mount included for monitor mounting | Metal case gets warm under load |
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MeLE PCG02 Comparison Chart
 MeLE PCG02 | MeLE PCG02 | MeLE PCG02 | |
| Price | List Price: $211.49 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $199.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $179.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 8GB/256GB/Intel N100 | 8GB/128GB/Intel N100 | 4GB/128GB/Intel N100 |
| Perfomance Rating | 4.3 | 4.3 | 2.7 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100 | Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100 | Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100 |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR4 | 8 GB LPDDR4 | 4 GB LPDDR4 |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 2.4 x 5.75 x 0.8 inches (60.96 x 146.05 x 20.32 mm) | 2.4 x 5.75 x 0.8 inches (60.96 x 146.05 x 20.32 mm) | 2.4 x 5.75 x 0.8 inches (60.96 x 146.05 x 20.32 mm) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (0.18 kg) | 0.4 lbs (0.18 kg) | 0.4 lbs (0.18 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps | 1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps | 1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps |
| HDMI | 2 2.0 Ports | 2 2.0 Ports | 2 2.0 Ports |
| DisplayPort | No DisplayPort | No DisplayPort | No DisplayPort |
| VGA | No VGA Ports | No VGA Ports | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C | 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C | 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports | No SATA ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo | combo | combo |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VESA Mount | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In the Box | MeLE PCG02 Mini PC Stick, Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, User Manual | MeLE PCG02 Mini PC Stick, Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, User Manual | MeLE PCG02 Mini PC Stick, Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, User Manual |
| Expandability | RAM and storage are soldered and cannot be upgraded. MicroSD card slot available for additional storage. | RAM and storage are soldered and cannot be upgraded. MicroSD card slot available for additional storage. | RAM and storage are soldered and cannot be upgraded. MicroSD card slot available for additional storage. |
Detailed Information on the MeLE PCG02
The MeLE PCG02 represents a specific niche in the mini PC market: users who prioritize silence and portability over raw performance. Its fanless design means zero noise during operation, and the compact stick form factor makes it easy to carry or hide behind a monitor using the included VESA mount. At under half a pound and smaller than a candy bar, this is one of the most portable Windows PCs available.
Under the hood, the Intel N100 processor provides four cores with speeds up to 3.4GHz, paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM. However, the fanless design requires aggressive power throttling to prevent overheating. In practice, the N100 runs at just 6-8 watts instead of its rated 25-watt turbo, which significantly limits performance compared to the same processor in actively cooled systems. The all-metal chassis acts as a passive heatsink, but it does get noticeably warm during sustained workloads.
Storage comes from built-in eMMC, which is slower than traditional SSDs. Users report that Windows feels less snappy than on SSD-based systems, with longer boot times and occasional lag when opening applications. The microSD card slot provides the only expansion option since the RAM and storage are soldered to the board.
Connectivity includes dual HDMI 2.0 ports for 4K output at 60Hz, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet with Wake-on-LAN support, and a 3.5mm audio jack. One notable feature is the USB-C PD 3.0 port, which allows the device to be powered from a USB-C power bank with at least 24W output. This makes the PCG02 one of the few Windows PCs that can run truly portably without a wall outlet.
Reviewer Insights on the MeLE PCG02
The MeLE PCG02 has been covered by several tech reviewers, with consensus that it serves a specific use case well but comes with significant trade-offs.
Team Pandory’s Analysis
Team Pandory’s review of the PCG02 Pro with N100 provides detailed benchmarks and thermal analysis. The reviewer notes that the fanless design requires severe power throttling, with the N100 limited to 6-8 watts to prevent overheating. In CPU benchmarks, this causes the PCG02 to “place dead last” compared to other N100 systems, even losing to cheaper N95-based units. The slow eMMC storage compounds performance issues, with the reviewer stating “the snappiness just wasn’t there” during normal Windows use. Despite the stylish metal design and silent operation, Team Pandory concludes they “cannot recommend the PCG02 Pro” for users who prioritize performance.
OSReviews’ Evaluation
OSReviews offers a more balanced perspective, focusing on appropriate use cases. The reviewer appreciates the silent operation and compact form factor, noting its suitability for digital signage, HTPC use, and basic office tasks. They highlight the USB-C PD 3.0 feature as a standout capability for portable use. However, they acknowledge the performance limitations and suggest that users needing more power should consider actively cooled alternatives.
CNX Software’s Technical Review
CNX Software provides extensive coverage of the N100 upgrade. They note that while the processor represents a significant improvement over earlier J4125 and N5105 variants, the N100 version loses the M.2 expansion slot that the J4125 model had. Power consumption measurements show 2-4 watts at idle and 9-11 watts under load. WiFi performance is consistently reported as underwhelming due to the metal chassis blocking the internal antenna.
Who Should Consider the MeLE PCG02
The PCG02 is best suited for specific use cases where its unique characteristics are advantages rather than limitations.
Digital signage operators will appreciate the silent fanless design for customer-facing displays where fan noise would be distracting. The dual HDMI outputs allow daisy-chaining multiple displays or driving two separate screens. The VESA mount keeps the device hidden behind monitors for a clean installation.
Home theater enthusiasts seeking a silent media player will find the PCG02 handles 1080p content smoothly, though 4K playback can be problematic. The device works well with Plex, streaming services, and as a Kodi box. Just be aware that the WiFi performance may require a wired Ethernet connection for reliable 4K streaming.
Travelers who need an ultra-portable Windows PC might appreciate the USB-C power bank compatibility. Combined with a portable monitor, the PCG02 creates a truly mobile Windows workstation that weighs under a pound total.
However, anyone needing strong performance, fast storage, upgradability, or reliable WiFi should look elsewhere. The heavy power throttling and slow eMMC storage create a frustrating experience for productivity work, and the soldered components mean what you buy is what you’re stuck with.
Customer Feedback on the MeLE PCG02
Amazon reviews for the MeLE PCG02 show a 4.2-star rating from over 500 reviews, with customers divided between those who love its unique form factor and those frustrated by its limitations.
Positive reviews frequently praise the silent operation and compact size. Users describe it as an “excellent remote desktop” for home use, with several mentioning successful 24/7 operation for server applications and digital signage. One reviewer successfully uses it as a home theater PC, noting that “movies are in true 4K and it outputs true surround sound from the HDMI straight to the TV.”
Critical reviews consistently mention WiFi issues, with users reporting speeds of “barely 6 Mbps” when their network should provide much more. The metal case appears to significantly weaken the WiFi signal, making Ethernet the recommended connection method. Some users also note that the device runs warmer than expected during extended use.
Conclusion
The MeLE PCG02 occupies a unique position as one of the smallest fully functional Windows PCs available. Its fanless design delivers the silent operation that some users absolutely require, and the USB-C power delivery enables truly portable use cases. The dual HDMI outputs and VESA mount make it an appealing option for digital signage and hidden HTPC installations.
However, the performance trade-offs are significant. The aggressive power throttling required to prevent overheating in the fanless design means the N100 processor underperforms compared to actively cooled systems. The slow eMMC storage affects everyday responsiveness, and the weak WiFi performance often necessitates a wired connection.
For users who prioritize silence and portability above all else, the PCG02 delivers on its promises. For everyone else, a conventional mini PC with active cooling will provide substantially better performance at a similar price point.
To explore and compare a more comprehensive range of Mini PCs to find the one that best fits your specific needs, be sure to utilize Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Tool to find the Best Mini PC.
Frequently Asked Questions about the MeLE PCG02
Is the MeLE PCG02 truly silent?
Yes, the MeLE PCG02 uses a completely fanless design with the metal chassis acting as a passive heatsink. There are no moving parts, so it produces zero noise during operation.
Can the MeLE PCG02 be powered by a USB-C power bank?
Yes, the PCG02 supports USB-C PD 3.0 power input. A power bank providing at least 24W output can power the device, making it suitable for truly portable use without a wall outlet.
Is the RAM or storage upgradable on the MeLE PCG02?
No, both the LPDDR4X RAM and eMMC storage are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. A microSD card slot provides the only storage expansion option.
Can the MeLE PCG02 run dual 4K monitors?
Yes, the PCG02 features two HDMI 2.0 ports that each support 4K output at 60Hz. You can run two 4K displays simultaneously.
Does the MeLE PCG02 support Linux?
Yes, the MeLE PCG02 is compatible with Linux, though some users report ACPI errors during boot on Ubuntu. Most distributions work after installation.
Why does the MeLE PCG02 perform worse than other N100 systems?
The fanless design requires aggressive power throttling to prevent overheating. The N100 is limited to 6-8 watts instead of its rated 25W turbo boost, which significantly reduces performance compared to actively cooled systems using the same processor.
Is the WiFi on the MeLE PCG02 reliable?
Multiple reviewers and users report weaker-than-expected WiFi performance due to the metal chassis blocking the internal antenna. Many users recommend connecting via Gigabit Ethernet for the most reliable network performance.
What operating system does the MeLE PCG02 come with?
The MeLE PCG02 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, providing full Windows functionality out of the box.