MNT Station: Repurposing MNT Reform Mainboards as Mini PCs

Five years after shipping its first open source, modular laptop, MNT Research is expanding beyond laptops and mini-laptops into the desktop space. The company has announced the MNT Station, an upcoming mini PC that transforms MNT Reform mainboards into standalone desktop computers.

This modular approach offers users flexibility in how they use their hardware. You can purchase the MNT Station as a complete mini PC with a mainboard pre-installed, or buy just the shell to repurpose the mainboard from an old MNT Reform laptop into a desktop computer.

The concept isn't entirely new - Framework partnered with Cooler Master to offer a similar case that turns Framework Mainboards into desktop computers. However, MNT's expansion into desktops represents an interesting evolution of their ecosystem of open source, modular PCs.

Design and Features

The MNT Station features an aluminum enclosure measuring 279 x 133 x 26mm (approximately 11" x 5.2" x 1"). The compact design allows for versatile placement options - it can lay flat on a desk, stand upright along its long edge, or be mounted to a screen or wall using a VESA mount.

A notable design element is the port cover, which includes a power button and a light bar with 10 LED lights. These LEDs can be controlled through Linux, allowing users to configure them to display various system status information such as CPU usage, network load, or other metrics.

The port cover communicates with the mainboard through an ATTiny microcontroller, ensuring seamless integration between the case and the internal components.

Mainboard Compatibility and Expansion Options

The MNT Station is compatible with MNT Reform mainboards version 2.0 or newer. This compatibility means users get access to essential ports including USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and audio connections.

One of the most compelling features is the 200-pin connector for processor modules. This modular approach allows users to choose their own CPU, memory, and storage configuration. MNT currently sells modules with Rockchip RK3588 processors, but the company has offered various modules in the past, including:

• NXP LS1028A or i.MX8M chips
• Kintex-7 FPGA modules
• Raspberry Pi CM4 compatible modules
• Banana Pi CM4 compatible modules

This flexibility means users can upgrade their system's processing power without replacing the entire computer, aligning with the company's modular philosophy.

Availability and Development

MNT hasn't announced specific pricing or availability for the MNT Station yet. However, the company has posted a preview for an upcoming crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply, suggesting the product will be available through that platform.

For those interested in the technical details or wanting to build their own solutions, hardware design files are already available, consistent with MNT's open source approach.

The MNT Station represents an interesting expansion of the modular computing ecosystem, giving users more options for repurposing and upgrading their hardware while maintaining the flexibility that has become a hallmark of MNT's product line.