heise list: Over 80 Windows 11 mini PCs tested, Minisforum UM890 Pro takes first place

Heise > Best Lists > Test Winners > Top 10: The Best Mini PC with Windows 11 – Over 80 Models TestedPublished 8.11.2026 08:12 AMTop 10: The Best Mini PC with Windows 11 – Over 80 Models Tested The best mini PCs in the test heise best lists Jonas Bettger

At the tender age of five, Jonas already had his first PC and fortunately still experienced the era of cassettes, CDs and floppy disks. Since then, technology and the fun of gadgets have never let him go. He started in 2023 as a trainee at TechStage, which merged into heise best lists in 2024. Since 2025 he has been a permanent member of the editorial team there and, above all, an expert for mini PCs. He also tests all kinds of PC accessories, robot vacuums, chargers and power banks. Privately, he is an avid reader, railway nerd and music lover, and his taste in music is as diverse as he is.

Mini PCs are compact, energy-efficient and powerful – ideal for everything from office work to gaming. We present the best models across all price ranges from over 80 tests.

When laptops are too bulky and classic desktop PCs consume too much power, it's the hour of the mini PC. In the compact, usually rectangular cases, powerful laptop processors and plenty of RAM are now found. This is usually not soldered on and can be replaced and expanded – mostly up to 96 GB. In addition, thanks to their size, the compact computers can easily be hidden, for example behind a monitor with a VESA mount.

For this best list, we have selected ten particularly recommendable models across all price ranges from our over 80 individual tests and compare them with each other. The spectrum ranges from entry-level to gaming mini PCs, so the best solution for your own needs should be among them. The compact PCs rely on AMD or Intel processors from the Ryzen or Core series. We also limit ourselves to mini PCs with Windows 11. Computers from Apple or Google are shown further below.

If you are particularly interested in affordable mini PCs, we recommend our best list Top 10: The Best Affordable Mini PC in the Test. What gadgets and helpers you can still get for a mini PC is shown in our guide: The best accessories for the mini PC – mouse, keyboard, monitor, RAM, USB hub & co.

Which is the best mini PC?

Our test winner, the Minisforum UM890 Pro, is particularly quiet and yet very powerful. Even under full load, the mini PC with Ryzen 9 8945HS remains office-friendly. It also offers a good range of ports and good upgradability. Currently, depending on the configuration, it costs between 899 euros and 1429 euros.

Our technology winner, the Minisforum MS-S1 Max, pushes all boundaries as a workstation in mini format. Equipped with the 16-core Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and a massive 128 GB RAM, it offers brute computing power for AI and content creation that even challenges the Mac Studio. In addition, there is outstanding connectivity with 80 Gbit/s fast USB4 v2 and dual 10G LAN. However, this extreme performance has its price of around 4315 euros and also makes itself heard acoustically under full load.

Third place goes to the Minisforum UM870 Slim – our value-for-money winner. The decisive factors are the strong performance for the money and the low noise level: in the game tests, it keeps up with the former test winner Awow HA7, but runs even quieter. On Amazon, the variant with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD currently costs 659 euros. Minisforum UM870 Slim – photo gallery heise best lists

The rankings of the Top 10 at a glance are composed as follows:

Minisforum UM890 Pro from 899 euros

Minisforum UM870 Slim for 659 euros

Minisforum UM760 Slim for 739 euros

Geekom A7 Max for 699 euros

Minisforum M1 Pro for 1439 euros

VZMore AX9 Max for 1449 euros (select coupon)

Minisforum AI X1 470 for 1359 euros

The prices named here refer to the time of the last article update. Unfortunately, voucher codes and click coupons can change within a short time, validity is sometimes limited in time, which is why prices can change by the minute. QUICK OVERVIEW Test winner

Minisforum UM890 Pro from 999.00 EUR

The Minisforum UM890 Pro is aimed at anyone looking for a high-quality, powerful mini PC that is quiet even under full load. Thanks to its remarkable upgradability to 96 GB RAM and up to 8 TB storage, it also offers good future-proofing; combined with the Ryzen 9, it should thus bring joy for many years. In terms of price, the mini PC has indeed risen significantly to between 899 euros and 1429 euros depending on the configuration, but it remains an excellent choice. Without storage, it costs 469 euros. TO THE DETAILED TEST REPORT: Minisforum UM890 Pro ADVANTAGES

Fan even under full load at max. 30 dB

strong performance of the Ryzen 9

RAM expandable to 96 GB, SSD to 8 TB

good cooling, no thermal throttling

high-quality build DISADVANTAGES

no USB-C for power supply

Fan cable gets in the way during maintenance Technology winner

Minisforum MS-S1 Max from EUR 4,194.01

With the MS-S1 Max, Minisforum pushes into dimensions that were previously reserved for full-grown workstations. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16 cores), the integrated Radeon 8060S GPU and a massive 128 GB of unified memory, this mini PC delivers computing power that impresses. The connectivity with USB4 v2 (80 Gbit/s), dual 10G LAN and Wi-Fi 7 is at the top level. A PCIe slot also enables special expansions, while the high-quality aluminum case and efficient cooling ensure stability. However, this extreme performance comes at a price – 4315 euros for the maximum configuration is what you have to invest. TO THE DETAILED TEST REPORT: Minisforum MS-S1 Max ADVANTAGES

excellently crafted case with easy access

top performance

efficient cooling solution

expandable with PCIe card DISADVANTAGES

relatively loud under load

high price

only two M.2 slots, with only one offering full performance Price-performance winner

Minisforum UM870 Slim from EUR 341.00

The Minisforum Elitemini UM870 Slim is aimed at anyone looking for a price-performance-strong mini PC with which everyday tasks as well as light gaming are possible without problems. For 659 euros, it also offers good other equipment with USB4, 2.5 Gbit LAN as well as 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. What is pleasing is the once again lower noise level compared with the previous test winner Awow HA7 as well as the potent USB-C port. This can not only transmit an image to the monitor (DisplayPort out), but also simultaneously supply the computer with power (PD-in) – standard on laptops, a rarity on mini PCs. TO THE DETAILED TEST REPORT: Minisforum UM870 Slim ADVANTAGES

USB4 Type-C with PD

lots of performance

attractive price DISADVANTAGES

only one USB-C & Ethernet Buying guide

Performance: How should the performance of the mini PCs be classified?

To be able to better classify the performance capability of the various mini PCs, we have compiled the results of relevant benchmarks in the following table. These values enable a direct comparison of the computing power and graphics suitability of the tested devices, so that you can see at a glance which model impresses in terms of performance.

RankModel nameProcessorPCmark (avg.)Time Spy

2Minisforum MS-S1 MaxAMD Ryzen AI Max+ 3951038111,618 (CPU: 11,061; GPU: 11,723)

7Minisforum M1 ProIntel Core Ultra 9 285H80974100 (CPU: 11,114; GPU: 3690)

8VZMore AX9 MaxAMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 4708063 (V1); 9566 (V2)4351 (CPU: 11,047; GPU: 3931)

10Asus Expert Center PN54AMD Ryzen AI 7 35076483108 (CPU: 10,487; GPU: 2765)

The performance of mini PCs for gaming can be objectively assessed via benchmarks such as 3DMark, which specifically measure graphics performance. Mini PCs with powerful AMD Ryzen and integrated Radeon graphics units or newer Intel Core Ultra processors achieve significantly higher values in benchmarks such as 3DMark than classic office systems and are suitable for 1080p gaming at 60+ FPS.

Price increases for mini PCs

Mini PCs are still available at attractive prices. However, some manufacturers such as Minisforum have raised prices due to the cost explosion in DDR5 memory triggered by the AI boom. For example, the Minisforum UM870 cost just under 520 euros in early 2025, now it is 743 euros – a price increase of 40 percent. If the DRAM price continues to rise, mini PCs could become significantly more expensive overall over the course of the year. A price reduction is hardly foreseeable.

How much does a good mini PC cost?

The price range for mini PCs varies greatly. Simple models are already available from 300 to 400 euros, while more powerful systems often cost over 800 euros. In the sweet spot between 500 and 700 euros, you can already get devices with a current AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7, 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB M.2 SSD. Anyone looking for good value for money can also consider a used mini PC – these are sometimes considerably cheaper than new devices.

In the respective manufacturer's shop or in the range of large retailers, you can often find the best conditions. When shipping, you should pay attention to shipping costs and delivery times, as well as the included warranty – usually one to two years.

We show particularly affordable models in our Top 10: The best affordable mini PC in the test.

When is a mini PC worthwhile?

Mini PCs are characterized primarily by their form factor – a compact design with handy dimensions. This makes them suitable where classic computers or laptops take up too much space. The desk looks tidier this way, and a clear table also makes a better impression in reception areas.

Mini PCs are excellently suited for space-saving home office solutions and as energy-efficient home servers. They are ideal for everyday applications such as web browsing, emails, word processing and video conferences. The devices can be mounted inconspicuously behind monitors and take up hardly any desk space.

In addition to these purely visual advantages, the compact PCs are also significantly more economical. Compared with classic desktop PCs, mini PCs consume significantly less energy, which makes them more cost-efficient in the long run. While a gaming PC (guide) sometimes draws over 200 W, a mini PC often draws only 20 W. This also produces less heat during operation, which reduces noise and, especially in summer, reduces the heating of the room. A passively cooled mini PC can even operate completely silently, which makes it particularly attractive for quiet working environments.

Classic desktop PCs, by contrast, score with maximum expandability and top performance. For many office, business and multimedia applications, however, a mini PC is now more than sufficient.

What can you do with a mini PC?

With a mini PC you can do all the things that are also possible with a laptop. From home office to Full HD gaming, there is now really a lot on offer. For classic office work with Word and browsers, even the inexpensive mini PC models are sufficient. Mini PCs have developed from pure office solutions into versatile desktop alternatives that are suitable for various applications such as office work, multimedia and even gaming. In addition to these fairly ordinary tasks, depending on their equipment the systems are also suitable as a smart home hub, home server or for use as a firewall appliance.

The price range of mini PCs is as diverse as their areas of application. Equipment ranges from an entry-level model for around 84 euros to an advanced configuration well over 700 euros. The performance is high enough to be able to completely replace desktop PCs for office work. But if you are a hardcore gamer, there is still no way around a real gaming PC.

Anyone considering a used business mini PC will often encounter older Intel T-series processors. Models with Intel Core i7 8700T or Intel Core i7 9700T still offer enough performance for office and multimedia today. An Intel Core i5 8500T, Intel Core i5 10500T or Intel Core i5 11500T is sufficient for classic office tasks. With the Intel Core i3 9100T, expectations for parallel applications should be lower – but for email, browser and word processing, the quad-core is sufficient. By comparison, a Celeron system of the older generation is only of limited recommendation; with a modern Celeron N5105 or N97, however, smooth work in Windows 11 Pro is possible.

Which is better, mini PC or laptop?

Mini PCs are often a cheaper alternative for home office and office. Compared with a similarly equipped laptop, models such as the U58 or the Minisforum UM760 Slim are sometimes almost 500 euros cheaper. And there are still good configurations under 200 euros – with laptops running Windows 11, sensible solutions generally stop below 400 euros.

As far as the hardware is concerned, mini PCs and laptops use the same mobile chips, which are characterized by economy and lower heat generation. Performance is therefore comparable. The essential difference is the absence of keyboard, trackpad and monitor, which the mini PC saves on. This means more financial leeway is available for the processor and graphics hardware in the small cube computers, so you get more for the same money with a mini PC. In addition, anyone who already owns an external monitor as well as a keyboard and mouse does not need a screen on the laptop anyway, so you can safely do without it. Furthermore, a mini PC is significantly less bulky than a laptop or a classic computer with a tower and can therefore be placed on the desk in a space-saving way.

Whether a mini PC is better than a laptop cannot be answered across the board. But there are cases in which you do not need a laptop, yet until now had only considered one. For such situations, you can now better reach for the compact & quiet mini computer.

Which is better: a desktop PC or a mini PC?

The answer depends on the purpose. Classic desktop PCs offer maximum expandability: power supply, graphics card, drives and cooling can be freely swapped. Anyone who does 3D rendering, plays demanding games or regularly upgrades is better off with one.

Mini PCs are more compact than desktop PCs, consume significantly less energy and in many cases operate almost silently. They are also often cheaper to purchase than large desktop PCs with comparable everyday performance. For limited space conditions – a small desk, living room, reception counter – they are the obvious choice. For many office, business and multimedia applications, a mini PC is now more than sufficient.

Minimum equipment: How long does a mini PC last?

With mini PCs, as with all computers, it is important to assume a certain minimum level of equipment. In the price comparison, there are numerous models under 300 euros. Very few of them use more than 4 GB of RAM. These sometimes come from well-known manufacturers such as Asus, Lenovo or HP. With Windows, however, even 8 GB of RAM is now the absolute minimum. For smooth operation, at least 16 GB of RAM is recommended, especially for multitasking or professional applications. You should also avoid SSD storage with less than 256 GB, since Windows 11 Pro then already occupies more than half of the storage. In addition, you should make sure that a reasonably current processor with at least four cores is used.

For AMD, the 5000 series of Ryzen CPUs is sufficient for home office use, with corresponding mini PCs priced between 240 and 450 euros. Intel also offers CPUs for even cheaper configurations, such as the Intel N100, Celeron N4000/N5000 or Intel N95/N97 – but these are then significantly weaker. For Full HD gaming, you should instead go for the AMD Ryzen 7000 series or 8000 series, with the latter simply being a refresh of the seventh generation – technically the CPUs are sometimes only 50 MHz faster and have a new NPU for AI applications.

At Intel, the 12th and 13th generations are already old hat, because compared to AMD's integrated "Radeon 780M" graphics, they rely on the far less powerful Iris Xe Graphics, the successor to Intel UHD Graphics. The latest generation uses Intel Arc Graphics here, which is clearly inferior to AMD in our tests. Since then, Intel no longer calls its chips Core i, but Core Ultra, and uses a new, three-digit nomenclature. Mini PCs with seventh-generation AMD chips are priced well below those with Core Ultra at between 400 and 650 euros (outliers at 800 to 900 euros), while Intel starts at 750 euros.

If you have a current chip and enough RAM, or upgrade it, a mini PC will serve you well for many years. A modern mini PC with a current Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 will easily last six to ten years with normal office use. The hardware itself barely ages – it is usually software requirements that set the end point. Many mini PCs can be flexibly configured and later upgraded, so they can be adapted to new requirements over the long term. Expandable RAM up to 64 GB is common, and individual models such as the Minisforum UM890 Pro take up to 96 GB. Storage can often be expanded to up to 8 TB, and many systems can be flexibly configured with SSDs and HDDs. Anyone who replaces the RAM or SSD with a configuration with more storage significantly extends the service life. Devices with soldered components, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan.

It is important to be clear before buying what you foreseeably want to do with it and how high your budget is.

NPUs: What is the deal with the AI chips?

Fundamentally, whether Intel or AMD, this very NPU is currently more of a bet on the future; concrete fields of application are extremely rare. Even local AI models via LM Studio do not use the NPU, but still the GPU. In addition, the performance of these integrated NPUs, specified in TOPS (Terra Operations per Second), is rather low compared to large AI PCs, for example from Nvidia. While classic mini PC CPUs can offer around 40 TOPS and up to 100 TOPS across the entire system, such special AI systems sometimes reach over 1000 TOPS.

Mini PCs with a dedicated graphics card Mini PC Minisforum Atomman G7 Pt in review heise best lists

Mini PCs with a dedicated graphics card, such as the Minisforum Atomman G7 Pt, are in a class of their own. These hybrids of mini PC and gaming PC combine the advantages of power-efficient mobile processors with the concentrated performance of dedicated graphics cards. They are the perfect symbiosis of a bulky gaming PC that is power-hungry even in everyday office use and a less powerful but compact and energy-efficient mini PC.

For smooth gaming, dedicated GPUs such as Nvidia's GeForce RTX 4060 or GeForce RTX 4070 are needed. A GeForce RTX 4060 Ti can also be found – for example in the optional dock of the Khadas Mind 2s. If you want full performance, go for the GeForce RTX 4070 or higher. Good integrated graphics are sufficient for esports titles in 1080p.

More on the topic and which mini gaming PC performed best is shown in our Top 5: The best mini gaming PC in the test – with a graphics card from Nvidia or AMD.

Mini PC for gaming: What is possible?

Modern mini PCs often offer enough performance for many games, especially in the esports sector. A mini PC is suitable for casual games, esports titles and older games. Demanding AAA gaming, on the other hand, requires powerful integrated graphics such as the AMD Radeon 890M or a dedicated GPU. In everyday use, mini PCs are often even quieter than classic tower PCs, but can become loud under full load.

Mini PCs are less suitable for high-end gaming or extremely compute-intensive tasks, but offer a compact and efficient alternative for 90 percent of daily applications. With mini PCs based on AMD Ryzen 7 or higher including Radeon graphics, many multimedia tasks such as 4K streaming can also be handled smoothly. However, mini PCs are also limited when it comes to upgrading the graphics card.

Which ports are important?

A modern mini PC should offer at least four USB ports. For peripherals, the classic USB-A port is needed in most cases. Here, most mini PCs offer at least two, but often more. Ideally with USB4 or Thunderbolt 4. Equally practical is USB-C, the jack-of-all-trades among ports – ideally available as a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port. This port enables not only fast data transfer but also image transmission to monitors or projectors. This means all devices, including the screen, can be connected at the same time with just one port. Compared with the classic USB-A plug, USB Type-C offers the advantage that it is reversible and can transmit data, video and power over a single cable.

For audio peripherals, whether speakers, headphones or microphones, there is often a 3.5 mm jack. HDMI is widespread for connecting monitors. However, most laptops and mini PCs use the somewhat aging HDMI 2.0 standard (from 2013). Compared with the competing DisplayPort connection type, HDMI 2.0 is clearly inferior when it comes to high resolutions and refresh rates. At most, 4K at 60 Hz is possible here. DisplayPort is particularly common in version 1.4, which is already significantly more capable with 4K at 120 Hz. For gamers, this port is therefore preferable.

All the better if mini PCs use the new DisplayPort or HDMI interfaces. HDMI 2.1 also achieves 4K at 120 Hz or 8K at 60 Hz, but is only slowly gaining traction, even though it has been on the market since 2017. DisplayPort 2.0, however, already reaches 16K at 60 Hz or 4K at 144 Hz.

There are also differences in the power connection: while many mini PCs still rely on proprietary, i.e. manufacturer-specific, power supplies with a round connector, more and more manufacturers are switching to USB-C. This creates flexibility, because thanks to Power Delivery you can not only connect any 100 W charger, but also use powerful power banks. This allows the mini PC to be operated far away from a power outlet.

For wireless standards, a modern mini PC should offer at least Bluetooth 5.2, preferably Bluetooth 5.3 or Bluetooth 5.4. Bluetooth 5.2 enables stable connections to mice, keyboards and headphones and is completely sufficient for most office scenarios. Those who use multipoint headsets benefit from Bluetooth 5.3 or higher. For a Wi-Fi connection, it should be at least Wi-Fi 6, preferably Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7.

Security: Kensington lock and more

Especially in office environments, the physical security of a mini PC is also important. Many models therefore offer a Kensington lock as theft protection. Using the Kensington lock, the mini PC can be secured to the desk with a steel cable. This is particularly practical because, due to their compact dimensions, mini PCs are much easier to steal than a classic tower PC. If you also use the mini PC for business, you should look for a TPM module and fingerprint sensor – these significantly increase data security.

What do I need for a mini PC?

The mini PC itself only provides the computing technology. To operate it, you also need a monitor, keyboard and mouse as well as a suitable cable – usually HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. A power supply is included; some devices such as the GMKtec Nucbox K12 or the Geekom A7 Max also run on a powerful USB-C power supply.

If you want to use multiple monitors, you should pay attention to the number of video outputs. Modern mini PCs can drive up to four 4K displays simultaneously via HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C. External devices such as printers, webcams or external hard drives can be connected via USB and HDMI without additional hardware. What else is worthwhile is shown in our guide: The best accessories for the mini PC: mouse, keyboard, monitor, RAM, USB hub & co.

Mini PC manufacturers: Which brands are there and what distinguishes them?

The manufacturer landscape in the mini PC segment is broader today than ever before. In addition to the traditionally dominant players such as HP, Lenovo and Asus, specialized providers are increasingly appearing, including Minisforum, Geekom, Nipogi, Acemagic, Ninkear and GMKtec. Particularly striking here is that many of these Chinese manufacturers offer a significantly better price-performance ratio.

While established brands often only offer a system with an Intel N100 processor and 4 GB of RAM for around 300 euros, Chinese producers in the same price range often already offer a Ryzen 7 with 32 GB RAM. This considerable price advantage is attractive, but comes with potential disadvantages, particularly with regard to customer service and consumer rights – more on this below.

The well-known manufacturers score with reliable support, regular BIOS updates and many years of expertise. With the Chinese providers, on the other hand, challenges or limitations in product maintenance can arise: BIOS updates are often hard to find or not available at all, product specifications sometimes turn out to be inaccurate, and product life cycles are very short. This can mean that products that we tested only recently are already no longer on the market and the offer links provided point to completely different devices.

In the business segment, HP, Lenovo and Dell dominate. With the HP ProDesk Mini, HP EliteDesk Mini and HP Z2 Mini series, HP offers a broad range for office and workstation use. HP ProDesk models with Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 are often also available used – a HP ProDesk 600 G4 with Intel Core i5 8500T often costs under 200 euros refurbished. HP devices score with a three-year warranty, regular BIOS updates and a Kensington lock as standard. In a direct comparison with Chinese providers, HP offers less performance for the same price, but in return a significantly higher service quality. Anyone looking for a mini PC for professional continuous operation is in good hands with HP.

Test procedure: How do we test mini PCs?

In our practical test, we put every mini PC through its paces in the PCmark 10, 3DMark Time Spy, Cinebench and Geekbench benchmarks. These results are a fundamental reference point for being able to compare performance across the models. For models with strong graphics, we also test games – usually Anno 1800 and the more demanding Cities Skylines 2. We also assess everyday performance with Windows 11 and a few programs, as well as the case build quality and the range of ports.

We also test the integrated SSD for its speed using Crystaldiskmark and state the results in every test. How well the system copes with load and how the cooling works is checked via the full-load workflow of Aida64. With this tool we also read out components such as the Wi-Fi chipset.

Noise level is an essential point that we pay attention to in our mini PC tests and measure using a smartphone app once at the case and at a distance of one meter. However, only passively cooled models are quiet in any situation, such as the Asus Expertcenter PN42 (review), the Minix Z100 (review) or the CSL Narrow Box (review). Quiet air-cooled models include the Minisforum UM890 Pro (review) and the Blackview MP80 (review).

Price-performance ratio is an essential factor in our rating, because this top 10 is intended to recommend the best possible option at the respective price. Consequently, models that have good equipment but are too expensive compared with other models end up in the lower places. Since we have now tested more than 80 mini PCs, further models can be found below this best-of list. It is noteworthy that the ten places are mostly occupied by AMD mini PCs – the better integrated graphics is often a key distinguishing feature here compared with the Intel competition. The models with Minisforum M1 Pro, Intel Geekom GT1 Mega and Geekom Mini IT15 do not rely on an i5 or i7, but on a newer Core Ultra chip.

What is the disadvantage of mini PCs?

Despite many strengths, mini PCs also have clear weaknesses. The biggest disadvantage: mini PCs are limited in graphics card upgradability. A real graphics card such as the Geforce RTX 4070 cannot simply be retrofitted – even if the use of an external graphics card (eGPU) via a fast Oculink connection is possible on more and more devices. Anyone who wants to remain flexible here is better served by a classic tower PC.

Another point is thermal load: in the narrow case, the waste heat from the CPU and chip is produced in the tightest of spaces, which challenges cooling. Under full load, mini PCs can therefore become audible. The range of ports is also sometimes limited compared with a desktop computer – not every model offers enough USB Type-C ports or two LAN sockets.

Alternatives: Cheap laptops & Chromebooks

Apart from the compact cube computers, Chromebooks offer cheap laptop alternatives. We explain what you can expect from them in our guide: Laptop on a budget – Chromebooks as a fast Windows alternative from 169 euros. A general overview of which cheap yet good work devices are available under 500 euros is provided by our guide: Laptop for study and school – cheap and yet good from 199 euros. You can also look around for used mini PCs, but due to a lack of availability we have not yet been able to obtain test devices. You can also look around for an all-in-one computer that integrates a micro PC in the screen.

Raspberry Pi or mini PC?

The single-board Raspberry Pi computers are versatile, handy and inexpensive solutions, especially as a server for a smart home with Iobroker and ETS or as a simple server for controlling multiple Ubiquiti access points. Anyone who actually wants to solve only a single task is usually well served by a Raspberry Pi. The performance could also be sufficient as a desktop replacement, but the process of setting it up as an office system is more for people with prior knowledge than for laypeople. A plug-and-play solution should not be expected here; ready-made mini PCs are clearly better.

Mini PC operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux or Chrome OS?

The mini PCs in this best-of list all come with Windows 11. Windows 11 Pro is by far the most common operating system on mini PCs. For most users this is optimal because it is familiar. Compared with Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro offers features such as BitLocker drive encryption, Hyper-V virtualization and Remote Desktop. For home users, Windows 11 Home is sufficient; in the office, Windows 11 Pro is the first choice. A Windows 11 Pro license is already included with most mini PCs and stored in the UEFI – so a lost license sticker is not a problem.

However, especially with the inexpensive devices, this quickly reaches the limits of the device. An alternative is to install a lean Linux distribution on the devices. Anyone who wants to use the PC as a router or smart home hub will in any case get further with it than with Windows.

However, there are also ready-made mini PCs with Google's Chrome OS, which is particularly well suited for simple office use and above all runs very smoothly on inexpensive hardware, such as that often installed in such mini PCs. They are offered by HP, Acer and Lenovo, among others. Under Chrome OS, websites via the Chrome browser as well as Android apps and Linux programs run. This significantly expands the selection of programs, but anyone who needs specific software should stick with Windows. The system supports processors with ARM technology as well as x86 CPUs from Intel or AMD. Another alternative are Mac minis with macOS, which, as usual with Apple, are however significantly more expensive. Previously these still came with chips from Intel, but Apple now develops its own processors. We tested, for example, the Mac mini with Apple's M4 chip and were impressed by the raw performance and yet strong efficiency of the system. While the hardware undoubtedly sets standards, the preference for the operating system is once again far more individual. The full review is available here: Apple Mac mini M4 review: mini PC with plenty of power, top quality & fair price.

More information on mini PCs without Windows can be found in the following guide: Mini PCs as desktop replacements from 119 euros: Windows, Linux or Chrome OS.

Conclusion

Mini PCs have now developed into a real alternative to laptops and desktop PCs. They are more powerful, cheaper and more economical – the latter both in terms of consumption and the space required. The classic computer has had its day, especially for occasional users.

Our mini PC comparison shows the variety of models, all of which can replace classic desktop computers. Particularly recommended are our test winner Minisforum UM890 Pro, the Minisforum UM870 Slim and the Minisforum MS-S1 Max. Minisforum is making a statement here with the strong AMD processors in these price ranges. The Ryzen has overtaken Intel's Core in the mobile use segment, but Intel is slowly catching up again. Meanwhile, even with integrated graphics cards, gaming sessions in demanding games are possible, although the noise level does not have to be high (see Minisforum UM870 Slim).

Practical and sleek, like the Minisforum UM760 Slim or its bigger brother UM870 Slim, the mini computers are as well – increasingly we find a USB-C port that is sometimes even used for power supply. When it comes to USB ports, the small PCs are actually always well equipped.

In addition, our best-of list shows that 4 GB of RAM cannot be justified in any price range. Instead, every modern computer with Windows should rather use 16 GB of RAM; 8 GB is now the absolute minimum. The established manufacturers around Asus, Acer and Lenovo should brace themselves, because Far East PCs are not only inexpensive but also damn good. And not only in terms of performance, but actually also with new, unusual features.

Further recommended articles:

Top 10: The best affordable mini PC with Windows 11 up to 300 euros in review

The best accessories for the mini PC: mouse, keyboard, monitor, RAM, USB hub & co.

Top 10: The best portable monitor in review

Finding the right mouse for the office and home office

Gaming laptop guide: 15-inch with RTX 3060 from 899 euros BEST-OF LIST

Minisforum UM890 Pro from 999.00 EUR

Quiet under full load and upgradeable to up to 96 GB RAM and 8 TB SSD: The Minisforum UM890 Pro is one of the top mini PCs on the market. We tested it.

Jonas Bettger from 15.09.2024 PROS

Fan even under full load at max. 30 dB

strong performance of the Ryzen 9

RAM expandable to 96 GB, SSD to 8 TB

good cooling, no thermal throttling

high-quality build QUALITY CONS

no USB-C for power supply

fan cable in the way during maintenance

Quiet under full load and upgradeable to up to 96 GB RAM and 8 TB SSD: The Minisforum UM890 Pro is one of the top mini PCs on the market. We tested it.

Minisforum has done it again: The manufacturer from Hong Kong already impressed us with the Minisforum UM780 XTX; after all, the mini PC offered exceptionally good performance at astonishingly low noise levels. With the UM890 Pro, we now have what is effectively its successor. The spec sheet with AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS as well as 32 or 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB SSD already reads well. We tested whether the Minisforum UM890 Pro can fill these big shoes.

The manufacturer provided us with the mini PC. Currently, the Minisforum UM890 Pro costs 1039 euros in the variant with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD.

Update (September 23, 2026): As a result of the cost explosion for DDR5 memory, the Minisforum UM890 Pro has also become more expensive. The manufacturer is now charging over 250 euros more than the previous price for the base version. Without memory, the PC costs 469 euros.

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum UM890 Pro offer?

The Minisforum UM890 Pro runs AMD's current spearhead in the form of the Ryzen 9 8945HS. Thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading), the eight-core processor can draw on 16 threads, its boost clock is up to 5.2 GHz, and the TDP is up to 70 watts.

In our case, it is assisted by 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, spread across two SO-DIMM modules from Crucial. What is special about this system is the option to upgrade the RAM to up to 96 GB by replacing the existing modules. Many other mini PCs allow – if anything – a maximum of 64 GB. The 1 TB M.2-2280 SSD from Kingston also offers enormous upgrade potential; instead of the usual 2 TB (if that), up to 8 TB is possible here. The existing SSD is completely solid in terms of speed; according to the storage benchmark Crystaldiskmark, it reaches 3921 MB/s in writing and 4807 MB/s in reading. That is not a top value, but it is not slow either – in everyday use, higher values are hardly noticeable anyway.

The selection of ports covers everything necessary and modern: 1x HDMI is available in version 2.1, DisplayPort is not quite up to date in version 1.4. There are also two USB-C 4.0 ports and two 2.5G Ethernet ports. As a result, up to four monitors can be connected. It is a shame that a proprietary power supply with a round connector is used instead of USB-C, as with the Aoostar God 78 – which shows that USB-C for power supply is also possible in the high-performance class.

Wirelessly, the mini PC communicates via Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 using reasonably new, if not brand-new, standards. The case also contains a button for BIOS reset as well as a headphone jack. Also exciting for gamers and graphic designers is the Oculink port – a fast connection for external graphics cards, which allows the computer's graphics performance to be increased later. However, you have to install the board for the port yourself – the socket is, so to speak, only cut out in the case.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum UM890 Pro?

Given the spec sheet, it is hardly surprising that the Ryzen 9 really delivers. The PCmark 10 benchmark attests a result between 7495 and 7630 points for the UM890 Pro. Besides this test run, which is primarily interesting for office tasks, 3Dmark Time Spy is especially exciting; in addition to the system performance of 3437 points, it also illustrates graphics performance with 3063 points: The Radeon 780M iGPU again proves convincing here. At 11218 points, the CPU score is even far above the result of our desktop CPU in the gaming PC; the Ryzen 7 5800X3D used there reaches only a little over 8000 points.

The values from Geekbench with 2684 points (single core) and 13587 points (multi core) are also good, as is Cinebench, where the mini PC with 985 points (multi core) and 107 points (single core) clearly beats the Intel competition. Overall, the UM890 Pro steps up compared with the CSL Venom Box, which is "only" equipped with a Ryzen 7, and achieves somewhat higher scores.

The Radeon 780M is also powerful in the gaming discipline; we have already tested it many times. Here too, at Full HD, we can again play Counter Strike at up to 80 FPS on high settings. Anno 1800 runs with FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) enabled on high quality settings at up to 50 FPS. The still poorly optimized and therefore graphically demanding Cities Skylines 2 is at least managed by the hardware at around 35 FPS – on high settings. If you reduce the options, the game loses some visual appeal but runs more smoothly. Overall, our expectations are therefore absolutely met.

The machine runs Windows 11 Pro. During setup, you can avoid using a Microsoft account by leaving the internet connection disabled – under Windows 11 Home, setting up without internet would no longer be possible at all. There is no additional bloatware on the system, and our standard virus test with Windows Defender runs without any negative findings. Minisforum UM890 Pro – photo gallery Minisforum UM890 Pro – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Minisforum UM890 Pro – photo gallery

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It is commendable that Minisforum provides a support page for almost every one of its mini-PCs, through which drivers can also be obtained – important when reinstalling the system to guarantee all functions. Other manufacturers from the Far East do not offer this at all or use dubious-looking cloud pages for it. Drivers, but not files for a new BIOS, are also available for the UM890 Pro at Minisforum.

Power consumption: How high is the power draw of the UM890 Pro?

The mini-PC's consumption is around 20 watts at idle. If we push the Ryzen 9 to its limits using a Prime95 stress test, it rises to around 86 watts at peak. These values are typical to slightly higher than elsewhere.

Fan: How loud is the UM890 Pro?

Beyond the sheer performance, the cooling of the UM890 Pro is above all remarkable – which is a complete understatement. As with every other system, we subjected it to a prolonged stress test under full load. Not only was the mini-PC quiet, the fans were only perceptible with an ear pressed against the case. At most, a quiet whir is audible, but we cannot quantify it in decibels; it simply cannot be distinguished from ambient noise. Given the hardware used here, this is a truly brilliant achievement that is second to none – hats off. Minisforum UM890 Pro – full-load test heise bestenlisten

But good cooling not only ensures low noise levels, it also ensures good performance, since the CPU can maintain a higher clock speed for longer. In the Prime95 test, according to Aida64, the Ryzen 9 is still clocking at over 4.3 GHz even after more than 30 minutes of full load. That is truly impressive, as many chips drop to around 3.0 to 3.5 GHz after a short time.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Minisforum UM890 Pro?

The case is very similar to that of the Minisforum UM780 XTX. The build quality is certainly impressive, as before. The metal case is timelessly stylish, and we do not miss the lighting in the lid.

The lid is again easy to remove thanks to magnetic attachment. After loosening the four screws underneath, you can access the interior for maintenance or upgrades – if it weren't for the fan cable. Since the fan is mounted on the plate between the board and the lid, you have to carefully pull off the 4-pin connector. Getting it back in afterwards proves even more fiddly.

With dimensions of 130 × 127 × 60.6 millimeters, the mini-PC is significantly taller than comparable models. The Geekom AX8 Pro is much flatter at a height of only 36 millimeters – but Geekom sacrifices space for heatsinks, which comes with higher noise levels. Since the PC disappears somewhere on the desk anyway, we always much prefer a taller case to a loud fan. The weight is just under 700 grams.

How much does the Minisforum UM890 Pro cost?

Currently, the Minisforum UM890 Pro with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD is available for 1169 euros in the manufacturer's shop, and 1159 euros on Amazon. With 32 GB and 512 GB, it is 999 euros on Amazon. The largest variant with 64 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD is 1429 euros. The smallest configuration with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD is available from 899 euros.

For self-builders, there is a barebone version, i.e., without RAM, SSD & Windows, for 479 euros.

Conclusion

Minisforum has once again hit the bullseye: the successor to the UM780 XTX also convinces us with flawless performance and remarkable cooling. Not only is the system powerful and inaudible while doing so, it can also sustain its performance over longer periods. The build quality remains excellent, and the mini-PC is still stylish in its simplicity.

As for ports, we are missing almost nothing; almost all interfaces use the latest version. Two USB 4 ports and two Ethernet connections are really practical; we really only miss a USB-C port for power supply. But that is nitpicking at a high level. Overall, a really good mini-PC that, with its inaudible cooling despite brutal Ryzen 9 power, secures a full five stars in the test.

Buying from a Chinese dealer often costs less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or may not be possible. Here we link to dealers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

Minisforum MS-S1 Max from EUR 4,194.01

Unthinkable just a few years ago – now a reality: The Minisforum MS-S1 Max combines a 16-core Ryzen AI CPU up to 5.1 GHz and 128 GB RAM in mini-PC format.

Kai Schmerer, December 14, 2025 PROS

excellently crafted case with easy access

top performance

efficient cooling solution

expandable with PCIe card CONS

relatively loud under load

high price

only two M.2 slots, with only one offering full performance

Minisforum MS-S1 Max with Ryzen AI Max+ 395: One of the most powerful mini-PCs in the test

Unthinkable just a few years ago – now a reality: The Minisforum MS-S1 Max combines a 16-core Ryzen AI CPU up to 5.1 GHz and 128 GB RAM in mini-PC format.

With the MS-S1 Max, Minisforum combines the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 16 cores and a powerful integrated Radeon 8060S GPU into a compact AI performance center with 128 GB RAM. With NPU performance of up to 50 TOPS and system-wide computing power of up to 126 TOPS, the mini-PC is designed specifically for demanding AI workloads, content creation and productive multitasking environments. The device also offers future-proof connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7, two 10-gigabit network ports and multiple USB4 ports, all packed into a compact case with a professional cooling system.

With this equipment, it is clear that the MS-S1 Max is not an ordinary mini-PC for classic office tasks, but rather a workstation in mini-PC format aimed primarily at four technically savvy user groups. First, AI enthusiasts who want to run large language models locally and develop low-latency applications. Second, power users who want to test advanced AI frameworks and fully exploit the system's extreme memory and computing capacities. Third, creative users whose workflow in video editing, 3D rendering and AI art is accelerated by the enormous performance and multi-display support. Fourth, companies and universities with a focus on AI.

How well the Minisforum MS-S1 Max proves itself in practice is shown in our test report. The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Update (November 7, 2026): The memory crisis is driving the price of the MS-S1 Max further up. The workstation with 128 GB RAM now costs a hefty 4,315 euros – another 316 euros more than last time.

Equipment: What makes the Minisforum MS-S1 Max special?

The processor used is AMD's most powerful processor for mini-PCs and notebooks, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 16 cores, 32 threads and a clock speed of up to 5.1 GHz. In combination with the integrated Radeon 8060S graphics (40 cores, 2.9 GHz), this forms the basis for compute-intensive tasks. The integrated Ryzen AI NPU with performance of up to 50 TOPS is intended for AI calculations. The stated system-wide total computing power is up to 126 TOPS, which enables use for local AI inference, machine learning development and other AI-accelerated applications. Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Ports heise bestenlisten

The working memory is permanently soldered to the mainboard as LPDDR5x-8000 in quad-channel mode with a capacity of 128 GB and cannot be expanded or replaced later. The use of fast LPDDR5x memory in a unified memory architecture is a key feature. The entire memory pool is available to the CPU and GPU simultaneously with high bandwidth (256 GB/s). In practice, this means:

Near elimination of the classic "VRAM bottleneck" in graphics and AI applications.

Configurable allocation of up to 96 GB of system memory as GPU memory (either via UEFI or via GPU driver), which makes it possible at all to load extremely large AI models such as 70B-parameter+ LLMs.

Significantly reduced latencies compared with systems with separate CPU RAM and GPU VRAM.

For data storage, two M.2 2280 slots are available. The first slot has a PCIe 4.0 x4 connection and supports storage capacities of up to 8 TB. The second slot offers a PCIe 4.0 x1 connection and also allows SSDs of up to 8 TB. This split makes it possible to install the operating system on a high-performance SSD and add additional, somewhat slower storage space for data. Minisforum MS-S1 Max heise bestenlisten

For networking, two 10-gigabit Ethernet ports (Realtek RTL8127) and a Wi-Fi 7 module (MediaTek MT7925) are installed. For video output, an HDMI 2.1 port and four USB4/USB4 V2 ports with DisplayPort Alternate Mode are available, which support multi-monitor setups at high resolutions.

In addition to the two 40 Gbps fast USB 4 ports in USB-C form on the front, there is also a USB-A port with USB 3.2 Gen2 at 10 Gbps. Of the latter, two are present on the rear, plus two additional USB-A ports with USB 2.0, as well as two USB4 ports with 80 Gbps. An internal PCIe x16 slot (electrically x4) also offers an interesting expansion option. Possible applications include:

Installing a low-profile network card for additional 10/25/40 GbE ports or Fibre Channel.

Installing a capture card for video production.

Using PCIe-to-NVMe adapters for massive local storage arrays

Connecting special accelerator cards or I/O controllers.

The slot's power supply of up to 70 W covers the needs of many professional add-in cards.

Installing a dedicated graphics card, however, is not supported. For audio, there is a combined 3.5 mm jack and digital microphones (DMIC) on the front.

The cooling solution with six heatpipes, a massive copper base, two fans and phase-change material is designed for continuous load. The practical advantage lies in the consistent power delivery over hours, which is essential for render jobs, AI training or simulation runs. The selectable power profiles in the UEFI (Performance: 130 W, Balanced: 95 W, Quiet: 60 W) allow precise adaptation to the deployment location. The fans reach a speed of up to 3600 rpm. The case is prepared for mounting on a VESA bracket and weighs 2.8 kg. Images: Minisforum MS-S1 Max Minisforum MS-S1 Max

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: The Liteon power supply unit offers 320 watts of power and is integrated into the case.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: The UEFI allows adjustment of the fan speed.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Geekbench 6.5 GPU test Vulkan

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: WLAN performance under Linux in the 2.4 GHz network

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: WLAN performance under Linux in the 5 GHz network

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Under Linux, the MediaTek MT-7925, which is responsible for WLAN and Bluetooth, is detected.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: The Linux tests are performed with Ubuntu

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: WLAN performance under Windows in the 2.4 GHz network

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: WLAN performance under Windows in the 5 GHz network

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: The installed Kingston SSD delivers good performance figures but is not among the fastest SSDs.

heise bestenlisten Affinity benchmark

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Geekbench 6.5

heise bestenlisten In Cinebench 24, the MS-S1 Max achieves a top score of 1901 points in Multi Core.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Power consumption with the Performance profile is between 7 watts and 210 watts.

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The fact that the Minisforum MS-S1 Max is not an ordinary mini PC is also shown by the case offering integrated mounting options for 2U rack mounting. The cluster capabilities, supported by a dedicated cascade power-on header on the mainboard, make it possible to connect multiple MS-S1 Max units into a distributed computing cluster. This scales performance linearly for more demanding AI research projects or as a compact, energy-efficient rendering farm module.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum MS-S1 Max?

The Minisforum MS-S1 Max with Ryzen AU Max+ 396 (16C/32T) sets new benchmarks in our benchmark tests, as expected. Its excellent cooling system and the ability to supply the CPU with up to 130 W of power via profile catapult it to the top of the performance range, at least in terms of mini PCs. But that is not all: it can also hold its own against other mini PCs with Ryzen AI Max+ 395.

In PCMark10, the classic office benchmark, it achieves a score of 10,381 in the new version 2.0; with the older variant 1.x it is 8808, and thus about 1000 points more compared with the Geekom A9 Max (review) with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12C/24T).

The Geekbench figures of 2930 (single core) and 20083 (multi core) also show superiority over the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which reaches 2890 points (single core) and 15342 points (multi core). Minisforum MS-S1 Max: PCMark 10 heise bestenlisten

The performance difference is even clearer in Cinebench 24, where the MS-S1 Max offers significantly more performance in Multi Core with a score of 1901 than the Geekom A9 Max with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which achieves 1176 points. The MS-S1 Max also does not have to hide compared with an Apple M4 Max (16-CPU 40-GPU), which scores 2072 points. With a score of 1865 points, the MS-S1 Max with the Balanced profile at a maximum of 95 W is only a few points behind the Performance profile, which provides the CPU with up to 130 W. In the Quiet profile at 60 W, performance drops to 1517 points. In Cinebench 24, the MS-S1 Max achieves a top score of 1901 points in Multi Core. heise bestenlisten

In 3DMark, the MS-S1 Max achieves a system score of 11,618 in the Time Spy test, while the CPU and graphics scores come out at 11,061 points and 11,723 points. The A9 Max scores only 3868 points in this test, which is due to the less powerful Radeon 890M graphics, which achieves a GPU score of only 3466 points, while the CPU performance in the A9 Max is even slightly higher at 11,305 points. The significantly weaker performance of the Radeon 890M in the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 compared with the Radeon 8060S integrated in the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is due to the lower number of graphics cores, which makes the difference at an identical clock frequency of 2900 MHz: while the 890M offers only 16, the 8060S has a full 40.

In terms of AI performance, the Minisforum MS-S1 also impresses. In Geekbench AI, with the ONNX framework it achieves a Single Precision Score of 6448 and a Quantized Score of 11,137. If the GPU is used for this test, the values rise to 25,211 and 19,846. Further benchmarks are shown in the image gallery. Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Power consumption with the Performance profile is between 7 watts and 210 watts. heise bestenlisten

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Minisforum MS-S1 Max?

At an idle desktop, power consumption is only between 5 and 7 W; under maximum load it briefly reaches 210 W before settling at 175 W. In stand-by it is about 1 W. Under full load, the CPU clock rate is between 3990 MHz and 4185 MHz. At an idle desktop it is 2385 MHz.

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum MS-S1 Max and how reliably does the cooling work?

With the current UEFI version 1.03, which was already installed on our device, the Minisforum MS-S1 Max is relatively quiet in normal office operation. A slight whirring of the fans can be heard, but it is not disruptive. Under maximum load, however, the noise level rises above 50 dB(A). Many people in conventional office environments are likely to find this disruptive.

The high-tech cooling system installed is very effective. Even under load, with the AIDA64 stability test, the CPU temperature remains at a maximum of 77 °C, far below the maximum temperature of 100 °C specified by AMD.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Minisforum MS-S1 Max?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled as the operating system. However, the Minisforum also works with Linux (Ubuntu 24.04), including support for the MediaTek MT-7925 solution responsible for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth. Waking from stand-by also causes no problems under Linux.

Update Dec. 30: Although stand-by initially worked under Linux, it no longer does so now. Other users are also affected by the problem. The cause may be the lack of kernel support for the 10G Ethernet port, for which a driver must be installed. Unfortunately, the new BIOS version 1.05 does not change this either. Minisforum MS-S1 Max heise bestenlisten

Case: How is the build quality of the Minisforum MS-S1 Max?

The high-quality, flawlessly finished unibody aluminum case of the Minisforum MS-S1 Max, with dimensions of 22.2 × 20.6 × 7.7 cm, is significantly larger than conventional mini PCs such as the Minisforum UM 760 Slim, whose case is much more compact at 13 × 12.7 × 5.4 cm. The MS-S1 Max can be placed flat or upright. The robust case invites you to place a monitor on top of it. But that is not a good idea, because on the top of the case there are air vents across an area of 18 × 8 cm so that heat can be dissipated from the device efficiently.

The case is connected to the internal structure, on which the motherboard, CPU, fans, et cetera are mounted, via two screws on the rear. If you loosen the screws, the internal structure can simply be pulled out.

Price: How much does the Minisforum MS-S1 Max cost?

When it was introduced at the end of September 2025, the Minisforum MS-S1 Max was available in the manufacturer's shop for just under 2400 euros. Unfortunately, rising memory prices have now made the workstation in mini-PC format more expensive at 4315 euros (at the time of testing on December 14, 2025: 2719 euros). However, this is also the maximum variant with 128 GB RAM.

Conclusion

With the MS-S1 Max in a compact mini-PC format, Minisforum meets all the criteria of a modern high-performance workstation: a strong CPU/GPU combination, practical expansion options (PCIe and two M.2 slots), energy efficiency and first-class connectivity.

The compact, integrated design (only 3.52 l) holds enormous potential. The large pool of fast LPDDR5X memory (128 GB, 8000 MT/s) and an integrated GPU that can compete with dedicated graphics cards make it an all-rounder that leaves hardly anything to be desired.

An absolute highlight is the extremely fast I/O interface – led by two ultra-fast USB4 v2 ports with 80 Gbit/s and two additional USB4 ports with 40 Gbit/s on the front. The dual 10G network ports are also impressive.

The package is rounded off by a high-quality unibody chassis made from a single block of aluminum, which ensures robustness, excellent cooling and an attractive design.

So anyone who makes their purchase decision according to the motto "the best or nothing" is welcome to go for the MS-S1 Max from Minisforum. However, quality and performance come at a price: due to the sharply risen memory prices, the MS-S1 Max now costs 4315 euros. At its presentation in September, it was still available in the manufacturer's shop for just under 2400 euros. The high price is put into perspective, however, when you have to shell out over 4900 euros for a similarly equipped Mac Studio with 16 CPU cores, 40 GPU units and 128 GB RAM.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) comes with hurdles or is not possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

Minisforum UM870 Slim from EUR 341.00

The Minisforum UM870 Slim with Ryzen 7 and Radeon 780M graphics is quieter than the former test winner Awow HA7. It supports simultaneous power supply and image output via a USB-C port. We have tested it.

David Bettger, 01.05.2025 PROS

USB4 Type-C with PD

lots of performance

attractive price CONS

only one USB-C & Ethernet

Minisforum UM870 Slim review: Fast & quiet mini-PC with good value for money

Minisforum is an established manufacturer of mini-PCs and has made a name for itself in the past above all with its strong value for money. With the UM870 Slim, the bigger brother of the cheaper UM760 Slim, it is taking aim at the upper mid-range in the price range around 600 euros. The mini-PC offers a modern Ryzen 7 8745H, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD storage, which looks like an extraordinarily good configuration on paper. With the strong integrated Radeon 780M graphics unit, the performance is even enough for more modern games such as Anno 1800 or Cities Skylines 2. Whether the mini-PC delivers what the data sheet promises is shown in our review.

Update (May 06, 2026): As a result of the cost explosion in DDR5 memory, the price of the UM870 Slim has also risen compared with the last update. The UM870 Slim is now available from 659 euros, but only with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD. The variant with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD, previously available for 743 euros, has become more expensive.

Configuration: What hardware does the Minisforum UM870 Slim offer?

The Elitemini UM870 Slim comes with the Ryzen 7 8745H, which offers eight Zen4 cores and 16 threads. The base clock is 3.8 GHz, with up to 4.9 GHz possible at peak. The TDP is typically 45 watts, but Minisforum promises even 54 to 65 watts with its own performance profiles. According to AMD, the CPU is intended for the Chinese market, which is why there is no German or English overview page of the specifications.

The installed 32 GB DDR5 RAM is split across two Corsair modules at 5600 MT/s. These run in dual-channel and can be upgraded later to up to 96 GB. The storage capacity of 1 TB is fine, and in the Crystaldiskmark storage benchmark the Kingston M.2 SSD reaches 4061 MB/s reading and 3287 MB/s writing. This can also be upgraded later, officially to 4 TB each in both available slots in the M.2-2280 form factor. Both RAM and SSD are actively cooled by an additional fan.

The UM870 Slim offers the same ports as its smaller brother, including one HDMI 2.1, one Displayport 1.4 and also one USB 4 Type-C. Like the UM760 Slim, this also supports PD-in, i.e. powering the computer, as well as simultaneous image output – via the same port. So you can connect an external monitor with just one cable and use the PC directly without any problems, without having to connect it separately with an additional power supply. In addition, the mini-PC can also be powered via the USB-C port instead of the DC jack while simultaneously driving a monitor – that is an absolute rarity among mini-PCs.

There is also 2.5-gigabit LAN, but only a single one, which is why the system cannot be used as a firewall solution without additional hardware. The wireless interfaces with Wifi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are also fine. The chipsets used are Mediatek MT7902 for WLAN and Bluetooth and Realtek RTL8125 Gaming 2.5GbE for Ethernet. For our taste, the mini-PC could use two more USB-A ports on the back, or at least a second USB-C port.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum UM870 Slim?

Compared with the weaker Ryzen 5 of the previous generation in the UM760 Slim, which has only six instead of eight cores, a significant increase in performance is to be expected.

The newer Ryzen 7 achieves an average of 7480 points in PCmark 10 – an increase of only about 6 percent. In Cinebench R24, the CPUs are identical in single-core at 105 (Ryzen 7) to 104 points (Ryzen 5); in multi-core, the eight-core chip is, as expected, clearly ahead with 957 to 739 points. The open-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 attests 2599 points in single-core and 13071 points in multi-core for the UM 870 Slim. In the OpenCL graphics benchmark, the Radeon 780M gets 31122 points, and with this good 33 percent increase in performance, this is probably the biggest difference from the Radeon 760M in the Ryzen 5 of the Minisforum UM760. Finally, the result of 3365 points in 3Dmark Time Spy paints a similar picture. With 2997 graphics and 11075 CPU points, it remains only just behind the performance of the Ryzen 9 in Minisforum's UM890 Pro. Minisforum UM870 Slim – photo gallery Minisforum UM870 Slim – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Minisforum UM870 Slim – photo gallery

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On the UM870 Slim, Anno 1800 runs in Full HD at high settings and with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) enabled in “Quality” mode at an average of 33 FPS. We are in the usual advanced endless game and are mostly looking at our metropolis of 50,000 inhabitants.

We also play Cities Skylines 2 in Full HD, but only at medium settings and with dynamic resolution scaling in “Automatic” mode. This way, with our city of 12,000 inhabitants, we achieve an average of 23 FPS. All these results, and also the runs in the games, are almost identical to those we made with the Awow HA7 – our previous test winner among mini-PCs. Although the benchmark results are minimally lower, this apparently means little.

Over Wifi, we achieve a throughput of 605 Mbit/s in download and 712 Mbit/s in upload in the 5 GHz band.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Minisforum UM870 Slim?

At idle, the mini-PC consumes only about 13 watts, while during gaming in Cities Skylines 2 consumption rises to a constant 80 watts. In partial-load operation, i.e. normal use with a few programs open, we average 15 watts. The maximum consumption at full system load is briefly 95 watts and then drops somewhat to 89 watts. The CPU first clocks at a maximum of 4.8 GHz and afterward consistently at 3.9 to 4.0 GHz. The iGPU reaches a maximum of 2.175 GHz and an average of 2 GHz. Only after more than 15 minutes under full load does consumption fall again to just under 83 watts. The CPU clock is then only 3.8 GHz and the GPU clock remains at 2 GHz. The CPU temperature never exceeds 89 degrees, while the GPU is only 77 degrees under full load. At idle, the CPU is around 35 degrees and the GPU at about 34 degrees.

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum UM870 Slim?

Despite strong performance and high power consumption, the UM870 Slim remains surprisingly quiet even under load. Using a smartphone, we measure an average of 30 dB(A) at the case and about 19 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. The ambient noise level is about 17 dB(A). At idle, the mini-PC is then almost silent, as the fan operates only at a very low speed. This is even lower than with the former test winner Awow HA7, which the UM870 Slim thus undercuts – well done!

