Axiomtek announced a fanless embedded PC that offers Intel's single-core Atom N455 or dual core D525 processors, along with a Mini PCI expansion slot. The eBOX620-801-FL supports up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, includes a 2.5-inch drive bay and a CompactFlash slot, and has three serial ports, according to the company.

Despite a troubled global economy, there has been no lessening in demand for fanless industrial PCs. OK, that statement might or might not be a fact, but it's certainly the impression given by Axiomtek, which continues to pump out what seems like infinite variations of its eBox devices -- all passively cooled via impressive-looking heat sinks.

Axiomtek's eBOX620-801-FL
(Click to enlarge)

The new eBOX620-801-FL (above) is closely related to the eBOX620-800-FL that was released in March, as the modestly incremented model number indicates. Specs are mostly the same, except that where that model employed Intel's Atom N450 or D510 , the newer device is offered with the single-core, 1.66GHz Atom N455 or dual-core, 1.8GHz Atom D525 (TDPs are 5.5 and 10 Watts, respectively, according to Intel).

We wouldn't expect to see much of a performance boost associated with this change in processors. However, Axiomtek points out that the D525-equipped model of the eBOX620-801-FL accepts up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM in its single SODIMM slot (the N455-equipped version still has the 2GB limit that's more typical for Atom-powered PCs).

As did its predecessor, the identically sized eBOX620-801-FL has room for a 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive and a CompactFlash slot (the latter apparently externally accessible once a door is unscrewed). Again, the device also features a Mini PCI Express slot, and Axiomtek says there's also now room for an internal USB-based wireless LAN adapter.

Ports on Axiomtek's eBOX620-801-FL
(Click to enlarge)

The PC's front panel (top, above) features a microphone input and line output, two USB 2.0 ports, plus two antenna connectors that were not present on the earlier eBOX620-800-FL. The rear panel is like the earlier PC's, with three serial ports (one RS232/422/485 and two RS232), a VGA port, two more USB 2.0 ports, and two gigabit Ethernet ports.

Axiomtek says that, as was the case with the eBOX620-800-FL, the eBOX620-801-FL is orderable with a second (DVI) video output, in which case dual monitors are supported. The company also claims the device has a PS/2 keyboard/mouse port, though we can't work out from the supplied images where this might be located (on the eBOX620-800-FL, it was between the Ethernet ports).

The eBOX620-801-FL supports a 14 to 122 deg. F (-10 to 50 deg. C) operating temperatures with the D525 and 14 to 131 deg. F (-10 to 55 deg. C) with the N455, says the company. Operating system support is said to include Linux, Windows CE, and Windows XP Embedded.

Features and specifications listed by Axiomtek for the eBOX620-801-FL include:

Processor -- Intel Atom N455 (single-core) or Atom D525 (dual-core) Chipset -- ICH 8M Memory -- up to 4GB DDR3 of RAM via 1 x 200-pin SODIMM on D525 version; up to 2GB of DDR3 RAM
Storage -- 2.5-inch SATA bay and CompactFlash slot Expansion -- 1 x Mini PCI Express card; internal USB bay for wireless LAN adapter Networking -- 2 x gigabit Ethernet ports
Other I/O: 4 x USB 2.0 (2 front, 2 rear)
1 x RS-232/422/485 (COM 1) 2 x RS-232 (COM 2/3)
1 x VGA
1 x DVI (optional) audio -- mic in and line out 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse (claimed) Power -- AC adapter; 90-264 VAC input; 12 VDC output
Operating temperature -- 14 to 122 deg. F (-10 to 50 deg. C) with D525; 14 to 131 deg. F (-10 to 55 deg. C) with N455
Vibration endurance -- 2Grms with CompactFlash
Dimensions -- 7.87 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches (200 x 120 x 56mm)
Weight -- 4.36 pounds (1.98 kg) Operating systems -- Windows XP Embedded, Windows CE, Linux
Further information

Axiomtek did not cite pricing or availability for the eBOX620-801-FL, but the device appears to be available now. More information may be found at Axiomtek's eBOX620-801-FL page .

Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense .