TRIGKEY Green G4
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The TRIGKEY Green G4 has carved out a notable position in the budget mini PC market by delivering surprisingly capable performance at a price point under $200. Built around the Intel Processor N100 from the Alder Lake-N series, this compact system packs 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD into a chassis small enough to mount behind a monitor. TRIGKEY’s “Green” branding emphasizes the device’s energy efficiency, making it particularly attractive for always-on use cases like media servers or home office setups where low power consumption matters. With dual HDMI ports supporting 4K output, WiFi 6, and expandable storage options, the Green G4 offers a compelling feature set for users who need basic productivity, streaming, or lightweight server duties without breaking the bank.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price under $200 with Windows 11 Pro included | Single-channel RAM limits Intel N100’s full performance potential |
| Generous 16GB DDR4 RAM enables smooth multitasking | Fan noise can be noticeable under sustained heavy workloads |
| Dual HDMI supporting 4K@60Hz for multi-monitor setups | No USB-C ports despite having USB 3.2 Gen2 connectivity |
| WiFi 6 with measured speeds up to 490 Mbps (NotebookCheck testing) | SSD uses PCIe 3.0 x1 connection instead of faster x4 |
| Expandable storage with 2.5-inch SATA bay for up to 2TB | Single RAM slot prevents upgrading to dual-channel configuration |
| Compact 3.5” x 3.5” footprint with VESA mount included | Not suitable for gaming or video editing workloads |
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TRIGKEY Green G4 Comparison Chart
![]() TRIGKEY Green G4 | |
| Price | List Price: $189.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 16GB/512GB/Intel N100 |
| Perfomance Rating | 5.0 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100 |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches (88.9 x 88.9 x 43.18 mm) |
| Weight | unknown |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps |
| HDMI | 2 Full-Size HDMI Ports |
| DisplayPort | No DisplayPort |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 4 USB 3 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | 1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| In the Box | Mini PC, VESA Mount, HDMI Cable, Power Adapter, Manual |
| Expandability | Supports expansion with 2.5-inch SSD or HDD up to 2TB |
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Detailed Insights into the TRIGKEY Green G4
The TRIGKEY Green G4’s design follows the familiar compact form factor that has become standard among budget mini PCs, measuring just 3.5 inches square with a height of 1.7 inches. This footprint is small enough to tuck behind most monitors using the included VESA mount bracket, effectively hiding the computer from view while keeping desk space clear. The chassis is constructed from a combination of plastic and metal components, with adequate ventilation for the active cooling system. Build quality is reasonable for the price point, with NotebookCheck noting that the device weighs just 272 grams and can be opened for maintenance by removing only four screws from the underside.
Performance from the Intel Processor N100 delivers approximately 25% better results than its predecessor chips, according to reviewer testing. The 4-core, 4-thread processor operates at up to 3.4GHz and handles everyday productivity tasks, web browsing with numerous tabs, and 4K video playback without significant issues. However, the system’s Achilles heel lies in its memory configuration. TRIGKEY equipped the Green G4 with DDR4-3200 RAM in a single-channel arrangement since only one SO-DIMM slot is available. This bottleneck prevents the N100 and its integrated Intel UHD Graphics from reaching their full potential. NotebookCheck’s testing confirmed that while the device performs admirably in CPU benchmarks, it falls back to mid-range results in memory-intensive workloads like the Crossmark test.
Connectivity options cover the essentials without any premium frills. Four USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports handle peripheral connections, split evenly between front and rear panels. Dual HDMI 2.0 ports support simultaneous 4K displays at 60Hz, making dual-monitor setups straightforward. Gigabit Ethernet provides wired network access, while WiFi 6 wireless networking achieved impressive receive speeds of 490 Mbps in testing. Bluetooth 5.2 rounds out the wireless capabilities for keyboard, mouse, and audio device connections. For storage expansion, the Green G4 includes both an M.2 2280 slot for NVMe drives and a 2.5-inch SATA bay that can accommodate drives up to 2TB in capacity.