The BIOS is, as usual, accessible approximately via the advanced startup of Windows, but there are no adjustable fan and performance modes there.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Minisforum UM870 Slim?

Windows 11 Pro with all standard programs is preinstalled on the UM870 Slim, and setup is done with the Microsoft account. A full system scan with Windows Defender remains without findings.

The installation of Ubuntu 24.01 works without problems by booting from the external storage medium. The system finds the correct screen resolution, and audio as well as wired internet also work. Only with the wireless interfaces does the system itself not find the correct driver, which is why they are out of operation.

Case: How is the build quality of the Minisforum UM870 Slim?

The silver plastic case of the UM870 is identical to that of the UM760 Slim. The dimensions are therefore also 130 x 127 x 54.5 mm, only it is minimally heavier at 605 g. The case itself is well made and feels premium for it; a metal case would improve the perceived quality once again and is by no means rare in this price class. To upgrade the hardware, four screws under the glued-on rubber feet must be loosened. Also worth noting is the CMOS reset button on the front of the mini PC, which can be used to reset the BIOS in an emergency.

Price: How much does the Minisforum UM870 Slim cost?

The UM870 Slim is currently available from 659 euros, but only with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD. The variant with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD, previously available for 743 euros, has on the other hand become more expensive and now includes only 512 GB of SSD storage.

The UM870 Slim as a barebone variant costs 319 euros at Amazon (last best price: 376 euros), while the manufacturer itself charges 329 euros.

Conclusion

The UM870 Slim is an improvement on the UM760 Slim, especially in terms of graphics performance. This makes the mini PC even better suited for gaming and it remains pleasantly quiet. However, our criticism of the plastic case and the low number of USB ports, especially USB-C ports, remains the same. Anyone who can overlook that gets a strong and future-proof mini PC with the Minisforum UM870 – which, moreover, can both receive power and output video via the special USB-C port. That is an absolute rarity among mini PCs. The enormously low noise level also scores points.

Overall, it is a really good overall package – with the smaller criticisms mentioned. This even pushes the system ahead of our previous test winner – the Awow HA7. Compared with this, the benchmark results are indeed minimally lower, but our game runs deliver the same results. The Awow can score with more ports, but in the overall picture the UM870 Slim pulls ahead. Decisive factors, besides the somewhat lower price, are once again the lower noise level. Therefore it gets five out of five stars in the test.

Those who buy from a Chinese dealer pay less in many cases. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) comes with hurdles or is not possible. We link here to dealers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

GMKtec Nucbox K12 from 899.96 EUR

Good equipment with Ryzen 7, USB4 and Oculink at a fair price: that is what the Nucbox K12 mini PC from GMKtec offers – the barebone version is available from 350 euros.

Jonas Bettger from 22.02.2026 PROS

good performance

sleek design

USB4 with power input

build quality partly in need of improvement

Good equipment with Ryzen 7, USB4 and Oculink at a fair price: that is what the Nucbox K12 mini PC from GMKtec offers – the barebone version is available from 350 euros.

GMKtec is an up-and-coming manufacturer from the Far East that is among the larger brands in the mini PC niche market. The systems we previously tested convinced above all with a bargain price, but also had some weaknesses.

While these were mostly mid-range computers, with the Nucbox K12 we are now testing a computer that can be classified in the upper class. This mini PC offers an interesting overall package: with a Ryzen 7 H 255, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage, the system currently costs 810 euros (code: BLACKFRIDAY20). It also offers USB4, Oculink and space for a total of three SSDs. A barebone variant is also available for an attractive 350 euros.

In the test, we put the system through its paces in terms of performance, cooling and stability and show how it performed. The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Update (November 7, 2026): The Nucbox K12 is also affected by the increased memory prices. The variant with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD now costs 810 euros (code: BLACKFRIDAY20) and has thus become significantly more expensive.

Equipment: What hardware does the GMKtec Nucbox K12 offer?

The GMKtec Nucbox K12 is powered by a Ryzen 7 H 255, which was introduced in August 2025 and is available only in China. We already know this from the Ryzen 7 8745H, which we tested, for example, in the Minisforum UM870 Slim (review). This is almost identical to the H 255; both have eight cores with 16 threads and clock rates between 3.8 GHz and 4.9 GHz. Both chips come from the Hawk Point H series with Zen 4 architecture and are manufactured at 4 nm. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) is 45 W, and the maximum operating temperature is 100 degrees Celsius.

The integrated graphics unit is the well-known Radeon 780M, which has 12 CUs (Compute Units), 768 shader units and a clock rate of up to 2600 MHz. In past tests, this has often even allowed more demanding games to be played in Full HD – but whether it can also manage that in this system will be covered later. An NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI acceleration is not present or enabled.

For RAM, the manufacturer offers the Nucbox K12 with 32 GB or 64 GB, as well as as a storage-less barebone variant. We have the device with 32 GB, which is split across two 16 GB SO-DIMM modules at 5600 MT/s. These come from the Chinese manufacturer TWSC (Shenzen Techwinsemi), which is unknown in this country and is found mainly in inexpensive mini-PCs from China. GMKtec Nucbox K12 – SSD inside the case heise bestenlisten

The SSD used is a CT1000E100SSD8 in the M.2-2280 format, which a quick search reveals to be a Crucial E100. It has a capacity of 1 TB (1000 GB; visible in the product name) and operates over PCIe 4.0. According to Crystaldiskmark, it writes at 4406 MB/s and reads at 4402 MB/s. These are solid values, but below the manufacturer's maximum specification of “up to 5,000 MB/s.” There are also two additional free SSD slots, each of which can be equipped with 8 TB, so the system can reach a maximum of 24 TB of storage.

In terms of ports, the Nucbox K12 is well equipped. For video output, HDMI 2.1 and Displayport 1.4 are available, as well as USB-C on the front and USB4 on the rear. The latter can even provide the input power supply for the mini-PC, which means the K12 can also be operated via sufficiently powerful USB-C power supplies (bestenliste). That is commendable and still sometimes rare among mini-PCs, although it has been standard on laptops for many years. Otherwise, the PC can also be operated via the included, pleasantly compact 120 W power supply with a barrel connector.

The Nucbox K12 also offers five USB-A ports (3x USB 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB 2.0) and two LAN ports at 2.5 Gbit/s. There is also an OcuLink interface (Optical Copper Link), which is connected via PCIe 4×4 and thus supports, for example, the connection of external graphics cards.

Wirelessly, the system offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, with the Mediatek MT7922 (AMD RZ616) used as the chipset. For the LAN interface, the system uses the Realtek 8125BG.

Performance: How fast is the GMKtec Nucbox K12? GMKtec Nucbox K12 – Benchmark Time Spy heise bestenlisten

The Ryzen 7 8745H had already been quite convincing in the past. Accordingly, we expect a similarly positive result from the Ryzen 7 255 H. Before we begin with the concrete benchmarks, a brief note in advance: our standard benchmark PCMark 10 recently received a major update with a version jump from Workflow 1.x to 2.x. In the changelogs, developer UL Solutions explicitly pointed out that the results of the two versions are no longer comparable with each other. For this reason, we will continue to run tests with both workflows for the time being and provide both results in order to maintain comparability with all previously tested mini-PCs.

With the version 1.x workflow, the Nucbox K12 averages 7136 points, with peaks at 6919 and 7225 points. That puts it 344 points below the Minisforum UM870 Slim. With the version 2.x workflow, the score is then significantly higher: 8082 points on average, with peaks at 8347 and 7499 points. The gaming benchmark 3DMark Time Spy gives the system an overall result of 3264 points, composed of 2906 graphics points and 10,844 CPU points. This is also somewhat below the 870 Slim (overall: 3365; GPU: 2997; CPU: 11,075).

In Cinebench R24, the Nucbox K12 reaches 101 single-core points and 928 multi-core points. In the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, it scores 2567 (single-core) and 12,874 points (multi-core). In the OpenCL graphics test, the 780M achieves 30,110 points. GMKtec Nucbox K12 – picture gallery GMKtec Nucbox K12 – picture gallery

heise bestenlisten GMKtec Nucbox K12 – picture gallery

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Now let's move on to the tests with actual games. We use Full HD resolution and try the games Anno 1800, Counter Strike 2, Cities Skylines 2 and The Witcher 3: Wild Life.

With Anno 1800, we can play the game even at high presets with the FSR upscaler (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) set to Performance at a stable 30 FPS. At the medium preset, it is mostly 60 FPS. That is a good result. On to Counter Strike 2: we can play this even at high settings at a stable 60 FPS; at the medium preset, it reaches up to 117 FPS. That makes the first-person shooter absolutely playable smoothly. The Witcher 3 also runs convincingly on the K12 at 59 FPS in the high preset. Cities Skylines 2, by contrast, is unplayable; even at low options the game runs at only 17 FPS, and at medium it is 7 to 14 FPS. This shows that the Nucbox K12 is surprisingly capable and versatile for games.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the GMKtec Nucbox K12?

The mini-PC's consumption is 11 to 13 W when idle without load. In normal everyday use, such as using the browser, it consumes about 21 to 41 W. When we put the system under full load with the Aida64 stress test, the K12 draws up to 84 W at peak. GMKtec Nucbox K12 – thermal image heise bestenlisten

Under load, the system reaches a maximum of 83 degrees and clocks up to 4.9 GHz at peak. Over the course of a more than thirty-minute stress test, the computer settles at an average of 3.5 GHz and 60 degrees.

Fan: How loud is the GMKtec Nucbox K12?

In the past, mini-PCs from GMKtec did not always impress with the quietest cooling, but were rather fond of setting noise records. With the Nucbox K12, however, the manufacturer has tuned the hardware well, and even under full load the system does not exceed 36 dB(A). When idle, the fan usually runs at 28 to 32 dB(A). There are no adjustment options; the "Fan-Mode" button on the case merely changes the fan color.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the GMKtec Nucbox K12?

The GMKtec Nucbox K12 runs Windows 11, no additional bloatware is preinstalled, and our routine system scan with Windows Defender finds no viruses. Windows is activated with a digital license.

Running Linux on the system is also possible. A look into the AMI BIOS shows that Secure Boot is already disabled by default. In the boot selection, our USB stick is also selected with priority. Via Ventoy we boot into the Ubuntu-based Tuxedo OS and can use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio there. The resolution is also detected correctly, and the PC can be woken from standby without problems.

Case: How is the build quality of the GMKtec Nucbox K12?

The case of the GMKtec Nucbox K12 consists of two parts: a one-piece plastic base chassis and a slide-on aluminum cover. However, the latter is more visually relevant. The build quality of the dark gray plastic case is decent, if not overwhelmingly good. Some individual transitions could be milled more cleanly. The aluminum cover, which is visible on the left, rear and front, gives the PC an overall appealing, plain design. The power button on the front is in a shade of green characteristic of GMKtec. GMKtec Nucbox K12 – Opened case heise bestenlisten

The case can be opened after removing six screws. Two of them are on the right side, four toward the bottom. The latter also serve as feet. After that, you can first remove the aluminum cover and then carefully lift the fan off the lower part of the case. Be careful with the fairly short fan cable, which you can unplug from the motherboard. On our test unit, a screw on the motherboard had come loose, which we screwed back in before the first start – presumably a Monday unit.

The PC measures 154 × 151 × 73.6 mm and weighs 920 g.

Price: How much does the GMKtec Nucbox K12 cost?

Currently, the GMKtec Nucbox K12 with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage is available for 899 euros or 810 euros (code: BLACKFRIDAY20) directly from the manufacturer. The variant with 64 GB RAM and 1 TB storage is currently no longer available.

As a barebone without storage, RAM and Windows, the system is available from the manufacturer starting at 350 euros.

Conclusion

The GMKtec Nucbox K12 offers a broad overall package. The decent upper-class performance of the unusual processor, the wide selection of ports with highlights such as Oculink and USB4 with PD-in, and the fair price are all positives. The space for a total of three SSDs is also decent and impressive. While the included SSD at least comes from the brand manufacturer Crucial, the RAM comes from the company TWSC, which is unknown in this country.

Compared with earlier systems, GMKtec has the cooling much better under control. Unfortunately, however – as with many mini-PCs – the fan cannot be adjusted freely. The build quality could still be somewhat better in some places, especially since some manufacturers of significantly cheaper systems under 300 euros already use full aluminum cases. Overall, however, the Nucbox K12 gets a lot right, and its gaming performance is also pleasing. From us, the system receives a total of four and a half out of five stars.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) comes with hurdles or is not possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

Minisforum UM760 Slim from EUR 339.00

With the UM760 Slim, Minisforum offers a compact mini-PC with a Ryzen 5 7640HS clocked at up to 5 GHz. The review shows whether the device, which now costs 739 euros, can impress.

Kai Schmerer from 18.02.2025 PROS

Good performance values

quiet operation

Power supply and image output via USB-C possible in parallel

HDMI port with better 2.1 standard CONS

Only one USB-C port

Only one Ethernet port

With the UM760 Slim, Minisforum offers a compact mini-PC with a Ryzen 5 7640HS clocked at up to 5 GHz. The review shows whether the device, which now costs 739 euros, can impress.

Minisforum is undoubtedly one of the established manufacturers of mini-PCs, as our numerous reviews demonstrate. With the UM760 Slim, the manufacturer offers a mini-PC equipped with a Ryzen 5 7640HS clocked at up to 5 GHz, 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. The UM760 Slim therefore cannot keep up with the high-performance solutions of the latest Ryzen 7 or Ryzen AI generation, but for use as an office PC the performance of the six-core chip should still be more than sufficient. Our review shows whether the UM760 Slim, available for around 739 euros, is optimally suited for this.

Update (November 7, 2026): The UM760 Slim has now become considerably more expensive. Instead of the 560 euros last charged, the mini-PC currently costs 739 euros. It thus loses part of its previous price-performance appeal. With HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and USB4, the UM760 Slim can drive up to three monitors at 4K resolution with up to 120/140/240 Hz. If a monitor connected via USB-C provides 90 watts of power, it can even take over the mini-PC's power supply. heise bestenlisten

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum UM760 Slim offer?

The mini-PC comes with a Ryzen 5 7640HS, which not only offers a high turbo clock of up to 5 GHz but also a fast base clock of 4.3 GHz. The six-core processor is accompanied by 16 GB of DDR4-4800 RAM and a fast NVMe SSD with 1 TB of storage space. In the test, the latter delivers a read/write performance of around 4600 MB/s with CrystalDiskMark. The maximum memory expansion can be up to 96 GB with DDR5-5600. To achieve this, however, the two SO-DIMM modules must be replaced. A second M.2 NVMe slot is available for expanding storage capacity. Both M.2 slots are cooled by cooling plates with thermal pads integrated into the lower case cover.

The available ports are a mix of surprise and disappointment. For instance, the mini-PC offers only one USB-C port. This is located on the rear and supports USB 4.0 including DisplayPort 2.0 Alt Mode. But that is not all, because as one of the few mini-PCs we have tested, the same USB-C port also simultaneously supports PD-in, meaning it can output video and draw power at the same time – an absolute rarity. Most other mini-PCs with USB-C can either only output video or only draw power. Even USB-C-only power supply is a rarity, since even in 2025 the vast majority still rely on DC barrel connectors for power.

By contrast, the UM760 Slim can be powered by an active docking station (best list) or a suitably equipped monitor while simultaneously transmitting video – via a single port. In the test, this worked flawlessly with the Samsung ViewFinity S60UD. This lets you save on connecting the included 120-watt power supply.

In general, however, a second USB-C port would be desirable, since additional USB devices beyond the ports available on the mini-PC can only be connected via a dock. Otherwise, in terms of USB interfaces, you have to make do with the two USB 2.0 ports on the rear and the two USB 3.2 Gen 2 slots on the front – that is somewhat meager. In addition, on the left side there is the power button, which is backlit by a blue LED when the mini-PC is switched on. On the right side there is also an audio jack and, to its right, a recessed push button for resetting the CMOS. Images: Minisforum UM760 Slim Minisforum UM760 Slim: Ryzen 5 7640HS with 4.3 GHz base and 5 GHz turbo clock, 6 cores, 12 threads

heise bestenlisten Minisforum UM760 Slim: EFI

heise bestenlisten Minisforum UM760 Slim: Boot menu

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heise bestenlisten Minisforum UM760 Slim: Benchmarks

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heise bestenlisten Minisforum UM760 Slim: Benchmarks

heise bestenlisten Minisforum UM760 Slim: The maximum power consumption is just under 90 watts. In standby it is under 1 watt, and in normal office operation it is usually between 24 and about 45 watts. With an idle desktop, less than 9 watts are drawn from the outlet.

heise bestenlisten

On the rear there is also a modern HDMI 2.1 and a DisplayPort 1.4 port. Overall, the UM760 Slim can thus drive three monitors, with refresh rates of 120 Hz (HDMI), 144 Hz (DP) and 240 Hz (USB4) supported at 4K resolution. With 8K monitors, the maximum refresh rate is 60 Hz. Many devices usually still rely on the older HDMI 2.0 standard, so HDMI 2.1 is quite remarkable – especially for a system under 420 euros.

In addition, the mini-PC offers a 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet port on the rear, which is driven by the Realtek RTL8125 network chip – but there is no second one, which means the mini-PC cannot be used as a firewall appliance without additional work.

For wireless interfaces, the UM760 Slim relies on a MediaTek MT7902, which offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The mini-PC thus has reasonably current wireless interfaces; especially in this price range, these somewhat older standards are still good. In comparably priced mini-PCs, by contrast, there is often only Wi-Fi 5 – in this respect, the UM760 Slim is among the better models here.

The scope of delivery also includes an HDMI cable and an adapter plate so that the UM760 Slim can be mounted on a wall or a VESA monitor arm. With scores around 7000 points in PCMark 10, the UM760 Slim even outperforms mini-PCs with older Ryzen 7 processors such as the 5800U, which offers two more computing cores. heise bestenlisten

Performance: How fast is the UM760 Slim?

The UM760 Slim with its fast six-core Ryzen 5 7640HS shows that more computing cores do not always ensure higher performance. In the test, the mini-PC achieves around 7000 points in PCMark, while, for example, the Nipogi AM06 Pro (bestenliste) with the 8-core Ryzen 7 5800U processor reaches less than 6000 points.

Pure CPU performance is also strong, with 739 points (Nipogi: 502) in the multi-core and 104 points (Nipogi: 85) in the single-core benchmark in Cinebench R24. Geekbench 6 attests 2608 points (Nipogi: 1933) in single-core and 10795 points (Nipogi: 6928) in multi-core, as well as 23368 (Nipogi: 16682) points in the graphics benchmark (see also image gallery).

In 3DMark Time Spy, too, the UM760 Slim clearly beats the Nipogi AM06 Pro in the test, with 2575 points versus 1287 points. The CPU score is 8006 points and that of the integrated graphics unit is exactly 2300 points. The UM760 Slim thus does not achieve the 3D performance offered by mini-PCs with Ryzen 9 and Radeon 780M iGPU, such as the Minisforum UM890 Pro (bestenliste) with 3430 points. No wonder: after all, with 12 GPU units clocked at 2800 MHz, these offer more potential than the Radeon 760M graphics solution built into the Ryzen 5 7640HS with 8 graphics cores and 2600 MHz. So the UM760 Slim is not a gaming miracle. Anyone who wants to play current 3D games reasonably smoothly should therefore go for a processor with Radeon 780M or better.

Over Wi-Fi, the mini-PC achieves throughput rates of 543 Mbit/s in download and 888 Mbit/s in upload in the 5 GHz band, and 72 Mbit/s in download and 86 Mbit/s in upload in the 2.4 GHz network (see also image gallery). Minisforum UM760 Slim: The maximum power consumption is just under 90 watts. In standby it is under 1 watt, and in normal office operation it is usually between 24 and about 45 watts. With an idle desktop, less than 9 watts are drawn from the outlet. heise bestenlisten

Fan: How loud is the UM760 Slim and how high is the power consumption?

In normal office operation, the UM760 Slim is barely audible at about 30 dB. The CPU temperature is between 35° and 50° Celsius. Only at maximum load do the integrated fans become noticeable at 42 dB(A). You can hear them then, but first, the noise is not particularly loud and second, it is not annoying, unlike, for example, with the H56 mini-PC. At maximum load, the temperature is at most 85° Celsius and is thus well below the specification of 100° Celsius. The cooling system therefore works quietly and efficiently. Unlike with some cheap mini-PCs, the power supply unit also makes no noise.

Fan control with tools such as Fan Control is not possible. Unfortunately, reading the fan speed with tools such as AIDA64 (Heise Download) also does not work. These are only visible in the BIOS. The BIOS also does not offer any optimization of fan control.

With an idle desktop, the UM760 Slim draws a power consumption of just under 9 watts. When browsers and office programs are in use, power consumption rises to about 24 to 45 watts, and at maximum load with Prime95 (Heise Download) or the Stability Test from AIDA64 (Heise Download), it is just under 90 watts.

Which operating systems does the UM760 Slim mini-PC work with?

The Minisforum UM760 Slim ships with Windows 11 Pro. Our test device had version 23H2 preinstalled. Because the lengthy Windows update to version 24H2 takes too long for us, we simply reinstall the current Windows version. Most of the hardware is detected in the process. However, we have to install the AMD drivers for chipset, graphics and ACP bus as well as for the MediaTek MT7902 Wi-Fi chip so that all yellow exclamation marks in Device Manager disappear. Anyone who does not want to search for the drivers individually can download them all from Minisforum. Since, as usual, the license key is stored in the EFI, Windows activates automatically.

Linux has fewer problems with hardware detection and supports almost all components right away. Unfortunately, there is currently no working driver for MediaTek's MT7902 Wi-Fi chip, so you have to use a different variant. The MediaTek model MT7922 and the Intel AX210, by contrast, work right away*.

In the test with Tuxedo OS, standby mode also works without problems. Benchmarks also run flawlessly, although performance, for example with Geekbench, is somewhat higher than under Windows. And Blender also delivers higher performance values than under Windows (see also image gallery). With Linux in the form of Tuxedo OS based on Ubuntu 24.04, the Minisforum UM760 Slim works perfectly. Unlike under Windows, manual driver installation is not necessary. heise bestenlisten

Design: How is the build quality of the UM760 Slim?

The plastic case, with dimensions of 13 × 12.7 × 5.4 cm, is typically compact for a mini PC. It has air vents on the sides, back and bottom. The black case is somewhat prone to fingerprints, but you only notice them if you look very closely. At 600 grams, the mini PC is not one of the lightweights, which is probably due to the massive CPU heatsink. Overall, the build quality is excellent: the case is sturdy, the ports sit almost flush and are easy to access.

Price: How much does the Minisforum UM760 Slim cost?

The Minisforum UM760 Slim has a regular price of 449 euros, but has since become significantly more expensive and currently costs 739 euros at Amazon. The background is likely still the cost explosion for DDR5 memory. Minisforum does not offer a barebone version of the UM760 Slim.

Verdict

The Minisforum UM760 Slim at just under 739 euros impresses in the test with good performance figures, quiet operation and the ability to be powered via a suitable monitor. It is therefore suitable for users looking for a compact and quiet mini PC for typical office and multimedia applications. We liked less that the UM760 Slim only offers one USB-C port and one network port each. All the more practical, however, is that this very USB-C port can not only output video but also draw power at the same time. That is an absolute rarity on the market and enormously practical for many users who own a monitor with power output or an active docking station. Anyone who can do without a second USB-C port will make a good choice with the UM760 Slim.

*Note 27.2.2025: Contrary to what was previously described in the article, not all components work under Linux. There is currently no working driver for MediaTek's MT7902 Wi-Fi chip. We apologize for the error.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or is not possible. We link to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

Geekom A7 Max from 859.99 EUR

The Geekom A7 Max is a strong mini PC with Ryzen 9 7940HS, USB-C power input and top-notch equipment.

David Bettger, 04.03.2026 PROS

quiet operation

two 2.5-gigabit LAN ports

two USB4 ports, also with PD-in CONS

only 16 GB RAM

high price

Powerful & quiet mini PC with Ryzen 9, 2x LAN and 2x USB4: Geekom A7 Max review

The Geekom A7 Max is a strong mini PC with Ryzen 9 7940HS, USB-C power input and top-notch equipment.

The Geekom A7 Max is the larger but, in terms of performance, almost unchanged brother of the Geekom A7 (review). Both rely on the Ryzen 9 7940HS, although the new Max variant offers a significantly larger case and more ports. However, the 2026 version of the regular A7 has meanwhile been downgraded to the weaker Ryzen 5 7535, which means the A7 Max can almost be seen as a replacement for the A7 we tested. Due to the currently difficult market situation, RAM and SSD are limited to 16 GB and 1 TB. A first highlight is the power input (PD-in) via USB-C. Our test shows whether it is worth buying. The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Update (November 7, 2026): The Geekom A7 Max currently costs 699 euros and is therefore still cheaper than at the time of testing on March 4, 2026. However, at 659 euros, the Minisforum UM870 Slim is the more attractively priced alternative.

Specifications: What hardware does the Geekom A7 Max offer?

The Geekom A7 Max delivers plenty of performance with the AMD Ryzen 9 7940 HS. Thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading), the eight-core chip offers 16 threads at a base clock of 4 GHz and up to 5.2 GHz on a single core at peak. The SoC uses the Zen4 architecture, without any kind of special efficiency cores, and is manufactured in the 4 nm process. The TDP is specified at 35 W, but Geekom can influence this with the cooling solution and accordingly extract more performance from the chip – however, there is no specific value for the A7 Max.

The Radeon 780M is integrated as the graphics unit, equipped with 12 CUs (Compute Units) and clocked at up to 2800 MHz. While this is far from making it a replacement for gaming graphics cards, it is still a strong and, above all, efficient GPU for all everyday tasks such as office work or image editing. As an AI accelerator, even though the CPU was introduced back in 2023, an NPU based on Xilinx's XDNA architecture with up to 10 TOPS (tera operations/s) is already used. Geekom A7 Max – RAM heise bestenlisten

Unfortunately, and understandably given the current RAM crisis, Geekom cuts corners on RAM. There is only 16 GB in the DDR5 standard with a transfer rate of 5600 MT/s (megatransfers/s). The memory comes in the form of an LPDDR5 module from Crucial – so the advantages of dual-channel are only fully exploited with an upgrade to 32 GB. Especially because the system relies heavily on the integrated graphics unit and this shares the RAM, 16 GB under Windows is, in our view, the absolute minimum. Officially, the RAM can only be upgraded to 64 GB, but our test kit from Corsair with 96 GB from two modules at also 5600 MT/s works without any problems.

As for system storage, there is 1 TB with an M.2 NVMe SSD in the 2280 form factor from "Wodposit". This transfers data via PCIe 4.0x4 and thus achieves speeds of 7077 MB/s in reading and 6181 MB/s in writing in Crystaldiskmark. The M.2 SSD slot officially supports drives up to a capacity of 2 TB. There are no further slots, despite the large case.

When it comes to ports, the A7 Max has a lot to offer. Up to four monitors can be connected, two of them via USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort alt mode and two via HDMI 2.0. One of the USB4 ports also supports PD-in, so the mini-PC can be powered via it. While this is absolutely standard on laptops, it is still a rarity on mini-PCs and thus a real highlight. Otherwise, power is supplied as usual via the included 120 W power supply with a DC barrel connector. In addition, the A7 Max has two LAN ports with 2.5 Gigabit.

For wireless connectivity, the A7 Max uses Wifi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 – not the very latest, but still more than sufficient for many years. The Realtek RTL8125 Gaming 2.5 GbE chipset is used for Ethernet and the Mediatek MT7922 for the wireless interfaces.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom A7 Max?

In the productivity benchmark PCmark 10, the Ryzen 9 7940HS performs solidly but remains behind the more modern classic Ryzen 7 8745HS or 8745H, for example in the Minisforum UM870 Slim. On average, we measure 7201 points with the version 1 workflow and an average of 8263 points in the new version 2 of the workflow (870 Slim: 7480 points in workflow V1).

In the gaming benchmark 3Dmark Time Spy, the mini-PC receives a score of 1925 points, composed of 8898 CPU points and a very meager 1692 graphics points. The more modern Ryzen 7 8745 has the edge here, especially in graphics – despite the same Radeon 780M graphics unit. Geekbench 6 awards 2629 points for single-core and 10,155 points for multi-core performance, and here too there is a very clear deficit compared to the more modern eight-core 8745H. In the OpenCL benchmark, the graphics only manages 27,142 points, putting it just under 4000 points behind the competition from Minisforum. Finally, in Cinebench R24, the CPU scores 102 points in single-core and 856 points in multi-core. Geekom A7 Max – photo gallery Geekom A7 Max – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Geekom A7 Max – photo gallery

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Although the system is not primarily designed for gaming, we test our usual games: Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines 2. We play both in Full HD resolution.

In Anno, we load our advanced endless game with a city of 50,000 inhabitants and first use the low presets with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) enabled in "Balanced" mode. This gives us a smooth 47 FPS on average, without major drops. With the "Medium" graphics preset and FSR in "Balanced" mode, it is still 35 FPS, which is still good enough for a strategy game of this kind. Only with high graphics settings and FSR in "Balanced" mode does the system reach its limits with just 22 FPS. RAM usage is also at 96 percent – so a few programs in the background can already cause problems here.

Cities Skylines 2 is far worse optimized and more power-hungry. Here we play our still young endless game with just under 12,000 inhabitants. We first choose the very low graphics settings and thus also "constant" for dynamic resolution scaling. This gives only 14 FPS, making the game barely playable and also looking bad. With low settings it is 11 FPS and with medium settings then 7 FPS. For this game, the mini-PC is primarily limited by its graphics, with CPU usage at 10 to 25 percent.

Although the system has an NPU, unfortunately we cannot provide benchmark results for it. This is because our benchmark Procyon simply does not recognize the NPU, despite the latest AMD drivers. Since the NPU mainly operates in the background and is only actively used by the user in special cases, results are likely to be less interesting and performance differences in everyday use are unlikely to be noticeably large.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Geekom A7 Max?

When idle, the system consumes 7 to 12 W. At full system load, consumption rises to up to 92 W, then first drops to 80 W and subsequently to a sustained 69 W. The clock rates are at a maximum of 4.5 GHz, then only 4.0 GHz, and afterward a constant 3.7 GHz. The GPU clocks at a maximum of 2.37 GHz and over longer periods at a constant 2.0 GHz. Consumption is typical here, although modern systems simply achieve higher performance at these consumption levels.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom A7 Max?

Without load, the mini-PC is silent and the fan is stopped or only spinning very slowly. Under full load, however, it picks up speed, and we measure up to 34 dB(A) directly at the case and 20 dB(A) at a distance of one meter with a smartphone. Even so, the system is surprisingly quiet—especially given the performance. Geekom A7 Max – heat distribution on the case heise bestenlisten

The temperature also remains completely within range: under prolonged full load, we measure a maximum of 79 degrees for the CPU and 67 degrees for the GPU. These are very good values; with the smaller version of this metal case from Geekom, we have already seen major negative surprises. The mini-PC apparently compensates for the somewhat lower performance with low operating noise and temperatures.

In the BIOS there is a setting for the performance mode, which also indirectly influences the fan profile. The values "Quiet", "Normal" and "Performance" are available, with "Normal" set by default.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Geekom A7 Max?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Geekom A7 Max. A full virus scan with Windows Defender also comes back clean on this mini-PC.

The system also does without any bloatware except for the Microsoft apps and services.

To install Linux, specifically Ubuntu 24.04.3, we first have to enter the BIOS via the extended Start menu of Windows. There we disable Secure Boot and boot from our USB stick with Ventoy, from which we start Ubuntu. Once in Ubuntu, we immediately see that the screen resolution has been detected correctly. Furthermore, audio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ethernet work without problems. Wake-up also works right away, which means the device is very well suited for use with Linux.

Case: How is the build quality of the Geekom A7 Max?

The case of the Geekom A7 Max measures 135 × 133 × 45.9 mm and is made almost entirely of metal. Only on the underside is there a plastic cover. On the sides, the case has openings for better air exchange, and the warm exhaust air is expelled at the rear. The build quality is flawless and the device makes a high-quality impression. Every port is clearly labeled with logos and/or possible speed, which makes everyday use even easier. Geekom A7 Max – opened case heise bestenlisten

To open the case, we remove the four rubber feet on the underside from their anchors and loosen the Phillips screws underneath. We can then remove the cover and see a metal plate with antennas for wireless communication. This intermediate plate is again secured with four screws, but when removing it we must be very careful not to pull on the very short cables. Otherwise, the connectors on the PCIe card may come loose unintentionally, which can also lead to a defect.

We consider this case design to be very maintenance-unfriendly, and most other manufacturers make it much easier for the user to service the components. Only then do we have access to the RAM and the M.2 slot. For example, to clean the CPU fan, we have to remove the entire motherboard from the case.

Price: How much does the Geekom A7 Max cost?

The Geekom A7 Max with 32 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD currently costs 699 euros. At the time of testing on March 4, 2026, the price was still higher at 769 euros.

Conclusion

The Geekom A7 Max is an all-around solid mini-PC. With two USB4 Type-C ports, two 2.5-gigabit Ethernet ports and numerous USB-A ports, it offers very good connectivity. It is also not excessively loud or hot even under full load. However, in terms of performance, especially against the more modern standard chip Ryzen 7 8745HS or 8745H, it is clearly inferior—and that in the same price segment. The A7 Max does additionally offer power input via USB-C, but we have already seen that on its likely biggest competitor, the Minisforum UM870 Slim.

At the price of 769 euros at the time of testing on March 4, 2026, the A7 Max was simply too expensive from our point of view. Here the Minisforum UM870 Slim was simply the better choice. In the meantime, however, the Geekom A7 Max has dropped to 699 euros.

Minisforum M1 Pro from EUR 1,199.00

The Minisforum M1 Pro is a strong mini-PC with an Intel CPU. It also offers Oculink, two USB4 ports, one of which has PD-in, and a built-in speaker.

David Bettger from 11/03/2025 PROS

Power input via USB-C possible

enormously quiet

Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 CONS

only three USB-A

only one Ethernet port

The Minisforum M1 Pro is a strong mini-PC with an Intel CPU. It also offers Oculink, two USB4 ports, one of which has PD-in, and a built-in speaker.

Minisforum has done it again: the M1 Pro is an excellently equipped mini-PC with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H — and yet it remains silent in our test. We have seen this before, for example with the Minisforum UM890 Pro (review), which stayed absolutely quiet despite its brute performance. Alongside Geekom, Minisforum is one of the best-known mini-PC manufacturers and has often impressed with strong prices and many additional features, such as power input via USB-C. Our system is, in a sense, the new variant of the M1 Pro-125H, meaning the premium configuration with top performance. The system is rounded off by 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. Whether the mini-PC can compete in the top segment at what is now a significantly increased price of 1,439 euros for the fully equipped variant is what our test shows.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Update (November 7, 2026): Rising memory prices have not spared the M1 Pro either. The tested variant with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD now costs 1,439 euros — a full 380 euros more than at the time of testing.

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum M1 Pro offer?

As one might already guess, the Minisforum M1 Pro-285H is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H. In addition to Intel's big.Little architecture, this 16-core chip now also relies on a chiplet design. The SoC has 6 performance cores (Lion Cove), which deliver the architecture's maximum performance at up to 5.4 GHz. The 8 smaller efficiency cores clock at 4.5 GHz and are based on the older Skylake architecture. There are also two low-power efficiency cores at up to 2.5 GHz, which are likewise based on Skylake. The 16 cores do not support hyperthreading and have access to 24 MB of cache. The chip is specified with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 W.

The integrated graphics unit goes by the name Arc 140T and is supposed to significantly reduce the performance deficit compared with AMD's competition. To this end, the iGPU has eight cores that can clock at up to 2.35 GHz.

The integrated NPU is rather weak at 13 TOPS. However, because support from most programs is still largely lacking, this is not too great a loss at present. Overall, the system offers up to 99 TOPS of AI performance.

The rest of the equipment includes 32 GB of RAM in the form of two SO-DIMM modules in the DDR5 standard. The transfer rate of the Adata modules is the usual 5600 MT/s. According to the manufacturer, the RAM can be upgraded to a total capacity of 128 GB at 6400 MT/s. The CPU's memory controller officially even supports up to 192 GB at 6400 MT/s for SO-DIMM modules. We were able to use our 96 GB kit from Corsair at 5600 MT/s without any problems; more capacity was not available to us at the time of testing. Minisforum M1 Pro: RAM & SSD heise best lists

For storage, there is an M.2 SSD in the 2280 form factor with 1 TB capacity. It is connected via PCIe 4.0 by Kingston and is therefore extremely fast. With CrystalDiskMark we measure 6120 MB/s for reading and 5265 MB/s for writing. There is also another, still free M.2 slot in the 2280 form factor. The manufacturer does not state the maximum supported capacity; 4 TB per slot is typical.

The mini-PC has two USB4 Type-C ports, though only the one on the back supports power input up to 100 W. Via DisplayPort alt mode (DP 1.4a), this provides a transfer rate of up to 32 Gbit/s for monitors. The entire USB interface transfers at a maximum of 40 GB/s. There is also a modern HDMI 2.1 port and an older DisplayPort 1.4 port. For communication with external graphics cards, with which the mini-PC can be upgraded into a gaming or workstation PC, there is also one Oculink port. However, classic USB-A ports are scarce; there are now only three in total. The single RJ45 Ethernet port communicates via the Intel I226-V chipset at a maximum of 2.5 Gigabit. Wirelessly, the mini-PC operates with the very current Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards. Communication is handled by the BE200 chipset, also from Intel.

The mini-PC also comes with a rare feature: a built-in speaker. The quality reminds us of a speaker integrated into a monitor, which tends to be quiet. We would describe the playback quality as okay; the speaker is sufficient for outputting notification sounds. But it is definitely not a replacement for headphones or proper sound systems.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum M1 Pro?

In recent years, Intel was unable to keep up with AMD in the mobile sector, both in terms of price and performance. With the Ultra 200 series, Intel was at least able to overtake the competition from AMD in the benchmarks, as our test of the Geekom Mini IT15 (review) shows. However, with the previous Intel Ultra 100 generation, it was noticeable that a good benchmark result does not necessarily mean a good gaming result.

In PCmark 10, the system achieves an average of 8097 points – an excellent result, but over 200 points behind the Geekom IT 15. The 4100 points in 3Dmark Time Spy, composed of 11,114 CPU and 3690 graphics points, are also at a top level. The IT15 scores 100 points more, but only thanks to stronger graphics. The CPU score is even slightly weaker (10,056 points). Cinebench R24 certifies 128 points in single-core and 981 points in multi-core for the system (IT15: 126 and 860 points). This confirms the initial observation of slightly stronger CPU performance in the M1 Pro. Finally, in the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, the system reaches 2980 points in single-core and 15,115 points in multi-core. The integrated OpenCL graphics benchmark awards 41,087 points. Minisforum M1 Pro – photo gallery Minisforum M1 Pro – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Minisforum M1 Pro – photo gallery

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But now to the actual performance in our game tests. We play Anno 1800 in Full HD at high settings and initially with FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) disabled. In our advanced endless game, when looking at the metropolis of 50,000 inhabitants, we get an average of 22 FPS. Everything therefore feels very jerky, and our actions are executed only with a noticeable delay. If we enable FSR in "Performance" mode, we get an average of 47 FPS at high settings. However, this hardly improves the stuttering.

We also play Cities Skylines in Full HD. The game is a bit more power-hungry, which is why we choose medium settings with dynamic resolution scaling. With our save game of 11,000 inhabitants, we get an average of 14 FPS. If we turn the settings down to the low preset, it is 22 FPS, and at "very low" finally 30 FPS. It is therefore only poorly playable and the graphics are unbearable. So this system shows that Intel is on the right track to becoming competitive again. However, the mini-PC is really suitable for gaming only with "light" titles like Anno 1800.

AI: How well do local LLMs run?

As usual for modern, high-performance mini-PCs, this one also advertises AI. The system has an NPU, which is actually used by almost no programs. To do justice to the AI features, we ran local LLMs (Large Language Models) with LM Studio on the system. Currently, the program also cannot use the computing power of the NPUs. Instead, the computation takes place primarily on the graphics unit and, if necessary, also on the CPU. We use the MoE model (Mixture of Experts) gpt-oss-20b from OpenAI. It can be loaded completely into the graphics memory and processed by the GPU. To our prompt "Write me an exciting story with at least 1000 words," the system responds with 15.47 tokens/s. The story ends up being just under 1200 words long; we disregard the quality in this case.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Minisforum M1 Pro?

At idle, the mini-PC consumes an average of 15 watts. Under full load, consumption then initially rises to up to 78 watts. The average clock rate across all CPU cores is 3.2 GHz. Only after just under 2 minutes does the average clock rate drop to 2.8 GHz. Consumption then averages 70 watts. In the further course, both clock rate and consumption remain approximately constant. The system passes the stress test in Aida64 without any further anomalies.

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum M1 Pro? Minisforum M1 Pro: heat distribution on the case heise bestenlisten

Under load, the fan remains surprisingly quiet without the CPU overheating. In the stress test, we measure a maximum CPU temperature of 82 degrees and a GPU temperature of 70 degrees. Both are good values, especially for mobile processors, which generally tend to higher temperatures. The astonishing thing: with a smartphone, we measure only 26 dB(A) at the case and 20 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. The ambient noise level is 17 dB(A). The system is therefore extremely quiet; similarly powerful mini-PCs readily exceed the 30 dB mark. As usual for Minisforum, the BIOS offers an enormous number of settings, including fan and very detailed performance modes.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Minisforum M1 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Minisforum M1 Pro. A full virus scan with Windows Defender remains without findings. Minisforum M1 Pro: clearly arranged BIOS heise bestenlisten

The system also does without any bloatware except for the Microsoft apps and services. Linux, which we tested using Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS as an example, also works without problems on the M1 Pro. During boot, the correct display resolution is found directly, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also ready. The built-in speaker is also correctly detected and controlled, and even waking from sleep mode is no problem – it doesn't get any better than this.

Case: How is the build quality of the Minisforum M1 Pro?

Visually, the light gray case of the M1 Pro strongly recalls Geekom's A9 Max and GT1 Mega mini-PCs. However, the M1 Pro differs with external dimensions of 128 × 126 × 59 mm. Its weight is 657 g. On the sides, the case has a large mesh front for air exchange. The top is adorned only by the manufacturer's lettering. On the back there is a bit of plastic, which houses the numerous ports. The bottom plate is also made of plastic. The build quality is flawless throughout, as one would expect for a mini-PC in this price range. Minisforum M1 Pro: Opened case with bottom plate and screws heise bestenlisten

On the underside there are four long Phillips screws. After loosening these, the cover must be carefully pried off – there are no fewer than two cables connecting the mainboard and the bottom plate. After the plate is removed, you get access to the RAM, both M.2 slots, the Wi-Fi module and the CMOS battery. Unfortunately, the entire mainboard can only be taken out if you first detach both antenna cables from the Wi-Fi module – the annoying thing is that precisely these connectors are very irritating to detach and at the same time sensitive.

Price: What does the Minisforum M1 Pro cost?

At the time of the test, we search the manufacturer's website for the Minisforum M1 Pro-285H in vain. The variant of the Minisforum M1 Pro-285H we tested, with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD, currently costs 1439 euros on Amazon. This makes the mini-PC significantly more expensive than at the time of the test. The barebone variant is currently not available.

Conclusion

The M1 Pro is an enormously powerful premium mini-PC. It also offers modern and diverse ports with USB4 Type C, Oculink and Wi-Fi 7. RAM and SSD are in no way inferior to the competition either. With its price, which has now risen to 1439 euros, the M1 Pro is definitely not a bargain. Anyone who can do without a little performance is usually better off in terms of price-performance ratio in the 500 to 900 euro range. In return, the M1 Pro offers among the best performance and one of the best equipment packages currently available.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or is not possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

VZMore AX9 Max

The Vzmore AX9 Max combines the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 with a strong iGPU, modern equipment and efficient cooling. In the test, much convinces, but not everything.

Jonas Bettger from 07.11.2026 PROS

strong CPU and graphics performance thanks to dual-channel RAM

stable sustained performance without thermal throttling

high-quality metal case

two USB4 ports, one with PD-in

two 2.5 Gbit/s LAN ports, Wi-Fi 7 CONS

fan hums at low frequency under load, amplified on a desk or shelf

very cumbersome maintenance, fan reachable only by removing the mainboard

no Bluetooth under Linux

no Oculink, no USB-C on the front

high price, only one configuration variant

Mini-PC VZMore AX9 Max in review: Who is the expensive Ryzen AI 9 machine worth it for?

The Vzmore AX9 Max combines the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 with a strong iGPU, modern equipment and efficient cooling. In the test, much convinces, but not everything.

Vzmore is a new name in the mini-PC market. The brand is backed by Vzmore Limited, based in Hong Kong. According to the manufacturer, concept and quality assurance are under German management. Development and production run jointly with teams in Taiwan. Vzmore presented its first devices at IFA 2026.

The AX9 Max contains the same Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 as the Minisforum AI X1 470 (review). Unlike Minisforum, however, Vzmore populates both RAM slots. The Radeon 890M therefore shows what it can do. It delivers the best graphics performance of all mini-PCs with this graphics unit that we have tested so far. Add to that a vapor chamber that maintains performance for hours without throttling, two 2.5 Gbit/s LAN ports and two USB4 ports, one of them with power supply via USB-C. But the package also has drawbacks: the fan hums at low frequency under load, maintenance is cumbersome and Oculink for external graphics cards is missing.

The AX9 Max costs 1449 euros on Amazon (select the discount coupon) and is available only with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD. There is no barebone version. The test clarifies whether the cooling keeps what it promises and how good the Radeon 890M actually is with dual-channel RAM. Vzmore provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Vzmore AX9 Max offer?

The Vzmore AX9 Max uses the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 from the Gorgon Point family. AMD introduced it in January 2026. It combines four Zen 5 cores with eight Zen 5c cores and processes 24 threads. The base clock is 2.0 GHz; in boost, Aida64 reads up to 5.25 GHz. It also has 12 MB L2 and 24 MB L3 cache. TSMC manufactures the chip on a 4 nm process. The standard TDP (Thermal Design Power) is 28 W, with a maximum of 54 W. The maximum operating temperature is 100 degrees Celsius. Technically, the HX 470 is a close relative of the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and HX 375, just with slightly higher clock rates. The Radeon 890M is based on RDNA 3.5 and offers 16 compute units at up to 3100 MHz.

The most important difference from the competition is in the RAM. Vzmore populates both SO-DIMM slots with 16 GB of DDR5 from Micron (Crucial CT16G56C46S5.C8D) each. The modules run at 5600 MT/s (megatransfers per second) with timings of 40-39-39-77. So the memory runs in dual-channel from the factory. In the Minisforum AI X1 470, by contrast, our test device had only a single 32 GB module. Of the 32 GB, around 28.3 GB is usable, because the system permanently reserves 4 GB for graphics. According to the manufacturer, the AX9 Max accepts up to 256 GB. We did not verify this.

The SSD is a Lexar NQ7A1 with 1 TB, connected via PCIe 4.0. CrystalDiskMark measures 6020 MB/s for reading and 5031 MB/s for writing. That is a very good result for PCIe 4.0. According to the manufacturer, the M.2 2280 slot accepts SSDs up to 4 TB, and a second M.2 2230 slot up to 1 TB. That allows up to 5 TB in total.

At the front there are four USB-A ports at 10 Gbit/s and a 3.5 mm headset jack. At the back there are two USB4 ports at 40 Gbit/s with DisplayPort 2.0 output, another USB-A port at 10 Gbit/s, one USB 2.0, two HDMI 2.1, two LAN ports at 2.5 Gbit/s and the power connector. The SD 4.0 card reader and the Kensington lock are on the side. One of the USB4 ports supports PD-in at up to 100 W. Otherwise, the mini-PC runs on the included 120 W power supply with a barrel connector. The AX9 Max can drive up to four monitors simultaneously. Oculink is missing, as is a USB-C port on the front.

Wireless connectivity is provided by a MediaTek MT7925 with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The two Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE controllers make it a basis for a firewall, software router or home server without additional hardware. A Realtek ALC269 handles audio.

Performance: How fast is the Vzmore AX9 Max?

We test PCmark 10 with both workflows, because the results from versions 1.x and 2.x are not comparable with each other. With workflow 1.x, the AX9 Max averages 8063 points, with outliers at 7985 and 8130 points. With workflow 2.x, it averages 9566 points, with outliers at 9358 and 9647 points. The Minisforum AI X1 470 with the same processor scored 7597 (V1) and 8833 points (V2), and the Geekom A9 Max with the HX 370 scored 7684 points (V1).

The biggest difference shows in 3Dmark Time Spy. There the AX9 Max scores 4351 points, of which 3931 are graphics and 11,047 CPU points. The AI X1 470 reached only 2321 points (graphics: 2053), and the Geekom A9 Max 3868 points (graphics: 3466). The AX9 Max even beats the Minisforum M1 Pro with Core Ultra 9 285H (4100 points). This confirms our suspicion: the single RAM module was holding back graphics performance in the AI X1 470.

In Cinebench 2024, the AX9 Max scores 122 points in the single-core and 1227 points in the multi-core test. That puts it ahead of the AI X1 470 (119 and 1120 points) and the Geekom A9 Max (1176 points in multi-core). In Geekbench 6.5 it reaches 2976 points in the single-core and 15,812 points in the multi-core test, and the OpenCL graphics test yields 43,127 points. The AI X1 470 came to 2906, 11,255 and 29,675 points. In the new Geekbench 7.1, the AX9 Max scores 2721 and 17,345 points as well as 33,337 OpenCL points. These values are not comparable with Geekbench 6. VZMore AX9 Max – photo gallery VZMore AX9 Max – photo gallery

heise best lists VZMore AX9 Max – photo gallery

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For games we test in Full HD. Anno 1800 runs in a city with 8555 inhabitants at the "High" preset without FSR (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) at 29 to 40 FPS (frames per second). With mostly medium details and FSR 1.0 in "Performance" mode, it is 58 to 62 FPS. Counter Strike 2 runs smoothly in Deathmatch on Dust II with high details and 4x MSAA at 69 to 80 FPS (AI X1 470: 43 FPS). The Witcher 3 achieves 33 FPS in Kaer Morhen at "High" and 47 to 50 FPS at "Medium", each with FSR set to "Automatic". Cities Skylines 2 is unplayable in our metropolis with 123,600 inhabitants at 11 FPS, regardless of whether details are high or low.

AI: How good is the NPU of the Vzmore AX9 Max?

The NPU (Neural Processing Unit) of the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 delivers up to 55 TOPS (trillion operations per second). Together with CPU and GPU, the system reaches 86 TOPS. That means the processor meets the hardware requirements for a Copilot+ PC. However, concrete applications for the NPU remain rare, and many programs do not address it.

In the Procyon AI Computer Vision Benchmark, the NPU with the AMD Ryzen AI 2.21.0 backend and integer calculations reaches 1884 and 1942 points. The Radeon 890M reaches 406 points via Windows ML with Float16. The AI X1 470 scored 1517 (NPU) and 267 points (GPU). Both runs use different data types and backends. The direct comparison therefore does not describe hardware performance alone. In the Procyon AI Image Generation with Stable Diffusion 1.5 (FP16, ONNX Runtime DirectML), the Radeon 890M scores 296 points at 21.1 seconds per image.

Local language models via LM Studio still use the GPU and CPU instead of the NPU. With 32 GB in dual-channel and 4 GB of permanently reserved graphics memory, the AX9 Max is suitable for compact models. For large language models, a dedicated graphics card remains the better choice. However, due to the lack of Oculink, the appropriate port is missing.

Power consumption: What is the power draw of the Vzmore AX9 Max?

At idle, the AX9 Max draws 7 W; with normal desktop use such as browsing in a browser, 15 to 20 W. Under full load, the entire system draws 92 to 94 W at the start, and after a few minutes it is a constant 79 W. The 120 W power supply is therefore sufficient.

In the combined stress test with Aida64, we load the CPU, FPU, cache, RAM and GPU for 7 hours and 37 minutes. The processor initially draws around 65 W at 3.48 GHz. After about two minutes, it reduces power to around 54 W, and the clock settles at about 3.3 GHz. After that, clock speed and power consumption do not drop any further until the end of the test. We measure in the as-delivered state with the Windows power plan "Balanced".

Fans: How loud is the Vzmore AX9 Max?

Cooling works excellently. In the endurance test, the CPU reaches a maximum of 77.1 degrees Celsius and then settles at 70 to 72 degrees Celsius. HWiNFO reports no thermal throttling. The reduction after two minutes is due to the regular power limit, not the temperature. On the outside of the case, we measure an unremarkable 42 degrees Celsius. VZMore AX9 Max – fan modes in the BIOS heise best lists

At idle, the AX9 Max is not noticeable at all, because the fan switches off completely there. Under load, we measure up to 39 dB(A) (A-weighted decibels) on the case. The AI X1 470 with the same processor reached at most 30 dB(A). The slight whirring hardly bothers, but a low-frequency hum does. It is not scratching or grinding, but a genuine humming noise. If the mini-PC stands on a table or shelf, the surface acts as a resonance body and significantly amplifies the hum. We have never experienced this in this form with any other mini-PC. The BIOS offers three fan modes: "Silent", "Normal" and "Performance".

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Vzmore AX9 Max?

Windows 11 Pro version 25H2 is preinstalled on the AX9 Max. There is no bloatware, and the full scan with Windows Defender finds no threats. A sticker above the LAN ports advises not giving Windows an internet connection during setup. This way, no updates download in the background that delay setup. We set up the system with a local account. The Aptio BIOS from AMI is an early version 0.13, so further updates are likely.

We reach the BIOS via the advanced recovery options of Windows. Secure Boot is disabled by default. Under the Ubuntu-based Zorin OS and under Fedora, resolution, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and audio work reliably, and waking from standby also works. Bluetooth, however, does not work under either distribution. That is surprising, because the same Mediatek MT7925 worked flawlessly under Ubuntu in the Minisforum AI X1 470.

Case: How is the build quality of the Vzmore AX9 Max?

Visually and technically, the AX9 Max strongly resembles the Geekom A9 Max (review). Both have almost the same footprint of 135 × 132 mm, only the AX9 Max is at 57.7 mm a good 1 cm taller. The ports, the Wi-Fi chip and the two M.2 formats also match. This points to a shared platform. The build quality is flawless, and the metal frame feels very high-quality. The mini-PC stands on a separate plastic base and weighs 780 g. A Vesa mount including mounting screws is included, and a Kensington lock is located on the side. Three stickers are attached to the device, one of them on the front above the power button.

As with the A9 Max, maintenance is cumbersome. The four rubber covers in the base sit flush and recessed; without a tool such as a flathead screwdriver, you cannot get them out. The four screws underneath loosen easily with a common bit. After that, the base unit has to be pried out of the metal frame using a plectrum or lever tool. In the test, this takes several minutes, because a magnet pulls loosened sides back again. Next comes an intermediate layer of mesh with four more screws. Only then are the RAM, both SSD slots, the Wi-Fi module and the CMOS battery exposed. Even to clean the fan, the mainboard has to come out. Other manufacturers solve this in a much more maintenance-friendly way.

