TAIPEI, Taiwan – Aaeon, a titan in the industrial computing space, has just raised the bar for what’s possible in a tiny footprint. The company has officially unveiled the PICO-ARU4, a groundbreaking single-board computer (SBC) that packs the latest Intel Core Ultra 200 series processors into the incredibly compact Pico-ITX form factor. The board is available for purchase now, directly from Aaeon's website, targeting developers and engineers working on the next generation of edge AI and high-performance compact systems.
This launch is significant because it marks a first for the industry: it’s the inaugural SBC to combine the minuscule Pico-ITX dimensions with the advanced architecture of Intel's 15-watt Core Ultra "Meteor Lake" CPUs.
Big Performance in a Tiny Package
At the heart of the PICO-ARU4 is a choice of two powerful Intel processors. Users can opt for the top-tier Intel Core Ultra 7 255U, a 12-core CPU comprising 2 Performance cores, 8 Efficient cores, and 2 Low Power Efficient cores. Aaeon claims this hybrid architecture delivers multi-threaded performance capable of rivaling the robust AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, a notable claim for such a small board.
For those with slightly less demanding compute needs, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225U is also available. It features the same 12-core configuration but operates at lower clock speeds. Both chips are equipped with a built-in Intel Graphics with Xe LPG architecture, which Aaeon states offers performance on par with AMD's Radeon 760M iGPU found in mid-range mobile processors.
Despite this impressive power, the board itself measures a mere 100 x 72 mm, making it an ideal solution for space-constrained applications like digital signage, kiosks, advanced robotics, and compact industrial automation.
The comprehensive I/O suite is tailored for industrial connectivity and includes:
- Dual LAN: One 2.5 Gigabit port and one 1 Gigabit port.
- Dual USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports for high-speed peripherals.
- Dual COM ports (RS-232/422/485) for legacy and industrial serial devices.
- HDMI 1.4 and eDP 1.4 for display output.
The potential of this tiny powerhouse is creating a buzz in the tech community. For a deeper dive into the initial specifications and industry reaction, a recent report from TechPowerUp provides excellent early analysis, which you can find here.
Premium Features Command a Premium Price
The PICO-ARU4 doesn’t cut corners on memory or storage. It comes with up to 32GB of soldered LPDDR5 memory, ensuring stability and reliability in demanding environments. For storage, the board offers both a SATA connector and a versatile M.2 2280 slot for NVMe or SATA SSDs. An additional M.2 2230 slot (Key E) is dedicated for adding wireless connectivity modules like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
As with most cutting-edge, industrial-grade technology, this level of performance and miniaturization comes at a cost. Aaeon has listed the following pricing for the PICO-ARU4 configurations:
- Core Ultra 5 225U with 16GB RAM: $887
- Core Ultra 5 225U with 32GB RAM: $988
- Core Ultra 7 255U with 32GB RAM: $1,155
A New Benchmark for Compact Computing
The release of the PICO-ARU4 solidifies Aaeon's position at the forefront of the embedded SBC market. By successfully integrating Intel's latest Core Ultra technology into the Pico-ITX form factor, they have created a compelling solution for OEMs and system integrators who need maximum computational and graphical power in the absolute minimum of space. This board is poised to become a key enabler for sophisticated edge AI applications, smart factory equipment, and other advanced embedded systems where every millimeter counts.
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