Reviewer Insights on the TRIGKEY Green G4
NotebookCheck’s Technical Analysis
Sebastian Bade at NotebookCheck conducted one of the most thorough technical evaluations of the TRIGKEY Green G4, ultimately awarding it a score of 70.1% with a verdict of “efficient streaming client.” The review praised the device for its affordable price point under $200, compact and lightweight design, and the inclusion of Windows 11 Pro and DDR4 RAM at this price tier. Bade noted that the device performed well in CPU testing and offered good WiFi 6 performance with measured receive speeds of 490 Mbps. However, the review was critical of the single-channel RAM configuration: “Unfortunately, Trigkey has opted for a 16 GB DDR4 RAM module, limiting the SoC from reaching its full performance potential.” The single RAM slot prevents any future upgrade to dual-channel memory, which Bade identified as a fundamental design limitation. Additionally, the review discovered that the internal SSD connects via PCIe 3.0 x1 instead of x4, further constraining storage throughput.
Mini PC Reviewer’s Perspective
Mini PC Reviewer offered a more enthusiastic assessment, recommending the TRIGKEY Green G4 as “an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, versatile, and portable mini PC.” The review emphasized the device’s suitability for students, professionals, and home users, highlighting its compact 4.52 x 4.01 x 1.54-inch dimensions and powerful graphics performance with 4K support on dual displays. According to their testing, “the device delivers over 25% higher performance compared to its predecessor and handles various tasks smoothly.” The reviewer praised the stable WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, upgraded USB 3.2 Gen2 interfaces, and efficient thermal management. While acknowledging the 16GB maximum RAM limitation, the overall verdict emphasized the excellent value proposition for users whose needs align with basic productivity, 4K video playback, online education, and light design applications.
Detox Reviews’ Hands-On Experience
The YouTube channel Detox Reviews provided valuable real-world usage insights, describing the TRIGKEY Green G4 as a “compact powerhouse for home and office.” The review highlighted the device’s performance as a dedicated media server running Plex or Kodi, stating it handled 4K video playback “like a hot knife through warm butter.” The reviewer appreciated the inclusion of two HDMI cables, a VESA bracket, and power adapter in the box. However, the review raised an important concern about fan noise: “Under sustained heavy workloads, some units exhibit noticeable fan noise” with no manual control available in the BIOS. For users planning to run Linux, the review noted some complications with proprietary installation tools. Despite these caveats, the overall recommendation was positive for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing expandability and seeking a reliable media server or secondary office PC.
Huson DIY’s Budget Perspective
Huson DIY focused on positioning the Green G4 within TRIGKEY’s product lineup, explaining that the “Green” branding specifically refers to energy efficiency rather than environmental materials. The reviewer characterized it as “not a top-of-the-range PC by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s a good general office PC” ideally suited for families, students, and home office workers who need reliable computing for web browsing, word processing, and video conferencing. At a price point of roughly $170-200, the review recommended it for users with modest performance requirements while cautioning that demanding applications like high-performance gaming and video editing would struggle on this hardware.
Customer Reviews of the TRIGKEY Green G4
Amazon customer feedback paints a generally positive picture of the TRIGKEY Green G4, with users frequently praising its value proposition and performance for the price. The most common positive comments highlight the device’s quick boot times, smooth handling of everyday productivity tasks, and effective performance as a Plex media server or home office workstation. Customers appreciate the compact form factor and VESA mounting capability, with many reporting successful behind-the-monitor installations that keep desk space clear. The inclusion of Windows 11 Pro at this price point is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage over competitors that ship with Windows 11 Home.
On the critical side, fan noise emerges as the most common complaint among customers who use the system for extended periods or under heavier loads. Several reviews mention that the fan spins up noticeably even during moderate tasks, though opinions vary on whether this constitutes a serious issue or minor inconvenience. Some users report that the default fan curve seems aggressive, triggering cooling before temperatures warrant it. A smaller subset of customers encountered issues with the pre-installed SSD speed, discovering the PCIe x1 limitation after running benchmarks. Overall, customers who purchased the Green G4 for its intended purpose as a basic productivity machine or streaming client tend to report high satisfaction, while those expecting more demanding performance find the limitations more frustrating.
Conclusion
The TRIGKEY Green G4 delivers on its promise as an energy-efficient, budget-friendly mini PC for users whose computing needs fall within the basic productivity and media consumption categories. At under $200 with Windows 11 Pro included, it offers genuine value for home office setups, digital signage, thin client deployments, or dedicated media servers where low power consumption and compact form factor matter more than raw performance. The Intel N100 processor handles everyday tasks competently, and the generous 16GB RAM allocation prevents the memory-starved experience common in this price segment.
However, prospective buyers should acknowledge the meaningful tradeoffs that make this low price possible. With DRAM prices surging across the industry, even budget N100 mini PCs like the Green G4 have seen price increases that narrow the gap with Raspberry Pi alternatives. The single-channel RAM configuration creates a performance ceiling that limits the system’s capabilities, particularly for memory-intensive tasks and integrated graphics performance. The active cooling system can become audible under load, and power users may find the BIOS options limited. For users who understand these constraints and have appropriate expectations, the Green G4 represents a practical choice that delivers reliable computing without unnecessary expense. Those who need more headroom should consider stepping up to mini PCs with dual-channel memory support or more powerful processors from AMD’s Ryzen lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the RAM be upgraded on the TRIGKEY Green G4?
The TRIGKEY Green G4 has a single SO-DIMM slot that comes pre-populated with a 16GB DDR4-3200 module. While you can technically swap this module for a different one, you cannot add a second module to enable dual-channel memory. The 16GB configuration represents the practical maximum for most users, and the single-channel limitation cannot be overcome through upgrades.
Is the TRIGKEY Green G4 good for gaming?
The Green G4 is not suitable for demanding gaming. While the Intel N100’s integrated graphics can handle very light games and older titles at low settings, modern games will struggle significantly. The single-channel RAM configuration further limits graphics performance. If gaming is a priority, you should look at mini PCs with dedicated graphics or at minimum, systems with dual-channel memory and more powerful processors.
How many monitors can the TRIGKEY Green G4 support?
The TRIGKEY Green G4 supports up to two monitors simultaneously through its dual HDMI 2.0 ports. Both outputs can drive 4K resolution at 60Hz refresh rate, making it capable of running dual 4K displays without issue. The device does not have DisplayPort, VGA, or USB-C video output options.
Can I install Linux on the TRIGKEY Green G4?
Yes, Linux can be installed on the TRIGKEY Green G4, and many users run various distributions successfully. However, some reviewers note that TRIGKEY’s proprietary media creation tool can complicate the installation process compared to a standard USB boot approach. Most mainstream distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora work well once installed, with WiFi 6 and other hardware generally functioning without issues.
How noisy is the TRIGKEY Green G4?
Fan noise is a common concern mentioned by reviewers and customers. During idle and light workloads, the Green G4 operates relatively quietly. However, under sustained heavy loads, the cooling fan can become noticeably audible. Unfortunately, the BIOS offers limited options for manual fan curve adjustment. If you plan to use the device as a media server in a quiet environment, this is worth considering.
What storage expansion options does the TRIGKEY Green G4 offer?
The Green G4 provides two storage expansion options: an M.2 2280 slot for NVMe SSDs and a 2.5-inch SATA bay that can accommodate HDDs or SSDs up to 2TB in capacity. Note that the M.2 slot operates at PCIe 3.0 x1 speed rather than x4, which limits SSD throughput compared to full-speed implementations. The 2.5-inch bay makes adding bulk storage for media libraries straightforward.