Price: How much does the Vzmore AX9 Max cost?

The Vzmore AX9 Max costs 1549 euros on Amazon. There is currently a 100-euro coupon there that you only have to select. That brings the price down to 1449 euros. Vzmore also sells the mini-PC in its own shop, according to the manufacturer from a German shipping warehouse. Only the configuration with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD is available; there is no barebone version. Because of the cost explosion in DDR5 memory, the competitors have also become more expensive: the Minisforum AI X1 470 costs 1359 euros, the Geekom A9 Max 1614 euros.

Conclusion

The Vzmore AX9 Max shows what the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 is capable of when the manufacturer does not skimp on RAM. Thanks to dual-channel configuration, the Radeon 890M delivers the best graphics performance of all mini-PCs with this chip that we have tested so far. CPU performance is first-class, and cooling keeps it constant over hours without throttling. The metal case is flawlessly manufactured. The ports with two USB4, PD-in and two 2.5 Gbit/s LAN ports are convincing.

However, the weaknesses are clear. At idle the mini-PC remains silent, but under load the fan hums at low frequency, even amplified on a desk or shelf. Maintenance is unnecessarily cumbersome, Bluetooth does not work under Linux, and Oculink is missing. At 1449 euros (select the discount coupon), the AX9 Max is expensive. It is around 90 euros above the Minisforum AI X1 470. The latter does offer Oculink but delivers significantly weaker graphics performance. The closely related Geekom A9 Max costs even more at 1614 euros and is slower in Time Spy. Anyone who wants to make full use of the Radeon 890M is better off choosing the AX9 Max. Overall, it receives four out of five stars from us.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or may not be possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

Minisforum AI X1 470 from EUR 1,359.00

With the AI X1 470, Minisforum introduces another high-end mini-PC with very strong equipment and at the same time the successor to the X1 AI. We have tested it.

David Bettger from 01.08.2026 PROS

Oculink

two USB4, one with power input

microphone and speakers integrated

fan quiet under load CONS

expensive

comparatively weak graphics

only one RAM module installed at the factory

fan already active at idle

With the AI X1 470, Minisforum introduces another high-end mini-PC with very strong equipment and at the same time the successor to the X1 AI. We have tested it.

We recently already tested a Minisforum AI X1 (review), but only with the somewhat older Ryzen 7 255 H. The new model with the suffix "470" relies, as one might suspect, on the stronger and even more current Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 with Radeon 890M and NPU. This is intended to make the AI mini-PC even more powerful and also more efficient.

The rest of the equipment also fits the overall picture of an absolute high-end mini-PC: 32 GB RAM, two USB4, Oculink and Wifi 7. We have tested the mini-PC and show whether it is really worth its steep price of 1359 euros. The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum AI X1 470 offer?

The Minisforum AI X1 470 runs the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 from the Ryzen AI 400 series. The processor, manufactured using the 4 nm process, combines four Zen 5 cores with eight more compact Zen 5c cores and, with SMT, processes a total of 24 threads. The base clock is 2.0 GHz, and up to 5.2 GHz is possible in boost. The TDP can be set between 15 and 54 W in the system configurator.

The integrated Radeon 890M handles graphics. It is based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, offers 16 compute units and, according to AMD, reaches up to 3100 MHz. There is also an NPU with computing power of up to 55 TOPS. The entire system of CPU, GPU and NPU thus reaches up to 86 TOPS.

Our test device contains 32 GB of DDR5 RAM from Crucial at 5600 MT/s. Minisforum populates only one of the two SO-DIMM slots for this. Internally, Aida64 reports a quad-channel memory controller with 256 bits, but in the test device the memory operates in dual-channel mode with 128 bits. These figures refer to the internal organization of the memory controller and are not to be equated with a classic quad-channel configuration using four memory modules.

Officially, the mini-PC supports up to 64 GB of RAM. In testing, however, the system also works flawlessly with a total of 96 GB, spread across two 48 GB modules from Crucial at 5600 MT/s each. The AI X1 470 thus offers significantly more headroom than the manufacturer specifies.

A 1 TB Kingston SSD in the M.2 2280 format serves as the system drive. Minisforum connects it via four PCIe 4.0 lanes, and it reaches 6139 MB/s for sequential reads and 5334 MB/s for writes in CrystalDiskMark. It thus delivers performance appropriate for PCIe 4.0. A second M.2 2280 slot is available for another NVMe SSD. According to the manufacturer, each slot holds a maximum of 4 TB, allowing up to 8 TB in total. A small additional fan supplies fresh air to the RAM and both drives.

The mini-PC does not support PCIe 5.0 for NVMe drives. This is confirmed by an additional test with a 4 TB Crucial T700, which fundamentally supports PCIe 5.0 x4. In the AI X1 470 it reaches a maximum of 7126 MB/s for reads and 6987 MB/s for writes, remaining in the range of a fast PCIe 4.0 connection. According to AMD, the processor itself also provides only PCIe 4.0.

The connectivity package is extensive. It includes DisplayPort 2.0, HDMI 2.1 and two USB4 ports with DisplayPort alt mode. The USB4 port on the rear also offers the ability to accept input power, so the entire mini-PC can be powered via USB-C. Oculink is also available for external graphics cards or other PCIe hardware. The selection of classic USB ports, by contrast, is somewhat sparse: there are only three USB-A ports in total.

Wired network connections are handled by a Realtek RTL8125 Gaming with up to 2.5 Gbit/s. Wirelessly, the AI X1 470 communicates via Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Minisforum uses the MediaTek MT7925 for this, which is also relevant information for driver support under Linux.

A special feature is the integrated dual microphone and the built-in speaker. The latter sounds very flat and is primarily suitable for system and notification sounds. For music, films or games, an external audio solution is still recommended. The microphone generally delivers solid voice quality but picks up a lot of fan noise. It is sufficient for occasional conversations, but for longer video conferences or gaming sessions a headset (best list) is the better choice.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum AI X1 470?

In PCmark 10, the Minisforum AI X1 470 averages 7597 points with the version 1 workflow. With the newer V2 workflow, the result rises to an average of 8833 points. Because UL Solutions also changed the test methodology with the second workflow, the results of both versions cannot be compared directly. Compared with the smaller Minisforum AI X1 with Ryzen 7 H 255, the X1 470 variant performs better in both workflows. The model with Ryzen 7 had averaged 7168 (V1) or 8396 points (V2). In the older workflow, the AI X1 470 is thus nearly on par with the Minisforum UM890 Pro (review).

3Dmark Time Spy paints a different picture. There, the AI X1 470 achieves only 2321 points overall. Of that, 2053 points go to the Radeon 890M and 8962 points to the processor. This is disappointing, especially for the graphics unit, which is actually powerful. The older AI X1 with Radeon 780M reaches 3349 overall points and 2986 graphics points, and the UM890 Pro even 3437 and 3063 graphics points. Minisforum AI X1 470 – Performance heise best lists

In Geekbench 6, the mini-PC reaches 2906 points in the single-core and 11,255 points in the multi-core test. Add to that 29,675 points in the graphics test. Single-core performance is thus clearly ahead of the AI X1 with Ryzen 7 H 255 and the UM890 Pro, which reach 2599 and 2684 points respectively. In multi-core performance, the relationship reverses: the smaller AI X1 scored 13,086 and the UM890 Pro 13,587 points.

In Cinebench R24, the AI X1 470 scores 119 points in the single-core and 1120 points in the multi-core test. Here it is ahead of the AI X1 with 104 and 945 points in both disciplines. The new model also overtakes the UM890 Pro with 107 and 985 points. Minisforum AI X1 470 – picture gallery Minisforum AI X1 470 – picture gallery

heise best lists Minisforum AI X1 470 – picture gallery

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For demanding games, the Radeon 890M in the tested configuration is only of limited use. In Anno 1800, we measure an average of 32 FPS in Full HD and an advanced endless game with 50,000 inhabitants on the main island. For this we use the "High" graphics preset and FSR in "Performance" mode. With medium settings, the frame rate rises to 41 FPS. That is enough for a strategy game but is well below the up to 50 FPS that the smaller AI X1 with Radeon 780M achieves at high details.

Cities Skylines 2 largely overwhelms the integrated graphics. In our still relatively fresh save with just under 12,000 inhabitants, the system reaches an average of 8 FPS in Full HD with the "High" preset. With medium details it is 15 FPS, with low settings 17 FPS and with the "Very Low" preset a maximum of 19 FPS. Even with the lowest details, the building game does not really run smoothly.

In CS2, we get an average of 43 FPS at high presets, also in Full HD.

Overall, the AI X1 470 is eminently suited to office work, image editing and other CPU-heavy tasks. Gaming performance, by contrast, does not meet expectations for a Radeon 890M; despite the current driver, the figures here are extremely weak and even remain well behind the older Radeon 780M. The single SO-DIMM is likely to play a certain role here, since the CPU and integrated graphics unit share the memory.

We suspect a driver issue here, however, since the graphics chip works without problems in, for example, the Geekom A9 Max (review) with an older processor from the AI-300 series and delivered strong results. Oculink at least provides the option of connecting an external graphics card with high bandwidth.

AI: How good is the NPU of the Minisforum AI X1 470?

The NPU is one of the biggest differences between the AI X1 470 and the smaller AI X1 with Ryzen 7 H 255. While the older model has no active NPU, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 brings a dedicated AI accelerator. AMD rates its performance at up to 55 TOPS. This means the processor also meets the basic hardware requirements for a Copilot+ PC.

In the Procyon AI Computer Vision benchmark, the Radeon 890M achieves 267 points via Microsoft Windows ML and with FP16 calculations. The NPU, by contrast, achieves 1517 points with the AMD Ryzen AI backend and integer calculations. It therefore handles the computer vision tasks considerably more efficiently and achieves more than five times the GPU result. However, the direct numerical comparison does not describe hardware performance alone, since the two runs use different data types and backends.

In Procyon AI Image Generation Light, the Radeon 890M scores 1598 points. The test runs with FP16 via ONNX Runtime, DirectML and Olive 1.20.0. The integrated graphics handles the image generation. The NPU is less relevant for this kind of high, longer-sustained compute load and is better suited to efficiently executed background tasks such as image analysis, speech processing or operating system functions.

The AI X1 470 thus offers a significantly more modern AI setup than mini-PCs with Ryzen 7000 or Ryzen 8000. There is also plenty of memory available for compact local models and AI-supported applications, especially since the machine in the test also works stably with 96 GB. Very large language models or fast, professional image generation, however, remain the domain of dedicated graphics cards.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Minisforum AI X1 470?

At idle, the Minisforum AI X1 470 makes do with about 6 W. Under typical everyday use, power consumption rises to an average of around 15 W. For a mini-PC in this performance class, these are low values.

Under combined full load for CPU, RAM, GPU and SSD, power consumption briefly rises to up to 95 W. The system then initially draws a maximum of 88 W. The processor cores run at around 3.5 GHz, while the Radeon 890M reaches about 1.6 GHz. After just under four minutes, power consumption stabilizes at around 80 W. The CPU clock is then just under 3.3 GHz across all cores, and the GPU runs at about 1.5 GHz.

These values come from a two-and-a-half-hour stress test with Aida64. The system can therefore maintain its performance stably over a long period, but after the initial peak load it reduces both power consumption and clock rates. In the BIOS, three power profiles are available: "Silent", "Balance" and "Performance". Our measurements refer to the "Balance" profile, which is active at the factory. Minisforum AI X1 470 – power consumption heise best lists

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum AI X1 470?

The main fan of the Minisforum AI X1 470 runs continuously even at idle. Directly at the case, we measure around 23 dB(A). The mini-PC is therefore not silent, but remains very unobtrusive from a usual distance.

Under combined full load, the fan control shows a noticeable two-stage behavior. Directly at the case, the noise level rises to up to 30 dB(A) for around 20 seconds. It then drops to around 25 dB(A) for about 20 seconds before the cycle begins again. From a distance of one meter, we accordingly measure up to 22 dB(A) in the louder phase and around 20 dB(A) in the quieter phase.

In absolute terms, the mini-PC therefore remains quiet even under full load. Subjectively, however, the regular switching between the two fan levels is more noticeable than a steady noise. The integrated microphone also picks up the fan clearly, which can be disruptive during voice recordings and video conferences with insufficient noise suppression.

The cooling reliably keeps temperatures under control. During the two-and-a-half-hour stress test, the CPU reaches a maximum of 82.2 degrees. According to this, critical temperatures or a drastic drop in clock rates do not occur. In addition to the main fan, a smaller additional fan works for the RAM and the two SSD slots.

The BIOS allows both fans to be adjusted. In addition to the automatic mode that is active by default, "Smart Manual" and "Fix PWM" are available. With these, you can either set up your own temperature-dependent control or specify a fixed fan speed. Above all, the recurring ramping up and down under load should be reducible in this way.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Minisforum AI X1 470?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Minisforum AI X1 470. A full virus scan with Windows Defender remains without findings.

The system also does without any bloatware, with the exception of the Microsoft apps and services. Minisforum preinstalls a version of the AMD Radeon Software, but this is frozen at a specific, outdated version and cannot be updated. Instead, we installed the latest version from AMD. However, this also reveals that the NPU does not show a temperature value in Task Manager. Strange, but not too tragic, since in our tests we were at least apparently able to fully utilize the computing power without any problems.

We also test Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS by going into the BIOS via the extended start menu, disabling Secure Boot there, and adjusting the boot order. We then boot Ubuntu from our USB stick with Ventoy. Once there, everything works right away. The display is detected correctly, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LAN see the surrounding devices and connect without any issues, and the speaker also does what it should. The AI X1 can also be easily woken from sleep by pressing the power button.

Case: How is the build quality of the Minisforum AI X1 470?

The Minisforum AI X1 470 is flawlessly built. The light gray case is made of metal; only the bottom and rear of the device have plastic. Large mesh panels are incorporated into the sides and the bottom to supply the mini-PC with fresh air. It exhausts the waste air to the rear. The design is very understated and, as with all of Minisforum's high-end mini-PCs, is quite reminiscent of an Apple Mac Mini.

The case measures 128 × 126 × 52 mm and can be opened relatively easily. We only need to loosen four screws on the bottom and remove the cover. We should first remove all screws completely from their recesses, as otherwise they can easily get caught and make the process considerably more difficult. When removing the cover, we also pay attention to the two short cables for the fan and speaker so that we do not accidentally damage them. This gives us access to the RAM, SSD, CMOS battery and the Wi-Fi module.

However, to clean the main fan, for example, we would have to remove the entire board. To do this, however, you still have to disconnect the two antenna cables of the Wi-Fi module from the module itself, since their counterpart is firmly connected to the case and their short length leaves little room for maneuvering. With some care and patience, however, this too is possible for anyone.

Price: How much does the Minisforum AI X1 470 cost?

The Minisforum AI X1 470 is currently available both in the manufacturer's own online shop for 1,359 euros and on Amazon for likewise 1,359 euros, although "only" with 32 GB RAM. As a barebone, the mini-PC costs 759 euros from the manufacturer. On Amazon, the price is again identical at 759 euros.

Conclusion

The Minisforum AI X1 470 meets almost all requirements for its price and performance class. It shows its strengths especially in CPU performance and also works extremely efficiently. The equipment is also strong, with 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, Oculink, microphone, speaker and even two USB4 ports. The only reason to complain here is the RAM, which comes as a single module—good for upgrades, but lost potential in its initial state. Some might also wish for a second LAN port, but there is already 2.5 Gigabit here anyway.

However, the two biggest problems of the mini-PC are probably the fan and the graphics performance of the Radeon 890M. The fan is always active, which is simply annoying, even though it isn't even loud. Under load in particular, it is even surprisingly quiet, but in this performance class one can expect better for a true premium feel. The graphics are simply disappointing, so much so that we almost suspect a driver problem. Here we even fall very clearly behind the older Radeon 780M, which is now already available in mid-range mini-PCs. In other mini-PCs, such as the Geekom A9 Max (tested in early October 2025), there were no such problems—but there it was also the previous version of this processor.

We very much hope for a fixing update here. Anyone who needs graphics performance should not buy here on suspicion. As it is, the AI X1 470 in the tested state is simply too expensive from our point of view, especially considering its current, clear weaknesses—even if it is overall a first-class equipped mini-PC.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer pay less in many cases. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) comes with hurdles or is not possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

Asus Expert Center PN54 from EUR 1,619.00

The Asus Expert Center PN54 is a powerful mini-PC with premium extras and extremely good repairability: the case opens via a sliding button.

Jonas Bettger from 11.10.2025 PROS

good performance

extremely easy repair/maintenance

fingerprint sensor

very flat case CONS

very expensive

CPU sometimes over 95 degrees hot under load

Mini-PC Asus Expert Center PN54 review: Good performance, top repairability & flat

The Asus Expert Center PN54 is a powerful mini-PC with premium extras and extremely good repairability: the case opens via a sliding button.

Good repairability, a flat case and yet strong hardware: this is the path Asus takes with the Expert Center PN54. Alongside a current AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, it offers a full 32 GB of RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. There are also amenities such as an integrated fingerprint sensor. However, Asus has come up with special tricks for component maintenance. That, however, also comes at a price: a hefty 1619 euros is currently due for the system. How well the mini-PC performs, we show in the review.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Update (November 7, 2026): The already high price of the Expert Center PN54 has risen once again. Currently, the mini-PC costs 1619 euros instead of the 1562 euros last charged.

Equipment: What hardware does the Asus Expert Center PN54 offer?

Inside the Asus Expert Center PN54 works an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 introduced in January 2025 with eight cores and 16 threads. These are divided into four performance cores (Zen 5) with up to 5.0 GHz clock rate and four efficiency cores (Zen 5c) with a maximum of 3.5 GHz. The chip is manufactured using TSMC's 4 nm process and comes from the Krackan Point series. Its TDP is 28 W, the TDP in Turbo PL2 is 54 W and the maximum operating temperature is 100 degrees. An integrated Radeon 860M serves as the graphics unit. It has 8 graphics cores and clocks at a maximum of 3000 MHz.

The DDR5 RAM comes in two 16 GB SO-DIMM modules from Samsung at 5600 MT/s. That is the maximum speed for DDR5 SO-DIMM modules; more speed is only possible with soldered memory chips. The integrated 512 GB SSD comes from Western Digital (model: SN5000S) and, according to Crystaldiskmark, writes at 5470 MB/s and reads at 6383 MB/s. That is really decent and is even above WD's specified read rate of 5150 MB/s.

In terms of connectivity, the Expert Center PN54 leaves little to be desired: there is USB4 with DisplayPort 2.1 protocol and PD-in—so the mini-PC can also be powered via USB-C instead of the DC barrel connector and the classic power supply. In addition, there are two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, HDMI 2.1 and two 2.5G LAN jacks. On the front there is another USB-C port (USB 3.1) as well as two USB-A ports (a total of 3x USB-A 3.1). On top of that come a fingerprint sensor and an integrated speaker, which is sufficient for playing notification sounds but sounds far too thin for videos, music or even games—though a voluminous sound was not necessarily our expectation either.

Wirelessly, the system communicates with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 on the most modern interfaces. The MediaTek MT7925 works as the Wi-Fi chipset, and a Realtek module for LAN.

Performance: How fast is the Asus Expert Center PN54?

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 in the Expert Center PN54, through its split design of efficiency cores and performance cores, masters the balancing act between economy and performance well. In the office benchmark PCmark 10, the system achieves an average of 7648 points, with peaks at 7570 points and 7709 points. These are absolutely decent values that lie in a good average for upper-class mini-PCs.

We also have no complaints about the results in 3DMark Time Spy; the Expert Center achieves a good 3108 points here. These are made up of 2765 graphics points and 10487 CPU points. Next is the CPU benchmark Cinebench 2024, where it scores 117 points in single-core and 882 points in multi-core. Finally, in the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, the system reaches 2868 points (single-core) and 13599 points (multi-core). Asus Expert Center PN54 – photo gallery Asus Expert Center PN54 – photo gallery

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The gaming performance of the Expert Center PN54 is also absolutely impressive. In Full HD, we can play several titles very well. For example, Anno 1800 runs in low graphics options without the FSR upscaler (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) at a stable 50 FPS with around 14,400 inhabitants. If we set the settings to "high" without FSR, performance drops to 20 FPS. In high and with FSR, it is then around 24 FPS. Counter Strike 2 runs really well in high graphics settings at just under 70 FPS. Cities Skylines 2, however, is a tough nut again; under very low settings it manages up to 28 FPS, but the graphics are then very noisy and lacking in detail. With higher settings (low to medium), performance drops below 17 FPS. That is unplayable.

Fan: How loud is the Asus Expert Center PN54?

The fan noise of the Asus Expert Center PN54 is absolutely reasonable in the test. At idle, the fan either stands still or hums along at 24 dB(A). If we fully load the system, we can coax a maximum of 37 dB(A) out of the case. Power consumption then peaks at a maximum of 68 W. In normal application use, it is usually 24 W, with short peaks at a surprisingly high 45 W, for example when opening the browser. Without load at idle, however, it is only 9 to 12 W. During a stress test with Aida64, the CPU heats up to as much as 97 degrees, which is too much in the long run. The clock speed is 3.8 GHz after briefly being 5.0 GHz. After about 10 minutes, along with the clock speed, the temperature also falls, going to 3.5 GHz and a maximum of 81 degrees, although at times it is only 76 degrees. On the outside of the case, we measure a maximum of 46 degrees. Asus Expert Center PN54: heat distribution (viewed from above) heise bestenlisten

Software: Which operating systems does the Asus Expert Center PN54 work with?

The Expert Center PN54 comes with Windows 11 Pro. In addition to the usual tools preinstalled during the Windows installation, Asus has also included the MyAsus software. This can be used to read out the system, install firmware updates, and make minor settings. As in the Asus UEFI, there are also three selectable fan profiles in the MyAsus software (Whisper mode, Standard, and Performance). Annoying, however, is the preinstallation of McAfee as classic bloatware. This antivirus program also regularly pesters users with pop-ups pointing to the expiring license or offers.

Running Linux works without problems. The clearly laid out and attractively designed BIOS can be accessed via the F2 key. There, depending on the desired operating system/distribution, you first have to disable the Secure Boot feature. At the same time, you can change the boot order so that the boot medium (in our case the USB stick) is accessed first. The installed OS then starts, in our case the Ubuntu-based Tuxedo OS. Once on the desktop, we can immediately use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio. The screen resolution and brightness settings also work correctly. And the PN54 also wakes from standby – that is how it should be.

Case: How is the build quality of the Asus Expert Center PN54?

The case of the Asus Expert Center PN54 is surprisingly flat. The external dimensions are a compact 130 × 34 × 130 mm. At 650 g, it is somewhat heavier than average. For the material, the manufacturer uses partly matte, partly glossy plastic, which also has a ribbed structure on the side edges. For maintaining the components, Asus has a special ace up its sleeve, because the PN54 can be opened very easily via an adjustable knob. In this way, you can open the case entirely without screws by removing the entire bottom panel. It is locked with another slider. This concept is hard to beat in terms of thoughtfulness and simplicity and should gladly set a precedent for competitors in the same or a similar form.

The case also contains the shortcut button for calling up Microsoft Copilot alongside the power button. The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the top side. On the right and left sides, as well as the back and bottom, there are numerous openings for air intake.

Price

The price of the Asus Expert Center PN54 is its weak point, because it now costs well over 1500 euros. Currently you can get it with Windows 11 Home from 1619 euros. With Windows 11 Pro and a TPM module, you are at 1812 euros. For the weaker version with Ryzen AI 5 340, 889 euros is due.

Conclusion

Despite the hefty price, the Expert Center really won us over. The performance is more than decent and absolutely worthy of the upper class, and the flat design makes it very compact despite the powerful hardware. Premium extras such as the integrated speaker or the fingerprint sensor on the top side are welcome conveniences. The hardware used is also at a top level, and so there is Wi-Fi 7, 3x DisplayPort and one USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 protocol as well as support for PD-in. That means the PC can also be operated with a classic 100 W charger from a phone, with a suitably powerful docking station, or with a monitor with a PD output. That is enormously practical, and far too few mini PCs still have this technology, which has been standard on laptops for years. But the star of the show, alongside the equipment, is above all the mini PC's excellent repairability. A sliding button on the underside unlocks the entire bottom panel, which can then simply be removed, giving direct access to the components. This should gladly become widespread.

In the load test, however, we briefly observe very high CPU temperatures above 95 degrees, which in the long run are not conducive to longevity. However, after about 10 minutes the system throttles performance so that the values drop. But the biggest downer is clearly the asking price: interested buyers now have to shell out a hefty 1619 euros. The competition offers similar performance for less money, but then without the good maintenance concept and the conveniences of the MyAsus software. In addition, Asus can be expected to provide reliable support. Overall, we award four stars minus the points of criticism for the very good mini-PC system. ADDITIONALLY TESTED Nipogi AM07

Nipogi AM07

Good and cheap: that is the Nipogi AM07 mini PC, whose performance even beats models that cost 150 euros more. How the handy computer, currently priced at 290 euros, performs in everyday use is shown in this review.

Thomas Joos from 18.03.2024 PROS

upgradable RAM & SSD storage

USB-C integrated

enough performance for up to 3 screens CONS

Mini PCs are small computers with laptop processors, which makes them particularly economical and keeps them both quiet and cool. Especially in summer, this means you don't heat up the whole room in the home office as you would with a gaming PC (guide). Compared with clamshell notebooks, they also take up significantly less space and can easily be hidden behind the monitor. By now they can even replace desktop PCs—provided there is enough performance, which there is, as this example shows.

The Nipogi AM07 mini PC is a top-equipped model. It has an AMD Ryzen 5 5560U, supported by 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. Windows 11 Pro is already on board. Whether you should go for it is shown in this review. The Nipogi model is in strong demand and repeatedly sold out, as it is currently. Most recently the price was 299 euros. Under the Acemagician brand there is also the virtually identical model with a Ryzen 5500U instead of a Ryzen 5560U at Nipogi—it costs 290 euros on Amazon (select the 100-euro coupon).

Equipment: What hardware does the Nipogi AM07 offer?

Our test device offers 16 GB RAM (DDR4, 3,200 MHz) and a 512 GB m.2 SSD. The AMD Ryzen 5 5560U CPU naturally helps here too. It has six cores (12 threads) with up to 4 GHz.

Thanks to two SO-DIMM slots, the RAM can easily be expanded to up to 64 GB. The 512 TByte drive in m.2-2280 format can also be easily replaced. A maximum of 2 TByte is possible here. That is very decent for a mini PC. The graphics card is permanently integrated, so you shouldn't expect miracles.

With the AMD Radeon graphics chip, up to three screens can be connected via HDMI, DP and USB Type-C using the 4K@60Hz output. Nipogi AM07 – rear heise best lists

Unfortunately, the wireless connections lack the much more current Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E standards as well as Bluetooth 5.0 or better. While the WLAN connection relies on the Wi-Fi 5 standard (802.11ac), Bluetooth still uses version 4.2. Anyone using a current Fritzbox or another router, for example, cannot use the maximum performance that could be available over WLAN. In return, the integrated WLAN adapter supports the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Since the PC has two LAN interfaces, it can also be used as a firewall appliance, for example for OPNsense/Pfsense.

Performance: How fast is the Nipogi AM07?

The mini PC is suitable above all for demanding office work, but also as an entertainment system for streaming and browsing. The PC is also usable for playing non-demanding games, and even video editing is possible if you don't overdo it with effects. Accordingly, the Nipogi AM07 scores just under 5,400 points in PC Mark 10. In the benchmark it is therefore even faster than the significantly more expensive Geekom Mini IT11 (review), which relies on an i7 processor. Cheap budget mini PCs such as the Nipogi AK1 Pro (2540 points) are easily left behind, as expected.

Anyone looking for a mini PC to install a firewall appliance can also use this computer. However, only two LAN interfaces are available, which of course is not enough for a DMZ.

Since no storage medium is included, it makes sense to obtain the installation files from Microsoft after setting up Windows 11 Pro. Since the product key is stored digitally, you no longer need it for reinstalls either. If you do want to have the key, various tools for reading it out can be found on the Internet, such as the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder.

Fan: How loud is the Nipogi AM07?

Unfortunately, the mini PC's fan is not very quiet. So you should rather not use it in very quiet environments.

Design: How is the build quality of the Nipogi AM07?

The Nipogi Mini PC AM07 comes in a plain square plastic case in matte black. On the sides it offers the usual ventilation openings for heat dissipation. Overall, the build quality is solid, if nothing special.

At 500 grams, the weight is still acceptable, but compared with other models such as the Nipogi AK1 Pro at 390 grams, it is no longer all that low. Much more, it is average among mini PCs. The dimensions are 127 × 126 × 43 millimeters – that is also standard. If necessary, the mini PC can be mounted behind monitors using the included VESA mounting plate.

Price: How much does the Nipogi AM07 cost?

The Nipogi Mini PC AM07 is currently no longer available on Amazon. At the time of testing on October 21, 2023, the price was around 300 euros.

Since then, however, demand for this model has been enormous and the AM07 is very often sold out. With the Acemagician AM07, the virtually identical model is available again, with a Ryzen 5500U instead of a Ryzen 5560U in the Nipogi – it currently costs 290 euros on Amazon (select the 100-euro coupon). Acemagician is a brand of Mini-PC-Union, to which the Nipogi and Acemagic brands also belong. That is why the models are similar in equipment and appearance. We assume that the Acemagician model and the Nipogi variant achieve almost identical values in the benchmark; the port portfolio and case are the same.

Conclusion

The Nipogi Mini PC AM07 is one of the stronger mini PCs currently on the market. It has many ports, with the USB-C port standing out in particular. The performance is quite high, especially when you look at the competition in this price range. We like the overall package extremely well, which is why the PC gets a clear recommendation. However, availability has been so unstable for some time that we have now removed the PC from our best list. Interested buyers must hope that the system returns to the shelves or buy the similar alternative from Acemagician. Ninkear N9

Ninkear N9

Stylish, usable and from 162 euros: The Ninkear N9 doesn't win any big prizes in any respect, but it scores big on price. How good the mini PC really is is shown in our test.

Jonas Bettger from 06/19/2024 PROS

USB-C with Displayport CONS

only one RAM module

only SATA speed with M.2 SSD

Good mini PC even with USB-C for 162 euros: Ninkear N9 in review

Stylish, usable and from 162 euros: The Ninkear N9 doesn't win any big prizes in any respect, but it scores big on price. How good the mini PC really is is shown in our test.

Ninkear: This name may not be one of rank and renown, but the manufacturer still puts together a well-groomed price-performance cracker. Despite the low price, with an Intel N95 and 8 GB of RAM, you still get absolutely usable hardware on paper. But that's not all: the manufacturer doesn't miss the chance to integrate even premium features, such as a USB-C port with 8K DisplayPort support. What's behind it and whether the Ninkear N9 is any good, we show in this review. The test device was provided to us by Geekbuying.

Note: This review reflects the state at the time of testing on June 19, 2024. In the meantime, the Ninkear N9 is no longer available. However, since it is a white-label product that various manufacturers offer under their own name, you can currently still get it as the N-One NPC S for 162 euros.

What is the equipment of the Ninkear N9?

The Ninkear N9 uses an Intel N95, which we already know from other cheap mini PCs. This quad-core (four threads) running at a maximum of 3.4 GHz is the direct successor to the earlier, low-performance Intel Celeron processors. In doing so, it works a bit slower than the related and even more widespread Intel N100.

In addition, the N9 comes with 8 GB of DDR4-standard RAM, which is installed as a single SODIMM module. There is also a 256 GB SSD as an M.2 module, unfortunately only SATA standard. In the CrystalDiskMark benchmark, the N9 reaches 533 MB/s reading and 508 MB/s writing. In this price range, however, we are already glad to get any kind of SSD at all instead of the even slower HDD or eMMC storage. RAM and SSD can also be swapped as modules, although the manufacturer does not provide information on the maximum amount of storage. However, storage limits are common with mini PCs, which is why we assume a limit here as well.

When it comes to ports, the Ninkear N9 impresses with class rather than mass. Unusual for a cheap mini PC, alongside USB-A and HDMI (4K at 60 Hz), USB-C (with display output up to 8K at 60 Hz) and DisplayPort (up to 8K at 60 Hz) are also used. In this price range, only HDMI is usual. The PC has only one Ethernet LAN port – a second would be practical, but you can do without it if you don't want to use the computer as a firewall appliance.

For the wireless interfaces, however, you unfortunately have to accept outdated standards, which we can forgive given the bargain price and the other equipment features. Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5 are used here.

What does the Ninkear N9 deliver?

The Intel N95 is comparable to the Intel N100 and scores about 200 points less in the PCmark 10 benchmark. The result of about 2990 points is still respectable, especially when you remember the price. A bit more RAM would certainly have been beneficial for overall performance, but 8 GB is still enough. Overall, the system is naturally limited in everyday use, so the mini PC reaches its limit with many open tabs. For use in the home office, however, the hardware should be completely sufficient.

A classic Intel issue is the significantly worse integrated graphics, where the chip manufacturer simply cannot keep up with competitor AMD. This can be observed again here, and the integrated Intel UHD Graphics gives up even with simple graphics-demanding applications. This is shown by the result in 3Dmark Time Spy, where the overall system reaches 345 points but the graphics only 301 points. Compared with the N100 processor, however, the result is actually respectable, as the CPU with 2014 points is even minimally better than in the more powerful T-Bao N100 (review). In the overall result, the latter has a 30-point lead, but that is so small that it could also be a measurement inaccuracy. Given the hardware, we refrain from game tests, since such cheap mini PCs are simply not made for gaming.

Windows setup follows the usual procedure, although out of the box you don't have to use an account as is usual with Windows 11, but instead create a local user account. The system contains the bloatware present by default in every Windows 11 installation; the manufacturer refrains from additional software – good. Our usual full virus scan with Windows Defender ends without finding any viruses. In terms of consumption, the system is restrained at mostly under 15 watts. Mini PC Ninkear N9 - photo gallery Mini PC Ninkear N9 - photo gallery

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How loud is the Ninkear N9?

Given the hardware, the operating noise of the Ninkear N9 is unsurprisingly low; in the past there have been astonishingly bad outliers. The fan's noise emissions at the case are mostly below 30 dB and are barely distinguishable from ambient noise. What is noticeable about the cooling is that there is a lot of copper inside on the bottom – this serves improved heat dissipation.

What else did we notice? Mini PC Ninkear N9 - case interior heise best lists

We noticed positively the good accessibility to the case interior, which can be opened without problems after loosening four screws. Particularly helpful is a small rubber tab on the bottom, with which the plastic plate can be removed even more easily. We have not seen this before on mini PCs, but would not want to miss it in future models – small thing, big effect. It is astonishing that such a cheap computer is pioneering in terms of accessibility.

The case measures the 128 × 128 × 45 mm typical for mini PCs and, at 370 g, is astonishingly light. The build quality is solid and the material feels good. There is even an attractive pattern on the top, and otherwise the mini PC looks quite stylish.

How much does the Ninkear N9 cost?

The Ninkear N9 is no longer available. However, since it is a product that various manufacturers offer under their own name, there are alternatives from other brands. As the N-One NPC S, however, it is currently available for 162 euros.

Conclusion

At its low price, the Ninkear N9 offers a really good overall package that does not do everything differently in this price range, but does much better. Instead of multiple HDMI ports, the manufacturer decided to integrate different display outputs and instead gave the N9 the practical USB-C port – very remarkable and unusual for the price.

Noise levels are also pleasing, as they are low. Ninkear also thought of a small detail when it comes to accessibility to the case interior. Performance is completely fine for this price range; more simply cannot be expected. The CPU is entirely sufficient for undemanding work, such as document work in a home office. It is a shame that the manufacturer uses only an SSD with SATA speed and offers only one RAM slot. But given the low price and the otherwise truly above-average equipment, this is already complaining at a high level. The system therefore earns four stars in the test, but given the performance and the two other points of criticism, it is not enough for more.

Note: This review reflects the status as of June 19, 2024. Bmax B6 Plus

Bmax B6 Plus

The mini PC Bmax B6 Plus promises quiet operation and decent performance. The test clarifies whether there is a catch.

Jonas Bettger from 09.02.2026 PROS

USB-C with display output

extremely quiet CONS

only dual-core processor (limited future-proofing)

meager graphics performance

virus findings in downloadable firmware

irregularities with the Windows license (invalid)

Mini PC Bmax B6 Plus review: Surprisingly quiet and powerful for 129 euros

The mini PC Bmax B6 Plus promises quiet operation and decent performance. The test clarifies whether there is a catch.

The Bmax B6 Plus surprises us positively in the test. The system with a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 works faster than one would expect from a dual-core processor – the mini PC is significantly stronger than some quad-core machines. Above all, the computer's performance benefits from the fact that it has 12 GB of RAM rather than just 8 GB or even 4 GB. As a result, the computer runs smoothly in office use, but also quietly and coolly – the noise level is barely measurable.

The test device was provided to us by Geekmaxi. The device is currently no longer available. Our overall impression is shown in the following review (test date: February 20, 2024).

Important note: We tested this device in February 2024, almost 2 years ago, using the state of our testing methodology at that time. We have since significantly deepened it. On January 29, 2026, colleagues from c't also published a review of the Bmax B6 Plus in which they advise against buying it.

The background includes, among other things, an improperly licensed Windows installation as well as malware (a Trojan) in the firmware file offered online by Bmax, which c't demonstrated in its test. We did not notice these problems at the time of testing. They also criticize the older Core i3 CPU used, for which, as things stand, security updates under Windows 11 will end in October 2026.

Manufacturers of such cheap mini PCs often change their devices over time – not only through new firmware or a preinstalled Windows image, but also through changing components such as SSDs, RAM, or even motherboards in later batches. It is therefore possible that our test device at the time no longer corresponds to the current shipping state.

At the time, our device also came with Windows 11 version 23H2. The successor versions 24H2 and 25H2 triggered a renewed activation check for many users and in some cases marked previously active installations as not activated again. Therefore, this can lead to different findings today than we had back then.

Following the experience of the c't colleagues, we too are adjusting our recommendation and advise against buying this mini PC. We have lowered the rating from originally four stars to two.

Equipment: What does the Bmax B6 Plus offer?

In the Bmax B6 Plus, an Intel Core i3-1000NG4 does its work. This is a dual-core processor with four threads at up to 3.2 GHz. Furthermore, our test device has 12 GB of RAM, which is permanently installed as an LPDDR4 module. An upgrade is not possible, which our look inside the case also confirms. We know this from laptops, but mini PCs have always stood out positively thanks to good expandability and replaceable RAM modules. At least the 512 GB NVMe storage is expandable. To do this, the existing SSD can be replaced or the additional M.2 slot can be used.

As for the ports, especially given the low price, the existing USB-C port stands out to us, which transmits not only data but also video. The rest of the port lineup is also right; there are enough USB-A ports. We would have liked only a second Ethernet port in order to be able to use the mini PC as a firewall appliance without an adapter. Unfortunately, with Wifi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, outdated standards are used for the wireless interfaces, but at the low price this is forgivable and easier to understand than with models around 300 euros. Photo gallery Mini-PC BMax B6 Plus in review – Ports Mini-PC BMax B6 Plus – Front ports

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC BMax B6 Plus – Rear ports

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Performance: How fast is the Bmax B6 Plus?

Given its equipment and low price, the Bmax B6 Plus need not even try to pose as a gaming PC or the like. In the test, however, we are still surprised by the office mini PC, which delivers an astonishingly good result in the benchmark. In PCmark 10, namely, the system achieves a result of 3155 points. Here, systems with quad-core processors, such as the Nipogi AK1 Pro at higher prices, have already performed worse. Once again it shows that with supposedly weak processors, such as the dual-core i3 used here, one cannot attach enough importance to the size of the RAM.

The integrated NVMe SSD also impresses with comparatively high speeds. In Crystaldiskmark it achieves a read speed of 3072 MByte/s and a write rate of 1986 MByte/s. Here too, in the CSL Tiny Box for 170 euros, we have already seen eMMC storage at around 170 MByte/s. In this respect, the result here is by no means usual and a given. All in all, the preinstalled Windows 11 Pro runs very smoothly; we perceive no loading delays or stutters. The system comes without bloatware, and the virus test with Windows Defender and Avast does not trigger.

Fan: How loud is the Bmax B6 Plus?

There is not much to say about the noise level of the fans – it is virtually unmeasurable. The system remains almost silent in the benchmarks, as well as after more than an hour in the CPU-intensive Prime95. You only hear something from the fan if you put your ear against the case.

The case does not get hot either; with the temperature sensor of the Pixel 8 Pro we measure only 43 degrees Celsius, which of course serves only as a rough guide, not as a serious evaluation. Where the path is quiet, there also seems to be a will behind it; it can be done quietly if one only wants to. Overall, the Bmax B6 Plus is no comparison to the loud mini PCs from, say, Geekom.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Bmax B6 Plus?

When opening the case, it is noticeable that accessibility is not entirely ideal. The entire cooling system is located under the lid of the mini PC, but without force only the bottom plate can be removed. There are only the soldered RAM chips and SSD slots. Anyone who wants to free the heatsinks and the fan from dust, which we recommend doing regularly, is therefore faced with closed doors. That is not ideal, but with the thin case of 267 x 156 x 74 millimeters it is also understandable. On the other hand, the low weight of 370 grams is nice, making the B6 Plus one of the very light mini PCs – on average about 500 grams is usual.

Price: What does the BMax B6 Plus cost?

Most recently, the Bmax B6 Plus was available for 189 euros. Currently, however, it is sold out, especially since a purchase is no longer advisable due to several defects in currently sold devices.

Conclusion

All in all, with the Bmax B6 Plus you get sufficient performance for a low price. For office & home office, not much more is needed, but especially as a significantly more powerful alternative to the Raspberry Pi, the system is really attractive. Thus the system is suitable both for tinkerers and for smart-home users who want to use Home Assistant.

However, a dual-core processor is no longer up to date, which is why, despite the enormously good price and good performance, we ultimately have to voice some concerns regarding future viability. Another shortcoming is the RAM, which, unlike other mini-PCs, cannot be expanded. Furthermore, the system relies on outdated standards for the WLAN and Bluetooth interfaces.

Update: As of February 10, 2026, we advise against buying the mini-PC due to the improperly licensed Windows installation found by the c't colleagues in a current test, as well as the virus findings in the firmware that can be installed afterward. The device is currently out of stock anyway. Geekom AX8 Pro

Geekom AX8 Pro

Elegant design and plenty of performance: The Geekom AX8 Pro offers everything a mini-PC needs. But are there also disadvantages? Our test reveals them.

David Bettger from 04.11.2024 PROS

very high performance

quiet office operation

excellent build quality

lots of RAM and storage (32 GB and 2 TB)

Elegant design and plenty of performance: The Geekom AX8 Pro offers everything a mini-PC needs. But are there also disadvantages? Our test reveals them.

The spec sheet of the Geekom AX8 Pro alone gives reason to expect great things. The heart of the mini-PC is the Ryzen 9 8945HS, a new edition of the 7000 series, with eight cores and 16 threads. It also comes with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a fast 2 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. And thanks to the integrated Radeon 780M graphics unit, you can already play games like Anno1800 or Cities Skylines, as comparable systems from Awow, GMKtec, Minisforum and Geekom itself have already shown. Our test shows what justifies the current price of 849 euros (code GKFHC15) (test date: August 20, 2024)

Equipment: What hardware does the Geekom AX8 Pro offer?

The Geekom AX8 Pro uses AMD's Ryzen 9 8945HS. The eight-core chip clocks at up to 5.2 GHz and, like the previous generation, relies on the Zen 4 architecture. The chip also includes the well-known and powerful Radeon 780M graphics unit with twelve graphics cores at a clock speed of 2.8 GHz. AI performance has been increased to up to 39 TOPS.

For RAM, two DDR5 modules at 5600 MHz in SO-DIMM form factor are used. The memory can therefore also be expanded later from 32 GB to up to 64 GB. However, the existing modules must be replaced, since the mini-PC only offers two slots. For mass storage, a 2 TB M.2 SSD from Acer is used, connected via PCIe 4.0. The result in CrystalDiskMark is definitely impressive. Here the Acer SSD reaches 7100 MB/s in reading and 6350 MB/s in writing. Unfortunately, the storage cannot be upgraded; only the already installed SSD can be replaced. According to the manufacturer, however, a maximum of 2 TB of storage is possible here. Geekom AX8 Pro heise bestenlisten

The Geekom AX8 Pro can drive up to four screens simultaneously, two via HDMI 2.0 at a maximum of 60 Hz at 4K and two more via the two USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode. The USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port supports 4K at 60 Hz with a transfer rate of 10 Gbit/s. Particularly noteworthy, however, is the USB-C 4.0 port, which even makes 8K possible, but only at 30 Hz. Also practical for home networks is the 2.5 GHz LAN port. The only point of criticism is that power is supplied not via USB-C but only via a DC jack.

In terms of wireless interfaces, the AX8 Pro supports modern interfaces with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. However, you have to do without Wi-Fi 7. Those who prefer this wireless standard can consider the Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti (review) as an alternative.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom AX8 Pro?

As expected, the performance of the Geekom AX8 Pro is at the highest level for mini-PCs. In PCMark10 it achieves a proud 7740 points and is thus in second place among our mini-PC tests. Only the Awow HA7 (review) is minimally faster with 7800 points. In 3DMark Timespy, the AX8 Pro scores 3307 points, of which 10983 are CPU points and 2944 graphics points. Especially here the strong iGPU makes itself felt; APUs of the Ryzen 5000 series achieve at most half the score here. Geekbench also shows the excellent performance once again: 2647 points in single-core and 13579 points in multi-core, as well as 31827 OpenCL points for the graphics chip. The maximum clock rate reached was 5166 MHz and the highest CPU temperature was 92 °C.

Now to power consumption: At an idle desktop, the mini-PC requires only 8 watts, but under full load up to 80 watts, of which the CPU alone takes nearly 50 watts. That is already a lot for a mini-PC, but still significantly less than a typical gaming PC.

In terms of gaming, the mini-PC also impressed; games like Anno1800, Valorant and Forza Horizon 5 are very playable in Full HD at the latest with somewhat adjusted graphics settings. CAD in Fusion also runs very smoothly here, with low to no fan speed. Photo gallery - Geekom AX8 Pro Geekom AX8 Pro

heise bestenlisten Geekom AX8 Pro

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Fan: How loud is the Geekom AX8 Pro?

With the AX8 Pro, Geekom now aims to keep temperatures in check with the IceBlast 1.5 cooling system and to curb the usual noise problem. For simple office use, this has definitely succeeded; the fan is absolutely silent here. However, if you want to call up the full performance of the mini-PC, we are back to the usual loud fan. It has improved a little, though: the fan emits a constant noise of 46 dB at the case. At a distance of one meter, it is still 28 dB. In the BIOS, however, the fan profile can also be turned down at the expense of performance. With earlier Geekom mini-PCs, such as the Geekom AS5, you could also use the My-Asus application to create and edit fan profiles. With the Geekom AX8 Pro, however, this unfortunately does not work in our test.

The noise also has a positive effect on temperatures. The maximum temperature under full load does not exceed the 92-degree mark, and the CPU continues to clock at 4.5 GHz in turbo for a long time. Only after just under a quarter of an hour do the clock speed and fan speed drop somewhat. At full performance, the cooling of the Geekom AX8 Pro is clearly audible. heise bestenlisten

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Geekom AX8 Pro?

Even the packaging of the AX8 Pro is very premium, as is the mini-PC itself. The case of the AX8 Pro is mostly made of metal, partly with a honeycomb structure; only the top is plastic. Everything is well made and feels high-quality. At 111.5 × 117.5 × 36 millimeters, the case is quite compact and can be easily opened by loosening four screws on the underside. At 551 grams, the Geekom AX8 Pro is a heavy representative of its kind; 300 to 400 grams is typical here. The 120-watt power supply is quite compact, but if you listen closely it emits a slight hum. That could already be disruptive for some. The Geekom AX8 Pro weighs over half a kilogram. heise bestenlisten

Price: How much does the Geekom AX8 Pro cost?

In the manufacturer's web shop, the Geekom AX8 Pro costs around 999 euros. With the coupon code: GKFHC15, the price drops by 15 percent to 849 euros. At Amazon, the PC with Ryzen also costs 849 euros.

The model with Ryzen 7 8845HS and 32/1000 GB costs 747 euros at Geekom.

Conclusion

The Geekom AX8 Pro is not a price-performance killer, but anyone looking for the best of the best in terms of performance in a mini-PC, along with excellent build quality, is in the right place here.

The only real drawback here is the fan, which cools well but under high load is simply too loud for an otherwise premium mini-PC. The limited expandability is not a major issue for now thanks to the good base configuration with 32 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD, but would at least be desirable for mass storage. Aoostar Gem12 Pro

Aoostar Gem12 Pro

Quiet, understated and with USB-C for power supply: At a price of under 600 euros, the Aoostar Gem12 Pro mini-PC offers almost everything one could wish for. Our test shows whether any wishes remain unfulfilled.

Jonas Bettger, November 7, 2024 PROS

USB-C for power supply

strong performance thanks to Ryzen 7 8845HS

quiet operation

high-quality metal case

only one freely usable USB-C port

case attracts fingerprints

Aoostar Gem12 Pro in review

Aoostar is the nominal successor to T-Bao – which explains the lettering "designed by Tianbei," the company to which T-Bao (Tianbao) also belonged. In our experience, it stood for good mini-PCs. The manufacturer continues this tradition and, with the Aoostar Gem12 Pro, delivers a mini-PC equipped with a powerful Ryzen 7 8845HS, 32 GB of RAM and a 512 GB, very fast M.2 SSD. On this system, as with comparable solutions from Awow, GMKtec or Minisforum, you can game. How well it performs in practice, we show in the following test report. Mini-PC Aoostar Gem12 Pro heise bestenlisten

The test device was provided to us by Banggood.

Equipment: What hardware does the Aoostar Gem12 Pro offer?

Inside the Aoostar Gem12 Pro works AMD's latest eight-core chip with 16 threads at a maximum of 5.1 GHz – the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS. However, like the seventh generation, the fast eighth-generation APU relies on the Zen 4 architecture and is in fact technically identical to its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7840HS – a classic refresh, then, as we already know from some earlier Ryzen CPUs. But that does not make it worse, as will become clear in the Performance section. Accordingly, the Ryzen APU again relies on the strong Radeon 780M iGPU. The only new thing is the current version of the Ryzen AI Engine, which now clocks higher and thus has more performance for AI tasks.

For memory, there is strong 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM from Crucial in the SODIMM form factor. The RAM can therefore be replaced, with a maximum kit size of 64 GB supported. The integrated 512 GB M.2 SSD runs at top level; in the test with Crystal Disk Mark, it reads at 5185 MB/s and writes at 4730 MB/s. Above the removable WLAN card in the M.2 form factor, another M.2 slot is free for an additional M.2-2280 SSD, with PCIe 4.0 also supported here. A dedicated thermal pad is even included for the additional SSD – highly commendable.

The Aoostar Gem12 Pro also impresses with its ports, as there are not only two Ethernet ports (good for use as a firewall appliance) and USB-C 4.0, but also a USB-C port for power supply. A 120-watt USB-C power supply is included, which is kept quite compact. In addition, the PC has the current HDMI 2.1 port, which makes 4K at 120 hertz possible, and DisplayPort is available in version 1.4. Another special feature is the Oculink port for external graphics cards, which, however, is not hot-swap capable. The manufacturer points out that the motherboard can be damaged if you do not shut down the PC before connecting/disconnecting the graphics card.

Wirelessly, the mini PC thankfully uses fairly current interfaces with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Performance: How fast is the Aoostar Gem12 Pro?

As expected, there is a lot going on in terms of performance with the Aoostar Gem12 Pro. In the PCmark 10 benchmark test, it averages 7611 points, with a peak of 7648 points. That is a really remarkably good value, although the Awow HA7 (review) performed minimally better – but due to the small differences, this falls within the range of potential measurement inaccuracies. In the 3Dmark Time Spy benchmark, the mini PC reaches 3215 points, with graphics at 2865 points. All of these are not best values for the CPU, but still a very good result and among the currently best of the best.

The benchmark result is also reflected in the gaming test at Full HD. Counter Strike is playable well at 100 to 120 FPS, and Anno 1800 is also fun with 70 FPS at medium to high settings and Fidelity FX Super Resolution enabled. Resource-hungry games such as Cities Skylines 2 run butter-smooth at medium settings with sometimes well over 60 FPS. The system consumes around 45 to 50 watts according to our AC power meter. In desktop operation without open apps, it needs less than 6 watts; with a browser and documents, it is about 15 to 20 watts. Mini-PC Aoostar Gem12 Pro – photo gallery Mini-PC Aoostar Gem12 Pro – photo gallery

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No additional bloatware programs are preinstalled on the system; our complete virus test ends without a malware finding.

Fan: How loud is the Aoostar Gem12 Pro?

Aoostar also got a lot right with cooling, because not only does the device stay relatively cool, but it is also quiet – even under Prime95. The case gets at most 62 degrees warm under full load, and the noise level at the case is then just under 38 to 40 decibels, 32 decibels from one meter away. In desktop operation, the values are barely measurable, and the two fans are accordingly hardly noticeable. At the case, we can still read 30 decibels. Otherwise, the only noticeable thing during operation was slight whining noises that the system sometimes emits during startup and under load. Fortunately, there is no whining when it is switched off.

The TDP (Thermal Design Power) can also be adjusted in the BIOS, so you can decide for yourself whether you want more performance with higher consumption and noise or less performance with lower volume. The available modes are Silent (45-54 watts), Balance (54-65 watts) and Performance (65-75 watts).

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Aoostar Gem12 Pro?

The build quality of the Aoostar Gem12 Pro is really high-quality; it uses metal on the top and sides and plastic on the bottom. The choice of materials promotes good heat dissipation. It is a pity that the top surface is prone to fingerprints. The “GEM” lettering on top, on the other hand, is stylish, which the manufacturer achieves through fan openings opened to different extents – quite ingenious. The plain black case has standard dimensions of 130 × 130 × 60 millimeters. Since the mini PC is VESA-compatible, it can easily be mounted behind a monitor with a bracket.

The screws for opening the case are located under the rubber feet, which serve to dampen operating noise. After loosening these screws, the bottom can be easily removed, although one of the fans is attached to it, so you have to be careful with the cable. RAM and SSD as well as the WLAN card and CMOS battery are then easy to reach.

Price: How much does the Aoostar Gem12 Pro cost?

The mini PC costs 629 dollars from the manufacturer in our configuration variant. With the code BGRNDASR7, Banggood sells the Aoostar Gem12 Pro for a good price of 591 euros. At the time of testing on July 15, 2024, the price was somewhat lower at 570 euros.

Conclusion

The Aoostar Gem12 Pro convinced us in the test. With its top equipment, you will enjoy it for many years to come. For Full HD gaming, it offers enough performance even for current games, which is truly impressive given its power consumption and low noise level.

In addition to the strong performance from the Ryzen 7 8845HS and the quiet operation, the mini PC earns plus points—and thus a full five stars in the final result—above all for the USB-C port for power supply, the Oculink connection and the high-quality case. The case is kept plain and therefore fits well in many environments. It is a shame that the material is somewhat susceptible to fingerprints.

