Guide to Building an ASUS PN50 Mini PC and Installing Windows 10

Building an ASUS PN50 mini PC and installing Windows 10 involves a series of straightforward steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each stage to ensure your setup is efficient and functional.

Step 1: Gathering Required Components

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary components. Here's what you will need:

ASUS PN50 Mini PC Case Processor (AMD Ryzen 4000 series if not pre-installed) RAM (DDR4 SO-DIMM, typically 8GB or 16GB) Storage (M.2 NVMe SSD or SATA SSD) Power adapter (usually included with the PN50) Windows 10 installation media (USB drive)

Step 2: Assembling the Mini PC

The assembly process is easy and includes the following:

Open the Case: Locate the screws on the bottom of the PN50 and remove them. Carefully slide off the bottom panel. Install the RAM: Locate the RAM slots on the motherboard, align the notch on the RAM module with the notch in the slot, and press down firmly until it clicks into place. Install the Storage: Find the M.2 slot for the SSD, remove the screw holding the M.2 slot cover, insert the SSD at a 30-degree angle, press it down flat, and replace the screw to secure it. Install the Processor if not pre-installed: Lift the CPU socket lever, align the processor notch to notch, and secure it by lowering the lever. Reassemble the Case: Replace the bottom panel and secure it with screws.

Step 3: Preparing Windows 10 Installation Media

To prepare the Windows 10 installation media, follow these steps:

Download Windows 10: Go to the Microsoft Windows 10 download page. Create Installation USB: Run the Media Creation Tool, select “Create installation media,” choose USB flash drive as the media type, and follow the prompts to create the installation media.

Step 4: Installing Windows 10

After preparing your components and installation media, follow these steps to install Windows 10:

Connect Peripherals: Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the PN50. Plug in the power adapter. Boot from USB: Insert the Windows 10 USB installation media into the PN50. Power on the mini PC and press F2 or DEL to enter the BIOS setup. Change Boot Order: Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. Install Windows: Save changes and exit BIOS. The PC should boot from the USB drive. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows 10. Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences. Click “Install Now.” Enter your product key if you have one or choose “I don’t have a product key” to activate later. Select the type of installation (Custom is recommended for fresh installs) and choose the SSD as the installation location. Complete the setup as per the instructions provided.

Step 5: Installing Drivers and Updates

To ensure your mini PC runs smoothly, install the latest drivers and updates:

Install Drivers: After installation, go to the ASUS support website for the PN50 to download and install the latest drivers. Run Windows Update: Open Settings > Update Security > Windows Update, and check for updates.

Final Touches

Customize your settings as desired, and install any additional software you need. With these steps, you should now have a fully functioning ASUS PN50 mini PC running Windows 10!

If you have any specific questions about any of the steps, feel free to ask.