Because USB-C is used for the power supply, one USB-C port is also lost, so that only one remains available on the front. However, these are minor quibbles that in our view have no influence on the quality, performance and rating of the system itself. We therefore give the Aoostar Gem12 Pro five stars for its excellent overall package. CSL Narrow Box

CSL Narrow Box

Silent, USB-C and lots of RAM: The CSL Narrow Box brings desirable features into a compact case. Our test shows whether the mini PC lives up to expectations.

Jonas Bettger from 23.03.2024 PROS

silent

fair price

USB-C is present (with image output) CONS

coil whine from inside the case

power supply despite USB-C only with the included power adapter

Windows 11 S

CSL Narrow Box in the test

Silent, USB-C and lots of RAM: The CSL Narrow Box brings desirable features into a compact case. Our test shows whether the mini PC lives up to expectations.

The Narrow Box is the second mini PC from CSL that we have tested. The CSL Tiny Box (review) was already something special, because the model was unusually small. The Narrow Box, by contrast, aims to score with a fanless design. For this purpose, the hardware with a frugal Intel N200 is not breathtaking, but effective. It is good that the RAM does not become a showstopper here, because with 8 to 32 GB there is enough of it. In terms of price, the base configuration starts at 280 euros. In our test, we show whether what CSL presents here is good and not just sounds nice.

Equipment: What hardware does the CSL Narrow Box offer?

In the CSL Narrow Box, an Intel N200 is used, whose smaller brother N100 is by now a frequently seen basis for inexpensive mini PCs. In order to hold up in a setup without active cooling, the CPU with four cores at a maximum of 3.7 GHz is set to low power. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) is accordingly a slim 6 watts.

With RAM, however, the manufacturer thankfully does not skimp as it did with the CSL Tiny Box (review), because for system performance less than 8 GB of RAM would have been a disaster. Depending on the configuration, however, you get up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM (3200 MHz), which as a SODIMM module can also be replaced later. The same applies to the NVMe SSD, which even operates according to the PCIe 4 standard. From the factory, the Narrow Box is available with storage sizes between 500 GB and 4 TB. To upgrade, simply open the four screws on the case and then remove the bottom panel. After that, you have direct access to the M.2 2280 SSD and the RAM module (single-channel).

In our test device, the 1 TB SSD reads at 1643 MB/s and writes at 1141 MB/s in the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark. In general, that is already fast, but for an SSD it is only middling—though users will experience few noticeable disadvantages in everyday use. In any case, the system responds reliably and briskly, and opening files happens without delay.

On the connectivity side, the USB-C port with DisplayPort support is particularly worth highlighting as a positive. In combination with the two other video outputs (HDMI and DisplayPort), you can connect up to three monitors. It is a shame, however, that on the second USB-C port responsible for power supply, you can only connect the included power adapter. We tried various power adapters from our best lists of USB-C chargers from 65 watts, none of which was accepted by the mini PC. Quite honestly, what is the point of USB-C if the manufacturer anyway rules out the use of other USB-C power adapters through an artificial blockade? Also worth mentioning as positive are the current standards Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Performance: How fast is the CSL Narrow Box?

The Intel N200 used is part of the cohort of frugal budget CPUs. Accordingly, the quad-core system performs modestly in the PCmark 10 benchmark. The Narrow Box achieves an average of 2750 points, with peaks at 2850 points. Compared with N100 systems – that is, the CPUs supposedly weaker in terms of performance – this is rather below average, since these sometimes reach nearly 3200 points. Especially with such overall lower benchmark values, the seemingly small differences are very relevant for everyday performance. Accordingly, the result is somewhat weak in comparison, but is still in the range that is completely sufficient for home office & office use.

In a round of 3Dmark Time Spy, we take a look at the respective performance of the CPU and iGPU (integrated graphics). First, the system achieves an overall score of 414 points – the N100 in the T-Bao T8 Plus (review), which has a lead of over 300 points in PCmark 10, lands at 371 points in Time Spy. The main difference is the higher graphics performance of the Narrow Box, which is rated at 368 points instead of 323 points (T8 Plus). The iGPU of the N200 therefore seems to be somewhat stronger than that of the N100. Overall, however, both values are a clear indication of weak graphics, especially because the Intel variants are usually significantly weaker than their AMD counterparts. Mini-PC CSL Narrow Box – photo gallery Mini-PC CSL Narrow Box: front connections with USB-C

heise best lists Mini-PC CSL Narrow Box: rear connections

heise best lists

Windows 11 comes preinstalled in the spartan S mode, which can easily be switched to Windows 11 Home via the Microsoft Store app. We switched it right away and would recommend doing so to everyone. The performance is sufficient for typical office applications, and the system responds quickly and pleasantly. Otherwise, too, it behaves reliably; even after two hours of Prime95, the system runs stably.

It is noticeable that we reach the mini-PC's limits quite quickly; after only about ten minutes in Prime95 under full load, the system significantly throttles performance. The CPU temperature read via HWMonitor is 90 degrees Celsius at this point, and after one and a half hours it even peaked at 100 degrees Celsius. For a CPU this is not a problem, since the chips are designed for temperatures of 120 degrees Celsius and have sufficient safety mechanisms to prevent overheating in any case. However, these full-load scenarios are not everyday situations; here we are already covering the extreme case.

Fan: How loud is the CSL Narrow Box?

This question is elementary with the CSL Narrow Box, because the main advantage of the mini-computer is its complete silence. Thanks to passive cooling and the absence of a fan, no noise can arise at all. Yet the mini-PC is not entirely silent, because sensitive ears sometimes perceive a high-frequency whine from inside the case – a bit of a shame, but also only noticeable because no fans overlay the sound. It is unfortunate that it whines even when switched off. Overall, however, it is a fanless, pleasantly quiet operation that we are happy to get used to.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the CSL Narrow Box?

The gray plastic case is solidly built but does not give the most premium impression. The same applies to the black cover hood placed on top, which also feels quite thin. The applied paint sometimes leads to a somewhat cheap feeling in the hand. A metal case would have been useful not only visually but also for better heat transfer and thus cooling.

Price: How much does the CSL Narrow Box cost?

The CSL Narrow Box is available in the base configuration with 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage from 280 euros. In the better variant with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage, it costs 349 euros.

Conclusion

If you want a mini-PC that is silent yet still offers good office performance, the Narrow Box from manufacturer CSL is a good choice. The fanless system is admittedly no surprise and not a price-performance hit, but a passive cooler is simply more effort than an air cooler. In view of this, we consider the price fair, especially since the competition at the same price sometimes offers only 4 GB RAM and is therefore unusable.

We find the whine when the power adapter is plugged in unfortunate. We are also surprised and disappointed that, despite USB-C power supply, you can only use the included power adapter. Beelink SER8

Beelink SER8

Ryzen 7 8845HS, 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD: all of this is offered by the Beelink SER8 in its excellently built case for a price of under 600 euros. The model with Ryzen 7 8745HS is even cheaper. Our review shows what else the SER8 can do.

Kai Schmerer from 28.11.2024 PROS

strong performance thanks to Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS

quiet and efficient operation

high-quality metal case CONS

Only one USB-A port with USB 3 performance on the rear

Only one Ethernet interface

Mini-PC Beelink SER8 with Ryzen 7 review: A cheap and powerful Mac mini clone

Ryzen 7 8845HS, 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD: the Beelink SER8 offers all of this in its excellently built case for a price of under 600 euros. The model with Ryzen 7 8745HS is even cheaper. Our review shows what else the SER8 can do.

With the SER8, Beelink delivers a mini-PC that, thanks to Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB M.2 SSD, not only offers enough performance but is also nice to look at thanks to its metal case with a silver or gray metallic finish. "Looks like a Mac mini with Windows" is the first thought that shoots through your head when you see the device for the first time. But when you look at the price tag, nothing is reminiscent of Apple anymore. That's because the Beelink SER8 costs 479 dollars (421 euros plus VAT*) in the manufacturer's shop, significantly less than a Mac mini.

As with comparable solutions from Aoostar, Awow, GMKtec or Minisforum, this system can not only easily handle typical office work including image and video editing, but also gaming. The latter, of course, only with compromises. We show how well the Mac mini clone proves itself in practice in the following review.

AMD processors frequently used in mini-PCs

ModelCPU coresThreadsBase clockBoost clockGraphics/unitsNPUTDP

Features: What hardware does the Beelink SER8 offer?

The Beelink SER8 uses AMD's Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS with eight CPU cores and 16 threads at a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a maximum of 5.1/4.9 GHz. The proven Radeon 780M iGPU with twelve execution units serves as the graphics unit. Compared with the previous model, the built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with 16 TOPS for AI tasks delivers significantly more than the Ryzen 7 7840HS, which only reaches 10 TOPS. For conventional tasks, however, the NPU is irrelevant. Only optimized software can benefit from it. Anyone who does not need the NPU can also go for the cheaper model with Ryzen 7 8745HS, which does not have this compute unit.

For memory, a generous 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM from Crucial in the SODIMM form factor is used. The RAM can therefore be replaced, with a maximum of 96 GB possible. The integrated 1 TB M.2 SSD P3 Plus, which like the memory also comes from Crucial, shows excellent performance in Crystal Disk Mark with 5192 MB/s for reading and 4744 MB/s for writing. Above the removable WLAN card Intel AX200 in the M.2 form factor, another M.2 slot is free for an additional M.2-2280 SSD, with PCIe 4.0 also supported here. The integrated heatsinks are already designed for this, so an SSD without its own heatsink can also find space in the SER8. Beelink states a maximum storage size of 8 TB.

The device's so far excellent impression in terms of build quality and features is somewhat diminished by the additional ports on the outside of the device. Of the three USB-A ports on the rear, only one offers USB 3.2 performance at 10 GB/s, while the other two only support USB 2.0 at 480 MB/s.

As for the display connections, with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and USB4, with which up to three 4K monitors can be driven, everything is in order.

Wirelessly, the mini-PC fortunately speaks Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 via fairly current interfaces.

Performance: How fast is the Beelink SER8?

In the PCmark 10 benchmark test, the Beelink SER8 achieves an average of 7250 points, with a peak of 7302 points. In the 3Dmark Time Spy test, the SER8 manages 3370 points, composed of 11137 points from the CPU and 3001 points for graphics. The mini-PC thus delivers performance to be expected for the CPU and graphics used.

Overall, the SER8 offers good graphics performance, especially compared with Intel solutions, whose integrated graphics perform significantly worse. But it is also clear that the mini-PC generally only offers good performance for 3D games at Full HD resolution and reduced display quality. This is shown by the tests with Counter Strike, Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines 2, which the SER8 handles at 60 - 120 fps.

How high is the power consumption?

With an idle desktop, the SER8 draws a power consumption of only 7 watts. When browser and office programs are in use, power consumption rises to about 15 to 20 watts, and under maximum load with Prime95 (Heise Download) or the Stability Test from AIDA64 (Heise Download), it is 95 watts. Images Beelink SER8 Beelink SER8: Mini-PC with Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD

heise bestenlisten Beelink SER8: Mini-PC with Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD

heise bestenlisten Beelink SER8: SSD heatsink

heise bestenlisten Beelink SER8: Mini-PC with Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD

heise bestenlisten Beelink SER8: The mini-PC comes with Windows 11 by default, but can also be run with Linux.

heise bestenlisten Beelink SER8: The cooling solution works efficiently. In normal operation, the fan spins at 1300 revolutions per minute and is practically inaudible.

heise bestenlisten After a fresh installation, Windows did not recognize some components. Installing the AMD drivers for chipset and graphics fixes the problem.

heise bestenlisten To optimize power consumption and cooling, users can configure the CPU's TDP at 54 watts (Balance Mode) or 65 watts (Performance Mode)

heise bestenlisten Beelink SER8: The mini-PC with Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD shows the expected high level of performance in the benchmarks.

heise bestenlisten

Which operating system is installed on the Beelink SER8?

By default, the Beelink SER8 ships with Windows 11 Pro. Fortunately, version 24H2 is already installed on our test device, so lengthy Windows updates after setup are avoided. No additional bloatware programs are preinstalled on the system, and our full virus test ends without any malware finding.

Anyone who wants to be absolutely sure can simply reinstall Windows. Afterwards, you only need to install the AMD chipset and graphics drivers so that all hardware is fully recognized by the system and no more yellow exclamation marks appear in Device Manager. By the way, Windows is activated after installation, since the key is apparently stored in the BIOS. If you use the Rufus tool (Heise Download) to create the USB stick, the installation succeeds particularly quickly, since you can disable all questions regarding data collection. Thanks to Rufus, they are automatically answered with No. You can also disable the requirement for an online account.

Anyone who doesn't like Windows can also install Linux on the mini-PC. Installing Linux in the form of Tuxedo OS worked flawlessly in the test. Beelink SER8: The mini-PC comes with Windows 11 by default, but can also be run with Linux. heise bestenlisten

Fan: How loud is the Beelink SER8?

The cooling solution built into the Beelink SER8 is among the best we have seen so far on mini-PCs. The temperatures of the processor and SSD in normal operation reach only 30 °C, so the fan usually operates at a barely audible 1300 revolutions per minute.

Under maximum load with Prime95, the CPU temperature rises to up to 89 °C and the speed to up to 2755 revolutions per minute. The noise level at the case is then about 48 decibels. Fortunately, unlike some other devices, the power supply does not stand out with unpleasant whining noises.

In addition, volume and power consumption can be further optimized in the UEFI settings. Under OEM Features Management, users can regulate the CPU's TDP via the PowerLimit Setting option, choosing between Performance Mode at 65 watts and Balance at 54 watts. Beelink SER8: Mini-PC with Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD heise bestenlisten

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Beelink SER8?

A mini-PC doesn't necessarily have to look good. But with its compact 13.5 × 13.5 × 4.47 cm metal case, the SER8 makes an excellent impression both visually and in terms of feel. It is well made, and the case consists almost entirely of metal. Only the ventilated bottom and the rear are made of plastic. The metallic finish is also not prone to fingerprints.

The cover on the underside is secured to the case with four screws hidden behind rubber covers. Thanks to a tab, it can be easily removed after loosening the screws. Then you still have to loosen the two screws of the installed dust filter grille so that you have access to the interior of the mini-PC. This is necessary, for example, to occasionally clean dust out of the inside of the case or to install an additional SSD or swap the memory for larger modules. Beelink SER8: Mini-PC with Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD heise bestenlisten

Price: How much does the Beelink SER8 cost?

In the configuration with Ryzen 7 8845HS, 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD, the Beelink SER8 mini-PC costs 589 US dollars (508 euros) in the manufacturer's shop. And the variant with Ryzen 7 8745HS is available with 24 GB for 479 dollars (413 euros), with 32 GB for 499 US dollars (431 euros) and with 64 GB RAM for 669 dollars (577 euros). However, you also have to factor in VAT and import duties charged by the delivery service on top of the price. If you don't want that, you can now also buy Beelink's mini-PCs including VAT via Amazon. The SER8 with Ryzen 7 8845HS costs 759 euros there (select the 200-euro coupon). With Ryzen 7 8745HS and 24 GB, the mini-PC costs 569 euros (select the 100-euro coupon) and with 32 GB 594 euros.*

Conclusion

In the test, the Beelink SER8 with its fast Ryzen 7 CPU convinces almost across the board. The case is sleek, the build quality is flawless and the performance matches the top level expected for the installed Ryzen processor.

Thanks to its expandability with up to 96 GB RAM and up to 8 TB of SSD storage, users should be able to enjoy the Mac mini clone for a long time. The efficient cooling solution paired with quiet operating noise and low power consumption are also on the plus side, as is the ability to drive up to three 4K monitors.

However, the available USB-A ports on the rear deserve some criticism, as only one of them offers contemporary USB 3 performance. Some would also like a second Ethernet port. But apart from that, the Beelink SER8 is an excellent and affordable mini-PC.

Buying from a Chinese retailer often costs less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) comes with hurdles or may not be possible. Here we link to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

24.2.2025: Added information on VAT and prices at Amazon. Geekom A7

Geekom A7

The Geekom A7 has generated buzz as a strong Mac mini alternative. With Ryzen 9 and 32 GB RAM, the specs look promising. The test reveals whether the mini-PC lives up to its advance praise.

Thomas Joos, 08.11.2024 PROS

high-quality metal case CONS

no DisplayPort connection

USB-C not for power supply

somewhat expensive

Geekom A7 in review

The Geekom A7 has generated buzz as a strong Mac mini alternative. With Ryzen 9 and 32 GB RAM, the specs look promising. The test reveals whether the mini-PC lives up to its advance praise.

The Geekom A7 is one of the manufacturer's top devices, and the mini-PC shows it: a premium aluminum metal case, a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor, and an integrated graphics unit (iGPU) that is clearly superior to the common Intel Iris Xe models. Anyone looking for a powerful mini-PC should take a close look at this model. At 679 euros (code techstageA7), the price has now dropped significantly, and given the enormous performance of the processor and GPU, the 2 TB NVMe SSD, and 32 GB of RAM, the Geekom A7 is fairly priced. In terms of performance, appearance, and ports, the mini-PC can easily keep up with an Apple Mac mini. Mini-PC Geekom A7 – photo gallery heise bestenlisten

The manufacturer provided us with the Geekom A7. We tested how well the system performs in practice (test date: May 24, 2024).

Specs: What hardware does the Geekom A7 offer?

The mini-PC relies on an AMD Ryzen R9 7940HS as its CPU (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.2 GHz, 16 MB L3 cache) and an AMD Radeon 780M with 12 cores as its iGPU. The GPU alone is clearly superior to most other mini-PCs.

It is also pleasing that Geekom gives the A7 fast, current DDR5 memory (5600 MHz). Most other mini-PCs, including Geekom's, usually use slower DDR4 memory. At 32 GB, the RAM is also sufficiently large. Two RAM sticks of 16 GB each are used, so upgrading requires completely replacing the existing memory. The PCIe Gen4 SSD offers sufficient storage capacity at 2 TB while also delivering optimal write/read speeds. A second SSD cannot be installed in the A7, as is the case with most other Geekom devices.

Overall, up to four monitors can be connected. When using four monitors, only 4K resolution is possible; with a single monitor, 8K is even available.

The two USB-C ports are also a positive note, one of which even supports USB 4. Unfortunately, despite its low power consumption, the mini-PC cannot be powered via USB-C. Like many other mini-PCs, it requires an external power supply with a barrel connector. The HDMI ports unfortunately only support HDMI 2.0—the newer version 2.1 would be desirable at this price. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are also on board.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom A7?

In performance tests, the CPU is about a third faster than an Intel Core i9-12900H. In PCMark 10, the A7 scores 9,773 points in Digital Content Creation and 7,555 points for the overall system. The Geekom XT12 Pro, for example, scores only 5,865 points. In the Essentials category, the mini-PC scores 11,543 points. When working with Word and Excel, the A7 scores 10,376 points.

That is a completely different league from many other mini-PCs. This makes the tiny computer even suitable as a gaming PC, though not for high-end games at maximum graphics resolution. For Full-HD gaming, however, the performance is more than enough, and the Geekom A7 ranks alongside comparable systems such as the Minisforum UM780 XTX (review), Awow HA7 (review), and the GMKtec Nucbox K6 (review). Mini-PC Geekom A7 – photo gallery Mini-PC Geekom A7 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Geekom A7 review

heise bestenlisten

Microsoft Defender found no malware on the device during our scans.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom A7?

In our tests, the mini-PC was pleasingly quiet. The fan was barely audible, and a measurement with a smartphone yielded well under 30 decibels. This makes the PC one of the quietest from Geekom—and also very quiet in general. That is remarkable considering the system's high performance and thus its greater cooling needs. Some of the manufacturer's mini-PCs have had fan noise problems in the past. At least Geekom provides a firmware update for individual devices, such as the Geekom IT13 (review), that reduces the noise level. Nevertheless, this can quickly spoil the fun of a mini-PC. The A7 is better equipped here; it is significantly quieter in operation than other devices.

Design: How is the build quality of the Geekom A7?

The silver-colored mini-PC with an aluminum case comes in the typically compact and rectangular design (112.4 x 112.4 x 37 mm), like most other mini-PCs. The case is entirely made of metal. At around 450 grams, the device is still portable. However, you must not forget the power supply, which weighs around 300 grams. To expand the mini-PC, the cover on the bottom can be unscrewed. This allows the RAM and SSD to be swapped out, even if that should rarely be necessary. Unfortunately, no additional SSD can be installed in the A7; it is only possible to replace the current SSD.

Price: How much does the Geekom A7 cost?

In the variant we tested, with Ryzen 9 7940HS, 2 TB NVMe and 32 GB RAM, the Geekom A7 currently costs 679 euros directly from the manufacturer (code techstageA7). On Amazon, it also costs 679 euros with our code A7techstage and the 50-euro click coupon. At the time of testing on May 24, 2024, the price was still 899 euros.

Conclusion

In our opinion, the mini-PC is one of the manufacturer's best devices to date. It offers good equipment, many ports and looks elegant. Unfortunately, the storage capacity cannot be expanded, but with 2 TB of storage on the SSD, the space is sufficient in most cases. Power consumption is low, cooling performance is good and the fan on the A7 is very quiet. At 899 euros, the price is not cheap, but a comparable Mac Mini costs three times as much.

However, apart from the RAM, the A7 cannot be expanded, has no Kensington lock and does not offer a USB-C port on the front. Unfortunately, there is also no HDMI 2.1 port on board. Nevertheless, the Geekom A7 is an excellent mini-PC, and the manufacturer has clearly learned a lot compared with earlier models. Geekom A8

Geekom A8

The Geekom A8 is the manufacturer's new flagship. The mini-PC comes with a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor. The integrated graphics unit is clearly superior to Intel's alternatives. We tested the mini-PC.

Thomas Joos, November 8, 2024 PROS

good computing and graphics performance

many ports

8K or up to four 4K monitors

quiet CONS

external power supply required

RAM upgrade only possible by replacement

no port for a Kensington lock

Geekom A8 review

This mini-PC is ideal if you need a lot of performance, including in the graphics area. In terms of price, the Geekom A8 is around 759 euros; with the code GKFH5 there is a five percent discount. Just like the recently tested Geekom A7 (review), the A8 can be seen as a replacement for a Mac Mini, but with Windows 11 Pro and not with Mac OS. We tested the sleek mini-PC with an aluminum case.

Equipment: What hardware does the Geekom A8 offer?

The Geekom A8 relies on an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS or a Ryzen 7 8845HS. The Ryzen 7 uses 8 cores, 16 threads at a frequency of up to 5.2 GHz. An AMD Radeon 780M with 12 cores is used as the iGPU. This makes the mini-PC very powerful, both in computing performance and in graphics applications. The predecessor A7 (review) still relied on the 7940HS as the CPU.

With regard to memory, the A8 uses fast DDR5 memory at 5.6 GHz. Most other mini-PCs, including older Geekom generations, still rely on slower DDR4 memory here. However, the configuration with two 16 GB memory modules prevents easy upgrades. If users want more memory, they must completely replace the existing memory sticks. Overall, the mini-PC supports up to 64 GB of RAM. For storage, Geekom uses an M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4×4 SSD with up to 2 TB in the A8.

A second SSD cannot be installed in the A8 either. Included in the scope of delivery are an HDMI cable and a VESA plate, which allows the PC to be mounted behind the monitor. Up to four displays with 4K can be connected to the A8. Users who connect only a single monitor can increase the resolution up to 8K. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are also included. The Geekom A8 has all the important ports. heise bestenlisten

It is a pity that there is no USB-C port on the front and that it is also not possible to power the PC via USB-C. To expand it, the A8 can be unscrewed at the bottom. However, the screws are hidden under the small rubber feet, which can be easily removed and reattached.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom A8?

In PCmark 10, the mini-PC A8 achieves a respectable overall score of 7748 points; the Geekom A7 (review) managed 7555 points here. In the Digital Content Creation area, the A7 scores 9,773 points in PCmark 10, while the A8 even achieves 10,188 points. In the Time Spy test with 3Dmark, the A8 reaches an overall score of 3398 points. In the graphics evaluation, the mini-PC scores 3026 points, and in the CPU evaluation it achieves a remarkable 11,229 points.

This shows that Geekom keeps pushing the performance envelope with its new models and that AMD can keep increasing its Ryzen processors. The A8 can therefore also be used for gaming, even though it is not suitable for high-end games in 4K. Here, a dedicated graphics card is necessary after all. In most cases, for example for titles such as Counter Strike 2 or Valheim, the performance of the internal AMD Radeon 780M is already sufficient.

A virus test with Microsoft Defender and additionally with F-Secure revealed no anomalies in the pre-installed operating system.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom A8?

During our tests, the mini-PC presented itself as pleasantly quiet. The fans are barely audible in everyday use, and the measurement with the smartphone was difficult to carry out due to the loud ambient noise. According to the display, the mini-PC hums along at less than 30 dB. This makes the A8 not only generally quiet, but also one of the quietest devices from Geekom. That would already be remarkable in itself – but in view of the ample computing power and graphics performance, the low noise level is excellent.

Design: How is the build quality of the Geekom A8?

The build quality of the A8 is very high and gives no cause for complaint. The aluminum case is sleek and neatly finished. The dimensions of 112.4 × 112.4 × 37 mm are typical for a mini PC. The weight of the mini computer is 450 g. The power supply adds another 300 g, but it is at least significantly smaller than with older Geekom models.

Price: How much does the Geekom A8 cost?

In the variant we tested with 2 TB NVMe and 32 GB RAM, the mini PC costs 799 euros from the manufacturer (759 euros with the code GKFH5), and 849 euros on Amazon. The price is reasonable given the equipment and performance. With an even more powerful Ryzen 9 8945HS, it costs 949 euros.

Conclusion

In our opinion, the Geekom A8 is Geekom's new top dog. The device replaces the Geekom A7 (review) as the manufacturer's best mini PC and delivers excellent results in terms of computing power and graphics. Anyone looking for a powerful mini PC should definitely take a closer look at the A8.

The design is appealing, there are enough ports, and operation is trouble-free and quiet. In addition to Windows 11 Pro, Linux, Proxmox and also Windows Server 2025 can be installed on the device without any problems, for example for training and testing purposes. Geekom AE7

Geekom AE7

Somewhat cheaper than the sleek A7 with aluminum case, the Geekom AE7 mini PC also impresses with top performance and a lower price. But there are also disadvantages.

Kai Schmerer, November 7, 2024 PROS

Top performance thanks to Ryzen 9 7940HS

32 GB RAM

quiet in office use CONS

Loud under full load

Plastic case

RAM and SSD storage can only be expanded by replacement

Geekom AE7 review

Somewhat cheaper than the sleek A7 with aluminum case, the Geekom AE7 mini PC also impresses with top performance and a lower price. But there are also disadvantages.

With the AE7, Geekom offers another mini PC based on an AMD CPU. The Ryzen 9 7940HS is manufactured by TSMC using the 4-nanometer process and clocks at 4 GHz. The integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics unit is almost as fast as a discrete Nvidia GTX1650TI GPU. The latter makes the difference compared with comparable mini PCs with Intel processors, which can keep up with the AMD counterparts in terms of computing power but are inferior in terms of graphics performance, even with the new Core Ultra 7 155H (review).

Apart from the case and the cooling system, the AE7 differs hardly at all technically from the Geekom A7 (review). Instead of aluminum on the A7, Geekom uses silver-painted plastic for the case. Since this worsens heat dissipation, the case is 1.2 cm taller. With almost the same footprint of the two mini PCs, the case volume thus increases from 0.47 liters to 0.64 liters. In return, the AE7 is somewhat cheaper at a current price of 712 euros (code: GKFH5).

Equipment: What hardware does the Geekom AE7 offer?

The Geekom AE7 runs AMD's Ryzen 9 7940HS with eight cores and 16 threads at a maximum of 5.2 GHz. The fast seventh-generation APU is based on the Zen 4 architecture, which integrates the Radeon 780M iGPU.

For RAM, a strong 32 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM from Crucial in the SODIMM form factor is used. The RAM can therefore be swapped out, with the two slots supporting a maximum kit size of 64 GB. The integrated 1 TB M.2 SSD runs at top level; in the test with Crystal Disk Mark it reads at 4937 MB/s and writes at 4255 MB/s. Thanks to thermal paste and a cooling plate, the SSD's temperature remains so low even under intensive load that no throttling occurs. However, the AE7 does not offer a second M.2 SSD. Anyone who wants to replace the SSD with, say, a model with an integrated heatsink such as the WD Black SN850X must remove the cooling plate connected to the underside of the case, since otherwise the case can no longer be closed. Larger SSDs, for example with 4 TB, are not specified by Geekom for use in the AE7.

In terms of ports, the Geekom AE7 offers a 2.5 Gb/s Ethernet port on the rear, two USB-C ports, one of which offers USB 4 Gen3 at 40 Gbps and the other USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10 Gbps. There is also a regular USB-A port as well as two HDMI 2.0 sockets and a power connection for the 120-watt power supply. The latter does not stand out negatively with unpleasant coil whine, as some other models do.

On the front there are additionally two USB-A slots with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) as well as a headphone jack. On the left side there is also an SD card reader and on the right side a Kensington lock.

Wirelessly, the mini PC fortunately communicates via fairly current interfaces with Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.2.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom AE7?

As expected, the AE7 with its Ryzen CPU delivers top results in the benchmarks. In the PCmark 10 benchmark test it reaches 7513 points, and in 3Dmark Time Spy it scores an excellent 3435 points. The very good performance figures also show up in practice: Counter Strike is playable well at 100 to 120 FPS, and Anno 1800 is also fun with 75 FPS at medium to high settings and Fidelity FX Super Resolution enabled. Resource-hungry games such as Cities Skylines 2 run butter-smooth at medium settings with sometimes well over 60 FPS.

The system comes with the usual bloatware preinstalled by Microsoft in Windows 11. Geekom fortunately refrains from additional software. We also did not find any trojans, as a full system scan with Windows Defender shows.

What is the power consumption of the Geekom AE7?

In everyday desktop operation, power consumption is between 11 and 40 watts, mostly averaging 25 watts. Under maximum load with Prime95 it is about 85 watts. During a run in the Time Spy benchmark, power consumption is just under 40 watts. In idle mode with the display off it is less than 6 watts. Geekom AE7: Installing Linux worked flawlessly with several distributions. heise bestenlisten

Can Linux also be installed on the Geekom AE7?

The Geekom AE7 ships with Windows 11 Pro. Anyone who wants to be completely sure regarding spyware should reinstall the operating system entirely via a USB stick. If you create this with the Rufus tool (Heise Download), you can also use it to disable the mandatory online account in the standard setup.

However, not all components are recognized in the test with Windows 11 Pro 24H2. But after installing the AMD chipset drivers, this shortcoming is fixed. We also still need to install drivers for the Wi-Fi card. Geekom does not yet offer a driver download for the AE7, but there are drivers for the A7, which is almost identical apart from the case.

The Geekom AE7 is compatible with common Linux distributions. We were able to install Ubuntu 24.04, Kubuntu 24.04 and Deepin V23 RC2 (Debian) on the mini PC without any problems.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom AE7?

In normal operation with office applications and a browser, the Geekom AE7 runs almost silently. Under heavier load from 3D games and benchmarks, however, the installed Ice Blast 1.5 cooling system becomes clearly noticeable. In the technically almost identical A7 model (review), Geekom uses a different cooling system, Geek-Cool 4.0, which together with the aluminum case evidently dissipates heat better, so that the A7 runs noticeably quieter under full load than the AE7.

In the BIOS, which you access during startup by pressing the Delete key, you can somewhat reduce the mini PC's noise level by selecting the Silent-Mode setting instead of Performance.

How is the build quality of the Geekom AE7 and is monitor mounting possible?

The build quality of the Geekom AE7 is good. The power supply does not whine and the ports sit flush with the case. The silver-metallic plastic case measures 117 × 112 × 49.2 mm, looks good and, thanks to the unscrewable bottom, is easy to access if you want to replace the SSD or memory. With the included VESA mount, the mini PC can easily be attached behind a monitor. Geekom AE7 Geekom AE7: Ryzen 9 7940HS, 32 GB DDR5/5600 and 1 TB NVMe SSD

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Price: How much does the Geekom AE7 cost?

The Geekom AE7 costs 712 euros from the manufacturer in our configuration variant (code: GKFH5). It is available on Amazon for 779 euros. At the time of testing on July 23, 2024, the price was 749 euros.

Conclusion

The Geekom AE7 convinced us in the test. Thanks to the Ryzen 9, Radeon 780M iGPU, 32 GB RAM and NVMe SSD, the performance leaves little to be desired. Of course, hardcore gamers will not be happy with the device. Apart from this use case, the Geekom AE7 with its performance is more than well suited for almost all applications. In typical office applications it is even practically inaudible most of the time. Only under heavier load does the internal fan become noticeable. Anyone who is not bothered by this gets a first-class mini PC with the AE7. Geekom AE8

Geekom AE8

Good equipment and top performance thanks to Ryzen 9: Does the Geekom AE8 meet the high expectations? Our test shows.

David Bettger from 11/20/2024 PROS

RAM and SSD expandable only by replacement

Plastic case

Good equipment and top performance thanks to Ryzen 9: Does the Geekom AE8 meet the high expectations? Our test shows.

With the Ryzen 9 8945HS alone as the processor, one thing is guaranteed: plenty of performance. Add to that the integrated Radeon 780M graphics unit, which even makes gaming possible on such a compact computer. Games like Anno 1800 or Cities Skylines 2 run more than smoothly here. Whether the rest of the equipment lives up to the price of 699 euros (code techstageAE8) and whether the cooling can handle so much performance is shown in our test.

Equipment: What hardware does the Geekom AE8 offer?

The Geekom AE8 runs an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS with eight cores and 16 threads. It clocks at up to 5.2 GHz and also includes the powerful integrated Radeon 780M graphics unit. In addition, the CPU has an NPU (Neural Processing Unit; chip for AI). At 39 TOPS (Tera Operations per Second: unit of measurement for the AI performance of NPUs), it is also well equipped, although only a few applications still make use of these chips.

The Geekom AE8 is equipped with 32 GB of RAM in the form of two DDR5 SODIMM modules from Crucial. The transfer rate is 5600 MT/s (Mega Transfers per Second). The mini PC also offers a 1 TB NVMe long-term storage drive in the M.2 2280 form factor, which works via PCIe 4.0. In our test in Crystaldiskmark, it achieves speeds of 4920 MB/s for reading and 4280 MB/s for writing – a solid result.

The system can officially be upgraded to up to 64 GB of RAM and 2 TB SSD. However, this requires replacing the already integrated hardware, as there are no additional slots for RAM and SSD. For testing, we installed two 48 GB RAM modules at 5600 MTS, also from Crucial, and they continued to be recognized by Windows without any problems. So our test shows: despite the manufacturer's statement to the contrary, upgrading the RAM beyond the 64 GB limit is possible.

With two USB-C and two HDMI ports on the back, there is the option of connecting up to four monitors to the Geekom AE8. Via HDMI and USB-C 3.2, a maximum resolution of 4K at 60 Hz is possible, and via USB-C 4.0 even 8K at 30 Hz. Unfortunately, power is supplied exclusively via the DC jack. The 2.5-gigabit LAN port is practical for home networks.

The AE8 still does not offer Wi-Fi 7, but the wireless interfaces with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 meet expectations.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom AE8?

With its hardware, the Geekom AE8 plays in the upper class of mini PCs, where performance is definitely not in short supply. The AE8 achieves an average of 7600 points in PCmark10, but the same CPU also achieves more performance in other systems. In 3Dmark Time Spy it gets 3340 points, of which 2975 are for graphics and 10970 for the CPU. This is precisely where the clearly superior graphics of the AMD processors shows.

The CPU benchmark in Geekbench gives 2680 points in single-core and 13,680 points in multi-core. The graphics achieve 31,020 points. Finally, we check with Cinebench R24, where the CPU achieves 954 points in the multi-core and 107 points in the single-core benchmark.

As a result, all conceivable tasks from Office to CAD to games are no problem for the Ryzen 9. We also tested Anno 1800 with high settings and FSR enabled in "Quality" mode. Here the AE8 achieves an average of 38 FPS while we look at a city of 50,000 inhabitants. With low settings we also quickly reach 80 FPS.

Despite the strong performance, the AE8 still fulfills the role of a small and above all power-efficient mini PC. At idle, the entire system consumes just 10 watts. Under full load, the Ryzen 9 also briefly reaches the advertised 5.2 GHz, then settles at 4.4 GHz over the long term. Power consumption is up to 100 watts for the entire system. Geekom AE8 – photo gallery Geekom AE8 – photo gallery

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Fan: How loud is the Geekom AE8?

As with various predecessors, cooling and especially fan noise are again a shortcoming. Under full load, the CPU reaches over 92 degrees. That alone would still be easy to cope with if the fan did not also become very loud. Even at idle it spins up again and again and is slightly audible. Nevertheless, the volume at under 25 dB cannot be meaningfully measured. Under full load, however, the fan spins up strongly and at just under 50 dB is anything but quiet. Even though this is a powerful CPU, we have seen significantly better cooling in comparable mini PCs.

A little remedy here can be provided by changing the fan mode in the BIOS from "Performance" to "Silent".

Case: How is the build quality of the Geekom AE8?

With a weight of 575 g and case dimensions of 117.7 × 112.4 × 49.5 mm, the Geekom AE8 is no longer among the most compact mini PCs. The gray case is made entirely of plastic and becomes noticeably warm during operation. Only the air intakes on the sides are made of metal. Overall, everything seems well made. Also worth mentioning is the SD card slot on the left side of the case.

Price: How much does the Geekom AE8 cost?

The Geekom AE8 with Ryzen 9 8945HS normally costs 849 euros from Geekom. Currently it is available with our code techstageAE8 for 699 euros. If you instead take the variant with a Ryzen 7 8845HS and 512 GB SSD, the price with the code drops to 569 euros at Geekom (code techstageAE8).

At Amazon it is significantly more expensive at 779 euros (select the 100-euro coupon).

Conclusion

The Geekom AE8 is a very potent mini PC that, thanks to strong graphics, can even handle most games without problems. We are also very convinced by the rest of the equipment with USB-C 4.0 and 2.5-gigabit Ethernet. Only the loud fan, which is sometimes audible even at idle, clouds our overall impression. The price is set somewhat too high for us here, especially when you look at PCs from competitors such as Minisforum. Purely technically, however, the Geekom AE8 convinced us very much. Ouvis F1A

Ouvis F1A

The new Intel Ultra series promises leaps in graphics and AI performance, where the chip manufacturer wants to have caught up. With the Ouvis F1A we have the first mini PC with the new hardware in the test and show where it is better.

Jonas Bettger from 07.11.2024 ADVANTAGES

Fan with audible background noise

Glass top attracts fingerprints

no DisplayPort

higher price than the stronger AMD variant

Ouvis F1A in the test

The new Intel Ultra series promises leaps in graphics and AI performance, where the chip manufacturer wants to have caught up. With the Ouvis F1A, we have the first mini PC with the new hardware in our test and show where it is better.

The technical data of the Ouvis F1A read promisingly at first glance: a brand-new processor (CPU) in the form of the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with new Intel Arc graphics, 16 GB of RAM, and a lightning-fast 1-TB SSD. The manufacturer has packed all of this into a sleek case with a glass top – something no mini PC has had before. The test will show whether the hardware at the current price of 599 euros can convince us and where there is still room for improvement.

The test device was provided to us by Geekbuying.

Equipment: What hardware does the Ouvis F1A offer?

The Ouvis F1A comes with the new Intel processors of the Core Ultra series, with the previous "Core i" naming scheme, established for over 14 years, having served its purpose. However, the nomenclature with the numerical suffixes "3", "5", and "7" remains. Our test device uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. This delivers a stately 16 cores (maximum 4.8 GHz) and 22 threads.

At the same time, it relies on a new, significantly stronger iGPU from the Intel Arc series. It finally wants to match AMD, which will become apparent in the following section on performance. In addition, a so-called NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is integrated – an additional chip that exists solely to accelerate local AI calculations. This one goes by the name "Intel Ai Boost" and operates at a maximum of 1.4 GHz.

The Ouvis F1A offers 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, which already clocks quite high at 4.8 GHz. Two slots are available for SODIMM modules, with only one occupied – upgrading is therefore quite easy. The M.2 NVMe SSD nearly reaches the promised 5000 MB/s; in our tests with CrystalDiskMark, it achieves 4728 MB/s for reading and 4489 MB/s for writing. That is already a decidedly fast, current model – good.

As for ports, the most important interfaces are covered; for USB-A, Ouvis relies on the USB 3.2 standard (Gen 1 × 2). For driving displays, you can use two HDMI 2.0 ports as well as one USB-C 3.2 port (Gen 2 × 1). However, a dedicated DisplayPort connection is missing, which is extremely unfortunate, especially at the asking price and for this performance class. Power is supplied via a DC barrel connector with a comparatively huge and clunky 120-watt power supply. Minisforum and other competitors manage this much more compactly, and they are also increasingly relying on USB-C for power delivery – which also makes things more flexible.

The wireless interfaces are quite current with Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6, although for WLAN the successors Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 are slowly becoming expected.

Performance: Can you play games with the Ouvis F1A?

With the Ouvis F1A, the performance leap that Intel has made with the new CPU series is directly evident in the very first test. In the PCmark 10 benchmark, the system achieves the highest score of any Intel-powered mini PC from our previous tests – averaging a solid 7300 points. However, it is noticeable that the spread of results is surprisingly wide – ranging from 6772 points to a maximum of 7462 points. With the previous chip generation, we barely managed just under 6000 points, rather less. Particularly in the area of photo editing, the system now scores impressively with over 13,000.

Compared to the previous Intel Xe Graphics, the graphics have made a significant leap. In the 3Dmark Time Spy benchmark, it scores 2152 points, placing it between AMD graphics units of the fifth and seventh generations. For the first time, gaming in Full HD is also possible with Intel. We get the games Anno 1800 and Counter Strike onto the screen without any problems or stuttering. With demanding games like Cities Skylines, it gets somewhat more difficult with our bustling 20,000-inhabitant city; only 30 to 40 FPS are possible here. What helps here primarily is AMD's open "FidelityFX Super Resolution," which can also be used with Intel and improves performance and quality via software. Overall, a reasonable result, especially considering how large Intel's gap compared to AMD still was with the previous generation. However, Intel still has one disadvantage on its side: the poor price-performance ratio. Unless the system happens to be on sale, you get more performance for less money with mini PCs that have an AMD chip.

The system comes with the usual bloatware that Microsoft preinstalls with Windows 11. Ouvis does without additional software. We also do not find any trojans, as a full system scan with Windows Defender shows. In everyday desktop operation, power consumption is between 10 and 36 watts, mostly averaging 25 watts. At full load, it is about 76 watts. During a run in the Time Spy benchmark, it is just under 40 watts. Mini-PC Ouvis F1A – photo gallery Mini-PC Ouvis F1A – photo gallery

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Fan: How loud is the Ouvis F1A?

With the Ouvis F1A, noise levels show that nominal volume in decibels is not the only decisive factor. The type of noise is also relevant to whether it is perceived as more annoying. With the Ouvis, it is a humming and whining that mixes in with the fan noise. In terms of sound and volume, we think of a vacuum cleaner running in the neighboring apartment. In nominal figures, the mini PC reaches only around 30 dB or less in desktop operation.

But if we put it under stress with Prime95 over a longer period, or rather at full load, it quickly reaches up to 39 dB from one meter away or 44 dB at the case. In general, what is primarily annoying is that the mini PC is permanently audible, which is due to a higher fan speed but also to the secondary noise. It even has two fans – one in the lid and one in the bottom – and could therefore run both at a lower speed. But it does not. Unlike other mini PCs, the fans here also run continuously.

Form factor: How big is the Ouvis F1A?

The Ouvis F1A is quite large for a mini PC. Instead of the usual side dimensions of 128 mm, it measures a hefty 147 × 147 × 55 mm – quite a battleship. The weight of 840 g is nothing to sneeze at either.

The build quality of the case, which is partly made of matte metal, is extremely high. For the top, the manufacturer uses a kind of glass with a black background that reflects and attracts fingerprints extremely well. This makes the case significantly more delicate than those of other mini PCs, which is no problem if you mount the mini computer behind a monitor using a VESA mount. However, if you place the computer directly on the desk, you should take this visual component into account.

Opening the case to replace or expand the SSD and RAM is done via the underside. There are four screws with rubber rings that can even be loosened and tightened by hand. Be careful with the fan cable, which can otherwise tear off when opening.

Price: What does the Ouvis F1A cost?

With an Intel Ultra 7 155H, the Ouvis F1A normally costs 799 euros at Geekbuying; at the time of testing on June 26, 2024, the price had dropped to 749 euros with a coupon. In the flash sale, however, it currently costs only 599 euros there. This makes the model competitive, unlike at the time of testing, and actually worth buying. High-end systems with AMD CPUs, however, remain more powerful overall.

Conclusion

Intel can finally keep up again. For many years, competitor AMD has been cleaning up the processor field from behind and reading the market leader the riot act. With the latest generation, that is not entirely over yet, as the Ouvis F1A has shown. The graphics performance is astonishingly competitive for Intel standards, and in the benchmark results Intel is suddenly really close. Compared with the previous generation, the Core Ultra 7 chip makes a significant leap. RAM and SSD are fast and easy to access.

The build quality of the mini PC is thoroughly high-quality, and its appearance is elegant. In our view, the glass top was not necessary; it is susceptible to fingerprints – which then no longer looks so elegant. Unfortunately, however, the two fans produce a noticeable background noise that reminds us a little of a vacuum cleaner in the neighboring apartment. This also makes the F1A significantly louder than comparable AMD-based models. So in the Intel cosmos there is still acute catching up to do here. We also miss a full-fledged DisplayPort connection, and USB-C for power supply would have been nice.

The showstopper for Intel, however, remains the price. If you look around among AMD mini PCs, you get higher performance according to benchmarks for 150 euros less – and then whisper-quiet. And so we can clearly attest that the Ouvis F1A is a significant improvement, but given the better and also cheaper competition, a recommendation is extremely difficult. Anyone who enjoys the PC's capabilities and is used to Intel can go for it. But if we were asked for a recommendation for a powerful mini PC with good value for money, our answer would not be this model. CSL Tiny Box

CSL Tiny Box

Small, but just how impressive is this mini PC? The CSL Tiny Box is truly tiny compared with other representatives of its kind. The review clarifies what the inexpensive device offers.

Jonas Bettger from 03/09/2024 PROS

Windows 11S (can be disabled)

CSL Tiny Box review

Small, but just how impressive is this mini PC? The CSL Tiny Box is truly tiny compared with other representatives of its kind. The review clarifies what the inexpensive device offers.

The CSL Tiny Box is really very small. The mini-mini PC fills just one palm and is once again more compact than the already compact Blackview MP80 (review) – that is impressive. This makes it the smallest mini PC we have held in our hands so far. However, a lot of performance does not fit into such a small case, and so here we find only a Celeron N4120 and 4 GB of RAM for a price of 170 euros. The RAM in particular is very tight. As a result, running Windows is a real imposition.

Equipment: What hardware does the CSL Tiny Box offer?

The CSL Tiny Box is positioned at the lower end of the performance scale. The Intel Celeron N4120 is even a quad-core processor (four cores with 1.1 GHz base clock, 2.6 GHz boost clock), but it is overshadowed by the undersized RAM. Only 4 GB is permanently soldered to the board. So upgrading is not possible. For system storage, it relies on 128 GB eMMC flash storage, which according to the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark works at USB stick speed of about 170 MB/s.

At least here you can upgrade, because an M.2 slot for an M.2 2242 SSD is hidden in the bottom. But you can also configure more storage directly on the manufacturer's website via a configurator. There are also variants of the Tiny Box that rely directly on an M.2 SSD with more storage.

Spartanism has taken hold with the ports, but this is explained by the size and the resulting limited space on and inside the case. Thus, in addition to the only USB-C port present for power supply, there are only two ports for USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 and one HDMI 2.0. An Ethernet port for a stable LAN connection is entirely missing; via a suitable adapter, such as the TP-Link UE300 for around 10 euros, the LAN port can be added via USB. The Wi-Fi module relies on the outdated Wi-Fi 5 standard, while Bluetooth is still fairly current with version 5.1.

Important: The mini PC can be powered exclusively with the included power supply. Other chargers under 65 watts (best list) as well as from 65 watts (best list) or power banks (best list) did not get the Tiny Box running.

Performance: How fast is the CSL Tiny Box?

Although the CPU has four cores, even the dual-core processor of the Bmax 6 Plus (review) runs vastly better – more cores are of little use with the meager amount of RAM. The best proof of this is the result in PCMark 10, which at 1497 points is the lowest result we have ever measured for a mini PC.

In everyday use, Windows 11 stutters continuously even in the minimalist S mode; in our eyes, the system is completely unusable for home office use. S mode for low-performance systems restricts the program selection to Store apps, and it can easily be disabled via the Windows options. Using Windows here is by no means recommended.

However, a lightweight Linux could bring about an improvement thanks to its low resource consumption. Classic lightweight derivatives such as Lubuntu, Xubuntu or Tiny Core Linux are recommended here. But Chrome OS Flex can also be used as a system that is easy on system resources. The download works via the Chromebook Recovery Extension Tool, as our colleagues at Heise Download explain. Mini-PC CSL Tiny Box review – photo gallery Mini-PC CSL Tiny Box size comparison with the Blackview MP80

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC CSL Tiny Box – rear

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC CSL Tiny Box – SD card slot on the side

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As for the use cases, we see the Tiny Box in less demanding application areas, such as a basis for information displays, POS systems or hotspots. Precisely where no one should notice that a mini PC is at work, the device plays its biggest trump card. Here the small size is a huge asset, because the Tiny Box fits anywhere and simply disappears from view. This also gives it a unique selling point, because although mini PCs are already small in themselves, the CSL device is truly tiny. For mounting, the VESA mounting bracket is a good option.

Fan: How loud is the CSL Tiny Box?

The Tiny Box's operating noise is good; we measure around 30 decibels at the case via a smartphone app and about 22 decibels from a distance of one meter. That is completely fine for a mini PC and thus hard to distinguish from ambient noise, but the dwarf computer is still not inaudible. A positive example, since especially models from Geekom do not have proper fan control and always spin up loudly. Weaker mini PCs are anyway quieter, since heat generation remains limited due to the lower performance – as is the case here too.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the CSL Tiny Box?

The build quality of the CSL Tiny Box is thoroughly solid; the black plastic is neither outstandingly good nor bad. Only the fan grilles on the top should be handled with care; they are very delicate and give way under even light pressure – which is why they could break quite quickly and get into the fan. The rubber feet on the underside are nice, preventing the fan's vibrations from being transmitted.

Price: How much does the CSL Tiny Box cost?

In the base configuration with 128 GB of eMMC storage and 4 GB RAM, the Tiny Box currently costs 170 euros on Amazon. If you want SSD storage with more than 512 GB instead of eMMC, you are already at 240 euros. Given the performance, that seems expensive.

Conclusion

The CSL Tiny Box wins our hearts above all with its absurdly small size. But as soon as we press the on/off button and take the first steps in Windows 11S, we reconsider the love affair. Because the performance is subterranean, and the computer is barely usable for running Windows.

We can therefore only recommend the system with the use of lightweight Linux derivatives and for low-performance applications. These include, among others, point-of-sale systems or information displays, for example in combination with mobile monitors (guide). In the end, our hastily reached verdict is: anyone who isn't specifically drawn to the system's compactness is better served by other equally expensive mini PCs. Otherwise, 4 GB of RAM in 2024 is almost an insult and should be urgently avoided. Acemagic AD08

Acemagic AD08

No complete mini PC with an i9 processor is this cheap: the Acemagic AD08 offers an exciting overall package for 529 euros. Whether this also contains catches, we show in the test.

Jonas Bettger from 14.02.2024 PROS

USB-C for image transmission

attractive price

connection of up to 3 monitors CONS

virus warning for some users & testers

very loud in performance mode (43 decibels)

i9 not as strong as expected

Acemagic AD08 in the test

No complete mini PC with an i9 processor is this cheap: the Acemagic AD08 offers an exciting overall package for 529 euros. Whether this also contains catches, we show in the test.

We have already tested several mini PCs from the manufacturer Acemagic, and they all share the fact that they are quite attractive in terms of price. This also applies to the Acemagic AD08, which for a price of currently 529 euros on Amazon offers an 11th-generation Intel Core i9, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. This makes it the cheapest complete mini PC with an i9 processor. In the test report, we take a close look at it: Is there a catch with this price-performance ratio? And how good is the i9 actually? Can the system meet expectations for performance?

Equipment: What hardware does the Acemagic AD08 offer?

The gray-black case of the Acemagic AD08 houses an 11th-generation Intel flagship: the Core i9-11900H, which can draw on eight cores and 16 threads at up to 4.9 GHz. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) is an impressive 45 watts for a mini PC – so the system certainly doesn't get a prize for efficiency.

It is supported by two DDR4 RAM modules of 8 GB each (16 GB in total), with a maximum of 64 GB (2x 32 GB) possible. Thanks to SODIMM slots and the maintenance flap, swapping is easy. The same applies to the NVMe SSD, which has 512 GB. Here, up to 2 TB can be installed, unless you want to use the additional, unoccupied SATA port for a 2.5-inch hard drive. In that case, the total storage size of all drives together must not exceed 2 TB.

As for the ports, we particularly note positively the existing USB-C port, which transmits not only data but also video. Otherwise, the range of interfaces is right, there are enough USB-A ports. We would have wished for just a second Ethernet port in order to use the mini PC as a firewall appliance without an adapter. Mini PC Acemagic AD08: magnetic side flap with RAM modules and SSD heise bestenlisten

Performance: How fast is the Acemagic AD08?

Advertised as a gaming mini-PC, it was already clear to us before the test that the system would disappoint on this promise. That's because integrated graphics chips currently lack the performance to go beyond Full HD and reduced settings. This mainly concerns titles such as Portal 2 or Anno 1800 or casual games. Games that require even more performance are unplayable. This applies in particular to the older Iris XE 32EU graphics chip, although integrated graphics units from Intel are traditionally slower than their AMD counterparts anyway.

This can be seen, for example, in the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, where the system achieves 786 points, but only 677 points in graphics. The AMD counterpart in the Ouvis AMR5 (review) achieves 1493 points here (system), and its graphics performance is also clearly better at 1313 points.

In the PCmark 10 benchmark, the system reaches 5234 points when the mode is set to "Performance". In "Silent" mode it is still 4871 – so the setting makes a noticeable difference. Here the Digital Content Creation section scores better on AMD with 5755 points than on Intel here with 5277 points. Especially in photo editing, the difference is clear at 8862 points (Ouvis AMR5) versus 6230 points (Acemagic AD08).

The NVMe SSD works at high speeds; in the Crystaldiskmark storage benchmark it reaches 3402 MB/s (read) and 1748 MB/s (write).

Overall, the mini-PC can therefore be used for more demanding tasks such as image editing, but graphically demanding areas of application such as games or 3D rendering should above all be avoided. The promise in the Amazon product title of getting a "gaming mini-PC" therefore cannot be upheld according to our test. In any case, however, the AD08 is the cheapest complete mini-PC with an i9 processor. On Amazon, only barebone models (without storage & RAM) with an i9 are listed under 500 euros; in the price comparison, complete systems start at over 1200 euros. Competitor Geekom currently ships the Geekom Mini IT13 (review) with a 13th-generation i9 for 850 euros.

Are there virus problems with the Acemagic AD08?

Acemagic's mini-PCs are currently making headlines above all due to Trojan findings on the systems. Acemagic is a brand of Mini-PC-Union, which otherwise also includes Acemagician, Nipogi and Ouvis. Users report in forums and tech bloggers on YouTube and TikTok about virus alerts on a wide variety of mini-PCs that they received from the manufacturer itself. We too were already alerted to the reports by readers last year and were able to confirm them on the Acemagic S1 (review) and the Nipogi AK1 Plus (review). We therefore check every mini-PC for viruses. Other models from Mini-PC-Union that we tested were not affected in our case.

This also applies to the Acemagic AD08, where the integrated Windows Defender does not trigger. We used both the full scan and the offline scan – the latter restarts the system in order to be able to fully scan the computer in a separate system level. The Defender is now entirely sufficient as the sole antivirus program, as Microsoft has significantly improved its accuracy over the past few years. All of the bloggers used this tool and were thus already made aware of the preinstalled Trojans. Warning! Virus on mini PCs! #rgb #gaming #hardware #setup #trojaner #acemagic #acemagicminipc

We also use the scan software from antivirus expert Avast, which confirms the result of Windows Defender: no virus found. We have presumably already received a revised model, because in response to the increased reports Acemagic publicly confirmed that the problem partly exists in one production series of the systems, but that new batches are no longer affected. However, it is difficult to say how many affected mini-PCs from the manufacturer are still in circulation. A recall has not yet been initiated.

In any case, we recommend reinstalling the computer, which can never hurt in principle in order to slim down the system by removing preinstalled bloatware. Anyone who wants to use a Linux desktop or Home Assistant (guide), for example with Proxmox, will format the SSD anyway. It should be said, however, that there are also Trojans that can reinstall themselves directly onto the fresh Windows via an invisible recovery partition. Anyone who wants to protect against this cannot avoid replacing the SSD. Overall, the findings certainly do not put the manufacturer in a good light. The aftertaste remains bitter, even if current systems no longer contain Trojans.

Fan: How loud is the Acemagic AD08?

The volume varies depending on the power mode selected. While the volume in "Silent" mode is around 30 decibels, in "Performance" it climbs to quite annoying levels – we consider 43 decibels to be very high for a mini-PC. While this can be understood with regard to processor performance, little is delivered on the graphics side for this volume. Overall, a mixed impression. It is true that "Silent" mode is really quiet, but the processor's performance also drops significantly because the modes affect the TDP, so "Silent" caps performance. And then the question arises: who buys an i9 only to artificially limit it? As far as volume is concerned, we are therefore somewhat disappointed.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Acemagic AD08?

On the Acemagic AD08, swapping or expanding the RAM and SSD is done entirely without screws, because you can simply remove the side panel. The build quality is noticeably higher than on the similar case of the Ouvis AMR5 (review). There, we were afraid of breaking off the tabs used to hang the maintenance cover, but not on the AD08. Overall, the plastic case feels noticeably higher quality and by no means as dull as on the AMR5.

Price: How much does the Acemagic AD08 cost?

The Acemagic AD08 with Intel Core i9, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage currently costs 529 euros on Amazon. At the time of testing on February 14, it was 479 euros. The regular price is 720 euros.

Conclusion

As with the Nipogi AK1 Plus, we also find it difficult to give a classic recommendation for the Acemagic AD08. The reports about preinstalled trojans are, to put it mildly, unpleasant and have done lasting damage to trust in the manufacturer. Although we ourselves did not find a trojan, there is still a risk of getting a mini-PC from the affected batch. Apart from the virus findings by netizens, you get impressive performance and a stylish mini-PC with a somewhat idiosyncratic shape here.

It is nice that USB-C is present, which allows the mini-PC to be connected to up to three monitors. The price is very attractive for an i9 model; other computers with this processor cost significantly more or come as barebones without RAM and SSD.

In the end, however, you do not get a gaming mini-PC as promised here either, although the pure processor performance is still strong. If we compare with AMD processors, however, the i9 loses against the Ryzen 7. The Ouvis AMR5 is not only faster but also 170 euros cheaper. Currently, then, you are better off with AMD, but you are not getting a fundamentally bad overall package here. Nevertheless, there is still a recommendation, even if we would have expected more from the i9 overall. MSI Cubi Nuc 1M

MSI Cubi Nuc 1M from EUR 1,099.00

MSI, a manufacturer of gaming hardware, relies on Intel in the Cubi NUC 1M. Our test shows whether the mini-PC is worth it and whether it is also suitable for gaming.

David Bettger from 07.11.2024 PROS

Power supply via USB-C possible CONS

MSI, a manufacturer of gaming hardware, relies on Intel in the Cubi NUC 1M. Our test shows whether the mini-PC is worth it and whether it is also suitable for gaming.

With the Intel Core 7 150U, MSI opts against the stronger CPUs and especially graphics units from AMD. At a price of 957 euros, you get 16 GB of RAM and a fast 512 GB SSD. Visually, it comes in a plain black case with no visible ventilation slots, which has won the Red Dot Award. We test what the hardware can do, where the mini-PC's weaknesses lie and for whom a purchase is worthwhile. MSI Cubi Nuc 1M heise best lists

MSI provided us with the mini-PC.

Equipment: What hardware does the MSI Cubi NUC 1M offer?

For the CPU, MSI relies on Intel, more precisely: the Core 7 150 U with integrated ARC graphics. This ten-core chip clocks at up to 5.4 GHz and has a power consumption of up to 20 watts. It is backed by 8 or 16 GB of RAM, with a clock rate of 5600 MHz. However, the actual clock rate for DDR RAM is only half as high – in the technically correct unit actually meant, it is 5600 MT/s (megatransfers per second). The replaceable RAM modules come in SO-DIMM form factor. In all memory variants, MSI relies on 8 GB modules, so an upgrade from 8 to 16 GB is easily possible, but in the 16 GB variant the integrated modules must be replaced.

The M.2 SSD with PCIe Gen 4x4 interface is 512 GB in size. In CrystalDiskMark, it reaches just under 5000 points for reading and 2800 points for writing. The storage can be expanded via another M.2 slot as well as via SATA with a 2.5-inch hard drive.

The Cubi NUC has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which also allow the mini-PC to be powered via Power Delivery (PD-in) with up to 100 W. Alternatively, there is also a DC jack. In addition, there are two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of them with Power Link – so that the mini-PC automatically boots up as soon as the connected monitor is switched on. This is practical when the mini-PC is mounted behind the monitor, but only works in combination with an MSI monitor. There is also dual 2.5 Gbit LAN. For wireless interfaces, MSI relies on the comparatively current standards Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

One point of criticism is the bloatware. The system ships with Norton 360 and thus constantly brings up new pop-ups. This is annoying and unnecessary, since Windows Defender is definitely sufficient. Even the models from Far Eastern manufacturers such as Geekom (review), Ouvis (review) or Beelink (review) come without bloatware and offer better value for money.

Performance: How fast is the Cubi NUC 1M?

The usual problem of mobile Intel CPUs also becomes evident in the Cubi NUC 1M: weak graphics. Even though the Core 7 here apparently is an upper-class CPU, Intel lags far behind the competitor AMD. This is especially clear in 3DMark Time Spy. There, the Core 7 reaches a total of 1750 points, of which 1560 are graphics points and 5550 CPU points – that is rather meager. The same in PCMark 10, where the CPU only reaches 5340 points and thus already trails a Ryzen 5700. In Geekbench 6, the 1M scores 2560 points in single-core and 8600 points in multi-core. The graphics achieve a result of 15020 points.

The game tests are also sobering: in a new world, Cities Skylines 2 is just about playable only at the lowest settings in Full HD at 25 to 30 FPS. On top of that, there are graphics bugs – in our case, the entire game turns yellow as soon as you want to build a road. That is very annoying and presumably due to the not-so-well-optimized graphics drivers of the still fairly new ARC graphics units. If you look at a 40,000-resident city in Anno 1800 at the lowest settings in Full HD and with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) disabled, the system again reaches only 30 FPS. That is playable, but anything but nice and does not count as part of the upper class of mini-PCs, as one would infer from the price. MSI Cubi Nuc 1M – photo gallery MSI Cubi Nuc 1M – photo gallery

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With a power consumption of 15 watts at idle and 45 watts under full load, the system is at least power-efficient. Under heavy multi-core load, however, the CPU remains far from the up to 5.4 GHz that Intel specifies. A realistic expectation here is 2.0 GHz. Despite the low power consumption of 20 watts, the CPU quickly reaches 80 °C and goes into thermal throttling, i.e., downclocking due to excessive temperature.

Fan: How loud is the Cubi NUC 1M?

The cooling in the Cubi NUC 1M runs quietly. Under full load, the noise level from a distance of one meter is not meaningfully measurable (95 degrees)

Mini-PC Ninkear M8 review: Ryzen 7, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD for under 400 euros

With an eighth-generation Ryzen 7, ample memory and fast ports, the Ninkear M8 takes aim at the mid-range.

Ninkear has primarily made a name for itself in the past for its strong price-performance ratio. Especially in the low-price segment, they were able to surprise with strong performance and high-quality cases. The Ninkear M8 attempts a similar concept in the higher-priced segment with its Ryzen 7 8745HS. Alongside the modern AMD SoC, there is ample 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD.

How well the mini-PC performs and whether we can recommend it is shown in our review. The test device was provided to us by Banggood.

Equipment: What hardware does the Ninkear M8 offer?

The Ninkear M8 comes with the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, which offers eight cores and 16 threads at a base clock of 3.8 GHz and up to 4.9 GHz in turbo. It is thus specified almost identically to the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, but without an NPU. At present, this is used by only a few programs. In this respect, the loss is currently small; the NPU is more a bet on the future and currently not necessary.

The integrated graphics is the Radeon 780M, already well known to us, with twelve compute units (CUs) clocked at a maximum of 2.6 GHz. The TDP for this SoC is usually 35 W, but can be raised to up to 54 W by the system configurator or PC manufacturer.

For RAM, there is a generous 32 GB, split across two SO-DIMM modules in the DDR5 standard. These are not brand-name products and support only a transfer rate of 4800 MT/s. As a result, the mini-PC does not exploit the potential of SO-DIMM modules of 5600 MT/s. This can have a significant effect, especially for integrated graphics units, since they use part of the RAM as video memory. The manufacturer makes no restrictions on upgradability; in our test we were able to use 96 GB from Crucial with faster 5600 MT/s without any problems. Ninkear M8: RAM & SSD heise best lists

The M.2 SSD in the 2280 form factor offers a capacity of 1 TB. However, it is connected only via PCIe 3.0 and is also a no-name product. It therefore achieves a result of 3569 MB/s in reading and 3497 MB/s in writing. That corresponds to the practical maximum of the interface and is more than sufficient in everyday use.

The Ninkear M8 continues to use the older DisplayPort 1.4 standard, which allows transmission of 8K at 30 Hz. The HDMI 2.0 port supports a maximum of 4K at 60 Hz, while the bandwidth of the USB-C port is only sufficient for one monitor at 4K and 30 Hz.

However, there is only one USB-C port, which also cannot be used to power the mini-PC (PD-in). On laptops this has been standard for several years, and even among mini-PCs in the low-price segment it is no longer a rarity. In this respect, we miss such a function at a price beyond 350 euros. Competitors such as Minisforum with its UM product series already offer this on similarly priced PCs.

In addition, the Ninkear M8 offers two RJ45 Ethernet ports with 2.5 gigabit transfer rate. The Realtek RTL8125 Gaming chipset is installed for this. Wirelessly, thanks to the MediaTek MT7922 chipset, the mini-PC communicates via fairly modern interfaces with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. To our surprise, however, the manufacturer advertises only the older Wi-Fi 6.

Performance: How fast is the Ninkear M8?

We have had mixed experiences with the Ryzen 7 8745HS. Especially here, the mini-PC must clearly set itself apart from the entry-level and mid-range with Ryzen 7 5800U or 5825U. But as with the Alliwava H90 Pro (review), the result in the office/everyday benchmark PCMark 10 is very sobering. The Ninkear M8 reaches a maximum of 6427 points here, and the score also fluctuates enormously between runs. The worst score was 4892 points—a disaster.

The result in 3DMark Time Spy is neither good nor enormously bad. The system scores 2492 points, composed of 9570 CPU and 2205 graphics points. This puts the system almost on par with the Alliwava H90 Pro; only in graphics is the Ninkear once again 300 points worse.

If we look at pure CPU performance with Cinebench R24, the M8 performs comparatively poorly with 85 points in single-core and 708 points in multi-core. Here the H90 Pro was consistently better. The cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 attests 2418 points in single-core and 11,492 points in multi-core for the CPU, thereby again surpassing the H90 Pro. In the OpenCL graphics benchmark, the system is 500 points inferior with 19,401 points.

In our first game test in Anno 1800, the system averaged 30 FPS in an advanced endless game. We play in Full HD at medium settings and with FSR (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) disabled. Most of the time we look at our 50,000-inhabitant metropolis, which looks very attractive at these settings. If FSR is enabled in "Performance" mode, up to 55 FPS is possible.

In terms of performance, the system is almost identical to the Alliwava H90 Pro with the same processor. Depending on the benchmark, one system or the other is superior. Only in graphics does the H90 Pro consistently offer more power. Ninkear M8 – photo gallery Ninkear M8 – photo gallery

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We also tested the more demanding Cities Skylines 2. Here we also play in Full HD at medium settings with dynamic resolution scaling enabled. This gives us an average of 12 FPS on a relatively fresh save with only 12,000 inhabitants. At very low settings we get 33 FPS, which is now genuinely playable for the first time. Of course, we sacrifice the game's high level of detail for this.

This makes the system suitable for gaming, but it by no means competes with real gaming PCs that have dedicated graphics cards. Even compared with other mini PCs, such as the Awow HA7 (review) or the Minisforum UM890 Pro (review), gaming performance is worse despite the same iGPU. On these machines, the games mentioned ran more smoothly.

During testing with Geekbench, we also noticed that the mini PC is listed as "GRT H90 Pro". We can read the same thing via Aida64 under the motherboard name. This strongly suggests that the Ninkear M8 uses the same motherboard as the Alliwava H90 Pro (review). In the past there was already a similar case with the U58 (review), which was marketed as white-label hardware as the Gxmo U58 and as an Alliwava device.

Power consumption: What is the power draw of the Ninkear M8?

At idle, the entire mini PC consumes about 13 W; under full load, up to 80 W is possible. On average, consumption under load is about 73 W for the first ten minutes before it permanently drops to values between 66 and 70 W. The clock speed is a meager 2.1 GHz, and at minimum it is even only 1.6 GHz.

The cause of the low values and weak benchmark results is likely the cooling. It fails to keep the CPU temperature below 95 degrees Celsius. As a result, it is already at 95.6 degrees after a few minutes and does not recover. The Alliwava H90 Pro already showed similar anomalies. However: after only 30 to 40 minutes of full load in the Aida64 stress test, the system repeatedly crashes. That should never happen and does not speak well for system stability. In our benchmark runs, however, this never happened, nor did it in our game tests – the crashes were limited to the stress test.

Fan: How loud is the Ninkear M8?

Normally, the M8's fan is barely audible even under full load. The device therefore remains roughly equally quiet at idle and under short-term load, and the fan is only perceptible at all if you move within a few centimeters of the device. During prolonged full-load operation, we measure 31 dB(A) directly at the case and 19 dB(A) at a distance of one meter with a smartphone.

However, in some cases the fan also gets "stuck" at a high speed when booting into Windows. The fan then continues running at high speed even after hours of idle time and is correspondingly loud. A restart usually fixes the problem. Nevertheless, such problems should not occur, and certainly not on a PC in this price range. Ninkear M8: Heat distribution on the case heise bestenlisten

Even with the high fan speed, the mini-PC has a clear cooling problem. Under load, the temperature rises to up to 96 degrees, which is already very high even for mobile processors. This shortens the CPU's lifespan in the long term, yet the system should still function without problems for many years even under these conditions.

The TDP and also fan modes can be configured quite flexibly in the BIOS. There are the Full, Automatic and Software modes. Among other things, fixed fan speeds can be set here – or you can leave this to the system. However, this is still far removed from the convenience of a freely configurable fan curve in the BIOS or even in Windows via a fan-control application. Ninkear M8: Fan modes in the BIOS heise bestenlisten

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Ninkear M8?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Ninkear M8. A full virus scan with Windows Defender comes back clean. The system also does without any bloatware except for the Microsoft apps and services. Ninkear M8: BIOS – disabling Secure Boot heise bestenlisten

Linux runs without problems on the system. We first had to go into the BIOS via Windows' advanced startup and disable Secure Boot there. We were then able to boot Ubuntu 24.04.03 LTS from our USB stick. Once in Ubuntu, everything works flawlessly. The correct resolution is detected, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ethernet work, and there are no problems with audio either. Waking from standby also works perfectly.

Case: How is the build quality of the Ninkear M8?

The Ninkear M8's case is made entirely of plastic. The mini-PC measures 130 × 127.5 × 52 mm and weighs 478 g. The build quality is clean, but the frame bends noticeably even under light pressure. Ninkear in particular has surprised us in the past with high-quality metal cases in inexpensive devices, for example with the N4. The case has two large mesh ventilation grilles on the sides for air exchange. Only the power button really stood out to us negatively, as it gives no perceptible physical feedback, so you don't know whether the button has been pressed sufficiently. At the beginning, it also regularly got stuck in the case.

In addition, the HDMI port on our unit is not centered, which means connecting the cable requires a little finesse. Overall, such small details quickly spoil an otherwise good impression of the build quality. Apart from the design and color scheme, the construction is identical to the Alliwava H90 Pro, but on that model we did not find any defects in the power button.

Opening the system is very easy. You only need to loosen four screws on the underside and pry off the bottom plate. After that, you have access to the interior of the case.

Price: How much does the Ninkear M8 cost?

The Ninkear M8 currently costs 540 euros from the manufacturer. However, the M8 is currently cheapest via Banggood. With our coupon BG740048, you currently pay only 391 euros for the mini-PC.

The M8 is also available on Amazon, but at a significantly higher price of just under 630 euros (select coupon).

Conclusion

The Ninkear M8 basically offers an attractive configuration with Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD. In everyday use, the Ninkear M8 does solid work in office and multimedia use, but under full load it stands out due to thermal weaknesses. Because of the cooling problems, however, the Ryzen 7 is held back so strongly that it cannot hold a candle to other mini-PCs with the already not particularly impressive 8745HS.

In this, it shares the same fate as the largely identical Alliwava H90 Pro (review). Unlike that model, however, the M8 unfortunately also has significant stability problems under full load. In everyday use, however, the system ran stably as usual. RAM and SSD are, as so often, not brand-name products, but they worked flawlessly in our test. Anyone concerned about longevity here can replace the components themselves without major obstacles.

One last point of criticism about the system is the missing PD-in function of the USB-C port, which has been standard on laptops for years. Overall, the Ninkear M8 is not a bad system, but for our taste there are better alternatives with which none of the problems listed came to light. Due to the thermal problems, instabilities and otherwise missing highlights of the system, we award only 3 stars.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) comes with obstacles or is not possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences. Awow HA7

Awow HA7

With the Awow HA7 at its current lowest price of 460 euros, you can play modern games. On top of that, the system remains really quiet. We show where else the mini-PC surprised us.

Nikolai Kühn, December 17, 2024 PROS

lots of performance & quiet operation

USB-C for power supply

USB 4, HDMI 2.1 & DisplayPort 2.1

two Ethernet ports CONS

somewhat cheap plastic case

drivers only via Google Drive link

With the Awow HA7 at its current lowest price of 460 euros, you can play modern games. On top of that, the system remains really quiet. We show where else the mini-PC surprised us.

Until now, in our mini-PC tests, especially the powerful devices were very loud. The Awow HA7 is one of the pleasing exceptions and is significantly quieter and yet cool – despite its high performance. That comes from an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, which is backed by 32 GB of RAM. There is also 1 TB of SSD storage. Currently (as of May 26, 2025) it is available at the lowest price of 460 euros on Amazon (select the discount coupon). Whether Awow can keep up with the competition, we show in this review.

Specifications: What hardware does the Awow HA7 offer?

Awow uses an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS in the HA7 – an eight-core chip that clocks at 3.8 GHz and reaches a maximum of 5.1 GHz. It is paired with the modern Radeon 780M graphics unit, which promises particularly high performance for a mini-PC. The 32 GB of RAM helps with this, using SODIMM modules DDR5-5600. The mass storage is a 1 TB NVMe SSD. It reaches 2775 MB/s read and around 2749 MB/s write in Crystaldiskmark. RAM and SSD are also replaceable and easily accessible.

Among the ports, the USB 4 port and the two Ethernet LAN ports are particularly noteworthy. With the latter, the system is also suitable as a firewall appliance. HDMI and DisplayPort use version 2.1, which means you can also drive 8K monitors. DisplayPort 2.1 in particular is extremely rare on mini-PCs. For power supply, Awow relies on USB-C, which makes it much more flexible. In the test, third-party USB-C power supplies with more than 100 watts can also be connected. For wireless interfaces, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 are present.

Performance: How fast is the Awow HA7?

The Awow HA7 performs really well in all benchmarks; in PCmark 10 it reaches 7830 points. In our tests, that is one of the best results overall and shows that with this mini-PC, despite the power-efficient hardware, you don't have to go without much. In 3Dmark Timespy it scores 3455 points, and the graphics also achieve a good value with 3081 points.

In Geekbench, the single-core score of 2630 points is more than four times that of the Raspberry Pi 5. Overall, the CPU is similarly strong as the desktop processors Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i9-12900. In games, the system can therefore also impress in Full HD. With less demanding titles such as Portal 2, we get over 150 FPS (frames per second). If the game is very graphically demanding, such as Cities Skylines 2, we still reach a playable 30 FPS at medium settings.

Power consumption during games is mostly around 80 watts, while in normal operation it is less than 30 watts. When switched on without open applications, it consumes only 13 watts, and in standby less than 2 watts.

For some time now, we have been testing mini-PCs for viruses due to trojan reports. The Awow HA7 had no negative findings in the full system scan. Mini-PC Awow HA7 - photo gallery Mini-PC Awow HA7 - photo gallery

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Fan: How loud is the Awow HA7?

The volume of the mini-PC is comparatively low; in desktop operation we can barely measure it. If we demand more from the system, the noise level rises along with the fan speed, but remains below 36 decibels. Directly at the case, it is then about 38 decibels. Given the previously unparalleled high performance, that is very good. The volume never bothered us. What certainly helps here is that the HA7 has not one but two fans.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Awow HA7?

The build quality is absolutely solid given the strong price and high performance. A special feature is the RGB lighting on the top, which nicely showcases the fan. The case dimensions of 130 × 130 × 54 millimeters are usual for a mini-PC.

Price: What does the Awow HA7 cost?

By default, the variant with 32/1000 GB of storage that we had in the test costs 730 euros. Currently, however, you can get the HA7 on Amazon for as little as 460 euros (select the discount coupon). That is the absolute lowest price for this mini-PC, which most recently cost around 520 euros.

Conclusion

The Awow HA7 really surprised us with its equipment and outperforms most of the competition in the benchmark. We particularly liked the high performance at low volume. We would not have expected that from a manufacturer previously unknown to us. The noise level was never disruptive and we barely noticed it even at full load.

Also extraordinary are the brand-new standards for HDMI and DisplayPort, with which you can even connect 8K monitors. In addition, there is USB 4, which we very much welcome. It is also rare for USB-C to be used for the power supply – very good! Only the somewhat cheap plastic case is a bit of a shame, but in return the mini-PC offers significantly more than the competition in the rest of its equipment. Overall, an excellent system that really convinced us in the test and thus deserves five stars.

Ninkear M7 from EUR 369.00

Good equipment at an attractive price: The Ninkear M7 offers a good overall package for 301 euros with Ryzen 5, aluminum case and USB-C.

Jonas Bettger from 09.02.2026 PROS

high-quality aluminum case

no DisplayPort

performance somewhat weaker compared to other 7430U PCs

Good equipment at an attractive price: The Ninkear M7 offers a good overall package for 301 euros with Ryzen 5, aluminum case and USB-C.

The Ninkear M7 is an affordable mini PC that uses an attractive aluminum case. It looks good and is all the more astonishing at a price of 301 euros (code: BG1e7acf). The system also offers a decent configuration with an AMD Ryzen 5, 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD – and can even be operated entirely via USB-C. That's because the USB-C port on the back can be used for power input, which is still rare among mini PCs.

All of this already sounds like an extremely attractive overall package. But how does the Ninkear M7 perform in practice? How loud is it? We investigate these questions in our review. Ninkear provided us with the test device.

Specifications: What hardware does the Ninkear M7 offer?

The Ninkear M7 runs a Ryzen 5 7430U with six cores and 12 threads. The clock rate ranges between 2.3 and 4.3 GHz. The chip was launched at the end of 2024 as part of the second "Barcelo-R" refresh and offers specifications similar to the earlier Ryzen 5 5625U. It is therefore based on the older Zen 3 architecture of the Ryzen 5000 series (codename: Cezanne) and is manufactured in the 7 nm process. Its thermal design power is typically 15 W and is configurable up to 25 W; the maximum operating temperature is 95 degrees Celsius.

The integrated graphics unit is the old Radeon RX Vega 7 with 7 CUs (Compute Units) and a clock rate of up to 1800 MHz, which is customary for Ryzen 5000. It accesses the 16 GB RAM, which however is installed only as a single SO-DIMM module. This is a DDR4 RAM stick from Shenzen Shikotar with memory chips from SK Hynix and 2666 MT/s. A second RAM slot is free, so an additional module can be added. Having another memory stick from the factory would certainly have benefited system performance, and above all the iGPU.

The M.2 SSD is read out by the system under the name "SSD 512 GB," but according to the label it comes from the manufacturer Hikiss. It is a 512 GB SATA model with an M+B key. In CrystalDiskMark it achieves a write speed of 481 MB/s and a read rate of 550 MB/s. That is fine for a SATA SSD, but overall it is considerably slower than its NVMe counterparts. Both storage components therefore come from no-name manufacturers, although the RAM chips at least come from SK Hynix.

As for ports, there are two HDMI ports, one LAN port and four USB-A ports (2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0). The M7 also offers a USB-C port on the back, which to our delight also allows power input and can therefore handle the mini PC's power supply. Otherwise there is a barrel connector for this purpose along with a matching white power supply.

Wirelessly, the system works with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, using the Realtek 8852BE WLAN chipset.

Performance: How fast is the Ninkear M7?

On paper, the mini PC makes a good impression. In our benchmark tests, however, the system's performance becomes more concrete. In the classic office benchmark PCMark 10, the system averages 5108 points, with peaks at 5048 and 5149 points. The chip is therefore solidly positioned, though the focus on efficiency is noticeable with the 7430U. Other 7430U systems, such as the Acemagic K1 (review), achieved around 400 points more here.

PCMark recently made a major version jump from 1.x to 2.x, and this update has destroyed comparability between versions. Therefore, until further notice, we are running benchmarks with both versions in order to maintain comparability with previous reviews. Under the new workflow version, the result is correspondingly higher at 5465 points.

In 3DMark Time Spy, the PC scores 838 points, made up of 733 GPU points and 4601 CPU points. Compared with other 7430U systems, the overall score and the GPU score are around 100 points lower, while the CPU score is almost 700 points lower. In Cinebench R24, there are 84 single-core points and 396 multi-core points. The cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 records 1868 points (single-core) and 5868 points (multi-core), as well as an OpenCL score of 11,435 points. Ninkear M7 – photo gallery Ninkear M7 – photo gallery

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Among the games, Anno 1800 is still roughly playable at 17 FPS on medium or up to 28 FPS on low settings, but it is not fun, especially since graphical details are lost. We use Full HD and enable the FSR upscaler (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) in Performance mode. Cities Skylines 2 starts up to the main menu but crashes immediately when loading the world – despite the lowest graphics preset. Counter-Strike 2 already stutters in the menu, so the smooth gaming experience necessary for a first-person shooter does not arise.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Ninkear M7?

At idle, the Ninkear M7 draws only 7 to 9 W. Under higher load, consumption rises to around 20 W. Under full load from the Aida64 stress test, it then reaches up to 29 W. Overall, however, the system's power consumption remains clearly limited.

Fan: How loud is the Ninkear M7?

The Ninkear M7 surprised us in our test with particularly low noise levels. Even under load, the computer is barely audible and remains pleasantly quiet at 32 dB(A). In normal operation, the PC is hardly audible. The temperature also remains in completely unproblematic ranges, with a peak of at most 71 degrees. Over the further course of our stress test with Aida64, the system settles at 63 degrees core temperature. The CPU clock rate is then 2.4 GHz after an initial 3.2 GHz. We measure the external temperature on the case at a maximum of 40 degrees, while at the rear fan exhaust it is 49 degrees.

In the BIOS there are rudimentary fan settings, where you can either leave all settings to the system via "Auto" or specify a fixed value for the fan speed in manual mode.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Ninkear M7?

Windows 11 Pro version 24H2 is preinstalled on the Ninkear M7. Otherwise, the PC comes without bloatware and shows no anomalies in the full system scan with Windows Defender. The Windows license is stored digitally as an OEM key and is activated from the factory without any problems.

Running Linux is also possible. In the test, the M7 immediately recognizes the connected USB stick and, without any intervention on our part, boots into Ventoy installed on it for operating system selection. All of this works because, from the factory, USB sticks are already set with a higher priority than the Windows Boot Manager in the boot selection. Important: Secure Boot is enabled in the AMI BIOS, which can cause problems with some operating systems. If in doubt, it can be disabled there. Via Ventoy, we now start Tuxedo OS, which is based on Ubuntu. There, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio work as intended, and the PC also reliably wakes up from standby mode.

Case: How is the build quality of the Ninkear M7?

The build quality of the Ninkear M7 is one of the product's highlights, especially given the low price. The case consists largely of flawlessly finished aluminum, which feels genuinely premium. The edges are well ground and the gap dimensions are completely fine. With dimensions of 116 × 107 × 36 mm, the M7 is comparatively slim. Ninkear M7: The case can be easily opened via four screws, allowing the bottom plate to be removed and access to the components. heise bestenlisten

Opening the case is done by loosening the four screws in the bottom panel, which are embedded in a rubber ring. We then carefully pry off the bottom plate with a plastic spudger, since there is no recess to grip into, no rubber tab or similar provisions for opening. After that, you have direct access to the components inside.

Price: How much does the Ninkear M7 cost?

The Ninkear M7 costs about 360 euros from the manufacturer. On Amazon it is 340 euros, at Kaufland 320 euros. However, currently the cheapest way to get it is at Banggood, where the price drops to 301 euros with our code BG0459cf.

Conclusion

The Ninkear M7 is a convincing mid-range mini PC with solid performance, excellent build quality and quiet operation. For its price of 301 euros, it impresses with unusual but welcome extras. Starting with the high-quality aluminum case instead of plastic, through to the USB-C port, which can be used to power the PC – both are rare even in higher price ranges. We also like the compact form factor and the quiet operation. Even under full load, the Ninkear M7 is barely audible. Overall, a successful overall package at a more than fair price.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) comes with hurdles or may not be possible. We link retailers here with which we have generally had good experiences. Minisforum UM750L Slim

Minisforum UM750L Slim

The Minisforum UM750L is an efficient mini PC with Ryzen 5 7545U and USB4 with power input.

David Bettger, 05.05.2026 PROS

very energy-efficient

one USB4 Type-C with power input

2.5-gigabit Ethernet CONS

loud at idle

poor driver support

The Minisforum UM750L is an efficient mini PC with Ryzen 5 7545U and USB4 with power input.

The UM750L Slim is another contender in Minisforum's mid-range. With the Ryzen 5 7545U, the mini PC's focus is primarily on efficient operation and not just on maximum performance. The mini PC offers 1 TB of fast SSD storage and 16 GB of soldered RAM. The highlight is not the 2.5-gigabit LAN port, but the fully equipped USB4 port, which also supports power input – a feature that currently sets it clearly apart from the crowd. Its biggest competition therefore comes primarily from within its own house.

Our test shows how the UM750L Slim performs in practice and for whom a purchase is worthwhile. The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Specifications: What hardware does the Minisforum UM750L Slim offer?

While the mid-range of mini PCs ventures the switch from the long-running Ryzen 7 5800U and 5825U to the 7430U, Minisforum takes a rather unusual path. In the UM750L Slim, the manufacturer relies on the Ryzen 5 7545U – rather an exotic choice, as became apparent over the course of our test. Technically, the 7545U, as the higher product number also suggests, is more modern and also faster.

The six available cores and 12 threads are no longer based on the Zen 3+ architecture, but on Zen 4. Of these, only two cores offer full performance; the remaining four are reduced, efficiency-optimized Zen 4c cores. Both are manufactured in TSMC's 4 nm process and clock at a maximum of 4.9 or 3.5 GHz. The SoC also includes the Radeon 740M iGPU with four active CUs (Compute Units) and a maximum clock of 2.5 GHz. However, the chip does not have an AI accelerator such as an NPU. The usual TDP is 28 W, but can be adjusted from 15 to 30 W via the device configurator.

This makes the processor technically virtually identical to the AMD Ryzen Z1, which is installed in handhelds such as the Asus ROG Ally.

For RAM, the CPU supports DDR5 SO-DIMMs in dual-channel with up to 5600 MT/s and soldered LPDDR5x modules with up to 7500 MT/s. The LPDDR5 modules permanently soldered in the UM750L Slim at 6400 MT/s and, in our case, 16 GB of memory therefore do not exhaust the maximum, but in terms of speed they exceed the usual values in this price class. Of course, subsequent upgrading is therefore not possible. Minisforum UM750L Slim – case interior heise bestenlisten

For long-term storage, there is a 1 TB M.2 SSD from Kingston, connected via PCIe 4.0 with a full four lanes. In CrystalDiskMark we thus measure 6125 MB/s read and 5332 MB/s write. The mainboard also offers a second slot for an M.2 SSD up to a form factor of 2280, though connected only via PCIe 4.0x2. This results in a possible total capacity of 8 TB across both ports.

Up to four monitors can be connected via HDMI 2.1 (8K at 60 Hz), DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 60 Hz) and the USB4 port (40 Gbps) with DisplayPort Alt Mode (8K at 60 Hz). The latter can deliver up to 100 W of power and can also be used for input power supply – otherwise this is provided as standard via the usual DC barrel connector with the included power supply unit. On the back there are also two USB-A ports (USB 2.0), and on the front there are two faster USB 3.2 ports, also Type-A.

Finally, the UM750L Slim also offers a fast Ethernet port with up to 2.5 Gigabit. Communication is handled by Realtek's RTL8125 Gaming chipset. Wirelessly, the mini-PC connects via Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2; the MediaTek MT7902LEN module is installed here – not the newest, but currently more than sufficient.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum UM750L Slim?

As usual, we start with the PCmark 10 productivity benchmark. Here the UM750L Slim performs solidly and places itself between the Ryzen 5 7640HS of the Minisforum UM760 Slim (leaderboard) and the Ryzen 5 5800U, roughly in the Nipogi AM06 Pro (leaderboard). Thus, with the first version's workflow it averages 6425 points, and in the new second version 7122 points (760 Slim: 7000; AM06 Pro: 5845).

In 3DMark Time Spy, the 7545U with Radeon 740M cannot close the performance gap to its bigger brother much, but it clearly sets itself apart from the 5800U. The total result is 1795 points, composed of 6499 CPU and 1592 graphics points (UM760 Slim: 2575; AM06 Pro: 1459). Cinebench R24 rates the UM750L Slim at 98 points single-core and 590 points multi-core, which are likewise consistently solid mid-range values. Finally, Geekbench 6 gives a rating of 2478 points single-core and 9074 points multi-core, as well as 13,186 points in the OpenCL benchmark. Despite the higher clock speed, the Radeon 740M is far from matching the 760M with twice as many compute cores in the UM760 Slim – the latter reaches over 23,000 points here. Minisforum UM750L Slim – photo gallery Minisforum UM750L Slim – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Minisforum UM750L Slim – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten

So we have truly not found a gaming PC with the UM750L Slim, but it is by no means completely unsuitable for gaming. As usual, we play Anno 1800 in Full HD in our advanced endless game, looking mostly at our 50,000-resident capital. We first disable FSR (FidelityFX Super-Resolution) and select the low graphics presets. The game then runs truly smoothly at an average of 37 FPS, but the visuals still leave much to be desired.

With FSR active in Balanced mode, we even reach 45 FPS on average. If we raise the settings to Medium, we still get a strong 42 FPS. At high settings, the frame rate then drops to 30 FPS, which for a calm strategy game we still consider just playable.

The more hardware-hungry Cities: Skylines 2, as so often, runs right at the absolute limit of playability. We load our relatively fresh endless game with just under 12,000 residents and play in Full HD, initially at medium presets. We get just 5 FPS – definitely unplayable. We therefore quickly turn the settings down to "low" for 10 FPS on average, and then down to "very low" for a halfway playable 14 FPS. But it really isn't fun, and with an advanced world it will only get worse.

Power consumption: How high is the power draw of the Minisforum UM750L Slim?

With a modern Zen 4 architecture and dedicated efficiency cores, the Ryzen 5 in the UM750L Slim should work very efficiently. At idle we measure only the usual values at around 14 W. Under full load, consumption briefly rises to up to 72 W, then first drops to 66 W and after another eight minutes slowly falls to 58 W. The clock rates are initially between 3.6 and 3.7 GHz and then around 3.4 GHz in the long term. Unlike in our previous tests, here we simultaneously power an external monitor. If we unplug it, power consumption drops by 9 W and is thus only 49 W in the long term. At idle, without powering the monitor, it is then only 6 W, which is enormously economical.

Among other things, the limited maximum consumption of 45 W also explains the clear performance deficit in pure CPU performance compared with the UM760 Slim. Its processor, labeled "HS", is allowed up to 90 W together with the rest of the system.

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum UM750L Slim?

In the past, Minisforum has always surprised us not only with strong performance but also with remarkably quiet operating noise. With the UM750L Slim, however, things look somewhat different, because even at idle we can clearly hear the fan. Using a smartphone, we measure an average of 29 dB(A) at the case and 19 dB(A) at a distance of about one meter. Minisforum UM750L Slim – heat distribution heise bestenlisten

On other devices from the manufacturer with an almost identical case, such as the UM870 Slim (bestenliste), these are the values under sustained full load. Under load the fan also spins up further, with us measuring 31 dB(A) at the case and about 19 dB(A) at a distance of one meter using the smartphone. Accordingly, at least the temperatures are absolutely flawless, consistently below 80 degrees, even after prolonged full utilization.

In the BIOS there is neither an option to set the fan modes nor the active power mode.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Minisforum UM750L Slim?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Minisforum UM750L Slim. A full virus scan with Windows Defender remains without findings.

The system also does without any bloatware except for the Microsoft apps and services. We encounter a problem with the UM750L Slim when updating the graphics driver – or rather attempting to – via the Radeon Software: here there is only a special version that does not provide an update option. The manufacturer itself only links to AMD's generic page. In such a case, we have always uninstalled the static, preinstalled driver and obtained the latest version from AMD.

However, for the first time, the AMD installation tool does not recognize the CPU and repeatedly aborts the process. We contact AMD, since even the driver package for the Ryzen 5 7545U can only be reached at all through workarounds – but they cannot help us in a sustainable way and want to get to the bottom of the problem internally. Since we had already deleted the static driver, we also stayed on the problem and were ultimately able to find out that the AMD Z1 chip has identical specifications. Both processors are fundamentally based on the same "Phoenix2" silicon, which is why the drivers are ultimately equivalent.

So we unpacked the CPU drivers for the Asus ROG Ally and manually installed the ".ini" file contained therein via the Windows Device Manager. This allowed us to identify the GPU as "AMD Radeon Graphics" without errors and use it without problems. We were also able to install the Radeon software afterward via the Microsoft Store.

On the UM750L Slim as well, we test Linux in the form of Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS. In doing so, we first disable Secure Boot in the BIOS and then boot from our USB stick with Ventoy. There we select Ubuntu and reach the desktop after a short time. The resolution of our monitor is detected correctly and touch also works right away.

While the Internet is also directly active via LAN, with WLAN, as extensively documented in online forums for this chipset, there is so far no official driver support for Linux. Audio, on the other hand, causes no problems and the system reliably wakes from sleep mode. The UM750L Slim is therefore not an ideal mini PC for use with Linux; there are numerous alternatives here that work fully "out of the box".

Case: How is the build quality of the Minisforum UM750L Slim?

With the case, Minisforum stays true to its line and once again uses the same one as in the UM870 Slim and UM760 Slim. It is a light gray plastic case with mesh on both sides and vents at the rear for the waste heat from cooling. On the front, in addition to a headphone jack and two USB-A ports, there is also a microphone and a "Clear CMOS" button that can be used to reset the BIOS. The external dimensions are 130 × 126.5 × 50.4 mm, which makes the mini PC rather large – all the more annoying is the loud cooling in idle. The build quality is solid, but the device does not really look high-quality and premium.

To open the case, we remove the four glued-on rubber feet on the underside and loosen the screws underneath. After that, we can pry up the bottom panel and carefully remove it. Then we disconnect the fan cable from the board so that we can set the bottom panel with the SSD fan aside. This gives us direct access to both M.2 slots, the WLAN module and also the CMOS battery under the already installed SSD. If we loosen the four additional screws on the mainboard, we can remove it completely and thus easily clean dust from the CPU cooling during maintenance. The UM750L Slim is therefore maintenance-friendly as usual; the main thing to watch out for here is the fan cable on the bottom panel.

Price: How much does the Minisforum UM750L Slim cost?

On Amazon, the Minisforum UM750L Slim is available in three configurations: 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD for 443 euros, with 1 TB SSD for 499 euros, and the top model with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage for 589 euros.

From the manufacturer itself, there is only the variant with 16 GB and 1 TB, which at 519 euros is also somewhat more expensive.

Conclusion

The Minisforum UM750L Slim is an interesting mini-PC with a few drawbacks. While the performance does not break any records, we can still understand this well given the efficiency. It gets more difficult with the almost persistently loud fan – especially because it is in idle and the PC is so efficient. Here we see the solution only in a BIOS update from the manufacturer.

This brings us almost already to the second topic: the poor driver support. Our feeling here is that AMD has already discontinued support, after the Z1 processor also no longer receives updates. At first this is not a huge problem for everyday use, but bugs and security vulnerabilities remain unpatched and cause problems in the long term. So the effective future-proofing of the system is questionable.

As long as there is no solution for these points, we cannot recommend the UM750L Slim in good conscience. But even outside of these problems, especially with the UM760 Slim at an equivalent price, we see significantly better value for money.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer pay less in many cases. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) comes with hurdles or is not possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences. Meenhong JX2

Meenhong JX2

Touch display, USB-C PD-in and a flat case: The Meenhong JX2 mini-PC does a few things differently. Whether that is better is shown by our test.

Jonas Bettger from 25.09.2024 PROS

full-fledged display with touchscreen in the case

Fan noise only satisfactory

Meenhong JX2 in review

Touch display, USB-C PD-in and a flat case: The Meenhong JX2 mini-PC does a few things differently. Whether that is better is shown by our test.

We already know integrated displays from other mini-PCs, but there they usually serve only as a barely interactive status display for operating data such as CPU clock speed or memory usage. There it is already something special when weather information or a clock are available and the widgets can be moved around by touch. The Meenhong JX2 takes a different approach here; the 5.5-inch touch display is fully functional as a monitor – Windows and all programs are shown on it, albeit in miniature.

In addition, the computer offers a simple configuration around an Intel Celeron N5105, 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of SSD storage. In terms of performance and equipment, it is more in the home office segment. Thanks to the touchscreen, however, it is suitable above all for applications such as in the smart home sector as a stationary display for controlling smart devices. Since the power supply is via USB-C, it can also be operated self-sufficiently on the go via a power bank – and then controlled via the touchscreen. For the unusual overall package, the price of 170 euros (code: NNNDEJX21) seems to us to be extremely fair. We have tested the mini-PC and show what the device is suitable for and worth (test date: September 25, 2024). Note: Unfortunately, the mini-PC is no longer available in the meantime.

The test device was provided to us by Geekbuying.

Equipment: What hardware does the Meenhong JX2 offer?

The Meenhong JX2 comes with an Intel Celeron N5105 from 2021, which with four cores at a maximum of 2.9 GHz is at the very bottom of the performance range. In return, the CPU is economical with a TDP of 10 watts.

In terms of storage, the mini-PC has only 8 GB of LPDDR4-2933 RAM, which is not replaceable but firmly soldered. That is a shame, but understandable given the compactness. For Windows, files & programs, a slow 128 GB SSD with 556 MB/s (read) and 390 MB/s (write) is available. That is SATA speed and not far from mechanical HDDs – well. For storage expansion, it can be replaced with an NVMe SSD or a SATA SSD in the M.2-2280 format. In addition, there is an extra M.2 slot for another SATA SSD.

Not many ports fit into the flat case, but HDMI, Ethernet and USB-C (with DP protocol) cover the essentials. After all, two 4K displays can be connected this way. Wirelessly, the mini-PC is surprisingly not so outdated with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 – not a given in the low-price segment, where we otherwise tend to find Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.

Now briefly to the special feature: the 5.5-inch Full HD touch display, via which Windows can be operated directly. This means the computer can also be used on the go. For power supply, the mini-PC is simply connected via USB-C to any PD-capable 30-watt power supply (best list) – or, when out and about, to a power bank (best list). The touchscreen is also extremely practical for stationary use, whether as a second screen for Spotify, Discord & co. or as a display for smart-home services. How to install Home Assistant on a mini-PC is shown in our guide Zigbee, Thread & Matter: Smart-Home hub Home Assistant on a mini-PC in review.

Performance: How fast is the Meenhong JX2?

System performance is not the Meenhong JX2's strong suit. The system never let us down and responds smoothly, but occasionally takes a few moments to think.

Particularly relevant for a good impression in the low-price segment is the PCmark 10 benchmark, where the JX2 achieves an average of around 2450 points. That won't blow anyone away, but it is absolutely fine and sufficient for home office as well as most smart-home use cases or as a multimedia player. The gaming benchmark 3Dmark Time Spy ends at 327 points for the overall system and 290 points for the iGPU, while the CPU still reaches 1232 points. Here it becomes clear, as with all low-cost systems and Intel iGPUs, that graphics are a weakness. Accordingly, we skip the gaming test with real games here – they are illusory in this performance class.

Also relevant is the comparison with the Raspberry Pi, which the Meenhong can beat in multi-core with 1328 points to 1234 points (passively cooled Pi 5), although the Pi 5 with an air cooler reaches 1375 points. In single core, however, the JX2 is behind with 500 points to 679 points.

Operation under Windows runs largely smoothly, and no bloatware is installed. However, operating the touchscreen is somewhat cumbersome due to the software. Despite contrary marketing, Windows is simply not a good touch operating system. Add to that the small 5.5-inch dimensions, so that typing on the virtual keyboard in particular is a imposition.

Linux derivatives such as Debian or Ubuntu also run on the PC. We installed Proxmox in order to soon use the system as a smart home hub with Home Assistant and a graphical, touch-capable user interface. Installing Proxmox works without problems, and accessing the BIOS succeeds right away – good that the manufacturer doesn't put any obstacles in the way here. Secure Boot may need to be disabled; the function is freely accessible in the BIOS. Likewise, the corresponding storage medium on which the boot medium is located must be selected – all as usual. Meenhong JX2 – photo gallery Meenhong JX2 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Meenhong JX2 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten

Our virus test with Windows Defender did not reveal any anomalies. Under Windows, the system usually runs at 15 to 20 watts; peak performance under full load with Prime95 is 25 to 30 watts.

Fan: How loud is the Meenhong JX2?

The noise level of the Meenhong JX2 is largely limited; the fan is noticeable and the case also becomes noticeably warm at around 55 °C. However, this is intentional with an aluminum case, since it is part of the cooling concept. Under full load, the fan noise is about 36 dB at the case and is therefore absolutely within reason, considering how compact the case is. Otherwise, we would hold to the credo that with such low performance, "so much" noise should not actually arise, since the low-power hardware is easier to handle in terms of temperature.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Meenhong JX2?

The case of the Meenhong JX2 consists primarily of light gray aluminum and feels very high-quality. It measures a flat 160 x 80 x 20 mm and weighs only about 300 g. That means you can actually use the computer on the go. The components are accessible via the underside, where four screws are located under small rubber feet. When opening it, be careful with the connection cable to the touchscreen. The RAM is not replaceable; the two SSD slots are easily accessible. Apart from the higher-quality material, the case is identical to the Meenhong JX1, which we also received. There was never a test, since the product was delisted after only a short time. Crazy mini-PC! The Meenhong JX2 has an integrated 5.5-inch display! It costs around 180 euros. #minipc #computer #meenhongjx2 #windows11 #smarthome #technerds

Price: How much does the Meenhong JX2 cost?

Currently, the base configuration of the Meenhong JX2 is available for 170 euros (code: NNNDEJX21), offering 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD storage. The variant with twice the SSD size is twenty euros more expensive and costs 190 euros. However, both are no longer available.

Conclusion

The Meenhong JX2 is a classic, inexpensive mini-PC with an Intel Celeron, a somewhat tight 8 GB RAM and a compact case. And yet it is like no other: the touch display is a truly successful extra that not only sounds good and then disappoints as a mere gimmick, but offers real added value.

Even so, the manufacturer with its Far Eastern-sounding name doesn't overcharge too much. At a price of under 200 euros, we would not have expected this equipment. Other manufacturers charge significantly more for systems with "dumb" displays that only statically show operating data.

The only downside is the 8 GB of RAM, which is tight (depending on the application and operating system) and cannot be replaced. Of course, one could always wish for more ports or performance, but at the asking price the math works out – the system really does stand out. Geekom A5 Pro (2026)

Geekom A5 Pro (2026) from 549.00 EUR

The Geekom A5 Pro is small, quiet under load and offers two USB-C ports. Whether the overall package is worth it is shown in the test.

David Bettger from 12.04.2026 PROS

two USB-C ports

2.5-gigabit LAN

quiet and cool operation CONS

price

only Wi-Fi 6

Geekom A5 Pro with Ryzen 5 in review: Compact mini-PC barely audible even under load

The Geekom A5 Pro is small, quiet under load and offers two USB-C ports. Whether the overall package is worth it is shown in the test.

The Geekom A5 Pro is an efficient mini-PC in the lower to mid performance range – so you shouldn't be misled by the "Pro" in the name. With the 2026 version, Geekom gives the mini-PC the somewhat faster six-core Ryzen 5 7530U instead of the Ryzen 5 7430U in the first edition. This means fundamentally the same hardware, but with slightly higher clock rates. In practice, however, the mini-PC is mainly suited only for the usual office work. How the compact mini-PC performs in practice is shown in our test.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Geekom A5 Pro offer?

Inside the Geekom A5 Pro works a six-core processor from the Barcelo refresh generation, the AMD Ryzen 5 7530U. The twelve threads of the Zen 3 architecture (Cezanne) clock at up to 4.5 GHz in turbo and usually have a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 watts. In terms of performance, the SoC is therefore rather in the lower mid-range, similar to the widespread Ryzen 7 5800U. The 7530U is manufactured using the older 7 nm process and only supports DDR4 RAM with a maximum of 3200 MT/s (megatransfers per second) or LPDDR4 with 4266 MT/s. The graphics unit is a Radeon Vega 7 with 7 cores (compute units) and a maximum clock rate of 2000 MHz. There is no NPU here for the efficient execution of AI tasks.

For RAM, the Geekom A5 Pro still relies on the DDR4 standard due to the older CPU architecture. There are two replaceable SO-DIMM modules from Wooposit with 2667 MT/s and a total capacity of 16 GB. According to the manufacturer, these can be upgraded to a total of up to 64 GB. Geekom A5 Pro – Opened case with RAM & SSD heise bestenlisten

There is also a 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD, which is connected via PCIe 3.0 with four lanes. The SSD is also from Wooposit and even supports PCIe 4.0x4. Thus we measure 3720 MB/s reading and 3414 MB/s writing with Crystaldiskmark. The M.2 slot supports SSDs up to 3 TB; there are no other connection options for storage.

In terms of ports, the A5 Pro is well equipped despite its compact form factor. There are two USB-C ports with 10 Gbit/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2) and DisplayPort Alt Mode. Monitors can also be connected via the two HDMI 2.0 ports. The Ethernet port allows data exchange at up to 2.5 Gbit/s. However, power is once again supplied only via the DC jack and not via one of the USB-C ports, as has long been standard on laptops.

Wirelessly, the mini PC only supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 – definitely still sufficient at present, but not very future-proof. For LAN, the Realtek RTL8125 Gaming 2.5 GbE chipset is installed, and wireless communication is handled by the RTL8852BE, also a Realtek chip.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom A5 Pro?

In PCMark 10, the productivity benchmark of our choice, the A5 Pro performs about as expected. In the original, first version of the benchmark, the system achieves a solid average of 5838 points. This puts the A5 Pro ahead of the first-generation Ryzen 7 5800U, but on average 100 points behind the refreshed 5825U in the U58 Mini PC (review). The latest version of the test yields a different average score of 6657 points due to a revised test procedure.

The 3DMark Time Spy gaming benchmark rates the A5 Pro at 1250 points, of which 1105 are for graphics and 4972 points for CPU performance. Especially in graphics, the system stands out from the 5800U in the U58 (review). If we measure pure CPU performance with Cinebench R24, the 5800U is again narrowly ahead, at least in multicore, as would actually be expected. The 7530U scores 87 points in single-core and 416 points in multicore.

We also use Geekbench to first measure pure CPU performance and obtain 2002 points in single-core and 7135 points in multicore. The OpenCL benchmark finally attests 14,522 points for the Vega 7 graphics. Overall, the 7530U is thus a little stronger than, for example, a Ryzen 7 5800U in the U58 Mini PC – but the difference is not large. This places the A5 Pro at best in the lower mid-range in terms of performance. Geekom A5 Pro – photo gallery Geekom A5 Pro – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Geekom A5 Pro – photo gallery

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Especially in gaming, we expect a small performance gain over the 5800U because of the previously stronger graphics. That is why we play Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines 2 in Full HD. In the former, we load our advanced endless game with a 50,000-resident capital. At low settings and with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) enabled in Balanced mode, we thus get an average of 40 FPS. With FSR disabled, it is only 26 FPS. If we raise the graphics settings to Medium, again with FSR set to Balanced, there is an average of 30 FPS.

In Cities Skylines 2, we load a still very young endless game with just under 12,000 residents. We first play at medium settings, with dynamic resolution scaling set to Automatic. This gives us an unplayable 6 FPS with poor visuals as well – the system is simply far from a replacement for a gaming PC. Even with very low settings and thus constant dynamic resolution scaling, we only just reach double-digit frame rates with an average of 11 FPS.

Power consumption: How high is the power draw of the Geekom A5 Pro?

Although the A5 Pro is still based on an older CPU generation with Zen 3 architecture at its core, it works very efficiently. Idle consumption is between 5 and 8 watts. Under partial load – for example when we download a game via Steam – it is just under 20 watts, and then under full load briefly up to 42 watts. The clock rate also peaks at 4.5 GHz, but only for 10 seconds. After that, consumption drops to 34 watts and with it the clock rate to 3 GHz. After another minute, the system reaches its final state with consumption of 28 watts at 2.4 GHz.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom A5 Pro?

Even though the mini-PC consumes little power, the system is surprisingly quiet. Especially with this compact case, we have had significant thermal problems in the past. Using a smartphone, we measure 23.5 dB(A) at the case under full load and 18 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. At the same time, the temperatures of the CPU and iGPU remain consistently around 60 degrees (CPU: max. 61.1 degrees; GPU: max. 59 degrees) – an excellent result. Geekom A5 Pro – heat distribution heise bestenlisten

Without load, the fan is virtually inaudible and only kicks in sporadically – we measure up to 19 dB(A) directly at the case. In the BIOS there is a setting for the fan profile, which can be changed from the default "Normal" to "Quiet" or "Performance".

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Geekom A5 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Geekom A5 Pro. A full virus scan with Windows Defender comes back clean.

The system also does without any bloatware, with the exception of Microsoft apps and services. We can carry out setup directly without an internet requirement and with a local account.

The mini-PC officially supports Linux, which we verify by installing Ubuntu 24.04.3. To do this, we go from the extended Windows Start menu into the BIOS, disable Secure Boot and boot Ubuntu from our USB stick with Ventoy. Once in the operating system, the correct screen resolution is set right away and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LAN work immediately. Audio output via AUX also works without problems. The last item on the agenda is sleep mode, more precisely: waking from it. This in particular has caused problems on some mini-PCs, but that is not the case here. In our view, Linux thus works flawlessly, without the user having to take any action with the drivers.

Case: How is the build quality of the Geekom A5 Pro?

The build quality of the Geekom A5 Pro is flawless. The light gray metal case is well made and feels very sturdy. Only the back and the bottom panel have a little plastic, which is also well integrated. Overall, the case is very plain, with ports on the front and back, as well as side air intakes as mesh. With external dimensions of 112 x 112 x 37 mm, the mini-PC is very compact.

To open the case, we have to remove the four glued-on rubber feet on the underside and loosen the screws underneath. Then we carefully lift off the bottom panel, to which the antenna cables for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are attached. Now we again see the usual metal intermediate plate, which we also loosen with four screws and additionally remove the adhesive strip for the antennas so as not to accidentally tear them off.

In our case, however, this no longer helped, and we now have to remove the SSD, reconnect the cable, and carefully reassemble everything – easier said than done when the cables are so extremely short. This makes replacing or upgrading the hardware unnecessarily difficult and time-consuming. Other manufacturers manage this much better.

Price: How much does the Geekom A5 Pro cost?

The Geekom A5 Pro in the 2026 version with Ryzen 5 7530U, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 1 TB SSD currently costs 545 euros (code: HE5PRO7P) from the manufacturer. The "original" version with Ryzen 5 7430U and 512 GB of storage is already available for 474 euros.

On Amazon, the 2026 A5 Pro is also available from 545 euros (code: HE5PRO7P), and the first A5 Pro with 1 TB of storage from 589 euros.

Conclusion

Taken on its own, the Geekom A5 Pro (2026) is a solid mid-range mini-PC. It offers enough performance for everyday office use and is extremely quiet while still staying cool. It also already has two USB-C ports and 2.5-gigabit LAN. The only things we can criticize here are the somewhat slow DDR4 RAM and Wi-Fi 6, which above all harms the system's future-proofing. So the mini-PC almost sounds like the ideal everyday office PC – but only almost. At the current time, the Minisforum 760 Slim already offers a stronger overall package for somewhat less money. It has a stronger processor, DDR5 RAM, and Wi-Fi 6E. In terms of USB-C, the 760 Slim does offer only one port, but it supports power input.

Unless you depend on the extremely compact form factor or the whisper-quiet operation of the A5 Pro, we would rather recommend the Minisforum 760 Slim for its better price-performance ratio. Geekom A5

Geekom A5

Thanks to AMD Ryzen 7, 32 GB of RAM, and two USB-C ports with DisplayPort, the Geekom A5 is really appealing. Our review shows what the mini-PC can do.

Thomas Joos, April 16, 2024 PROS

high performance (6300 points in PCmark 10)

two USB-C ports (with DisplayPort)

premium case with a sleek design CONS

fan typically loud for Geekom

no dedicated DisplayPort port

graphics somewhat weak

Geekom A5 review

Thanks to AMD Ryzen 7, 32 GB of RAM, and two USB-C ports with DisplayPort, the Geekom A5 is really appealing. Our review shows what the mini-PC can do.

Anyone looking for a small computer for the home office is in the right place with mini-PCs. That's because the small, mostly rectangular computers with laptop processors not only offer sufficient performance but also good efficiency. They also don't heat up rooms too much. They are available in equipment classes ranging from the inexpensive Celeron or Athlon to the powerful Intel Core i7 and i9 or Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9.

The Geekom A5 is a mini-PC with a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5800H CPU. Thanks to two HDMI ports and two USB-C ports with DisplayPort, you can connect up to four monitors to the mini-PC. The mini-PC is aimed at users who need a bit more performance at home but are not looking for a high-end PC, and who want to use an unobtrusive device that can also be mounted behind a monitor. It is currently available again on Amazon for 479 euros after having been sold out in the meantime. We show what it delivers in everyday use and what makes it special in this review (review date: January 22, 2024).

Equipment: What hardware does the Geekom A5 offer?

The Geekom A5 is equipped with a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor, which offers up to 8 cores and 16 threads at 3.2 GHz to 4.4 GHz. It also comes with a considerable 32 GB of RAM (dual-channel DDR4-3200 SODIMM) and a 512 GB M.2 SSD (3x4 NVMe). In this configuration, the mini-PC costs around 449 euros.

In addition, the M.2 SSD can be swapped out, and a 2.5-inch drive (HDD or SSD) can be installed in parallel via SATA. This means the system can offer up to 4 TB of SSD storage in total. The existing 32 GB of RAM can be expanded to up to 64 GB by adding modules.

On the side there is an interface for a Kensington lock as well as an SD card slot. Since there is only one LAN interface, the mini-PC is ruled out as a firewall appliance for OPNsense, Pfsense or other open source firewalls. Mini-PC Geekom A5 – rear ports heise bestenlisten

It is great that, thanks to the four display connections (2x USB-C and 2x HDMI), you can use a full four monitors. We would have preferred a DisplayPort connection here at the expense of one HDMI port, but the two USB-C ports with DisplayPort protocol make up for this. After all, USB-C interfaces are still not a given on mini-PCs, but they are becoming more and more common.

There is also positive news regarding the wireless interfaces, because the Wi-Fi chip supports Wi-Fi 6 (dual-band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz), and with Bluetooth version 5.2, a current standard is also present here.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom A5?

Windows 11 Pro is already preinstalled on the system with all the necessary drivers. As is now customary, the sticker with the Windows license code on the case and a data medium with Windows and drivers are missing. However, the Windows key is stored in the BIOS and is automatically read out when the system is reinstalled. This works in most cases, but not if you install Proxmox on the computer, for example. If you plan to do that, or simply want to be on the safe side, you can read out the key using tools such as the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder. If in doubt, you can simply get the installation files for Windows 11 directly from Microsoft.

If reinstalling drivers for the computer becomes necessary afterward, they can be downloaded from Geekom. It makes sense to back up the installation files for the drivers from the website in advance so that you have them quickly at hand in an emergency.

As far as performance is concerned, the mini-PC is excellently positioned on the processor side. In the PCmark 10 benchmark, thanks to the high-performance AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, the system achieves a fairly strong 6295 points. The 32 GB also help, which is not a given at the price of 449 euros. Nevertheless, the powerful mini-PC is primarily suited for office work, such as surfing the internet.

For gaming, it simply lacks some graphics performance, unless you limit yourself to less than Full HD or older game titles that are less demanding. Although AMD's integrated graphics card is significantly stronger than its Intel counterparts, current models cannot come close to replacing dedicated graphics cards (buying guide) in a way that is suitable for gaming.

Ultimately, the mini-PC is aimed at all those who do not want a large and conspicuous PC but still need plenty of performance. It plays to its strengths especially where PCs should not stand out, for example in reception areas or doctors' offices. Image editing with Photoshop is also possible, but here too the weakness of integrated graphics units becomes apparent. Users simply must not expect miracles, which is also normal for an onboard chip in this price range.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom A5?

The device has an active fan which, as is typical for Geekom devices, does not exactly shine with low noise levels. On the contrary, the mini-PC makes itself noticeable with distinct noise even at somewhat higher performance demand. With other models from the manufacturer as well, the fans either stood still or ran at full speed, with little in between. In the end, we can say that there are louder mini-PCs, but also much quieter ones.

Design: How is the build quality of the Geekom A5?

The rose-gold case of the Geekom A5 is well made and feels high-quality. We like the simple yet elegant design with rounded edges featuring diamond-cut finishing. The side fan openings are also attractively designed. The device's dimensions are 117 × 112 × 49.2 millimeters. At around 650 grams, the weight is quite high for a mini-PC, but it is still easy to transport. However, models such as the GMKtec Nucbox M2 (review) are more than 200 grams lighter. With the included VESA mount, the mini-PC can easily be attached behind a monitor.

Price: How much does the Geekom A5 cost?

Currently, the Geekom A5 with 32 GB of RAM now costs only 479 euros on Amazon. Directly from Geekom, it currently costs 455 euros with the code GKFH5. At the time of testing on January 22, the price was 449 euros.

Conclusion

The Geekom A5 mini-PC with AMD Ryzen 7 5800H is one of the more powerful mini-PCs currently available. The AMD CPU is what pushes it past the 6000-point mark in the benchmark.

In addition to the elegant look with diamond-cut edges, we were particularly impressed by the port lineup. It is true that a classic DisplayPort is missing here, but there are two USB-C ports instead. These even support up to 8K at 30 hertz.

Otherwise, too, Geekom consistently relies on current ports and interfaces, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The mini-PC's longevity is well ensured thanks to the good expandability of the already large RAM and the 1 TB SSD. With the system's performance, you can enjoy office work and sometimes even image editing for many years here – as long as it is not too demanding. After all, graphics performance remains the bottleneck in this price range, even though AMD's integrated graphics cards are considerably more potent than their Intel counterparts. Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti

Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti

A mini-PC with webcam & fingerprint sensor: The Atomman X7 Ti from Minisforum offers genuine premium features and, with the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, a powerful CPU with a new Arc GPU. Our review shows whether it can keep up with the strong AMD competition.

Jonas Bettger, August 15, 2024 PROS

good cooling & quiet operation

fingerprint sensor (Windows Hello)

CPU delivers good performance CONS

expensive

Intel Arc graphics disappoints in games

no USB-C for power supply

With the new X7 Ti, manufacturer Minisforum is launching an entirely new brand line that bears the strange name Atomman. On board, a new Intel Core Ultra 9 185H does its work, together with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB fast M.2 SSD. So far, so unremarkable. What is truly unusual for a mini-PC is the fingerprint sensor in the power button for Windows Hello, the integrated webcam with privacy switch (also Windows Hello), the 4-inch status display, and the vertical placement position. And otherwise, too, Minisforum installs the who's who of the equipment world. Whether the Atomman can really unleash atomic superpowers and where its weaknesses lie is shown in this review. The Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti at 959 euros belongs to the premium class of mini-PCs in terms of price. Minisforum provided us with the test unit. Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti – photo gallery heise bestenlisten

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti offer?

Minisforum uses Intel's latest top chip in the Atomman X7 Ti – the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H. This offers a full 16 physical CPU cores, eight of which are tuned for efficiency (maximum 3.8 GHz). Two more are low-power efficiency cores with a maximum of 2.5 GHz – and only the six performance cores are actually capable of reaching the peak frequency of 5.1 GHz. Intel specifies the base clock of these at 2.3 GHz. In the Atomman X7 Ti, the CPU's TDP (thermal design power) is set at 65 watts.

The Intel top processor is backed by a full 32 GB of DDR5 RAM in two 5600 MHz SODIMM modules. This makes upgradability possible; Minisforum mentions a maximum possible 64 GB of RAM. The SSD storage can also be upgraded, with a 1 TB NVMe SSD in the M.2-2280 form factor present by default. According to CrystalDiskMark, in the test it writes at 4834 MB/s and reads at 5216 MB/s, which is extremely fast. In addition, another slot in the smaller M.2-2230 form factor is available; according to the manufacturer, a total of 4 TB is thus possible. There is also a slot for an SD card.

In terms of ports, the mini-PC offers the absolute crème de la crème, starting with two USB-C 4.0 ports, through the latest display interfaces HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0, to the Oculink port for external graphics cards. The latter is theoretically also possible via USB 4.0, but Oculink, as a PCIe-connected port, is specifically intended for it. Thanks to the brand-new display connections, the computer supports higher refresh rates at high display resolutions, such as 4K at 120 Hz via HDMI. Overall, four monitors can be driven with HDMI, DisplayPort and the two USB-C 4.0 ports. The two LAN interfaces are remarkably modern and fast, each connected at 5 Gbit/s. They thus enable the PC to be used as a firewall appliance. On the right side, in addition to USB-C and USB-A, there is also a recessed button for the CMOS reset – should this ever be necessary.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Atomman X7 Ti is also fully up to date and, as one of the few mini-PCs, relies on the latest Wi-Fi interface, Wi-Fi 7. The prerequisite is a suitably capable router such as the Fritzbox 7690 (review, heise+). Bluetooth also comes in version 5.4 with the latest improvements.

An initially strange additional feature is the integrated 4-inch display in the case. However, it cannot display programs. Instead, it serves as a status display for the current system values, such as the clock frequency and temperature of the CPU and iGPU as well as the utilization of RAM and SSD. It also provides information on the current internet speed and the fan speed. Furthermore, the current date, time and weather are displayed. Also exciting is the power mode, which can be adjusted in three stages and changes the CPU limit, thus allowing more speed at the expense of noise – or, conversely, less power for lower noise in economical operation. All options or the layout of the status displays are adjusted by finger, because it is a 480p touch display.

But there is more: the mini-PC has an integrated dual microphone, a fingerprint sensor in the power button for Windows Hello, and a 1080p webcam above the display, also with Windows Hello support. This enables particularly fast, uncomplicated unlocking of Windows, and no additional camera is needed for meetings. The resolution is only moderate, but still sufficient. In our test, the microphones reproduced our voice clearly and understandably in an MS Teams meeting. And thanks to a physical privacy switch, the camera can simply be covered when not in use. To enable suitable alignment, the mini-PC comes with an angled stand that can be tilted.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti?

But let us now turn to the decisive field in which the new Intel CPU must prove itself. For a long time, Intel chips, especially in the mobile sector, were far behind AMD since the Ryzen processors. While Intel still won the occasional laurel in pure CPU performance, things were hopeless for years in graphics: AMD was far ahead, first with Vega Mobile, now with Radeon 780M.

In the Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti, the tide turns completely for the first time – at least in the benchmark. In 3DMark Time Spy, the system achieves a strong 3790 points, which is the best value in our tests to date (as of August 15, 2024). Pure CPU performance at 11523 is not the standout; it is the graphics performance. In this segment, the Intel Ultra 9 185H achieves a remarkable 3389 points and scores about 10 percent higher than a Ryzen 9 in the Geekom A8 (review).

If we use PCmark, a different benchmark with a different focus, we get a different result. There, the Intel chip again trails the AMD competition, achieving "only" an average of 7472 points, with a peak of 7603 points. The Awow HA7 (review) remains our leader here with 7830 points. The cross-platform benchmark Geekbench attests the Atomman X7 Ti about 2353 points in single-core and a full 13400 points in multi-core.

That benchmark results don't have to mean anything is once again shown in practical testing with games. While the AMD chips, with such high Time Spy graphics scores, offer a well-playable experience in Cities Skylines 2 at over 30 FPS in Full HD resolution (medium settings), the Intel chip with its integrated Intel Arc graphics crawls along at a maximum of 17 FPS even at low settings. Even the less demanding Anno 1800 is too much to ask at around 20 FPS on medium settings. Even in the classic toaster test with Counter Strike, the system struggles; here too we have to reduce the settings to get between 35 and 60 FPS.

Our impression is that Intel graphics performs well in benchmarks but is (not yet) well optimized for games. AMD has years of head start here, and accordingly Team Red's results are better. In summary, at the time of testing the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H is not a gaming-capable CPU, even if Intel doesn't have far to go. The catch-up race is slowly bearing fruit, but it needs to continue for another generation or a few driver updates. Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti – photo gallery Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten

The preinstalled Windows 11 Home does not force us to use a Microsoft account during setup on the Atomman X7 Ti; we can simply set up the system with a local user account. Apart from the usual Windows bloatware, no other tools are preinstalled – except Intel's graphics driver tool. Our full virus scan with Windows Defender ends with no virus found. The power consumption of the entire system in testing ranges between 20 watts (idle) and 55 watts (full graphics load in games).

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti?

The Atomman X7 Ti is equipped with good cooling; the system does not overheat in operation at all. Using the mini-PC on its stand also helps, as it significantly improves airflow. In testing, the case temperature never exceeded 45 °C, and the noise level never exceeded 36 dB. At idle, the system is significantly cooler and stays below 40 °C – even at summer outdoor temperatures above 30 °C. The SSD also mostly stays at 30 °C and maintains its high speed even under load. Well done!

For airflow, the Atomman X7 Ti has three case openings: on the underside in the form of a round recess with triangular holes, at the front, and at the rear, where some cooling fins are visible.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti?

The Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti comes almost entirely in a shell of aluminum or glass; only the fan opening on the underside is made of plastic. This is decidedly premium. At 145 × 145 × 48.6 millimeters, the case is already large for a mini-PC and thus in the upper average for mini-PCs. The top with the display and the webcam above it is somewhat prone to fingerprints.

The interior of the case can be easily accessed from the underside after loosening the screws under the rubber feet. RAM and SSD can be easily swapped there. To make it easier to detach the bottom panel, there is also a small recess. This makes it easier to pry the case open. In our case, the mini-PC arrived with a loose lid, so we also had access to the board from there. However, only the Wi-Fi card in plug-in card format is located there. The lid had small adhesive pads protected by a plastic strip, which is simply used to stick it on.

Price: How much does the Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti cost?

In our test configuration with 32/1000 GB, the Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti currently costs 959 euros in the manufacturer's shop. A barebone variant is also available there for 759 euros, meaning without RAM, SSD and Windows.

Conclusion

With the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, Intel has really managed to surpass AMD – at least in the benchmark. In practice, however, much less of that remains, because graphics performance in games is weaker than with AMD. Software optimization is presumably still lacking here, but as of this test, the chip is unsuitable for gaming.

The rest of the Minisforum Atomman X7 Ti's overall appearance, however, is much more remarkable and impressive. Because this mini-PC offers features we would never have thought possible in small computers: webcam to fingerprint sensor. The integrated display is nice, but compared to that it seems to us more of a gimmick than real added value in everyday use. The build quality of the computer is flawless and high-quality. The port portfolio is absolutely up to date and thus offers enjoyment and a contemporary experience for many years.

The same applies to upgradability, which is once again available for RAM and SSD. However, Minisforum also charges a hefty price for all this at almost 1000 euros. Bosgame P4 Plus

Bosgame P4 Plus

The Bosgame P4 Plus offers a lot of performance at a low price: The mid-range system with Ryzen 7, USB-C port, Wi-Fi 6E and 2x LAN is available from just 282 euros.

Jonas Bettger from 09/11/2025 PROS

Good mini-PC at a strong price: Bosgame P4 Plus with Ryzen 7 from €282 in review

The Bosgame P4 Plus offers a lot of performance at a low price: The mid-range system with Ryzen 7, USB-C port, Wi-Fi 6E and 2x LAN is available from just 282 euros.

The mid-range among mini-PCs is fiercely contested, and many manufacturers throw numerous models into the ring. This price segment is creeping ever closer to 200 euros in terms of cost – systems like the Bosgame P4 Plus are also responsible for this. Because with its Ryzen 7 5825U, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD, it currently costs 299 euros, while the base configuration with Ryzen 7 5700U costs 282 euros. That is a fair price for this configuration, especially since the PC also impresses in terms of connectivity. What else it can do and how good it really is in the end, we show in the review.

Bosgame provided us with the test device.

Update (October 21, 2025): After the Bosgame P4 Plus was already available from 225 euros at the time of testing (September 11, 2025), the price has now risen again. At currently 299 euros for our test configuration, it is still an attractive choice.

Configuration: What hardware does the Bosgame P4 Plus offer?

The Bosgame P4 Plus, like many affordable mini-PCs, relies on the Ryzen 7 5825U, which was introduced in early 2022 and has eight cores with 16 threads. The CPU is manufactured using TSMC's 7 nm process, based on the Zen 3 architecture (Barcelo-U). It clocks between 2.0 and 4.5 GHz and comes with a TDP (thermal design power) of 15 watts as well as a maximum operating temperature of 95 degrees. An integrated Radeon RX Vega 8 with a clock speed of up to 2000 MHz handles graphics duties.

For memory, Bosgame offers either 16 or 32 GB of DDR4 RAM. In our case it is the 32 GB variant, which consists of two 16 GB SO-DIMM modules from Vickter Electronics running at 3200 MT/s. Faster DDR5 RAM is not supported by the memory controller on the chip side. The 1 TB NVMe SSD with PCIe 4.0 in our system comes from Kingston. It reads at 3653 MB/s and writes at 2872 MB/s. That is decent, but not outstanding.

The connectivity is good: alongside four USB-A ports there is one USB-C (data and video), 2x 2.5G LAN as well as HDMI and DisplayPort. Especially for the low price, this is impressive; many competitors cut corners on the selection here. Power cannot be supplied via USB-C, but rather via a classic barrel connector from the included 65 W power supply. Wirelessly, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are available, which is also very good for this price range. An Intel AX210 is used as the Wi-Fi controller.

Performance: How fast is the Bosgame P4 Plus?

In the mini-PC segment, the Bosgame P4 Plus is among the mid-range models. In the office benchmark PCmark 10, it shows this as well with an average score of 5714 points, with peaks at 5558 and 5816 points. This puts it almost on par with the similarly equipped Aliwava U58 (review). In the 3Dmark Time Spy benchmark, it can even slightly surpass it, achieving 1552 points overall, made up of 1362 GPU points and 7458 CPU points.

Next up is the CPU benchmark Cinebench 2024, where the P4 Plus reaches 86 points in single-core and 599 points in multi-core. In the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench, the system manages 1957 points (single-core) and 8305 points (multi-core). Bosgame P4 Plus – photo gallery Bosgame P4 Plus – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Bosgame P4 Plus – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten

Now to gaming performance, where the Bosgame P4 Plus is certainly no showcase example, but that is not to be expected in this price range either. We test in Full HD. Anno 1800 runs with low options and with the upsampler FSR (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) enabled in "Balanced" mode between 26 and 32 FPS. In the visually less appealing "Performance" mode, this becomes 32 to 36 FPS. Without FSR there are larger frame drops and the game runs between 12 and 19 FPS, which, in contrast to the not exactly stellar performance with FSR, is rather unplayable.

The city-building game Cities Skylines 2, which remains very demanding, runs at only 12 FPS with FSR enabled and low graphics options. That is unplayable, and the visual details are of course lost here as well. Counter Strike 2 runs with low options and FSR enabled (Balanced mode) at up to 85 FPS on Dust 2, but suffers from severe frame drops that likewise make the first-person shooter unplayable.

Fan: How loud is the Bosgame P4 Plus?

The fan in the Bosgame P4 Plus runs continuously, even without load, and produces a constant noise emission of 33 dB(A). Under load, the volume rises to 36 dB(A). In a stress test, the CPU clock settles between 2.9 and 3.0 GHz after having been at 4.5 GHz for a few seconds. Power consumption then is 48 W, and the temperature remains at 73 degrees. Without load, consumption drops to 10 W; when using everyday applications, it is between 20 and 25 W.

Software: Which operating systems does the Bosgame P4 Plus work with?

Windows 11 Pro is installed on the Bosgame P4 Plus, although a large batch of updates has to be installed right at the start. In particular, the feature update from 22H2 to 24H2 takes a lot of time. Running Linux succeeds remarkably easily in the test. The system automatically selects the newly connected USB stick at startup and boots from it. In our Ubuntu-based test system Tuxedo OS, everything works as intended: the resolution is correct, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio work – and the system even wakes from standby, albeit somewhat sluggishly. On many mini PCs, waking from standby in particular is a problem. Anyone who needs to enter the AMI BIOS can do so via the F7 key or through Windows' advanced recovery options. Fan profiles are not stored. The device selection is accessible via the Backspace key. Secure Boot is disabled by default.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Bosgame P4 Plus?

In its basic case design, the Bosgame P4 Plus resembles models such as the Trigkey S5 or the Ninkear N9. The large, strikingly red power button adorns the front. The case consists largely of black plastic that feels high-quality. The material on the top is covered with a stylish pattern, which makes the PC appear more premium. The fan grille extends from the left side of the case over the top to the right side, covering around two thirds of each side. This provides plenty of area for air intake and heat dissipation.

Opening the case is initially not all that complicated: loosen four screws on the underside and pull the bottom plate off the case using the rubber tab (very good). Then, however, comes the rude awakening, because a large heatsink with fan blocks the way to the hardware. Only after this has been laboriously removed can you reach the RAM and SSD. As important as cooling is, an implementation this detrimental to maintenance is unfortunate – other manufacturers already do this better.

Price: How much does the Bosgame P4 Plus cost?

The Bosgame P4 Plus last cost around 320 euros. At the moment, however, it is already available in our test configuration for 299 euros, and the base configuration with 16/512 GB costs just 282 euros – an absolutely fair price.

Conclusion

In the test, the Bosgame P4 Plus stands out with its plain but stylish design, which is pleasing thanks to small accents such as the textured top. Performance is also right and can convince against similarly positioned competitors. The same applies to the connectivity and wireless standards, which are above average for this price range. A disadvantage is the fan that runs continuously, which is unnecessary for idle operation. In return, the system does not get much louder under load and remains within a reasonable noise level. Maintenance or replacement of components such as RAM and SSD is also more difficult than with competitors.

Above all, though, the enormously good price speaks for the Bosgame P4 Plus. At the time of testing, it is an attractive 299 euros for the 16 GB variant. That is an absolute statement for an excellent mid-range system. In the test, it gets four and a half out of five stars minus our points of criticism. Minisforum AI X1 Pro

Minisforum AI X1 Pro from EUR 1,355.00

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is an excellent premium mini PC that impresses not only with its connectivity but also with AI power, for example for local voice control with Home Assistant. We have tested it.

Jonas Bettger from 05.04.2025 PROS

comparatively quiet CONS

only two fast USB-A ports

case opening laborious but possible

expensive

Mini PC Minisforum AI X1 Pro review: Enough power for local AI, gaming & co.

Everywhere the big advertising drum is being beaten for AI, everything has AI nowadays – and the Minisforum AI X1 Pro also seems to join in this song. AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the processor name, AI in the product name – and yet there is far more behind it here. This is because the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 used relies on a strong NPU (Neural Processing Unit) that allows the local use of large language models (LLAMs) as well as local voice control, for example in Home Assistant. In addition, the system offers genuine premium equipment with 32 GB of RAM and 512 GB SSD in the base version for 1167 euros, which can, however, be raised at the manufacturer to up to 96 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD. Modern ports, Wi-Fi 7, an internal power supply and a fingerprint sensor join in. But enough of the data battle; in the test we show whether the system lives up to the hardware's promises.

We received the test device from Minisforum.

Update (May 6, 2026): As a result of the cost explosion in DDR5 memory, many mini-PC manufacturers have significantly raised the prices of their products. The Minisforum AI X1 Pro has also been affected, and its price rises from 999 euros to 1167 euros with the SSD storage halved.

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum AI X1 Pro offer?

As already mentioned, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro relies on the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which is not yet a year old and offers 12 CPU cores with 24 threads and can clock between 2.0 and 5.1 GHz. In doing so, the chip uses a design modeled on Intel's big.LITTLE architecture, consisting of efficient and more powerful cores. In the HX 370, four high-performance Zen 5 cores are used, which may exploit the full 5.1 GHz, as well as eight efficient Zen 5c cores, which stop at 3.3 GHz.

The advantage that gives it its name, however, is the so-called NPU for AI applications, which is used especially in the smart home or with large language models. While the overall TOPS (trillions of operations per second) is 80 TOPS, the NPU has 50 TOPS. The competing Intel Ultra 9 185H chip, by contrast, has only 34 TOPS in the combined overall calculation of CPU, iGPU and NPU.

Speaking of the iGPU: here we encounter the powerful AMD Radeon 890M. With 16 graphics cores and a clock speed of 2900 MHz, it raises hopes for even more performance compared with the already impressive 780M – but more on that later. The entire CPU has a standard TDP of 28 watts, which is configurable between 15 and 54 watts.

Now to the memory, where the CPU provides 16 PCIe lanes of version 4.0 and DDR5 RAM with up to 8000 MT/s can be used – provided it is soldered LPDDR5X RAM. Here, however, to the delight of all upgraders, classic SODIMM RAM with plug-in modules from Crucial is used, running at 5600 MT/s – the maximum. The system is configurable up to 96 GB, the CPU could even handle up to 256 GB, and we received the base version with 32 GB.

The Kingston SSD in the M.2 2280 form factor is 1 TB in our test device and, according to the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark, writes at 3844 MB/s and reads at 4699 MB/s. These are good but not outstanding values in the premium segment. In everyday use, however, apart from transferring large amounts of files, there is hardly any noticeable increase in speed anyway. In total, there are three M.2 slots in the AI X1 Pro, all of which use a slot with an M key. A maximum of 12 TB can be installed, which is enormous.

In terms of connectivity, the AI X1 Pro offers the best of the best. In addition to OCuLink for external graphics cards (eGPUs) and two USB-C 4.0 ports with DP Alt Mode, there are two Ethernet ports with 2.5G connectivity as well as one HDMI 2.1 and one DisplayPort 2.0 each. These are the most current standards possible, which is highly commendable – after all, the competition sometimes uses outdated interfaces even on comparably priced systems. There is only slight criticism regarding the USB-A ports, since three is very few and one of them only supports USB 2.0 – somewhat unworthy of a premium PC.

The system also has an SD card slot and a fingerprint sensor integrated into the top. We find this extremely practical for everyday logins, but unfortunately it is an absolute rarity among mini PCs.

Another unusual feature of this mini PC is the 135-watt power supply integrated into the case. So you only plug in a two-pole AC cable, and there is no power brick lying around outside. That is practical, but it also means that if there are problems with the power supply, you cannot simply swap the power supply on the cable; instead, the entire internal component has to be replaced. This in turn could have disadvantages for long-term use and durability.

Also rare are the microphones recessed into the case and the integrated speakers, although these offer very thin sound. They are almost unusable for anything more than system sounds; even listening in on a conversation is difficult – at least if you are sitting facing away from the speakers, which point downward.

Wirelessly, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro also uses the latest standards currently available: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The former in particular is extremely rare among mini PCs and has so far only been found, if at all, on systems with Intel CPUs. This is because Intel's Wi-Fi 7 chipset has so far only worked with Intel chips, and otherwise there is only one from MediaTek, which is hardly available. Here it is now used in an AMD system – the MediaTek MT7925.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum AI X1 Pro?

The performance of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is as impressive as expected. In PCmark 10 it consistently scores more than 7300 points, to be precise an average of 7728 points. There are outliers toward 7901 points and 7374 points, although after a new Windows update all results achieved afterward were above 7850 points. The Time Spy benchmark from 3Dmark produces a result of 3622 points, with 3236 graphics points and 11187 CPU points. That is among the top results among mini PCs and is noticeable in everyday use and in games – more on the latter shortly. In Cinebench 2024 there are 120 points in the single-core run and 1242 points in multi-core. Minisforum AI X1 Pro – photo gallery Minisforum AI X1 Pro – photo gallery

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The system's gaming performance at Full HD resolution is excellent; the Radeon 890M iGPU offers plenty of power. In Anno 1800, even with ultra-high settings we can achieve about 20 FPS, and with FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) enabled it is up to 40 FPS. In doing so we are looking at a city of nearly 15,000 inhabitants and can enjoy the full splendor and depth of detail of the game. Cities Skylines 2 also runs smoothly at 25 FPS with medium settings, even though we have a developed city with lots of hustle and bustle.

To test the AI capabilities, we used the large language model Deepseek R1. In our case, however, it is only a smaller package with corresponding weaknesses and hallucinations. For example, our Deepseek instance explains that Olaf Scholz is known in particular as a YouTuber and streamer. But to make the case study that it fundamentally works technically, this amusing result is enough.

Another use case for the AI capabilities would be as voice control in the smart home. Here we tested the Voice Preview Edition of Home Assistant, which, however, requires a powerful computer such as this very mini-PC as the basis for local voice processing. The weaker its hardware, the more lengthy the processing of voice input, and the desired response is a long time coming. It is therefore advisable to use a processor with a strong NPU. For further applications, however, the NPU is not yet usable and in this respect is more to be understood as a bet on the future.

Fans: How loud is the Minisforum AI X1 Pro and how high is the power consumption?

The volume of the two fans in the Minisforum AI X1 Pro cannot be described as quiet, but as moderate. When the desktop is idle, they switch off entirely; when browsing the internet, they reach a subtle 27 dB(A) when measured directly at the case. But if we start a stress test with Aida64 and fully load the PC, the volume rises to 35 dB(A) at the case. From one meter away, only just under 20 to 23 dB(A) can be measured.

Power consumption is around 15 to 22 watts at idle. At higher load it is 35 to 45 watts, and at full load the value shoots up to as much as 96 watts. The temperatures of the CPU and the rest of the hardware are all within the normal range and unremarkable – despite the fact that the power supply unit, as a heat-generating component, now sits inside the case as well. Nevertheless, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 never reaches temperature values higher than 70 degrees at absolute full load. That is quite remarkable when you keep the performance capability and the moderate fan volume in mind. Four options for fan speed are also available in the BIOS (Auto, Quiet, Balance, Performance), with Auto set by default.

Software: Which operating systems does the Minisforum AI X1 Pro work with? Minisforum AI X1 Pro – photo gallery heise bestenlisten

The AI X1 Pro uses Windows 11 Pro. If no internet connection is established during setup, the PC can be used with a local account. Otherwise, the somewhat lengthy registration or setup via a Microsoft account is required. Windows comes preinstalled with the usual applications, but our complete system scan with Windows Defender finds no viruses. Using Linux is also possible, although to call up the BIOS setup you must proceed either via the Windows recovery options or the Tab key. The classic F keys showed no effect in the test. Since there were problems when starting our test system Tuxedo OS (based on Ubuntu), we also disabled Secure Boot. After that, running Linux succeeded and all USB devices as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio worked without problems right away.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro?

The build quality of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is more than impressive. The light gray aluminum case is flawlessly high-quality, just as we would expect from a premium mini PC. The antenna strips are glued inside the black plastic area around the rear ports to enable good reception despite the metal case. In addition to the aforementioned fingerprint sensor recessed into the top, there is also the power button on the front left and the button for calling up the Copilot assistant under Windows on the right. Next to these two buttons are the small openings for the system's microphones.

For a more aesthetic placement on the desk as well as better airflow, Minisforum includes a color-matched stand with a rubberized base into which you simply insert the AI X1 Pro. It even holds it firmly enough that it doesn't fall off immediately when lifted. With dimensions of 195 x 195 x 47.5 mm, the mini PC is enormously large in comparison, but not as tall. This is due in particular to the integrated power supply and the cooling solution with two fans. The weight of 1.5 kg is also substantial, but can be attributed to the same reasons as the dimensions.

Opening the case requires some patience and a lot of screwing. You can reach all the screws easily enough, but there are an enormous number of them to loosen. In addition, the screws in the bottom are not hidden under the rubber feet, but a single one is under a small rubber cover that we initially overlooked. You also have to be careful with glued-on cables so as not to tear anything off – and there are quite a few of them inside the AI X1 Pro. Furthermore, you have to remove the power supply and its fan to finally reach the RAM, SSD and Wi-Fi card.

Price: How much does the Minisforum AI X1 Pro cost?

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is an absolute premium mini PC, which is evident not only from its equipment but also from its price. In the base configuration with 32 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, the system already costs 1167 euros on Amazon or 1169 euros from the manufacturer. Further configurations are available in the form of our test configuration with 64/1000 GB as well as 96/2000 GB and 32/1000. A cheaper barebone variant (without RAM and SSD) is also available for 739 euros.

Conclusion

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is an absolute flagship in the manufacturer's lineup, apart from the models with dedicated graphics, which are then considerably more expensive. In the case of this PC, the high price of over 1100 euros is worthwhile, because the equipment is at an absolutely top level. Not only do you get Wi-Fi 7 on an AMD platform here, but also luxurious amenities such as a fingerprint sensor, integrated speakers and an internal power supply.

In addition to AI capabilities thanks to a strong NPU, the system also offers plenty of performance for gaming – as usual from AMD. In Full HD, many current titles run at medium to high settings. The Minisforum AI X1 Pro remains at moderate fan noise, and the CPU barely gets warmer than 70 degrees. Overall an excellent overall package that mainly gives pause for thought on price.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or is not possible. We link retailers here with whom we have generally had good experiences. Gxmo N42

Gxmo N42

A full-fledged desktop PC for 97 euros: That is what the Gxmo N42 mini-PC promises to deliver. Whether the math works out, we show in the review.

Jonas Bettger from 07.11.2024 PROS

A full-fledged desktop PC for 97 euros: That is what the Gxmo N42 mini-PC promises to deliver. Whether the math works out, we show in the review.

Mini-PCs are still surprisingly good even at low prices. Even with models under 150 euros, everyday home office work can still be managed satisfactorily. With laptops that use the same mobile versions of the processors, it is already difficult to find usable models under 400 euros.

The Gxmo N42 takes this to the extreme, costing only 100 euros. That makes it truly one of the extremely cheap mini-PCs; its equipment with an Intel Celeron N4020C and 6 GB of RAM is not spectacular, but for the price it is really good again. Let's be honest, where else can you get a quiet, reasonably modern and even quite stylish full-fledged Windows computer for under 100 euros?

Regardless of that, the mini-PC is a really exciting alternative to the similarly priced and similarly powerful Raspberry Pi computers. Like those, it is also passively cooled and thus also the cheapest fanless mini-PC in our test. How convincing it is and for whom it is suitable for what, we clarify in this review.

We received the test device from Geekbuying.

Who is the Gxmo N42 suitable for?

The Gxmo N42 is primarily suitable for people who find a Raspberry too complicated but want to save money when buying. Because as a full-fledged Windows PC, the computer can also be used for the home office. As a simple computer for document work or for driving a television (guide), the system is still sufficient. But it can also be enough for smart home (guide) depending on performance requirements – however, anyone who wants to perform complex local AI calculations for their own surveillance cameras (best list) needs more performance.

Especially for casual users & students who already have a monitor, the system is suitable – it won't get any cheaper. However, you should refrain from photo editing, gaming or multiple 4K streams in parallel. For that alone, the 6 GB of RAM is too little.

What is the equipment of the Gxmo N42 like?

The Gxmo N42 uses a classic Intel Celeron processor – the Celeron N4020C. This is still used even in mini-PCs costing up to 180 euros, such as the CSL Tiny Box (review). In terms of performance, with its two cores at a maximum of 2.8 GHz, it is at the very bottom level, but it is still entirely sufficient for office work. However, you can tell that it has been on the market for almost five years, because the newer Intel N100 achieves twice the score in benchmarks at the same power dissipation (TDP) of 6 watts – so the Celeron works with significantly lower efficiency.

In addition, 6 GB of LPDDR4-2400 RAM is used. Unfortunately, due to the small form factor of the computer, this cannot be upgraded. It is still sufficient for office work, but in terms of memory the mini-PC is already at its limit. A modern system with Windows 11 should have at least 8 GB of RAM, preferably 16 GB, for long-term use. If you put that into perspective and look around the market, individual mini-PCs with only 4 GB of RAM are still seriously being sold for up to 300 euros – so 6 GB for 89 euros is, on the other hand, enormously good for the price.

For storage, the base variant offers only 64 GB of eMMC storage, of which 11 GB is usable. On the one hand, there is also a larger variant with 128 GB, and on the other hand, an M.2-2280 NVMe SSD (guide) of up to 1 TB can also be installed. Models with 128 GB, such as the Patriot P300 128GB, are available according to the price comparison from as little as 15 euros. As expected, the eMMC storage does not write at high speeds, but it is certainly faster than an HDD. In the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark, it writes at 157 MB/s and reads at 314 MB/s.

In terms of connectivity, there is surprisingly a lot here; with the two HDMI ports, two monitors can be driven at 4K at 60 Hz. USB-C would be great, but is not to be expected for the price. In addition, Wi-Fi 5 is available, as well as Bluetooth 4.2. Normally we would give the manufacturer an earful because of the outdated standards, but at 84 euros we accept that corners have to be cut somewhere.

What does the Gxmo N42 mini-PC deliver?

Specifically, the performance can be captured in the PCmark 10 benchmark, in which the Gxmo N42 reaches about 1545 points. The result is therefore a little higher than that of the CSL Tiny Box. In contrast to that, however, the Gxmo N42 is exceptionally usable; the user experience is surprisingly smooth. The 2 GB larger RAM is certainly helpful for this – that makes a big difference.

The graphics unit clearly lacks power, as the 3Dmark TimeSpy benchmark illustrates. The whole system reaches only 130 points here, of which 594 points go to the CPU and 115 points to the iGPU. For comparison: a mini-PC with Intel N100, such as the T-Bao T8 Plus (review), reaches a total of 371 points there, of which 323 points are attributable to the iGPU and 2454 points to the CPU. Not to mention if you look at mini-PCs around 300 euros with AMD Ryzen such as the Ouvis AMR5 (review), which then sometimes reach well over 1000 graphics points in this very benchmark. Mini-PC Gxmo N42 – photo gallery Mini-PC Gxmo N42 in review: case & ports

heise best lists Mini-PC Gxmo N42 in review: case & ports

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The cross-platform Geekbench benchmark also allows the mini-PC to be compared with a Raspberry Pi. With 385 points in single-core and 660 points in multi-core, it is somewhat above a Raspberry Pi 4, which reaches 283 points and 596 points. Against a Raspberry Pi 5, however, it looks old, as the latter achieves more than double in each case. A decisive difference compared with the single-board computers is the processor architecture, which is based on ARM there and on x86 here. With the latter, the selection of programs is significantly larger; especially office tools are often available only for x86. This thus creates flexibility – at the price of lower efficiency.

Anyone who finds the performance under Windows 11 too low can find some remedy with a lightweight Linux. Due to their low resource consumption, classic lightweight derivatives such as Lubuntu, Xubuntu or Tiny Core Linux are suitable here. In addition, Chrome OS Flex can be used as a system-resource-friendly system – a modified form of the operating system preinstalled on Chromebooks (guide). The download works via the Chromebook Recovery Extension Tool, as the colleagues at Heise Download explain.

How loud is the Gxmo N42?

For the low price of 84 euros, we were very surprised that the Gxmo N42 comes with passive cooling. While cooling is normally a heavily advertised topic even with air-cooled computers, Gxmo almost keeps the N42's silence to itself. So at the beginning we repeatedly listened at the case and could hardly believe our ears, hearing nothing. After all, implementing passive cooling is significantly more elaborate, and silent mini-PCs are therefore usually significantly more expensive than their equally equipped, air-cooled counterparts.

The cooler works well and silently; the case temperature, measured with the Pixel 8 Pro's thermometer (review), never exceeded 60 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the fabric cover, the case can also be touched at any time without getting too-hot fingers. Overall a good solution – well done!

What else did we notice?

The build quality of the Gxmo N42 is far better than expected. Sure, the black plastic doesn't set the world on fire, but for 84 euros it feels surprisingly good. Even more surprising is that Gxmo even uses a fabric cover on the top – that looks stylish and really makes an impression. If such a construction is already possible for 84 euros, we would like to see that on all mini-PCs in the future.

In addition, the case is strikingly thin at 106 × 106 × 25 millimeters. The weight is only a light 208 grams. The case can be opened via four screws on the underside, so that one has easy access to the easily accessible CMOS battery and the slot for an M.2 NVMe SSD.

How much does the Gxmo N42 cost?

At Banggood, you can get the Gxmo N42 for 100 euros.

Conclusion

The Gxmo N42 surprised us: we wouldn't have thought it possible to get a genuinely still usable mini-PC for under 100 euros. This test proved us wrong; the N42 sets a clear price statement – and shows other manufacturers that it can be done better. More than 4 GB of RAM is possible even under 100 euros, so you certainly shouldn't put up with that at more than 200 euros.

The build quality is also surprisingly good, and the fabric-covered top adds a visually nice detail that we likewise wouldn't have expected. Overall, a surprisingly good overall package aimed at all those looking for a more flexible alternative to the Raspberry Pi or who just need a computer for occasional document work. Cheaper than this is unlikely to be possible – with this fully fledged computer with Windows 11 for under 100 euros, you can definitely go for it. Minisforum UN150P

Minisforum UN150P

Good performance, compact design and USB-C: our test shows how well the Minisforum UN150P performs in practice.

David Bettger, June 16, 2025 PROS

USB-C with DisplayPort support

2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

power-efficient

lots of RAM and storage CONS

Good performance, compact design and USB-C: our test shows how well the Minisforum UN150P performs in practice.

The Minisforum UN150P is the bigger brother of the UN100P, which already convinced us in our test. For under 210 euros, it is supposed to offer similarly good equipment with even more performance. For, as the name suggests, it no longer uses the Intel N100 but the stronger Intel N150. In addition, there is again 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage and a USB-C port. The latter supports image transmission via the DisplayPort protocol – an absolute rarity in this price segment. Our test shows whether Minisforum was able to fix the UN100P's cooling problem despite the increased processor performance.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum UN150P offer?

As is usual in this price range, the processor here also comes from Intel – the quad-core Intel N150 with only four threads, i.e. without multithreading. The Gracemont cores are also only efficiency cores and clock at 3.6 GHz. This results in a TDP of 6 watts under prolonged load and about 15 watts maximum. Within the Twin Lake family, the N150 is thus the slowest processor, but clocks about 200 MHz higher than the N100 from the previous Alder Lake-N series. Intel's integrated Xe graphics unit with 24 active EUs (Execution Units) also runs at 1 GHz, a little faster than on the N100. The integrated memory controller offers only single-channel support and a maximum speed of 3200 MT/s for DDR4 and 4800 MT/s with the DDR5 standard. The third-generation PCIe standard is also supported.

The individual DDR4 RAM stick has a transfer rate of 3200 MT/s and is connected in single-channel mode. There is only one slot on the board, occupied by a module from "Takfung" with a capacity of 16 GB. So while the module can be replaced at any time, an upgrade to a higher capacity is not possible according to the manufacturer, as a maximum of 16 GB is supported.

The installed M.2 SSD comes from HighRel and offers a capacity of 512 GB in the 2280 form factor. In CrystalDiskMark we measure speeds of 888 MB/s for reading and 867 MB/s for writing. This is a little above typical SATA transfer speeds, but still well below the theoretical limit of the M.2 port with a maximum of 3500 MB/s over PCIe 3.0. For a little over 200 euros, however, it is already commendable that a faster SSD is installed here. In addition, the mini-PC still offers a standard SATA port for 2.5-inch hard drives. Via M.2, the maximum capacity is 1 TB, while up to 2 TB is possible via SATA.

In terms of connectivity, the UN150P is clearly ahead of the competition. The single Ethernet port transfers data at up to 2.5 Gbit. For connecting monitors, in addition to two HDMI 2.1 ports, there is also one USB-C port (4K at 60 Hz) on the front of the mini-PC. The latter does offer PD-out at 15 watts, i.e. power supply for external devices, but no PD-in. This means it cannot be used as an alternative to the included power supply with a DC barrel connector. The feature is rare on mini-PCs anyway and especially not to be expected on such an inexpensive system.

The wireless interfaces with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 meet expectations. The "AX101NGW" chipset from Intel is used here.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum UN150P?

Despite higher performance, the Intel N150 is only suitable for everyday office tasks. As expected, it also clearly surpasses the older N100. In PCmark10, the system achieves an average of 3295 points – an increase of 15 percent. Compared to similarly equipped systems, the UN150P performs somewhat better here. In Time Spy it reaches 477 points, consisting of 418 graphics and 2443 CPU points – which describes in numbers that the system is absolutely not suitable for gaming. Cinebench R24 attests the N150 62 points in single-core and 187 points in multi-core. In the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, the result is 1271 points in single-core and 3068 points in multi-core. This makes the UN150P one of the most powerful mini-PCs with an Intel N CPU, although the stronger alternatives with AMD CPUs start at 250 euros. The N150 is therefore primarily an efficient CPU for simple everyday tasks. Minisforum UN150P – photo gallery Minisforum UN150P – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Minisforum UN150P – photo gallery

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Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Minisforum UN150P?

At idle, consumption is only 6 watts; under full load we measured a peak of 29 watts – the CPU itself takes 15 watts of that. In the combined stress test, the CPU clock is at a maximum of 3.4 GHz and 2.7 GHz on average. The GPU runs constantly at 1 GHz. Even after more than two hours of full load, the CPU does not exceed the 87-degree mark.

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum UN150P?

With the increased performance, the fan noise of the UN150P has risen significantly compared to its smaller sibling. At the case, we measure an average of 34 dB(A) with a smartphone; at a distance of one meter, it is still just over 20 dB(A). Ambient noise is around 18 dB(A). At idle, however, the system is completely silent, and so it is during normal use.

The BIOS offers only a very limited selection of settings, so there are no performance or fan modes either.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Minisforum UN150P?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the system. A full system scan with Windows Defender comes back with no findings. Installing Ubuntu 24.04.1 works without problems via Windows' advanced startup menu. Once in Ubuntu, the incorrect screen resolution is immediately noticeable: with our Full HD monitor, a resolution of 800 × 600 in 4:3 format is detected. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work without problems, but our headphones are not recognized as an audio output.

Case: How is the build quality of the Minisforum UN150P?

The UN150P uses the same plastic case as the UN100P, only in our case in light gray instead of black. The case is generally well made and kept plain. At 127.8 × 112.7 × 43.5 mm, it is fairly compact and weighs only 328 g. Minisforum UN150P vs. UN100P heise bestenlisten

To upgrade the hardware, such as the SSD, the case must be opened. However, the four screws on the underside are always recessed very deeply, which means they cannot be reached with most screwdrivers. After loosening the screws, the bottom panel must also be pried off awkwardly and with comparatively much force. Only then is the hardware accessible, but with the right tools the mini PC can be opened successfully.

Price: How much does the Minisforum UN150P cost?

The Minisforum UN150P is currently cheapest in the manufacturer's online shop. In our test configuration with 16/512 GB, you can get it there as part of the 5-year milestone sale for 205 euros (code: UN150P34OFF). On Amazon, it currently costs 209 euros with 16/512 GB. For just under 200 euros, there is also a variant there with 256 GB SSD storage but still 16 GB RAM.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or may not be possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

Conclusion

The UN100P and UN150P differ almost exclusively in the processor. The UN150P likewise delivers an excellent overall package in its price class. Particularly noteworthy here are the USB-C port with DisplayPort and 2.5-gigabit Ethernet. Even though the RAM and SSD do not come from established manufacturers, the UN150P is also a genuine insider tip as a simple office PC. The decision as to whether the UN150P or the UN100P is the better choice depends solely on whether the current price premium of 20 euros for roughly 15 percent more performance is worth it to you. However, the Ninkear N4 offers more performance and flexibility when upgrading, also for under 200 euros. Peladn HA4

Peladn HA4

The Peladn HA-4 with Ryzen 9 is a powerful mini-PC at a fair price. We show how well the high-quality system performs in the test.

Jonas Bettger, 26.08.2025 PROS

Ports could be a little more versatile

The Peladn HA-4 with Ryzen 9 is a powerful mini-PC at a fair price. We show how well the high-quality system performs in the test.

Manufacturers of mini-PCs are not infrequently known for using quirky names – Peladn is definitely no exception here. The HA-4 model, by contrast, means business and comes straight away with a Ryzen 9 7940HS, 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. It uses a confidently angular aluminum case that also – to serve this meme as well – offers the typical extra FPS thanks to RGB lighting. All of this is available at a decidedly fair price of 500 euros – measured against the specifications.

We put the Peladn HA-4 to the test and show in our review how it performed. The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Specifications: What hardware does the Peladn HA-4 offer?

The Peladn HA-4 uses a top CPU from the seventh Ryzen generation – the Ryzen 9 7940HS. This 8-core chip from the 2023 Phoenix series (Zen 4) can process up to 16 threads simultaneously and is manufactured using the 4 nm process. The clock speed ranges between 4.0 and 5.2 GHz, and the TDP (thermal design power) is 35 watts. The maximum operating temperature is specified as 100 degrees. The integrated graphics unit is the familiar Radeon 780M with 12 CUs (Compute Units), clocked at 2800 MHz.

Our test system is the variant with 32 GB RAM, which comes in the form of two 16 GB DDR5 modules from Adata at 5600 MT/s. The SSD is a 1 TB Crucial P3 Plus, whose speed figures diverge somewhat here. According to CrystalDiskMark, it reads at 5180 MB/s but writes at only 2545 MB/s. For an M.2 NVMe SSD, these are solid but not outstanding figures.

In terms of connectivity, the Peladn HA-4 comes with four USB-A ports (2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0), one USB Type-C (with video and data transfer), and one 2.5 Gbit LAN. There are also two HDMI 2.0 ports and one connection for power supply via a barrel connector. Overall, then, fairly unexciting standard fare. An additional USB-C port, ideally with power delivery, or a separate DisplayPort would have made the device even more flexible.

For wireless connectivity, the Peladn HA-4 uses Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, which is solid but likewise not particularly strong. The Intel AX200 chipset is used.

Performance: How fast is the Peladn HA-4?

With its Ryzen 9 and especially the integrated Radeon 780M graphics, the Peladn HA-4 promises a lot of performance. In the test, the system achieves an average score of 7353 points in PCmark 10, with peaks at 7372 and 7334 points. That is somewhat below what we had expected – with a Ryzen 9, we would rather expect over 7800 points. In 3Dmark Time Spy, the system likewise lands below its estimated potential at 3213 points, composed of 2865 points for the GPU and 10,361 CPU points. Here too, we had expected more than 11,000 points for the CPU and over 3000 points for the GPU.

In Cinebench 2024, the Ryzen 9 7940HS of the Peladn HA-4 reaches 883 points in multi-core and 108 points in single-core. In the cross-platform Geekbench 6 benchmark, it scores 2688 points (single-core) and 12,281 points (multi-core), as well as 32,541 in the OpenCL graphics test. In everyday use, performance is very good, but in benchmarks it is somewhat lower than with other systems using the same CPU. Peladn HA-4 – photo gallery Peladn HA-4 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Peladn HA-4 – photo gallery

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When gaming, many games run smoothly even at higher settings. For example, we can play Anno 1800 without FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) on high options at around 28 to 35 FPS. With FSR (Performance), this improves to around 45 FPS. Cities Skylines 2 runs at 12 FPS on high settings, too poorly for a smooth gaming experience; after enabling FSR and switching from "High" to "Medium," it is at least 18 to 22 FPS. Counter Strike 2 can be played well at 55 to 85 FPS on the Dust 2 map on high settings without FSR.

Fans: How loud is the Peladn HA-4?

At idle or with only a few open, non-demanding applications such as a browser or Hwinfo, the fans of the HA-4 are barely audible. In everyday use, the system usually runs at 29 dB(A) at the case, and about 20 dB(A) from one meter away. The CPU clock remains at 3.8 GHz to 4.1 GHz even under load, and the temperature does not exceed 80 degrees, which indicates good cooling. However, the noise level rises abruptly from 35 to 41 dB(A). From a distance of one meter, that is still 31 dB(A). Power consumption is 12 to 14 watts at idle without load, 20 to 34 W in everyday use with individual applications open, and rises to up to 66 W during games and at full load. Peladn HA-4: temperatures via thermal imaging camera during high load heise bestenlisten

Software: Which operating systems does the Peladn HA-4 work with?

The Peladn HA-4 comes preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro version 22H2. Initially, the computer is preset to Chinese, but switching to German is not consistently applied at every system level. For example, the advanced recovery options, which we call up to boot our Linux USB stick, remain in Chinese. We are already familiar with this from other mini-PCs. Thanks to the pictograms, we still find our way around. In addition, during setup (if we want to avoid this workaround via CMD), we have to establish an internet connection, otherwise it will not proceed. Peladn HA-4: Chinese recovery menu heise bestenlisten

Operation of the Ubuntu-based Tuxedo OS succeeds in the test without problems. The resolution is detected correctly right away, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio are also usable. Only from standby mode does the computer not wake up; the PC itself does power on, but outputs no video signal. That is a shame, and this function in Linux is unusable without further troubleshooting.

Build: How is the build quality of the Peladn HA-4?

The build quality of the Peladn HA-4 is definitely among the better ones among mini-PCs. The case is primarily made of aluminum, in our case silver-colored – but under the name Trycoo the manufacturer also sells a black version. It consists of several individual aluminum plates that are screwed together; only the side panel on the back is made of plastic. Visually, this makes it look quite angular and rustic, which is refreshing amid the uniform mush of black, smoothly rounded plastic cases or the typical systems modeled on the Mac Mini.

A nice detail is the LED strip recessed between the aluminum plates with a glossy, transparent plastic cover. It runs all the way around the PC and, in a sense, fills the gap between the metal plates. The color can also be adjusted via a button on the back; a simple click switches between the following modes: white (pulsing), white (steady), orange (pulsing), orange (steady), color change or rainbow gradient. The lighting can also be switched off entirely this way.

The HA-4 measures 136 × 128 × 52 mm and weighs just under 1 kg. That is quite a lot for a mini-PC, but is likely due to the all-metal case. Opening the case, for example to service the system components or upgrade them, is done via the underside. Here, the screws to be loosened are not hidden in the rubber feet but sit next to them and are accordingly easy to reach. After that, the bottom plate can simply be removed without additional tools. Cables do not get in the way. Because of the protruding case edge, some components are somewhat obscured, such as the CMOS battery. A heatsink is attached to the SSD, which must first be loosened. In addition, an additional component fan with a heatshield covers the area underneath.

Price: How much does the Peladn HA-4 cost?

Currently, the Peladn HA-4 in our test configuration is available for 500 euros on Amazon or in the manufacturer's shop.

It is also available under the name Trycoo HA-4 in black – likewise for 500 euros. This is the identical model from the same manufacturer apart from the color. The base variant costs 430 euros (Ryzen 7 7840HS, 32/1000 GB).

Conclusion

The Peladn HA-4 makes a thoroughly convincing impression in the test. The performance of the Ryzen 9 is not quite as high as expected, but still good. The build quality of the mini-PC is excellent. Only the port variety could be improved with a standalone DisplayPort or another USB-C port – preferably also with support for input power. An additional LAN port would also be practical, for example for firewall solutions.

Under load, the somewhat loud fan is the main thing that stands out. However, it reliably keeps the processor cool. It is a shame that only Wi-Fi 6 is supported – more current standards would be desirable. Apart from that, the system convinces. The price is also very fair: getting a Ryzen 9 with this performance for 500 euros is really impressive. This places it among models such as the Beelink SER8 (review) or the Awow HA7 (review), which it even surpasses in some respects, while falling behind them in others.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or is not possible. We link here to retailers with which we have generally had good experiences. Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro – Best value for money

Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro

Thanks to the modern Ryzen 7 Pro and Radeon 780M graphics, the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro offers plenty of performance and also an enormous number of additional features for currently 470 euros.

David Bettger, 22.09.2025 PROS

integrated display CONS

display software is detected as a Trojan

Thanks to the modern Ryzen 7 Pro and Radeon 780M graphics, the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro offers plenty of performance and also an enormous number of additional features for currently 470 euros.

The Gem 12+ Pro from Aoostar – the nominal successor to T-Bao – gives hope for another competitive mini-PC thanks to its lavish equipment. The processor used is the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS in the Pro variant. There is also 32 GB of RAM and a fast 1 TB M.2 SSD. As comparable systems show, you can already game with this hardware. In addition, for currently 470 euros (code: BG9951b6), the Gem 12+ Pro offers an integrated display and a fingerprint sensor – additional features that distinguish it from its predecessor, the Gem 12 Pro (review). How useful these are and how well the system performs in practice is shown in our test.

We received the test device from Banggood.

Equipment: What hardware does the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro offer?

The Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro is equipped with the eight-core AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS – the business version of the regular 8845HS. This has additional security features aimed at businesses. For the average consumer, ECC memory support is the biggest difference. Otherwise, the CPU is identical to the 8845HS in the predecessor: maximum clock speed of 5.1 GHz, 45 watt TDP and based on the Zen 4 architecture. This means it is also "only" a refresh of the 7000 series, thus using the same architecture as the previous generation instead of a completely new architecture design. In terms of performance, the iGPU is at the upper end with the Radeon 780M. It has 12 cores at a maximum of 2700 MHz. An AI accelerator (NPU) is also on board, providing 16 TOPS of computing power on its own.

The mini-PC is equipped with a generous 32 GB of DDR5 RAM from Crucial. The two SO-DIMM modules deliver a transfer speed of 5600 MT/s and run in dual-channel mode. According to the manufacturer, a maximum module size of 64 GB – that is, 128 GB in total – is supported.

The integrated M.2 SSD from Crucial (model: P3 Plus) is 1 TB in size and delivers good speeds thanks to PCIe 4.0 – with CrystalDiskMark we measure 5189 MB/s for reading and 4748 MB/s for writing. In addition, another M.2-2280 slot is available. Both slots support a maximum capacity of 4 TB.

Two heatsinks with thermal pads are included in the scope of delivery.

In terms of connectivity, the Gem 12+ Pro stands out with two USB 4.0 Type-C ports as well as Oculink for external graphics cards, although the latter does not have a hot-swap function. Both USB-C ports can be used as an alternative to the included 120-watt power supply for power delivery. There are also two 2.5-Gbit LAN ports. Monitors can be connected not only via USB-C but also via HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4. This means each of the maximum of four connected monitors runs at 4K with at least 120 Hz.

For wireless connectivity, the mini-PC uses Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, which is already a little outdated by current standards. The chipsets come exclusively from Intel: I226-V for Ethernet and AX200 for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Performance: How fast is the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro?

Despite strong results, we are a little disappointed with the performance of the Gem 12+ Pro. In PCmark 10 it achieves an average of 7245 points and is thus over 350 points, more precisely 4.8 percent, behind the nearly identical Aoostar Gem12 Pro. 3Dmark Time Spy awards the system 3112 points – of which 2766 for graphics and 10,695 for the CPU. Here too, despite generally strong values, the system is just behind the competition from the same company. In Cinebench R24 the mini-PC reaches 930 points in multi-core and 106 points in single-core. The cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 awards 2440 points in single-core and 12665 in multi-core, while the graphics achieve 29466 points in the OpenCL benchmark. Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro – photo gallery Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro – photo gallery

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Despite somewhat sobering results, the system performs solidly in our game tests in Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines 2.

In the former, we again play in our advanced endless game and look at the 50,000-resident metropolis. In Full HD at a high graphics preset and FSR in "Quality" mode, we get an average of 30 FPS.

Cities Skylines 2 demands even more from the hardware, which is why we play in Full HD with low settings and automatic dynamic resolution scaling. Looking at our 11,000-resident city, we likewise get an average of 30 FPS.

Power consumption: How high is the power draw of the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro?

At idle, power consumption is around 19 watts and the CPU temperature is around 50 degrees. Under full load, consumption in the standard performance profile rises to 88 watts, with peaks of up to 91 watts – so the included 120-watt power supply is more than sufficient. The maximum clock speed is 5.1 GHz, but the system quickly settles at around 4.4 GHz. Even after more than an hour and a half, the CPU temperature does not rise above 88.5 degrees.

Fans: How loud is the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro?

The Gem 12+ Pro has two fans: one for the CPU and one for RAM and SSDs. Because of the airflow-optimized case, especially the constantly spinning fan for RAM and SSD is clearly audible. With an ambient noise level of 19 dB(A), we measure 25 dB(A) with the smartphone even at idle. Under full load, it is 32 dB(A) directly at the case and 21 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. That makes it relatively quiet and, above all, quieter than the Gem 12 Pro despite the same TDP.

The performance mode can be set in three levels in the BIOS.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro?

The system comes with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled; a virus scan with Windows Defender finds nothing. However, the system was set up in Chinese, which is why, for example, the extended Start menu is displayed in Chinese – a manual reinstallation can solve the problem, though. Installing Ubuntu 24.01 LTS works without problems: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet and audio work right away, and the display resolution is also detected correctly.

The display of the Gem 12+ Pro is controlled via its own software, which you download from the manufacturer's website via a Mega cloud link. The folder contains an installer for Windows and a .deb file for Linux distributions. When installing on Windows, Defender immediately raises an alarm and blocks the installation – essential certificates may have been forgotten here, as was already the case with the Acemagic S1 and AK2Plus in the past. A scan of the file with Virus Total triggers a Trojan warning from a total of five antivirus programs.

The note included with the mini-PC contains a "warm reminder" that points out such possible virus alerts. It also assures that the software is virus-free and operates exclusively locally. Aoostar further explains that the tool had been checked by Microsoft. With a separate internet connection and the block lifted in Windows Defender, we were then able to install the software. After installation, the display immediately shows status values of the mini-PC. When we tried to launch the software interface in order to change the displayed values, we were greeted with another supposed login screen in Chinese – although we had selected English during installation. The default password is also found exclusively in the installation guide for Linux. Setting the parameters is also somewhat cumbersome, but once the display is set up, it is actually quite helpful – whether it is more of a gimmick or a useful feature is something you have to decide for yourself.

In the meantime, there are also open-source approaches that are said to make it possible to control the display without manufacturer software.

Case: How is the build quality of the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro?

The case is made of metal and aluminum and feels well made. The design is rather plain; on the top are the manufacturer's name and the model name "GEM". As with the Gem 12 Pro, Aoostar has rendered this in the mesh grille using fan openings of different sizes. Also on the top are the fingerprint sensor, which usually works reliably, and the integrated display. At this point the case around the display and sensor has a piano-black finish and is accordingly very susceptible to scratches and fingerprints.

It is unusual that the manufacturer has not fitted the rubber feet on the underside, so only the empty recesses are present. A total of eight are included with the PC so that you can fit them yourself. What at first appears to be an odd shortcoming is ingenious on second glance: especially if you buy the system as a barebone or want to upgrade it right after purchase, not attaching the stand feet is more helpful than annoying. Instead of having to remove all the feet first and then put them back on, you upgrade the hardware first and then attach them. The case measures 131.3 × 129.6 × 58.9 mm (without rubber feet).

Price: How much does the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro cost?

At Banggood, the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD currently costs 470 euros if you use our coupon BG9951b6.

Conclusion

In terms of performance, the Aoostar Gem 12+ Pro lags behind the technically almost identical Aoostar Gem12 Pro, which we have already tested. Although the system is no longer available in this form, it still shows that the Gem 12+ Pro cannot quite keep up with the performance elite. In particular, the Minisform UM870 Slim is faster, but it also offers no features such as Oculink, a fingerprint sensor or an integrated display. So if you cannot do without these features, the Gem 12+ Pro is a good choice that will also remain powerful in the long term. Otherwise, models such as the Minisform UM870 Slim in the same price range are a little stronger still. Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra

Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra

With 32 GB DDR5 RAM and the Ryzen 5 processor, the Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra offers appealing hardware.

Silas Zbornik, 25.01.2026 PROS

two 2.5 Gbit/s LAN ports

USB 4 (40 GB/s) with Power Delivery

supports up to 8 TB of storage CONS

loud at 42 dB(A) under full load

poor cooling (91.4 degrees maximum temperature)

Bluetooth not usable under Linux

With 32 GB DDR5 RAM and the Ryzen 5 processor, the Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra offers appealing hardware.

With the Nucbox M6 Ultra, Gmktec delivers another iteration of the now fourteen-part Nucbox series. Our M6 Ultra test unit contains an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS, 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage. A pared-down configuration with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD is also on offer. For many, the barebone variant without RAM and SSD will certainly also be interesting. We took a look at the mini-PC for 460 euros and report on what else the Nucbox M6 Ultra has to offer.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra offer?

The Nucbox M6 Ultra comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS, which has six cores with 12 threads. The CPU has a base clock of 4.3 GHz and a turbo clock of 5.0 GHz. It belongs to the Zen 4 architecture (Phoenix) and is manufactured using the 4 nm process. The thermal design power (TDP) is 45 W, and the maximum operating temperature is 100 degrees. The graphics unit is the AMD Radeon 760M with eight cores at a clock speed of 2600 MHz.

Our test device contains 32 GB of DDR5 RAM in the form of two 16 GB SODIMM modules, although these offer a somewhat disappointing transfer rate of 4800 MT/s (for DDR5 standards). Up to 128 GB of RAM is supported. The NVMe SSD with PCIe 4.0 has 1 TB and, according to CrystalDiskMark, achieves a maximum read speed of 3554 MB/s and a write speed of 2581 MB/s. Thanks to a second M.2 slot, this can be upgraded to up to 8 TB.

Among the ports, the USB 4.0 port with a transfer speed of 40 GB/s stands out positively right away. In addition to DisplayPort, it also supports Power Delivery input up to 100 W and is unusually located on the front of the mini-PC. This means the mini-PC can also be powered via USB-C. In addition, the Nucbox offers two USB 3.2 ports on the front as well as another USB 3.2 port and a USB 2.0 port on the back.

The USB 4.0 port is joined by HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, making it possible to connect three monitors at the same time. Also pleasing are the two Ethernet ports with a transfer speed of 2.5 Gbit/s. For traditional power supply, there is a DC 19 V port with a barrel connector.

As for wireless interfaces, the Nucbox M6 Ultra offers Wi-Fi 6E (2.4 Gbit/s) and Bluetooth 5.2. The latter is not the latest state of the art, but it is still acceptable. Wi-Fi 6E, on the other hand, is pleasing, as inexpensive mini-PCs often still use the outdated Wi-Fi 5 standard. The selection of ports is rounded off by a 3.5 mm aux port.

The PC comes with an HDMI cable, a 19 V power supply with a barrel connector and an adapter plate for mounting on monitors. Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra - Images Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra - Images

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Performance: How fast is the Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra?

To examine the performance of the mini-PC with Ryzen 5 7640HS, we subjected it to several benchmarks. These are intended to test general performance in various everyday scenarios such as office work or gaming. Particularly exciting is the comparison with the Minisforum UM760 Slim (review), which uses the same processor.

In PCmark, the Nucbox achieves a score of 6780 points and is thus minimally below the UM760 Slim. This is the result of the previous versions 1.x. Recently, however, new updates of the benchmark install versions starting from 2.x. In the update changelog, developer UL Solutions points out that the results of the two versions are not comparable with each other. With the latest Workstation version, we accordingly achieve a different score of 6929 points. Until further notice, we will therefore provide both results in our new mini-PC tests in order to maintain comparability.

In Cinebench R24, the multi-core performance gets 697 points (UM760 Slim: 739), while the single-core performance reaches 103 points (UM760 Slim: 104). In the cross-platform Geekbench 6 benchmark, the CPU achieves a single-core score of 2562 (UM760 Slim: 2608 points) and a multi-core score of 10,850 points (UM760 Slim: 10,795 points). The Open-CL score, by contrast, is 23,374 points (Minisforum: 23,368).

3DMark Time Spy tests CPU and GPU performance with a view to gaming suitability. Here the Nucbox M6 Ultra is credited with an overall score of 2586, while the GPU viewed individually gets 2317 (Minisforum: 2300) and the CPU 7597 points (Minisforum: 8006). That does not make the Nucbox M6 Ultra a real gaming beast. With modern AAA games, the machine is likely to quickly reach the limits of what is tolerable.

Fan: How loud is the Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra and how high is the power consumption?

The fan in the Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra delights the ears with up to 44.8 dB(A) under full load and is thus more than clearly audible. That is not surprising either, because the CPU reaches maximum temperatures of 91.4 degrees (around 39 degrees at idle), which the fan naturally tries to lower during high operation. Even at a distance of one meter from the device, the volume still reaches up to 25 dB(A).

For power consumption, we observe about 11 W at idle and up to 65 W when it is working at full speed. In the BIOS, the CPU's power consumption can be adjusted to some extent. Silent, Balance and Performance modes are available here.

Which operating systems does the Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra work with?

Windows 11 Pro in version 24H2 is installed on the mini-PC. Setup immediately after unpacking the device works flawlessly and without an internet connection. The subsequent full system scan via Windows Defender shows no anomalies. Among preinstalled apps, only the standard Windows bloatware is found. With an active internet connection, some Windows updates are due as expected, and these are also downloaded and installed smoothly.

Under Ubuntu, which we boot via a USB stick, the system immediately recognizes the Wi-Fi network and connects without problems. However, we cannot enable Bluetooth. That is surprising and a clear demerit compared with other models we have tested.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra?

The 128.8 x 47.8 x 127 mm case is made entirely of plastic, is robust and cleanly finished. However, the logo print on top is applied somewhat crookedly. The Nucbox weighs about 528 g. There are ventilation grilles on the sides as well as at the back and underneath the case. To get to the interior of the mini-PC, you have to pull off the case lid. Then you need to loosen the four screws that hold the fan in place. Removing the fan together with the cover requires some force and care, since it is of course connected by a cable.

Price: How much does the Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra cost?

The price of the Nucbox M6 Ultra is 460 euros for the configuration with 32 GB SODIMM DDR5 RAM and 1 TB SSD. The 16/512 GB variant costs 380 euros. For the barebone model without RAM and SSD, you currently pay only 239 euros (code M6ultra00).

Conclusion

The Gmktec Nucbox M6 Ultra impresses with good build quality and a few appealing features, including USB 4 and two 2.5 Gbit/s LAN ports. The latter make it possible to use the Nucbox for firewall solutions as well, without adapters. On top of that comes thoroughly solid performance from the Ryzen 5, which makes the mini-PC suitable for office work.

However, anyone wanting to use it for more demanding tasks should bear in mind the high noise level of up to 42 dB(A) as well as the poor cooling of the mini-PC, which pushes the CPU up to 91.4 °C under full load. Ultimately, though, for the price you get a thoroughly solid mini-PC that offers a number of useful functions for the money. Minisforum Elitemini AI370

Minisforum Elitemini AI370

Despite the latest Ryzen AI370 9 HX, only a plain plastic case: Is the Minisforum Elitemini AI370 a wolf in sheep's clothing? Our review reveals the answer.

David Bettger, 13.03.2025 PROS

strong graphics

very high performance

very fast RAM CONS

Despite the latest Ryzen AI370 9 HX, only a plain plastic case: Is the Minisforum Elitemini AI370 a wolf in sheep's clothing? Our review reveals the answer.

For every tech enthusiast, the Elitemini AI370 is a dream thanks to the latest Ryzen AI 9. It also comes with fast 32 GB RAM in quad-channel and a 1 TB SSD. Thanks to the Radeon 890M, you can also game on it really well. But then the disappointment: an unremarkable plastic case at a price of 1039 euros. On top of that, there is now competition from within its own ranks – the AI X1 Pro. Whether the Elitemini AI370 is still worth its hefty price is shown in our review.

Features: What hardware does the Minisforum Elitemini AI370 offer?

The Minisforum AI370 has the latest that AMD has to offer in the mobile sector: the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. What at first looks like a random string of letters and numbers is meant to focus attention on performance in AI applications and the NPU. Compared with its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 8945HS, this has been doubled to a total of 80 TOPS, and the NPU's performance has even more than tripled. However, it really comes into its own only when you use local AI language models, for example.

The new Zen 5 architecture, however, offers clear improvements in all areas and is thus also interesting for the average consumer. Thanks to a design similar to Intel's "bigLittle" approach – that is, a division of the CPU cores into performance and efficiency cores – the CPU achieves better efficiency on paper with eight weaker Zen5c cores. The other four cores offer the full performance of the new "Strix Point" architecture at up to 5.1 GHz. For the efficiency cores, the maximum clock frequency is 3.3 GHz. So the CPU has a total of twelve cores and, thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading), 24 threads. The TDP is usually 28 watts but can be raised to up to 54 watts by the system configurator, as on our test unit. The performance of the integrated graphics, which now goes by the name Radeon 890M, has also been significantly improved. The data sheet thus reads like a real declaration of war on the competition, above all Intel.

The M.2 SSD used, in the 2280 form factor, is connected via PCIe 4.0 and has a capacity of 1 TB – a bit little for our taste in this price range. However, with the Crucial P3 Plus model, proven hardware is used here. Unfortunately, the SSD has no DRAM cache, which has a negative impact especially on transfer speed with larger data sets. In addition, there is a second slot for another M.2 SSD that can be added later. According to the manufacturer, the maximum storage size per SSD is 4 TB. The installed SSD achieves a read speed of 5175 MB/s and 3670 MB/s in writing in Crystaldiskmark.

The RAM is blazing fast at 7500 MHz in quad-channel. Here the manufacturer relies on LPDDR5x with a capacity of 32 GB. However, the modules are firmly soldered, so the memory cannot be expanded, which, given the size, should not be relevant for most users anyway.

The Elitemini AI370 offers two 2.5 Gigabit LAN ports, which means the mini-PC can be used, for example, as a firewall appliance without additional hardware. With HDMI 2.1, Displayport 2.0 and USB 4.0, the mini-PC can drive up to four monitors simultaneously – the connection standards are quite current and thus more potent than on other PCs. The only thing we can criticize here is the lack of a second USB-C port. Almost all flagship mini-PCs with a previous-generation CPU offer that too and are still significantly cheaper. For the wireless interfaces, it also relies only on Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, although the latest standards Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 are already to be expected in this price range. However, Wi-Fi 7 controllers are currently only available with a MediaTek chipset or one from Intel, which are either hardly available or not compatible with the AMD platform.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum Elitemini AI370?

With the latest Ryzen AI 9 processor, the Elitemini AI370 sets new standards in terms of performance and efficiency for mini-PCs. Let's start with the outlier PCmark10, which on average attests 7600 points for the HX370 – 200 points fewer than the strongest mini-PC with the previous-generation CPU. But already in the next benchmark, Time Spy, the stronger integrated graphics shows itself. Here we achieve 3986 points, of which 10034 are CPU and 3603 graphics points – a strong result that we would also have expected in PCmark 10. In the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, the CPU delivers solidly with 2887 points in single-core and 14939 points in multi-core. The Radeon 890M reaches 40821 points in the Open-CL benchmark and thus a performance increase of over 28 percent over the predecessor 780M. In Cinebench R24, the Ryzen 9 manages 1112 points in multi-core and, with 115 points in single-core, takes the top spot in the internal comparison. Minisforum Elitemini AI370 – photo gallery Minisforum Elitemini AI370 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Minisforum Elitemini AI370 – photo gallery

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With so much performance, we could hardly wait for our benchmark games Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines 2. In the former, we play in Full HD with ultra-high settings and activated FSR (FidelityFx Super Resolution) in "Quality" mode. In doing so, we mostly look at the usual city of 50,000 inhabitants and have activated artificial frame generation. Thus, despite beautiful graphics, we achieve an average of 40 FPS and a gaming experience that is more than good.

In Cities Skylines 2, we start in an empty world. Here we also play in Full HD, but only at medium settings, FSR in automatic mode and with activated artificial frame generation. We complete the construction of a small first city at an average of 30 FPS. Even so, the game looks good and is smoothly playable.

Power consumption: How high is the power draw of the Minisforum Elitemini AI370?

As usual for a new generation of CPUs, we get increased efficiency through more compact designs. With the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, this manifests in the form of more performance at roughly unchanged consumption. Under load, through a stress test or in games, this is up to 81 watts for the entire mini-PC. However, as usual, it then drops after a short time to about 70 watts. At idle, consumption is just 12 watts.

The included power supply can provide up to 120 watts and is thus sufficiently powerful.

The maximum clock rate of 5.1 GHz is only reached for a fraction of a second, after which the clock immediately drops to 3 GHz and remains there permanently. The CPU also stays sufficiently cool under load with a maximum of 82 °C. In the joint stress test, the GPU clocks at a maximum of 1.5 GHz and reaches a maximum temperature of 70 °C.

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum Elitemini AI370?

Despite strong performance, the Elitemini does not get excessively loud. If we put it through the Aida64 stress test at full load, we can measure a volume of about 32 dB(A) with the smartphone on the case. At a distance of one meter, it is only 22 dB(A). The mini-PC also has another fan and heatsink for the drives, but this does not make a noticeable contribution to the volume. The BIOS offers many configuration options, including three different fan modes. The "Balance" mode is set at the factory, and the "Quiet" mode helps to reduce the operating volume even further. In addition, the CPU power limit can be changed in three stages in the BIOS. We carried out our tests in the preset "Balance" mode.

Case: How is the build quality of the Minisforum Elitemini AI370?

The matte, light gray case of the Elitemini AI370 is made entirely of plastic. Just from being carried in a backpack, numerous scratches were already visible on the surface. The case also visibly deforms under moderate pressure. In short: the case does not do justice to the strong performance and, above all, the high price. At 129.7 × 126.6 × 50.0 mm, the mini-PC is rather large and weighs 477 g.

When trying to open the Elitemini AI370, one of the screws thwarted our plans. Because the screws are recessed very deep into the case, most screwdrivers cannot reach them. In addition, one of the screws on our test unit was tightened so firmly that the screw head was worn down after numerous attempts. In the end, however, we did manage to open the case, albeit at the cost of the screw.

Price: How much does the Minisforum Elitemini AI370 cost?

The Minisforum Elitemini AI370 normally costs a proud 1139 euros on the manufacturer's website. Currently, however, the price is at least somewhat lower at 1039 euros, even if the best price of 839 euros is not reached. In any case, that is a fairly high price, especially since the similarly equipped model Minisforum AI X1 Pro from the same company, which performed better in the test, is cheaper.

Conclusion

The Elitemini AI370 sets new standards in terms of performance and efficiency. However, for the high price of 1039 euros, corners are cut in too many places for our taste. This is especially the case with the mass storage and the USB-C ports. Upgradeable RAM would also be desirable, although the installed RAM is of course already fast. All in all, the Elitemini AI370 is a very good mini-PC for anyone who wants a lot of performance and can overlook a few minor issues.

Ninkear Mbox 11

The Ninkear Mbox 11 comes in an ultra-compact square form factor and impresses with its low noise level—even under load.

Silas Zbornik from 09.06.2025 PROS

premium build quality CONS

slower M.2 SATA SSD

no USB-C port

Mini-PC for 144 euros in review: Ninkear Mbox 11 is surprisingly good

The Ninkear Mbox 11 comes in an ultra-compact square form factor and impresses with its low noise level—even under load.

Quiet, small, and yet still capable for 144 euros: equipped with an Intel N150, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB M.2 SSD, the Mbox 11 from manufacturer Ninkear knows how to handle many everyday PC tasks. The manufacturer's N4 and N10 models were already convincing, and the Mbox 11 also makes a solid first impression. Whether that impression holds up is what we clarify in our review.

Specifications: What hardware does the Ninkear Mbox 11 offer?

The Ninkear Mbox 11 uses the Intel N150 CPU from the Twin Lake series, released in early 2025, with four cores (without hyperthreading) and a thermal design power (TDP) of 6 watts. It clocks at a maximum of 3.6 GHz. Graphics are handled by Intel UHD Graphics with a clock speed of 750 MHz and a total of 24 execution units (EUs). For RAM, the Mbox 11 has a single RAM slot containing a 16 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM module from Sharetronic. In general, the CPU only supports single-channel RAM—a common limitation among budget CPUs.

The 512 GB M.2 SSD from YHC operates at SATA speed, as the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark reveals. It reads at a speed of 489 MB/s and writes at 482 MB/s. The B+M-key SSD is placed in an M-key interface.

Overall, the Ninkear Mbox 11 has four USB-A ports, with the two front ones using USB 3.2 and the rear ones using USB 2.0. A USB-C port is entirely absent, which is quite possible in this price range but very rare—so we do not expect one here. Monitors are connected either via HDMI or DisplayPort. There is also a 3.5 mm audio jack on the front of the case.

When it comes to wireless connections, you should not expect miracles from the Ninkear Mbox 11. The Bluetooth adapter of the Realtek 8821CE chipset supports Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi operates on the outdated Wi-Fi 5 standard. In this respect, the Ninkear Mbox 11 stays on familiar ground for this price class.

Performance: How fast is the Ninkear Mbox 11?

Given its specifications, the Ninkear Mbox 11 is intended as a pure office machine, for browsing, or for smart-home use. It is a bit too weak for gaming, which is why we skip the gaming test.

In PCMark 10, which puts the system through its paces with regard to office work, the mini-PC scores an above-average 3359 for its price class—the N150 is, as expected, slightly above the values of the budget classic N100 and below an N97. In 3DMark Time Spy it delivers an overall score of 464, which is mainly explained by the weak graphics performance (407 points). Pure CPU performance here is 2332 points.

In the cross-platform Geekbench benchmark, the Ninkear Mbox 11 receives 1250 points for single-core performance and 2910 points on the multi-core side. That makes it considerably more powerful than a Raspberry Pi 5. The graphics unit records an OpenCL score of 4291. Ninkear Mbox 11 - Photos Ninkear Mbox 11 - Photo gallery

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Software: Which operating systems does the Ninkear Mbox 11 work with?

When the Ninkear Mbox 11 is switched on for the first time, the initial setup for Windows 11 Pro in the 64-bit version, as of November 2023, starts promptly. This works without an active internet connection. The full system scan with Windows Defender found no suspicious files on the PC, and otherwise no unexpected programs beyond the standard Windows fare were preinstalled.

We booted Ubuntu via a live USB stick. However, it was not automatically recognized as a boot medium; we had to select it via the BIOS, which on the Ninkear Mbox 11 is accessed with the Del key. The mini-PC then boots Ubuntu without problems and also immediately has the correct screen resolution. Under Ubuntu, the system detects the Wi-Fi immediately, but in our test it took a good minute before the first connection was established after correctly entering the password. After that, however, the connection remained stable. The computer also detects Bluetooth immediately under Ubuntu. With a speaker connected (in our case via one of the rear USB-A ports), audio playback also works perfectly.

How loud is the Ninkear Mbox 11?

At 9 dB(A) at the device and 7.4 dB(A) at a distance of one meter in idle mode, the Ninkear Mbox 11 is virtually inaudible. When sitting at the desk, you do not notice it at all. Under load, in our case during a benchmark, the volume rises to 17.4 dB(A) directly at the device and 13.2 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. That makes it absolutely quiet even under load, emitting at most a faint hum. During everyday tasks such as browsing the internet – we used Chrome – or writing texts in Open Office, the Ninkear Mbox 11 remained silent.

Design: How is the build quality of the Ninkear Mbox 11?

At 9.5 x 9.5 cm and 261 g in weight, the Ninkear Mbox 11 is extremely compact and fits easily even on the smallest desk. The silver-gray plastic case is robust and, together with the matte surface, feels high-quality. If you hold it against the light, fingerprints and scratches that appeared after just two days of use become visible on the surface of the mini-PC. However, when it stands normally on the desk, neither scratches nor fingerprints can be seen.

If you want to get to the innards of the Ninkear Mbox 11, you remove the four rubber feet on the underside. These are glued to the case and must be pried out of the recess with a little finesse. Beneath them are the screws that hold the case together, which are best removed with a very thin Phillips screwdriver.

Price

The Ninkear Mbox 11 costs about 144 euros at Banggood. The best price, however, was slightly lower at 136 euros.

Conclusion

For around 144 euros, the Ninkear Mbox 11 offers a really good overall package and is a good surfing and office machine that can also function as a smart home server. We like the build quality and form factor of the mini PC, and it also looks good thanks to its matte silver-gray design. At 9.5 x 9.5 cm, it fits on any desk and is whisper-quiet in operation. With 16 GB of RAM, the PC is sufficiently equipped for most everyday tasks such as surfing the internet or office applications, but due to the lack of graphics power, it is not enough for more. Unfortunately, the SSD is somewhat weak at SATA speed, but that is standard in this price range. Unfortunately, the Ninkear Mbox 11 also does without a USB-C port.

All in all, however, the Ninkear Mbox 11 is an excellent choice for this price and is a robust and compact everyday machine that finds a place both at home and in the office. In our test, it therefore receives four and a half stars. Geekom Mini IT15

Geekom Mini IT15

The Geekom Mini IT15 is a strong premium mini PC. In addition to performance, it offers many ports, including USB-C 4.0 with power input.

Jonas Bettger from 14.09.2025 PROS

good performance

high-quality build

expensive

too loud

The Geekom Mini IT15 is a strong premium mini PC. In addition to performance, it offers many ports, including USB-C 4.0 with power input.

Geekom's IT series has stood for absolute top mini PCs of their respective time for years. The Mini IT15 is no exception here and is already the fourth iteration that we have tested. It comes with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, offers 32 GB of RAM and either a 1 or 2 TB SSD. In terms of cost, the PC is definitely at premium level at 1044 euros (code GKXMAS5). In the test, we answer the questions of whether it is worth the price, whether the concept still works, and how the IT15 performs in everyday use.

Geekom provided us with the test device.

Update (December 26, 2025): Like many mini PCs, the Geekom Mini IT15 is currently affected by price increases due to the cost explosion in DDR5 memory. Instead of the most recent 979 euros, it now costs 1044 euros.

Specifications: What hardware does the Geekom Mini IT15 offer?

The fairly new Geekom Mini IT15 runs a mobile high-end CPU from Intel that was introduced at the beginning of 2025. This is the 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285H based on the Arrow Lake architecture in the 5 nm process. As usual from Intel, a big.LITTLE layout is used again: there are six fast performance cores (P-cores; Lion Cove) with up to 5.4 GHz, eight efficiency cores (E-cores; Lion Cove) with a maximum of 4.5 GHz, and two low-power efficiency cores (Skymont) with a maximum of 2.5 GHz. Depending on the application load, the cores switch on or off. There is no Hyper-Threading for thread doubling, but with 16 cores the CPU is not badly positioned for multitasking tasks. The specified TDP (thermal design power) is 45 watts by default, but can be up to 115 watts in turbo mode.

An integrated Intel Arc Graphics 140T is used as the graphics unit, which offers eight Xe cores and clocks at up to 2350 MHz. The NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is called AI Boost and provides 13 TOPS. Alternatively, instead of the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, there is also a variant with the Ultra 5 225H.

In terms of RAM, the IT15 in our test configuration offers 32 GB, which comes from Crucial. These are two 16 GB SO-DIMM modules of the DDR5 standard with 5600 MT/s. The SSD used is the NVMe model Crucial P3 Plus with 2 TB. According to Crystaldiskmark, it writes at 4743 MB/s and reads at a speed of 5051 MB/s.

In terms of connectivity, not much has changed compared to previous models such as the Mini IT13 or IT12, because apart from the color, the case is largely identical – but more on that later. There are four USB-A ports (3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 2.0) and two USB-C ports (2x USB 4.0), one of which also supports power input. Otherwise, a DC barrel connector is available for power supply, to which the included, quite compact 120-watt power supply is connected. There are also two HDMI 2.0 ports, an SD card reader and a LAN port.

Wirelessly, the mini-PC works with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 with very current interfaces. As the Wi-Fi chipset, the IT15 uses an Intel BE200.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom Mini IT15?

In our classic benchmark tests, the Geekom Mini IT15 performs surprisingly well. Surprisingly because Intel CPUs, especially in the mobile sector, were not exactly known for performance and efficiency competitive with AMD – and usually at significantly higher prices. With the Ultra series, Intel seems to be slowly but surely fighting its way back.

The system thus achieves an average score of 8323 points in the PCmark 10 application benchmark. That is absolute top level. The 4212 points in 3Dmark Time Spy are also more than worth seeing. Here the iGPU scores 3821 points and the CPU 10,056 points. This puts the Intel Ultra 9 285H ahead – at least in benchmarks. Only a Minisforum AI X1 Pro (review) with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 comes close to such values.

In Cinebench 2024, the single-core run gives 126 points and the multi-core 860 points. In the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, the IT15 scores 2016 points (single-core) and 15,320 points (multi-core). The OpenCL graphics test ends with 40,045 points. Geekom Mini IT15 – photo gallery Geekom Mini IT15 – photo gallery

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Benchmark performance is one thing, actual performance, for example in games, is another. While past game tests with mini-PCs with Intel Ultra always left us disillusioned, this time it is different. For example, in Counter Strike 2 the IT15 achieves 111 FPS in Full HD at low settings without frame drops. That makes the game very playable. Cities Skylines 2 does run, but at low options it is still not really playable. Anno 1800, on the other hand, runs at medium graphics options and FSR (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) set to "Quality" at 29 to 33 FPS – and is thus still quite playable. Of course, the graphics can still improve through driver updates, but it has not been this close to AMD's Radeon iGPUs for a long time.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom Mini IT15?

A low fan noise level is definitely not one of the Mini IT15's strengths – and looking at previous Geekom mini-PC tests, it is not necessarily one of the manufacturer's strengths in general. So here the fan is continuously active at 33 dB(A) at the case even when idle and immediately jumps to over 37 dB(A) when applications are opened. Under full load it is then just under 42 dB(A), which is decidedly too loud. In return, the CPU temperature under load climbs to a maximum of 74 degrees, and the clock speed settles at 1.7 GHz with initial peaks at 3.7 GHz. Geekom Mini IT15: heat distribution on the case heise bestenlisten

Under full load in the Aida64 stress test, the IT15's power consumption climbs to up to 77 W, but after a brief ramp-up it settles at 55 W. In games it is then mostly 46 to 55 W, and in everyday use with open applications 20 to 32 W. When idle, consumption drops below 10 W. For Intel standards, that is really good.

Software: Which operating systems does the Geekom Mini IT15 work with?

Windows 11 Pro version 24H2 is preinstalled on the Geekom Mini IT15, so the lengthy feature update no longer has to be installed. Otherwise the system comes without additional bloatware. Our usual full virus test with Windows Defender finds no problems on the machine. Running Linux is also possible. To change the boot order in the Ami BIOS or directly select the USB stick, one can access Windows' advanced recovery options. We tried Tuxedo OS, which is based on Ubuntu, and it ran without problems. The display resolution is detected correctly and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio work right away. The machine can also be brought back from standby without any issues.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Geekom Mini IT15? Geekom Mini IT15 vs. Geekom Mini IT13 heise bestenlisten

We know the Geekom Mini IT15's case from its predecessors, but there in blue. Here it is now black, again consists largely of aluminum and still feels absolutely premium. Geekom has worked on the accessibility of the case components, and so only the four stud screws on the underside need to be loosened. Thanks to the rubber feet attached to the screws, these can be unscrewed by hand. After that, the bottom panel can be removed and you have direct access to RAM and SSD. The top cover can also be removed by prying it up, revealing the fan and the Wi-Fi antenna cables.

Price: How much does the Geekom Mini IT15 cost?

Normally the Geekom Mini IT15 in our test configuration costs 1199 euros. Currently you can get it on Amazon for 1099 euros (most recently: 999 euros). From the manufacturer itself, with the code GKXMAS5 it is currently 1044 euros (most recently: 979 euros).

Conclusion

The Geekom Mini IT15 is a successful new edition of the manufacturer's IT series. The Intel Ultra 9 can here keep up with AMD chips for the first time. That applies to the considerable benchmark results. In fact, under Intel's leadership, you can now also play some games on this PC in Full HD. The case and repairability are also pleasing. A drawback, however, is the high noise level even when idle, which becomes all the higher under load. In addition, the IT15 is quite expensive at a price of 1044 euros (code GKXMAS5). AMD systems with comparable performance are significantly cheaper. In the test, after deducting the points of criticism, it gets four out of five stars. Acemagic S3A

Acemagic S3A

For just 389 euros, you get a sixth-generation Ryzen 9 in the Acemagic S3A. Our test shows how well it performs.

Jonas Bettger from 07/09/2025 PROS

magnetic maintenance cover

Radeon 680M graphics disappoints

Mini-PC with magnetic maintenance cover: Acemagic S3A with Ryzen 9 in review

For just 389 euros, you get a sixth-generation Ryzen 9 in the Acemagic S3A. Our test shows how well it performs.

Acemagic is part of the Mini-PC Union, which also appears under brands such as Nipogi or Acemagician and is known for a wide range of mini-PCs at bargain prices. The Acemagic S3A is no exception here and sets out to deliver still-powerful top hardware from 2022 at a price of currently 363 euros (code: YEMITS68). Accordingly, it features a Ryzen 9 6900HX paired with 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. Whether the overall package convinces and whether the Ryzen 9 can unleash its performance despite the low price is shown in our test.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Specifications: What hardware does the Acemagic S3A offer?

The Acemagic S3A relies on one of the flagships from AMD's Ryzen 6000 generation, which saw the light of day in January 2022. The Ryzen 9 6900HX features eight cores with 16 threads based on the Zen 3+ architecture (AMD Rembrandt) in a 6 nm process. They clock between 3.3 and up to 4.9 GHz. The Thermal Design Power (TDP) is usually 45 watts, and the maximum operating temperature is 95 degrees. The integrated graphics unit is the Radeon 680M, standard for the 6000 series, which clocks at 2400 MHz.

The S3A uses a 16 GB DDR5 SODIMM RAM module from Juhor with 4800 MT/s, which is rather low for DDR5 but generally quite fast. The second RAM slot is unoccupied, so you can easily upgrade to 32 GB. For main storage, the system relies on a 512 GB NVMe SSD from Raysson in the M.2 2280 form factor, which we already know from other Acemagic mini-PCs. It works at solid speeds of 3642 MB/s reading and 2445 MB/s writing.

In terms of connectivity, the Acemagic S3A offers a fairly decent setup. In addition to a full six USB-A ports, there is one USB-C (with DP Alt mode) as well as HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. Power is supplied via a barrel connector and the quite compact 120-watt power supply.

For wireless, Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 are used – at least better than the Wifi 5 typical for under 300 euros (although exceptions prove the rule there too). A Realtek 8852BE is used as the network card – a typical representative in this price range.

Performance: How fast is the Acemagic S3A?

Now let's get to the heart of the matter, the review of the Acemagic S3A's performance. How does the Ryzen 9 of the 6000 series fare? In the classic office benchmark PCmark 10, the S3A averages around 6163 points, which is a solid, if not outstanding, score for this CPU. The Geekom AS6, which we tested about 2 years ago, reached just under 7000 points, but also cost considerably more. In 3Dmark Time Spy, the result is even significantly worse at 778 points – here, even some budget systems for under 300 euros perform better. This low score is mainly due to the graphics, which at 672 points falls quite short. Pure CPU performance, on the other hand, is genuinely solid at 7643 points.

The picture of the not-so-bad CPU continues when looking at benchmarks such as Cinebench 2024 or Geekbench 6. In Cinebench, it accordingly scores 586 points in multi-core and 83 points in single-core. In the cross-platform Geekbench, it's 1865 points (single-core) and 7485 points (multi-core). Acemagic S3A – photo gallery Acemagic S3A – photo gallery

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Unfortunately, the integrated Radeon 680M has so far not really proven itself as a true gaming monster; rather, it causes monstrous headaches. For example, in Cities Skylines 2, even on low graphics settings and with FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) enabled, we only achieve 4 to 8 FPS. Anyone who wants to game will therefore have to go for the next generation with the Radeon 780M – which is more expensive, but delivers on the dream of Full HD gaming without a dedicated graphics card. At least Anno 1800 is playable at around 30 FPS on low settings with FSR set to performance. However, at these settings the game loses significant depth of detail, which it is usually known for.

Fan: How loud is the Acemagic S3A and how high is the power consumption?

The Ryzen 9's clock speed is usually around 2.1 GHz at idle. When we put the PC under load with the Aida64 stress test, the clock speed initially climbs to 4.5 GHz and settles at around 4.2 GHz after a few seconds. The system's power consumption is around 71 to 73 watts at full load. Without load, consumption is around 33 watts. The differences between the various power modes (more on this in the Design section) are marginal here. The maximum noise level is 38 dB(A) at the case under load; at idle it is around 33 dB(A) at the case and 17 dB(A) from a distance of one meter.

Software: Which operating systems does the Acemagic S3A work with?

The Acemagic S3A comes with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled, and a full virus scan with Windows Defender finds nothing suspicious. Setup can be completed without a Microsoft account if you do not give the PC an internet connection at the start. Running Linux is no problem; we tried Tuxedo OS, which is based on Ubuntu, on the S3A and started it from a USB stick. If the key combination for the BIOS to select the storage medium does not work, you can also access it via Windows' advanced recovery options. After starting Tuxedo OS and a brief setup, we were able to use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio without any problems. Standby mode also works perfectly.

Design: How is the build quality of the Acemagic S3A?

Unlike other, typical mini-PC cases, the case of the Acemagic S3A stands out thanks to its unusual vertically oriented design. It is virtually identical to the case of our previous test winner among budget mini-PCs, the Ouvis AMR5. What stands out during operation is the RGB lighting on the sides and on the top in the Acemagic lettering and the power button. Speaking of which: it features a dual function, as it can not only turn the PC on or off but also set the power mode. By turning the entire knob, you can choose between Quiet, Auto or Performance mode, which limits the PC's clock speed and TDP – and thus also affects noise and performance.

Another advantage of this case is the extremely simple and elegantly solved serviceability of the RAM and SSD, which are located here under the removable side panel on the right. It is attached magnetically and can therefore be opened and closed entirely without screws. The dimensions of the Acemagic S3A are 128 mm x 128 mm x 41.3 mm.

Price: How much does the Acemagic S3A cost?

Normally, the Acemagic S3A with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD costs around 499 euros. During Amazon Prime Days, the price is 429 euros. With our code YEMITS68, it drops further to a strong 363 euros.

The larger storage variant with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD currently costs 454 euros (code: FBR599T9).

Conclusion

At the low price of under 400 euros, the Acemagic S3A is a more than solid system. The Ryzen 9's performance in particular is truly convincing and offers more than many comparable mini-PCs. Unfortunately, however, the Radeon 680 remains below its potential – aside from the fact that even when it can deliver its full performance, it lags well behind the 780M. Praise goes to the particularly easy maintenance via the magnetic side flap, which allows direct access to RAM and SSD. The memory modules used run at a decent speed. Noise levels during operation are also still acceptable at 38 dB(A). Overall, a very exciting package with minor limitations at an attractive price. In the test, we award four out of five stars. Acemagic V1

Acemagic V1

Compact, affordable, good: The Acemagic V1 is ahead of comparable mini-PCs in performance, and it is also quiet and available for around 200 euros. We tested it.

Jonas Bettger, 29.06.2025 PROS

very quiet

particularly slim

lots of performance at a low price CONS

no USB-C

only SATA SSD in the M.2 slot (M-key)

Complicated maintenance due to deeply recessed screws

Slim mini PC for office is economical & quiet: Acemagic V1 from €140 in review

Compact, affordable, good: The Acemagic V1 is ahead of comparable mini PCs in performance, and it is also quiet and available for around 200 euros. We tested it.

The Acemagic V1 is another very good mini PC in the budget price range – which is better than its reputation. That, at least, is what we have found in numerous tests – and the V1 continues this with a comparatively strong hardware lineup: Intel N97 or N150, 16 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB or 512 GB M.2 SSD. These specifications suggest an economical yet performant mini PC for office use as well as a Home Assistant server (review). We put the system to the test and show how the Acemagic V1 performs in our review.

We received the test device from the manufacturer.

Update: On June 29, 2025, we expanded the original review (test date: March 29, 2025) to include the additionally available configuration variant with an Intel N150 and its differences from the N97 version.

As of January 3, 2026, the mini PC has risen significantly in price. This is likely due to the cost explosion in DDR5 memory. In addition, most of the V1's product pages on Amazon have been replaced by the Acemagic K1 and are accordingly no longer available. We have already tested the K1, but in a completely different configuration than the one offered in the listings.

The Acemagic V1 is now no longer available from €140, but only from €230, which is significantly more expensive than before. However, many mini PCs now share this fate.

Specifications: What hardware does the Acemagic V1 offer?

The Acemagic V1 does not use the classic Intel N100, as is otherwise usual for budget mini PCs around 200 euros, but rather the Intel N97 from the same product line. Although the number in the nomenclature is lower, and thus supposedly weaker, it is the stronger model – as the benchmarks also show, but more on that later. Like the N100, the Intel N97 offers only four cores without hyperthreading, so only four instead of eight threads. The maximum clock speed is 3.6 GHz, which is 200 MHz higher than the N100. The thermal design power (TDP) is also higher in comparison, at 12 instead of 6 watts. The chip's lithography is Intel 7 (10 nm); it is an Alder Lake-N model from Q1 2023. The integrated graphics is an Intel UHD Graphics offering up to 32 EUs (Execution Units), of which only 24 are active in the N97 – but unlike the N100, these clock at 1200 MHz instead of a maximum of 750 MHz.

One disadvantage of the Alder Lake-N chips is the significantly cut-down memory interface; only a single memory channel is available for RAM. So whether you insert two RAM sticks or just one, it always remains single-channel operation. Accordingly, it has little impact that Acemagic ships with only a single 16 GB SODIMM RAM module and also offers only one slot. The module is connected according to the DDR4 standard at 2666 MT/s. The M.2 SATA SSD in the M.2-2280 form factor itself uses a B+M key, so it is compatible with both designs (B-key and M-key). The model used is the RS512GSSD310 from Rayson, already known from several Acemagic mini PCs. According to our run with the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark, it achieves solid write speeds of 507 MB/s and read rates of 546 MB/s – good, at least for a SATA SSD.

The mini-PC's M.2 slot, by contrast, uses the M-key, which can be seen from the orientation of the notch (the plastic boundary in the M.2 slot). The good news: unlike the B-key with its notch set to the left, the M-key is the faster one and can operate with up to four PCIe lanes. However, that already gets tight in an N97 system, because the chip only has a meager nine PCIe lanes according to the 3.0 standard. A maximum of 2 TB can be installed.

In terms of connectivity, the Acemagic V1 is modestly equipped. Four USB-A ports, two of which unfortunately only support USB 2.0, plus HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, which corresponds to the usual but not the most modern standard. USB-C for display and data transfer is entirely absent, which is weak given that we have already tested mini-PCs costing under 160 euros with this port. In addition, there is a single Gigabit LAN port, so for use as a firewall solution or similar use cases, an adapter is needed.

For wireless interfaces, Acemagic offers massively outdated standards with Wifi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, which we must criticize in the around 200 euro price range. Better, longer-range technologies have long been available, which makes it hard to understand why the predecessor of the predecessor is being used. The network card is the Realtek model 8821 CE.

Other configuration variant: Intel N150

In addition to the N97, the Acemagic V1 is also available in a version with an Intel N150 – a CPU from the Twin Lake family manufactured using the 10 nm process, from January 2025. It works with four Gracemont efficiency cores clocked at up to 3.6 GHz. Thermal design power, by contrast, is again 6 watts, which suggests the CPU is geared toward efficiency. The iGPU is likewise the Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs, though it clocks at only 1000 MHz instead of 1200 MHz.

As main storage, the N150 version uses a 512 GB M.2 SATA SSD which, according to CrystalDiskMark, reads at 561 MB/s and writes at 485 MB/s – quite fast for SATA standards, but slower than the SSD of the N97 version. For RAM, there is again a single 16 GB SODIMM module operating at 2666 MT/s. In terms of connectivity, both variants are equally equipped.

The network card has also changed compared with the N97 model; here the model A8852BE is now used, though it still comes from Realtek. This is a very welcome change, because it means the Acemagic V1 N150 now supports Wifi 6 instead of Wifi 5. While this is by no means the most current standard, the improvements over Wifi 5 are clearly noticeable.

Performance: How fast is the Acemagic V1?

As mentioned, the Intel N97 in the Acemagic V1 is to be placed above the widespread Intel N100, contrary to what the nomenclature might suggest. This is also evident in our runs with synthetic benchmarks, such as the office benchmark PCmark 10, where the mini-PC achieves an average of 3384 points, with peaks upward at 3495 points and downward at 3331 points. For a budget system around 200 euros, that is a clearly above-average value. Especially in this price/performance segment, 200 points more or less make a noticeable difference.

In this price range, however, one should not overestimate the performance, especially with the graphics unit. This is also shown by our test with 3Dmark Time Spy, which outputs a result of 494 points for the entire system. While the CPU lands at a solid 2116 points, the Iris Xe graphics comes to 436 points. At least, we say, because compared with the systems with Intel N100 this is significantly better – their lower-clocked Iris Xe only manages 320 to 335 points. Overall, the performance difference compared with the N100 is evident, yet the system cannot keep up even with five-year-old Ryzen 5 chips.

Similar results are also brought to light by the other benchmarks, be it Cinebench with 176 points in multi-core and 76 points in single-core, or the open-platform benchmark Geekbench. Due to its broad platform compatibility, the latter can also be used for comparison with Raspberry Pi systems. Here the Acemagic V1 achieves 1231 points in the single-core run and 2866 points in multi-core – both of which are more than twice the results of the Raspberry Pi 5. The GPU finally comes to 4947 points in its Open-GL benchmark.

BenchmarkSystemCPUSingle-CoreMulti-CoreGPU

PCmark 103384////

3Dmark Time Spy4942116//436

Cinebench R24//76176/

Geekbench 6//123128664947

As far as gaming performance is concerned, we venture a round of Anno 1800. In general, however, we refrain from game tests in this price class, since the integrated graphics are far too weak. In Anno 1800 at Full HD, we have to enable FSR (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) and set the settings to "low" in order to get barely playable frame rates of 17 to 21 FPS. For an N97 and a price around 200 euros, that is respectable as well as unexpected, but one can no longer speak of gaming fun here. The beautiful, detail-loving graphics of Anno are moreover almost completely lost in the pixel mush.

Other configuration variant: Intel N150

As expected, the N150 model of the V1 ranks behind the N97 and performs minimally weaker. Instead of almost 3400 points in PCmark 10, there are 3193 points on average, which is a solid, if not top, value for the N150. The result thus moves in the range of the once again weaker N100 CPUs, so it does not entirely meet expectations. In 3Dmark Time Spy, the system scores 456 points with 400 GPU and 2315 CPU points. Surprising: Especially the CPU is thus above the result of the N97, while the graphics unit is, as expected, below it.

This picture continues at least in multi-core in Cinebench 2024, where the CPU reaches 184 points. In the single-core test, however, the score of 58 points is significantly behind that of the N97. Finally, in the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, the CPU reaches 1207 points in the single-core run and 2817 points in multi-core. This result is in turn behind the N97. All in all, the CPU does not perform at the expected level here and remains more at the level of a well-optimized Intel N100 system.

The 8 GB version with N150, which we also tested, cannot be recommended, as this configuration achieves lower benchmark results in our test. For example, in this configuration the PC lands at under 3000 points in PCmark 10, and in 3Dmark Time Spy it is only about 436 points. In particular, the lower RAM size clearly hurts graphics performance here.

For the configuration variant with N150, we skip testing games, since the integrated graphics clocks even lower as described – and if even Anno 1800 is practically unplayable on the stronger N97, it will not get better here.

Fan: How loud is the Acemagic V1 and how high is the power consumption?

The fans of the Acemagic V1 are pleasantly restrained, which is also to be expected given the low performance of the computer. We measure about 35 dB(A) on the case under full load using the Aida64 stress test, and only 21 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. In everyday use, the system is – as already announced in the title – inaudible. Acemagic V1 – photo gallery Acemagic V1 – front side

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – rear side with sticker

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – rear side without sticker

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – fan opening

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – fan opening with sticker

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – top side

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – bottom side

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – case interior: this block must be removed to open it

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – case interior without SSD

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – RAM

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – CMOS battery

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – SSD

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – M.2 slot: M-key

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – case interior with SSD

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – mainboard with SSD

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – SSD slot

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – Wi-Fi antenna 1

heise bestenlisten Acemagic V1 – Wi-Fi antenna 2

heise bestenlisten

In the test, we subject the Acemagic V1 to full load for several hours with the aforementioned Aida64 stress test. System stability is good, consumption rises to a maximum of 16 watts, and Aida64 reports no thermal throttling, i.e., no heat-related clock reduction. Most of the time, the clock is at 2.9 GHz in normal desktop operation with few applications. Here the system consumes 9 to 12 watts, and under load it is about 26 watts. Heat development under load is limited, with a maximum of 74 degrees for the CPU. On the outside of the case, we never measure more than 63 degrees. Acemagic V1 N150 – thermal imaging camera heise bestenlisten

Other configuration variant: Intel N150

The main argument for the configuration variant with the Intel N150 is and remains the higher efficiency. This is evident simply from the fact that idle consumption at 6 watts is lower than with the N97. Under load, the system draws 20 watts with short peaks at 22 watts, so it is also below the N97. The clock rate of the N150 is usually between 3.0 and 3.2 GHz, and at idle it occasionally drops to 1.2 GHz. Under full load it stabilizes at 2.9 GHz. The fan noise is almost identical to the N97 model; only a steady whir is audible under load.

Software: Which operating systems does the Acemagic V1 work with?

The Acemagic V1 comes with Windows 11 Pro, and the virus test with Windows Defender finds nothing unusual. Linux, such as our Tuxedo OS based on Ubuntu, also runs on the system. In our test, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth and all USB devices were also recognized, and audio playback worked as well.

Unfortunately, Acemagic puts obstacles in users' way when it comes to entering the BIOS. Classic keys such as F8, Delete or F10 for drive selection do not work – we tried all the F keys. To access the American Megatrends BIOS, you instead have to go through the Windows recovery options, which you can access in Windows under Settings > Windows Update > Recovery > Advanced recovery. After a restart, you reach the recovery overview and can boot from connected drives or open the UEFI. With the V1 N150, however, there were problems accessing this menu – the system got stuck at the AMI BIOS logo and nothing more happened.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Acemagic V1?

The form factor of the Acemagic V1 reminds us very much of the Acemagic K1, which we tested shortly before this review. Nevertheless, there are differences, because the K1's case is larger, even more matte and – due to its configuration – has more fan openings as well as a different port layout on the front, where a USB-C port also had to fit. The V1 lacks that. In terms of material and color, the case also reminds us of the T8 Plus, although the V1 looks like a flattened T8 Plus – flatter and wider instead. In contrast to its 80 × 80 × 47 mm, the V1 measures exactly 100 × 100 × 33 mm, so the impression is not deceiving. The build quality is acceptable, although the silver-painted plastic case feels somewhat cheap. The total weight of the mini PC is a slim 266 g.

Just as annoying as with the Acemagic K1 is the repairability of the Acemagic V1. This is due to the screws sitting deep in the case, which, as with many mini PCs, are located under glued-on rubber feet. The screws can therefore only be reached with an extra-long, thin Phillips-head bit. We were able to help ourselves here with our electric precision screwdriver (buying guide), which comes with such a bit. But there is more: after loosening the screws, you then have to remove the entire PC, i.e., the mainboard along with the ports. This is complicated because Wi-Fi antennas are glued into the case lid and can easily be torn off during this process. A delicate touch is therefore required here. The SSD and the RAM module are easy to reach after the procedure described, but getting there is laborious.

We are already used to the numerous stickers on the cases from Acemagic and the other brands under the umbrella of the Mini-PC Union. It is no different with the V1 N97, where, in addition to the classic Intel CPU sticker, there are again notices about faster setup without the internet. The manufacturer has also covered the LAN port with this very notice in order to get the message across unmistakably. The V1 with N150, on the other hand, saves on stickers, with only one more in addition to the Intel sticker placed above the LAN port. That is downright unusual for Acemagic.

Price: How much does the Acemagic V1 cost?

The Acemagic V1 is currently available with 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage for 230 euros.

The price we state depends on availability and applies at the time of the product test or the last update of the best-of list, or of the individual test. The same applies to the discount codes and Amazon click coupons. Since these coupons can change or expire at short notice, the prices may differ at a later time.

Conclusion

The Acemagic V1 is a new, surprisingly strong mini PC in the budget segment. The hardware used around the N97 is indeed almost 2 years old, but it remains popular in the area of inexpensive mini PCs. Contrary to the nomenclature, the CPU is the stronger chip compared with the N100, which is also shown in our benchmarks. The core competence of the chips in the Alder Lake N series is nevertheless retained: The system runs economically and quietly. In addition, such hardware can be packed into a case that is compact even for mini PCs.

Nevertheless, the equipment in terms of ports and wireless networks comes in for criticism. Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 and no USB-C – that is not understandable despite the low price, since the competition here offers more at prices that are sometimes even lower. We likewise criticize the repairability of the system, which Acemagic has made unnecessarily difficult with particularly deeply recessed screws. The use of a SATA M.2 SSD instead of an NVMe is, by contrast, defensible; after all, thanks to the M-key slot, the manufacturer leaves open the possibility of switching to NVMe (PCIe 3.0) later. The configuration variant with the N150, meanwhile, is ideal if you want to be somewhat more efficient – and use Wi-Fi 6 instead of Wi-Fi 5. Here, as in general, we strongly recommend 16 GB RAM, since the 8 GB version, which we also tested, performs worse in the benchmark once again.

All in all, however, a very good mini PC that people will hear about, if only because of its good price, but not because of its fans. In the test, after deducting our major points of criticism, it gets four stars. Ninkear N4Best value winner

Ninkear N4

With its metal case and Ryzen 5 4600H, the Ninkear N4 is a real eye-catcher not only visually but also technically. Our test shows how well the mini PC with an exotic CPU performs.

David Bettger from 24.02.2025 PROS

high-quality metal case

With its metal case and Ryzen 5 4600H, the Ninkear N4 is a real eye-catcher not only visually but also technically. Our test shows how well the mini PC with an exotic CPU performs.

With its AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, the Ninkear N4 is a real exotic, because manufacturers in the budget price range typically rely on the more powerful Ryzen 7 5800U from the more recent fifth generation. The N4 thus fills the gap between the absolute entry-level class with Intel N100 and the stronger Ryzen 7. Our test shows exactly how the Ninkear N4 should be classified.

Banggood provided us with the mini PC.

Equipment: What hardware does the Ninkear N4 offer?

The Ryzen 5 4600H offers 6 Zen 2 cores and, thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading), a total of 12 threads. The base clock is 3 GHz, and up to 4 GHz is possible in boost. The integrated graphics is the Radeon RX Vega 6, with a clock speed of 1.5 GHz. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) is configured here at the maximum possible 54 watts – by comparison, the Ryzen 7 5800U has a TDP of only 25 watts.

There is also a generous 512 GB of SSD storage from Xincuu. The M.2 SSD in the 2280 form factor reaches a read speed of 551 MB/s and a write rate of 446 MB/s in Crystaldiskmark – so it is connected only via SATA. Although the drive can be replaced, the manufacturer does not provide information on the maximum supported capacity. There is also another slot available for a shorter M.2 2240 SSD.

The RAM from Faspeed is also generous and fast, with 16 GB and 3200 MT/s (megatransfers per second). The single DDR4 module is not soldered and can therefore also be replaced; at Banggood it is listed as an LPDDR4 module. There is also a second slot, which is not populated at the factory. Unfortunately, there is no more detailed information here about the supported size and speed. The CPU supports up to 4266 MT/s. We were able to use two Crucial modules with a total capacity of 32 GB and 3200 MT/s without any problems.

According to the Amazon description, the Ninkear N4 can be upgraded to 64 GB RAM and 4 TB SSD storage.

In addition to two HDMI ports, there is also a USB-C port, through which a monitor can also be driven. The Vega 6 GPU does not support more than 3 screens anyway. Furthermore, Gigabit Ethernet is also installed.

For wireless interfaces, the N4 is well equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, even if newer standards exist. But for a budget computer this is sufficient and still good in comparison – even systems over 300 euros often offer only Wi-Fi 5.

Performance: How fast is the Ninkear N4?

Although the 4600H is older and has fewer cores than a Ryzen 7 5800U, it still offers enough performance for office work and even light gaming. For example, the mini PC achieves a strong average of 5057 points in PCmark 10. In Cinebench R24 it scores 69 points in single-core and 443 points in multi-core. Geekbench gives the Ninkear N4 1502 points in single-core and 5426 points in multi-core. The iGPU reaches 10037 points in the OpenCL benchmark. Finally, the Time Spy benchmark gives an overall score of 864 points, of which 754 are for graphics and 5241 for the CPU.

So anyone who mainly uses the system for office work and the like will hardly notice a difference compared with the Ryzen 7 5800U. The biggest improvement here is the graphics unit, which is mainly stressed during video editing and gaming. In our game test in Anno 1800, we achieve an average of 20 FPS. We play in Full HD with low settings and FSR enabled in "Balanced" mode. Meanwhile, we are also looking at a city with 50,000 inhabitants. As expected, the game loses detail and beauty as a result, but it is still playable. Overall, however, even this lackluster gaming performance is more than you get from other mini PCs in this price range. With the usual Intel N100 chips, gaming is not even worth considering, as performance is significantly lower still. Ninkear N4 – photo gallery Ninkear N4 – front

heise bestenlisten Ninkear N4 – rear

heise bestenlisten Ninkear N4 – side of case

heise bestenlisten Ninkear N4 – top

heise bestenlisten Ninkear N4 – bottom

heise bestenlisten Ninkear N4 – interior of case

heise bestenlisten Ninkear N4 – RAM

heise bestenlisten Ninkear N4 – empty M.2-2250 slot

heise bestenlisten Ninkear N4 – power supply

heise bestenlisten Ninkear N4 – power supply specifications

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Power consumption: How high is the power draw of the Ninkear N4?

Under full load, the Ninkear N4 consumes up to 60 watts and reaches a maximum clock speed of 3.9 GHz. In the process, the CPU gets up to 100 °C hot and begins to clock down somewhat. After about a minute, the system stabilizes at a total consumption of 54 watts at 3.4 GHz and a CPU temperature of 86 °C. The GPU does not get hotter than 76 °C. At idle, consumption drops to about 11 watts.

The included, pleasantly compact power supply with a DC barrel connector can provide up to 95 watts and is therefore sufficiently powerful.

Fan: How loud is the Ninkear N4?

Because of its age, the installed Ryzen 5 is significantly less efficient and generates more waste heat. Cooling is therefore particularly interesting here. As already mentioned, the CPU gets up to 100 degrees hot and has to clock down to avoid hardware damage. Unfortunately, cooling is still not exactly quiet. Under full load, we measure 39 dB(A) directly at the case and still 25 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. We measured using an app on a smartphone. At idle, the N4 is largely silent or at least not meaningfully measurable above ambient noise (< 22 dB).

Unfortunately, the mini PC does not offer fan profiles in the BIOS.

Case: How is the build quality of the Ninkear N4?

The case of the Ninkear N4 is made entirely of metal, except for the plastic bottom cover. The mini PC is matte gray and has a smooth surface. On each side there is an elongated cutout for cooling. On the front, the black stripe with a piano-black finish stands out, but it serves no purpose. The case feels very sturdy and high-quality and does not become excessively warm from the CPU even over longer periods. At 114 × 106.1 × 38.7 mm, the Ninkear N4 is quite compact and also weighs only 402 g.

The screws for removing the bottom plate are hidden under the feet. These are only glued on, but they still hold well even after being removed several times. This makes upgrading the hardware no difficulty even for inexperienced users.

Price: How much does the Ninkear N4 cost?

With our coupon BGd6bc1e, the Ninkear N4 can currently be bought at Banggood for only 192 euros; previously it already cost just 204 euros there, which was low anyway for the equipment offered. Alternative offers for this computer are 250 euros or higher. Directly from the manufacturer it costs about 329 euros, so the current price is really remarkably low.

Conclusion

The Ninkear N4 is one of the best mini PCs under 250 euros. A Ryzen 5 is rare in this price range; even though it is a model from the already older fourth generation, the system is really good. Of course, a Ryzen 7 5800U is stronger and more efficient, but with the Ryzen 5 in the Ninkear N4 you save some money in comparison. In addition, the jump in performance here is not enormous, especially if you only want to handle office tasks with it anyway. We see the biggest weakness in the cooling and its noise level under load. But if you are less sensitive to this or wear noise-cancelling headphones at the PC anyway, then the Ninkear N4 at only 192 euros is definitely worth a closer look.

More performance at this price is hardly available elsewhere; mostly the Intel N100, which is only about half as powerful, is common here. In this respect, the Ninkear N4 with its unusual, because not very widespread, AMD Ryzen 5 4600H closes the gap between budget systems for 110 to 190 euros with Intel N100 and the more expensive Ryzen 7 computers from just under 300 euros. For the low price you get respectable equipment, a premium case and still relatively a lot of performance. Nipogi H1

Nipogi H1

The Nipogi H1 promises strong performance for 337 euros thanks to Ryzen 7 6800H. We tested the mini PC.

David Bettger from 26.06.2025 PROS

Low noise level

Consumption comparatively low

2.5-gigabit LAN CONS

Performance below average

Plastic case

The Nipogi H1 promises strong performance for 337 euros thanks to Ryzen 7 6800H. We tested the mini PC.

The Nipogi H1, also Nipogi Hyper H1, is another system that aims to set a new performance standard in the mid-range with AMD Ryzen 7 6800H. For 337 euros, the system also offers 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage. Our test shows whether the Ryzen 7 6800H can demonstrate its performance and efficiency advantage in practice.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Nipogi H1 offer?

The Nipogi H1 uses the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, a mid-range CPU from 2022 with eight cores and 16 threads. These clock between 3.2 and 4.7 GHz and are manufactured using the 6 nm process based on the Zen3+ architecture, codename Rembrandt. The SoC is configured with a TDP of 45 watts, and the maximum temperature is 95 degrees. The integrated graphics is the Radeon 680M model, the predecessor of the already gaming-capable Radeon 780M. The Radeon 680M offers twelve CUs (Compute Units) and clocks at a maximum of 2200 MHz.

Thanks to the jump from Zen 3 to Zen 3+, the system supports DDR5 RAM. The mini PC offers two slots, but only one of them is occupied. Nipogi uses a module from Juhor with 16 GB capacity and 4800 MT/s transfer speed. Thus, not both memory channels of the CPU are used and bandwidth is wasted, but an upgrade to 32 GB total capacity is cheaper. According to the manufacturer, the total capacity is 64 GB, but in the practical test the system also starts without problems with 96 GB RAM from Crucial (5600 MT/s).

For mass storage, there is a Rayson M.2 SSD with 512 GB capacity in the 2280 form factor, but it is only connected via PCIe 3.0x4. In CrystalDiskMark we measure 1780 MB/s read and 1728 MB/s write. For an NVMe SSD these are okay, if not spectacular, values – but for everyday use such nuances usually don't matter anyway. The second, still free M.2 slot is also only connected via PCIe 3.0x4; in total, 4 TB of storage is supported.

The Nipogi H1 offers a full six USB-A ports, two on the front with USB 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gbps) and four on the rear with USB 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbps). Power is supplied via a DC jack only through the included power adapter. There is also 2.5-gigabit LAN as well as USB-C with DP alt mode, HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 2.0 for video output.

For wireless connections, the Nipogi H1 still relies on Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. In this price range that is still standard, but we would nonetheless like to see Wi-Fi 6E, especially since direct competitors are offering it more and more often.

The chipset for the wireless interfaces is the Realtek RTL8852, and for Ethernet it is the Realtek RTL8125 Gaming 2.5 GbE.

Performance: How fast is the Nipogi H1?

We have already seen the Ryzen 7 6800H in a wide variety of price ranges and performance classes, so a comparison of performance based on synthetic benchmarks is particularly important here. In a direct comparison with other mini PCs featuring the Ryzen 7 6800H, the Nipogi H1 performs below average. In PCMark 10 the system averages 5932 points and is thus only minimally ahead of the Acemagic M1 (review) (5901 points). A Geekom A6 (review) or Minisforum UM680 Slim (review) achieves between 6400 and 6500 points. The same applies in 3DMark Time Spy, where there are 1102 points for the overall system, 4983 CPU points and 969 graphics points. Here the same observation applies as with the Acemagic M1, namely that the comparison systems achieve almost twice as many CPU points.

The deficit here again seems tied to power consumption, because in Cinebench R24 the system can keep up well in single-core with 87 points (M1: 83; UM680 Slim: 87; A6: 90). In multi-core it gets only 545 points, so the H1 and M1 (517 points) are once again fighting for the booby prize. The cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 rounds off the impressions of the previous benchmarks once more in confirmation. The CPU achieves a score of 2007 points in single-core and 7761 points in multi-core, while the OpenCL benchmark attests 20,763 points for the graphics (M1: 21,275; UM680 Slim: 22,571; A6: 27,777). Thus the sobering impression of the 6800H in the Nipogi H1 fully matches that in the Acemagic M1, meaning this CPU here is more at the level of a Ryzen 7 5825U – that is, the lower to middle mid-range. Nipogi H1 – photo gallery Nipogi H1 – photo gallery

heise best lists Nipogi H1 – photo gallery

heise best lists

With such performance, gaming is actually not yet an option, but due to the Radeon 680M and for a complete comparison we nevertheless tested the usual games. In Anno 1800 we play in Full HD at low settings and with FSR activated in Performance mode. We are in an advanced endless game and spend most of the time looking at our city of 50,000 inhabitants. This gives us 15 to 20 FPS. Not only is the game's high level of detail lost, but it also still feels jerky.

Since Cities Skylines 2 is usually somewhat more demanding, here we play with the lowest settings and automatic dynamic resolution scaling. Even with a comparatively small city of 10,000 inhabitants, we get only 7-8 FPS. In any case, all these results are truly sad and not suitable for gaming.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Nipogi H1?

At idle, total consumption is between 12 and 15 watts, with a CPU temperature of about 50 degrees. Under combined full load (CPU + graphics), consumption rises to 50 watts and remains constant there. The CPU temperature reaches a maximum of 82 degrees, and the clock speed remains constantly just under 2.6 GHz. The iGPU stays below 79 degrees and clocks constantly at 900 MHz. Thus the comparatively low power consumption confirms the suspicion of the system's low performance.

Fan: How loud is the Nipogi H1?

Due to the rather low power consumption, the Nipogi H1 saves a lot in terms of required cooling capacity. At idle, the system is completely silent and the fan is off. Only under normal use does the fan start, but it sounds as if it is not running quite smoothly and is rubbing against other components. Only at higher speeds does the rubbing disappear. Under full load, we measure 29 dB(A) directly at the case and 19 dB(A) at a distance of one meter with a smartphone. The ambient noise level at the time of testing was about 17 dB(A). This makes the H1 one of our quietest mini-PCs, which is remarkable for a CPU with a 45-watt TDP.

The American Megatrends BIOS looks visually very old-fashioned and resembles the legacy BIOS from the 90s and early 2000s. It offers only minimal configuration options, so there are no performance or fan modes.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Nipogi H1?

Windows 11 in the Pro version is preinstalled on the Nipogi H1. A full virus scan with Windows Defender remains without findings.

We can easily boot Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS with a storage medium via the extended boot menu. All drivers for display, audio, Ethernet and the wireless interfaces are installed automatically and their functions are fully available.

Case: How is the build quality of the Nipogi H1?

The case is made entirely of plastic, but its design with bronze-colored accents stands out somewhat from the usual uniform blandness. On closer inspection, however, it gives a rather cheap impression – we would clearly prefer a sturdy metal case here. Visually, the H1 reminds us somewhat of the earlier Nipogi computers AK1 Pro and AK1 Plus, which still worked with Celeron processors. While this was still understandable at the start of the popularity of mini-PCs, expectations have changed. Thus, by 2025 standards, the build quality of the case is actually no longer appropriate, especially in the price range above 300 euros. The mini-PC measures 128.5 × 129.2 × 52.2 mm and weighs 470 g.

The four screws on the underside are hidden by glued-on rubber feet and are also recessed deep into the case. In our case, the screws were very easy to loosen, but the bottom plate is also hooked in. At the perforated spot, the plate can be pried open with some force, giving direct access to all components.

Price: How much does the Nipogi H1 cost?

The Nipogi H1 with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD is available on Amazon for 370 euros. With our coupon H1PC336EU, the price drops to 337 euros.

Conclusion

For the most part, the Nipogi H1 corresponds to the Acemagic M1, but the latter is even cheaper. While the H1's hardware is solid, there is hardly any reason to pay the extra cost. Compared to the Acemagic M1, only the fan is somewhat quieter and the LAN port works at 2.5 Gigabit instead of 1 Gigabit. In addition, there is the simple, low-quality plastic case, which does not quite seem appropriate for the price.

However, the most significant factor for the H1 and M1 is the barely noticeable jumps in CPU and iGPU performance compared to cheaper mini-PCs with, for example, a Ryzen 7 5825U from the previous generation. Thus, the Nipogi H1 is unusable for gaming and the surcharge compared to the cheaper models is not really explainable. The best alternative is the Minisforum UM760 Slim (review), which offers a seventh-generation Ryzen 5 with significantly more performance for under 400 euros. Even the Minisforum UM680 Slim, which delivers more performance from the 6800H for a similar price, would also be ahead in terms of other equipment, including a fully equipped USB-C port, as well as performance. If hearts are still to fly to the Nipogi H1, the system must try to do so via a significantly lower price – because the chosen CPU is definitely no crowning achievement given the extra cost. In the test, we therefore award three and a half out of five stars for a solid but not exhilarating overall package. Chuwi Aubox 8745HS

Chuwi Aubox 8745HS

The Chuwi Aubox 8745HS is a sleek and flat mini-PC with Ryzen 7 and numerous ports. For a fair price, it promises to offer a lot.

Jonas Bettger from 03.09.2025 PROS

Performance below average for the 8745HS

The Chuwi Aubox 8745HS is a sleek and flat mini-PC with Ryzen 7 and numerous ports. For a fair price, it promises to offer a lot.

The price range between 400 and 600 euros is fiercely contested among mini-PCs. At a still comparatively low price compared with the premium models around 1000 euros, numerous systems with newer Ryzen 7 processors are available, which are already gaming-capable in Full HD. One such computer is also the Chuwi Aubox 8745HS, which relies on an eighth-generation Ryzen 7, paired with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. In addition, there is a sleek aluminum case and many ports. Actually perfect, right? But how good is this mini-PC really in practice? We tested the Chuwi Aubox 8745HS and show highlights and weaknesses.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Chuwi Aubox 8745HS offer?

The Chuwi Aubox 8745HS relies on the eponymous processor Ryzen 7 8745HS, which AMD introduced in July 2024. This chip is based on the Zen 4 architecture (codename Hawk Point) with 4 nm, is specified with a TDP (thermal design power) of 35 W and offers 8 cores with 16 threads. Unlike the Ryzen 7 8845HS, this SoC lacks an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI applications. The CPU clock is between 3.8 GHz and 4.9 GHz. Like the previous 7000 generation, the 8745HS also relies on the Radeon 780M (2600 MHz) as integrated graphics.

For RAM, only a single 16 GB SO-DIMM DDR5 module from TWSC with 5600 MT/s is used. The second RAM slot is free, so you can directly insert another module. The single-channel operation of the RAM halves the bandwidth when accessing the working memory, which is also reflected in the benchmark values (see below). The SSD comes from Airdisk and is 512 GB in size. It is an M.2-2280 SSD with PCIe 3.0. According to Crystaldiskmark, it writes at 2710 MB/s and reads at 3271 MB/s.

Otherwise, the PC offers numerous ports for devices, such as 2x 2.5-gigabit LAN, HDMI 2.1, Displayport 1.4 and 2x USB-C (of which 1x USB4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2), whereby the USB4 port can also provide the power supply. Otherwise, this is done via the included 120 W power supply unit via a DC barrel connector. In addition, there are four USB-A ports (2x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0).

Wirelessly, the PC with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 is outdated but faster than some competitors. The classic Realtek 8852BE is used as the network card.

Performance: How fast is the Chuwi Aubox 8745HS?

With its Ryzen 7 8745HS, the Chuwi Aubox is actually well positioned and should produce rather higher benchmark results. However, it remains below our expectations, for example in PCmark 10, where it scores an average of 6661 points, with peaks at 6678 and 6641 points. Here we would have expected over 7500 points. This same picture continues in 3Dmark Time Spy. There, the system achieves a total of 1908 points, composed of 1678 GPU points and 8670 CPU points. The graphics in particular are significantly below expectations; here we had already seen almost 3000 points with other models.

Next up is Cinebench 2024, where the Ryzen 7 scores 102 points in single-core and 872 points in multi-core. In the cross-platform Geekbench 6 benchmark, it scores 2481 points (single-core) and 9762 points (multi-core). The OpenCL graphics benchmark ends with 24,680 points. Overall, it can be said that the Aubox performed worse in the classic benchmarks than similarly equipped systems with dual-channel RAM. Chuwi Aubox 8745HS – photo gallery Chuwi Aubox 8745HS – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Chuwi Aubox 8745HS – photo gallery

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We also tried games, given the usually very strong Radeon 780M iGPU. Titles such as Counter Strike 2, Anno 1800 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are all playable in Full HD. Anno 1800 is also playable without the upsampling technology FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) at over 25 FPS on medium settings. With FSR set to Performance, we get up to 42 FPS at peak, but mostly around 35 FPS. The Witcher 3 runs fairly stably on low settings at 30 FPS, Counter Strike runs on high settings at around 50 FPS. Cities Skylines 2, on the other hand, is not playable and runs extremely choppy at 12 to 14 FPS – with FSR and the lowest graphics settings we get a maximum of 18 to 22 FPS.

Fan: How loud is the Chuwi Aubox 8745HS?

The Chuwi Aubox 8745HS is not one of the quiet mini PCs. Although the fan stands still when idle with no applications open, it spins up as soon as the browser is opened – at 29 to 31 dB(A), however, it is not yet too loud. With active but not overly demanding applications, it is between 34 and 36 dB(A). When we put the system under full load using the Aida64 stress test, the noise level rises to up to 41 dB(A), which is very loud. Comparable systems, which also score better in the benchmarks, are less noisy here. The CPU temperature rises to a maximum of 84 degrees, while the clock speed remains at 4.0 GHz, with small fluctuations between 3.8 and 4.1 GHz. Chuwi Aubox 8745HS – heat distribution Chuwi Aubox 8745HS – heat distribution

heise bestenlisten Chuwi Aubox 8745HS – heat distribution

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The PC's power consumption is 11 W when idle, between 25 and 40 W when browsing, and up to 98 W under full load. When gaming, such as Counter Strike 2, it is around 64 W.

Software: Which operating systems does the Chuwi Aubox 8745HS work with?

The Chuwi Aubox 8745HS comes with Windows 11 Pro in version 22H2. The update to the latest version 24H2 takes some time. There is no bloatware on the system, and a full virus scan with Windows Defender finds nothing unusual.

Design: How is the build quality of the Chuwi Aubox 8745HS?

The Chuwi Aubox 8745HS comes in a sleek, silver-gray metal case with a black plastic underside. Striking are the tall rubber feet, which practically raise the PC up. They contain the unfortunately very deeply recessed screws, which can therefore only be reached with special, long bits. For this we use an electric precision screwdriver (best list), which comes with a suitable attachment.

The build quality of the approximately 740 g heavy, 154 × 152 × 45 mm measuring computer is absolutely high-quality. The edges are finely polished with a diamond cut, nothing creaks and everything fits excellently. The layout of the ports is somewhat unusual. For example, some of the ports, such as 2x USB-A and 1x USB-C, are on the right side, whereas the remaining ports are on the back as usual. As a result, cables can protrude from the side, which can look unattractive.

Except for the screws, accessing the interior of the case is no problem. The only hassle is that when replacing the RAM you have to deal with the thermally conductive film, which is glued on. With the SSD, it is not glued, only slipped over. For maintenance, after unscrewing, you simply remove the entire underside together with the entire mainboard screwed to it from the case. This gives you access to the RAM, the WLAN chipset and the two SSD slots.

Price: What does the Chuwi Aubox 8745HS cost?

The Chuwi Aubox 8745HS is available from the manufacturer in our configuration with Ryzen 7 8745HS, 16/1000 GB for 490 euros. With our code heise13, the price drops to just 426 euros.

Conclusion

The Chuwi Aubox 8745HS is fundamentally a very appealing, high-quality and fairly priced mini-PC. Even though performance in the standard configuration with only a single-channel RAM connection suffers somewhat, it is still not bad. The build quality is absolutely impressive and the port selection leaves little to be desired, especially since a full-fledged USB-C port with power input is on board. That in itself is already a rarity among mini-PCs, which otherwise can only charge via a round barrel connector. This way, however, you can use other charging plugs in addition to the included power supply. The price of under 450 euros is absolutely fair for this. We see the high noise level under load as much more negative than the below-average performance for the CPU. At up to 41 dB(A), the system is clearly audible and louder than many competitors.

Otherwise, however, it is a versatile and good system. The Aubox 8745HS is therefore primarily aimed at frugal savers who can live with the aforementioned shortcomings.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or is not possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences. Blackview MP80

Blackview MP80

A mini-PC that truly lives up to its name: The Blackview MP80 is not only incredibly handy, but also genuinely well equipped for its size. Our test shows what it can do.

Jonas Bettger from 18.03.2024 PROS

can use up to three monitors (3 HDMI ports) CONS

no DisplayPort connection

no USB-C

meager graphics performance

Small, practical, good: Mini-PC Blackview MP80 from 166 euros surprises in test

A mini-PC that truly lives up to its name: The Blackview MP80 is not only incredibly handy, but also genuinely well equipped for its size. Our test shows what it can do.

The Blackview MP80 is the second mini-PC from the manufacturer from the Far East, which we already know from numerous outdoor smartphones (best list), affordable tablets (best list) and power stations. This model lives up to the term mini-PC like no other model in our tests, because the case is really handy. In return, the mini-PC has a lot to offer with an efficient Intel Alder Lake N97, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage. And not even at a high price – the MP80 starts at around 185 euros (depending on configuration).

Our test report shows everything the Blackview MP80 can do (test date: January 31, 2024). We received the mini-PC from Blackview for testing.

Equipment: What hardware does the Blackview MP80 offer?

In our case, the matte black plastic case of the Blackview MP80 houses an Intel Alder Lake N97, accompanied by 16 GB of RAM using the new and fast DDR5 standard. It is also available with the weaker N95 processor or a Celeron N5095 with the same memory configuration.

The 512 GB storage medium is an M.2 stick, but relies only on slow SATA speeds. In the Crystaldiskmark benchmark, it reaches only about 550 MB/s. That is sufficient and better than any HDD, but slow for an SSD.

The potpourri of ports is plentiful; we miss USB-C and DisplayPort, but given the asking price, their absence is forgivable. Three monitors can be connected via HDMI, while only two are usual in this price class. The two Ethernet ports are also a positive, making the mini-PC suitable for use as a firewall appliance for OPNsense, Pfsense or other open source firewalls.

Performance: How fast is the Blackview MP80?

The Blackview MP80 is aimed at less demanding fields of application, such as in the home office or for use in the smart home (guide). The benchmark result in PCmark 10 also supports this, in which the mini-PC achieves a solid 3367 points. Among inexpensive mini-PCs, it is therefore one of the strongest models, but it looks pretty bad against PCs with Ryzen processors – though those cost around 50 to 100 euros more. Photo gallery – Mini-PC Blackview MP80 in test Mini-PC Blackview MP80 in test – ports

heise bestenlisten Blackview MP80 in test – USB-A ports on the right side

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Blackview MP80 in test – two Ethernet ports on the back, next to them the round connector for power supply and the jack socket

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Blackview MP80 in test – three HDMI ports on the left side

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While image editing can still be done fairly problem-free, and even everyday office work with Microsoft Teams doesn't wear out the mini-PC, intensive video editing with effects and demanding rendering is where it ends. The MP80 belongs more to the Capcut and Windows Movie Maker camp here. Gaming is hardly worth considering here. This is of course due to the fact that only an integrated graphics chip is used here, but also that Intel's chips are particularly weak in graphics performance. AMD competitors are traditionally faster.

Fan: How loud is the Blackview MP80?

As far as noise is concerned, we would describe the MP80 as inconspicuous. There is an active fan, but according to Blackview it runs significantly quieter thanks to the use of a brushless motor. In the test we can confirm this; the volume of the mini-PC is so low that we can hardly pinpoint a clear decibel figure. In any case, it is well below 35 decibels and is difficult to distinguish from ambient noise. A positive example, since models from Geekom in particular do not have proper fan control and always spin up loudly. Weaker mini-PCs are quieter anyway, since heat generation remains limited due to the lower performance.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Blackview MP80?

Above all, what we particularly like about the Blackview MP80 is its small size. The 87.8 x 87.8 x 37 millimeter black plastic case can therefore be hidden even more easily. Transporting it in a backpack is also easy, helped by the astonishingly low weight of just 215 grams. We had never tested such a light or such a small mini-PC before; the combination of both makes the matter even more interesting.

Apart from that, the Blackview MP80 is also nice to look at – this is due not only to the matte case finish and the minimalist design, but also to the stylish lighting that runs once around the bottom of the case. It functions as a status LED and changes color from blue to red depending on the operating state.

Price: How much does the Blackview MP80 cost?

Currently, the Blackview MP80 with the Intel N95 and 12/256 GB costs around 185 euros on Ebay. The variant with Intel N5095 and 16/512 GB is priced at 210 euros.

At the time of testing on January 31, 2024, the variants with N95 and N97 cost over 200 euros. In the meantime, however, the device has also been available for as little as 130 euros.

Conclusion

The small Blackview MP80 really convinces us, because there is a relatively large amount of performance in the small case at genuinely low noise levels. Over 3200 points in the benchmark is truly respectable, and operation runs smoothly.

The mini-PC is ideal for use as a smart home hub with Home Assistant (guide), as a computer for displays, POS systems or similar. The two Ethernet ports support use as a firewall appliance. However, we miss USB-C or DisplayPort. At the price of just 200 euros, that is forgivable, and so the office mini-PC gets a clean four stars and a clear recommendation – a round package.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or may not be possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences. Geekom A6

Geekom A6

The Geekom A6 is a new mid-range mini-PC. Our test shows what it can do in practice with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB of storage and two USB-4 Type-C ports.

David Bettger, March 30, 2025 PROS

2.5-gigabit LAN

fast SSD

strong graphics performance CONS

gets very hot under load

no access to the BIOS

Linux does not detect Bluetooth and Wi-Fi drivers

The Geekom A6 is a new mid-range mini-PC. Our test shows what it can do in practice with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB of storage and two USB-4 Type-C ports.

With its specifications, the Geekom A6 is an absolute mid-range mini-PC that looks upper-class. The plain metal case houses the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, which is a rarity among mini-PCs. It does not set new standards in terms of performance, but with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB of fast SSD storage it offers a solid overall package on paper. Our test shows how the Geekom A6 performs in practice.

Specifications: What hardware does the Geekom A6 offer?

For the A6, Geekom relies on the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H – an unusual choice. This CPU was not installed in any of our previous test devices, even though it is already over three years old. The processor has 8 cores and 16 threads based on the Zen 3+ architecture. The base clock is 3.3 GHz and up to 4.7 GHz is possible in turbo. The biggest innovation compared with the 5000 series is the iGPU (integrated GPU), as the Radeon 680M is used here. According to the specifications, the TDP (Thermal Design Power) is 45 watts.

There is also 32 GB of RAM in the DDR5 standard at 4800 MT/s (mega transfers per second). The memory comes in the form of two SO-DIMM modules from the manufacturer Wooposit (of which we had also never heard). They are therefore replaceable and can be upgraded to a total capacity of 64 GB. We installed two 48 GB modules from Crucial, which is actually too much RAM, but after a moment of thought the mini-PC still detected them without any problems.

The M.2 SSD is 1 TB in size and is connected via PCIe Gen 4 × 4. Geekom advertises read speeds between 5000 and 7000 MB/s and write speeds between 4000 and 6000 MB/s. The installed Kingston SSD reaches 4089 MB/s read and 3213 MB/s write in the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark. The drive can be replaced; according to the manufacturer, a maximum of 2 TB is supported.

Particularly noteworthy are the two USB-4 Type-C ports, although only one supports the full 40 Gbit/s. The second is limited to 10 Gbit/s, but both support DisplayPort Alt Mode, i.e. the ability to drive monitors through them. Two more monitors can each be connected via HDMI 2.0. There is also an RJ45 port for 2.5-gigabit LAN. This means the mini-PC is not suitable as a firewall solution without additional hardware.

For wireless standards, it relies on Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Interesting for Linux users: the Realtek RTL8125 and MediaTek MT7922 chipsets are used for Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom A6?

The Ryzen 7 6800H with six cores and 12 threads has to place itself in the mid-range of mini-PCs despite its 45-watt TDP. In PCmark 10 it averages 6485 points. That puts it well above our entry-level to mid-range standard in the form of the Ryzen 7 5800U, which manages about 5580 points. Nevertheless, it is missing just under 1200 points to the Ryzen 7 7840HS with Zen 4 architecture, which can be counted in the upper mid-range. 3Dmark Time Spy certifies 2384 graphics and 9265 CPU points, giving an overall result of 2682 points. This is where the significantly improved graphics unit makes itself felt. The open-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 gives the 6800H 2067 points in single-core and 10380 points in multi-core. The GPU achieves a score of 27777 in the OpenCL benchmark. Finally, Cinebench R24 gives 90 points in single-core and 691 points in multi-core.

BenchmarkSystemCPUSingle-CoreMulti-CoreGPU

PCmark 106485////

3Dmark Time Spy9539265//2384

Cinebench R24//90691/

Geekbench 6//20671038027777

Because of the strong graphics performance, we also tested the games Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines 2. In the former, we play in Full HD with high settings and FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) enabled in "Balanced" mode. We look at the familiar 50,000-inhabitant city at an average of 34 fps. The image quality is also decent.

Cities Skylines 2 is somewhat demanding for the graphics unit. That is why we choose the medium graphics settings in Full HD and set the dynamic resolution scaling to "Automatic". Looking at our new city, we get an average of about 18 fps.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Geekom A6?

The Geekom A6 consumes up to 90 watts under full load, and we can measure a clock rate of just under 4.5 GHz. However, this only lasts for about a second before the power consumption drops to 71 watts. The clock rate also drops to 3.8 GHz in the process. After about seven minutes, consumption drops further to 60 watts and the clock rate to 3.5 GHz. The temperature is mostly at 95 degrees, which corresponds to the CPU's maximum. Only in the last section, when consumption drops to 60 watts, does the temperature fall slightly to 85 degrees. The temperature under full load is within specification, but high heat is certainly not conducive to the lifespan of silicon chips. At idle, i.e. with a resting desktop, consumption is a low 9 watts as expected. Geekom A6 – photo gallery Geekom A6 – front

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – fan outlet

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – SD card slot

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – case

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – underside

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – screws under the rubber feet on the underside

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – opened case with metal intermediate plate & bottom

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – case interior

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – SSD

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – RAM

heise bestenlisten Geekom A6 – thermal pad on the SSD

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Fan: How loud is the Geekom A6?

Despite the high temperatures, the fan volume remains within an acceptable range. Under load, we measure 37 dB(A) at the case with a smartphone, while the ambient noise level is around 17 dB(A). At a distance of one meter, the mini PC measures a volume of about 21 dB. At idle, the fan already spins a little and we measure 18 dB(A) at the case. Unfortunately, the fan emits a whine at low speeds, which some users might find annoying. There are no different fan or performance modes in the BIOS; in fact, as with the GT13 Pro, it is completely locked. Thus, with every conceivable key combination or by going through Windows' system recovery options, we cannot access any level of the BIOS.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Geekom A6?

The Geekom A6 ships with Windows 11 Pro and can also be set up without a Microsoft account. No bloatware is installed, and a virus scan with Windows Defender comes back clean. Even though access to the BIOS is locked, other operating systems can still be installed. This now only has to be done via Windows' extended start menu by selecting the bootable USB stick. This way, we were able to install Ubuntu 24.04.1, but due to missing drivers, no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection can be established. Audio playback worked without any problems.

Case: How is the build quality of the Geekom A6?

The light gray metal case strongly resembles the GT13 Pro from Geekom. It uses the same form factor; they only differ somewhat in color. The mini PC measures 111.7 × 112.2 × 37.4 mm and weighs 433 g. The A6, however, is still flawlessly built and feels very high-quality. The screws for opening the case are again hidden under the rubber feet on the underside. Unfortunately, here too there is a metal intermediate plate to which the cables for the Wi-Fi antennas are glued. This complicates further proceedings, as the cables can easily be torn from the associated PCIe module and hardware could potentially be damaged. With a considered and careful approach, however, the task can be managed well.

Price: How much does the Geekom A6 cost?

The Geekom A6 with Ryzen 7 6800H, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD costs 494 euros at Geekom (code: GMA6). It is also available on Amazon, but somewhat more expensive at 551 euros (code: A62025GM).

The price we state depends on availability and applies at the time of the product test or the last update of the best-of list or the individual review. The same applies to discount codes and Amazon click coupons. Since these coupons can change or expire at short notice, prices may differ at a later time.

Conclusion

The Geekom A6 offers strong performance, good connectivity features as well as RAM and SSD. We see the A6's problems in the high temperatures and the locked BIOS. Especially as the hardware ages and more dust accumulates in the system, the temperature problem is likely to get worse. So anyone who pushes the system hard to its performance limit or wants the maximum performance for their money should go for a stronger alternative. Otherwise, the Geekom A6 offers good hardware in a compact form factor at a fair price. Geekom Air 12 Lite

Geekom Air 12 Lite

Efficient and powerful Intel N100, plus small additional features: Does the Geekom Air 12 Lite live up to its comparatively high price? Our review shows.

David Bettger from 13.12.2024 PROS

good performance for Intel N100

stays cool

dedicated microphone jack

front I/O pins CONS

fan constantly spinning up

M.2 SSD only at SATA speed

only 8 GB RAM and one slot

Efficient and powerful Intel N100, plus small additional features: Does the Geekom Air 12 Lite live up to its comparatively high price? Our review shows.

The Air 12 Lite is another mini PC from Geekom that relies on an Intel CPU. With a 12th-generation Intel N100, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage, it ranks at the lower end of mini PCs in terms of performance. Although features such as USB-C with DisplayPort are omitted here, you do get a rarely seen configuration with a dedicated microphone jack and nine front I/O pins. Whether the features justify the initially somewhat high-looking price of 227 euros (code: GKFW5) is shown in our review.

Features: What hardware does the Geekom Air 12 Lite offer?

With the Intel N100, Geekom relies on the classic among budget CPUs. With four cores, four threads and 6 watts TDP at a clock speed of 3.4 GHz, the CPU is mainly designed for office tasks. This is also confirmed by a look at the Intel UHD Graphics iGPU.

At least Geekom gives it 8 GB RAM here, although this is now almost too little even under Windows 11 and you occasionally have to expect annoying stutters. The mini PC has only one SODIMM RAM slot, populated with a DDR4 module at 3200 MTS (mega transfers per second). According to the manufacturer, this can be expanded to up to 16 GB. The M.2 SSD is connected via PCIe Gen3 x 4 and is 256 GB in size. It can be upgraded to up to 1 TB by replacement. As our test in CrystalDiskMark shows, the model unfortunately only offers SATA speeds, i.e. 561 MB/s read and 513 MB/s write.

Two monitors can be connected simultaneously via DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0. On the front of the device, in addition to a standard headphone jack, there is also a dedicated microphone jack via 3.5 mm jack. In addition, nine pins are routed to the outside, which, as with a desktop PC, provide the connections for the front I/O. This means you can easily connect status LEDs or even two additional power switches, for example. The pinout can be found among the manufacturer's product images. In addition to the obligatory 1 Gb/s Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 are available wirelessly. For our taste, the Wi-Fi standard in particular is already too outdated.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom Air 12 Lite?

With a 6-watt TDP, no performance miracle is to be expected here, but the quad-core still holds up solidly in direct comparison. The Intel N100 averages 3250 points in the PCmark 10 office benchmark, placing it among the stronger mini-PCs in this price category. In 3Dmark Timespy, the result is a predictably low 372 points, which is mainly due to the 324 graphics points. Compared with other mini-PCs with similar equipment, the result is respectable. The low 8 GB of RAM does make itself felt in Cinebench R24, however, as the benchmark repeatedly failed to start due to insufficient GPU memory. So the RAM is not enough here for both CPU and GPU to run this compute-intensive test.

After swapping the RAM for a 16 GB Crucial module, the N100 reaches 154 points in the multi-core and 55 points in the single-core benchmark. Geekbench 6 gives the Geekom Air 12 Lite 3273 points for graphics performance, as well as 1225 points for the CPU in single-core and 3115 points in multi-core. We skip gaming benchmarks in this test, since our typical game tests in Anno 1800 or Cities Skylines 2 are not playable here due to the low performance. Retro games in particular run well here. Geekom Air 12 Lite – photo gallery Geekom Air 12 Lite – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Geekom Air 12 Lite – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Geekom Air 12 Lite review

heise bestenlisten Geekom Air 12 Lite – photo gallery

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Under load, the CPU briefly reaches its maximum clock of 3.4 GHz, but then settles at around 2.8 GHz. According to HWinfo, the CPU's maximum power consumption is 16.5 watts. With a smart plug, we measured a maximum power consumption of 15 watts for the mini-PC. At idle, it is about 10 watts.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom Air 12 Lite?

Because of the flat design, we initially expected a passively cooled mini-PC here. In fact, however, the Air 12 Lite has a fan that keeps the CPU at a maximum of 70 °C even under full load. A measurement with a smartphone shows 31 dB(A) at the case and 25 dB(A) at a distance of one meter – that is quite quiet. The only problem is that, without load, the fan constantly spins up for a few seconds and then stops again – over time, this can be annoying. Unfortunately, there are no other fan modes in the BIOS, so the problem cannot be avoided.

Case: How is the build quality of the Geekom Air 12 Lite?

Apart from the bottom plate, the case of the Air 12 Lite is made entirely of plastic with an inner cage made of metal. The build quality is good, there are no sharp edges on the surface, and the matte black looks attractive. We only wondered about the purpose of the plastic hook on the back. At this point, it cannot hold or relieve strain on the power cable because the cable's plug is simply too long for that. The only use we can imagine: you can route the remaining cables together with the power cable over the hook – for example when mounting with the included VESA bracket. At 530 g and external dimensions of 135 x 121.1 x 37 mm, the Air 12 Lite is no longer all that compact and "lite" for this price and performance class.

Price: How much does the Geekom Air 12 Lite cost?

The Geekom Air 12 Lite is currently available for 227 euros from Geekom (code: GKFW5) as part of a sale. Alternatively, you can also buy the Air 12 Lite from Amazon at the full price of 239 euros. However, you shouldn't let the incorrect description confuse you there; in some places it claims that an Intel Core i3 is installed.

Conclusion

The Geekom Air 12 Lite is a low-end mini PC for use in office and similar tasks. It performs this task well, but the price is set too high for that. If you're only looking for a mini PC for office work, you're usually better off with cheaper alternatives and often still get a faster SSD or 16 GB RAM. From around 300 euros, you can already get hardware that can handle esports titles like Overwatch or Valorant. Therefore, the Air 12 Lite is simply too expensive for what it offers. Acemagic Retro X5

Acemagic Retro X5

The Acemagic Retro X5 is an ode to the Nintendo NES. With Ryzen AI 9, 32 GB RAM and Wifi 7, it is well equipped. We have tested it.

Jonas Bettger, 24.05.2026 PROS

appealing retro design

Wifi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

strong performance

USB-C with power input supply

2x 2.5G LAN as well as HDMI 2.1 and Displayport 2.0 CONS

somewhat loud under load

expensive

The Acemagic Retro X5 is an ode to the Nintendo NES. With Ryzen AI 9, 32 GB RAM and Wifi 7, it is well equipped. We have tested it.

With the Acemagic Retro X5, the manufacturer sends a love letter in the direction of the Nintendo NES. The entire case is modeled on the console classic and comes in a gray housing with red decorative elements. But the mini PC's equipment is by no means stuck in the past; it is quite strong: inside, an AMD Ryzen AI 9 370 does its work alongside 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage. But given the memory shortage caused by the AI boom – and also fundamentally – that costs a bit more. Currently, around 1050 euros (select coupon) is due for the nostalgic-looking computer. Whether it is worth that and whether a purchase is worthwhile is shown in our detailed test. The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Acemagic Retro X5 offer?

The Acemagic Retro X5 houses an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which was introduced in June 2024 and belongs to the Strix Point family. It uses a design with 12 cores and 24 threads, of which four are large Zen 5 cores and eight are smaller Zen 5c cores. The clock rate is between 2.0 and 5 GHz. The CPU is manufactured using the 4 nm process, has a TDP of 28 W and 54 W in Turbo-PL2, as well as a maximum operating temperature of 100 degrees. With its design, its performance can be expected to be comparable to earlier 16-core Zen 3 chips, such as the Ryzen 9 7940HS. The integrated graphics unit is the Radeon 890M, which clocks at up to 2900 MHz.

An integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI applications is also on board. The XDNA 2 NPU has a computing capability of 50 TOPS (INT8), and the entire CPU unit reaches 80 TOPS. Acemagic Retro X5 – Crystaldiskmark heise best lists

For RAM, the X5 offers a decent 32 GB of DDR5 memory, which is present in the form of two SO-DIMM modules at 5600 MT/s. The manufacturer is Kingfast, which is unknown in this country but is found more frequently in mini-PCs from the Far East. For storage, a 1 TB SSD from Huawei is used, which goes by the model name "eKitStor Xtreme 200E". This is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe in the M.2-2280 form factor, which according to Crystaldiskmark reads at 7117 MB/s and writes at 6291 MB/s. These are good values.

In terms of ports, the Retro X5 offers USB4 on the front, HDMI 2.1 and Displayport 2.0. This means the mini-PC has quite a lot of what the market offers in terms of modern equipment. On the back there is also another USB-C port according to USB 3.2 Gen2, which can provide the input power supply, as well as two 2.5G LAN ports. Otherwise there are four USB-A ports according to USB 3.2 Gen1 and a barrel connector for the included power supply as an alternative to USB-C.

Wirelessly, the mini-PC connects via Wifi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 with current standards. The WLAN chipset used is a Mediatek MT7925, and for wired connections the Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller.

Performance: How fast is the Acemagic Retro X5?

Before we get to the system's performance and its classification, we must first give a note: The office benchmark classic received a major update to version 2.x at the end of 2025. This changed the workflow, and according to the developer UL Solutions, results from the new version are explicitly not comparable with those from Workflow 1.x. In order to maintain comparability with earlier mini-PC tests nonetheless, we will continue to run two benchmark passes for the time being – one with an archived 1.x variant and one with Workflow 2.x.

With Workflow 1.x of PCMark, the Acemagic Retro X5 averages 8022 points, with outliers at 7803 and 8147 points. With version 2.x, it averages 8993 points, with peaks at 8292 points and 9397 points. Overall, these are excellent values and correspond to top performance.

In the gaming benchmark 3DMark Time Spy, the entire system achieves a score of 3566 points, which is made up of 3199 graphics points and a good 10,205 CPU points. In Cinebench 2024, the system receives 119 points in single-core mode and a considerable 1168 points in multi-core. In the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, there are 2862 points (single-core) and 14,607 points (multi-core). In the OpenCL graphics test, the Radeon 890M achieves a strong 39,423 points. Acemagic Retro X5 – photo gallery Acemagic Retro X5 – photo gallery

heise best lists Acemagic Retro X5 – photo gallery

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We also look at the NPU via the Procyon benchmark, although it must be said that such NPU units are quite low in performance and are primarily aimed at smaller tasks. These include background calculations, such as inserting your own image onto a virtual background during video calls. Here NPUs work much more efficiently and are therefore less power-hungry. In Procyon we run the combined AI Computer Vision benchmark. With the AMD Ryzen AI workflow, the NPU reaches 1816 points.

Away from purely synthetic benchmarks, toward real games – as befits a mini-PC modeled on a game console. To this end, we test the games Anno 1800, Counter Strike 2 and Cities: Skylines 2. With Anno 1800, in high graphics settings and with the FSR upscaler (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) activated, it is a stable 30 FPS, in medium options 52 to 60 FPS. The first-person shooter Counter Strike 2 runs in very high settings at a stable and smooth 50 FPS, but in the high setting even better at between 76 and 95 FPS on the Mirage map. Cities: Skylines 2, by contrast, remains very demanding and even on the Retro X5 does not get above 10 FPS in medium options, 15 FPS (low) or 20 FPS (very low). That makes the game unplayable.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Acemagic Retro X5?

The consumption of the Acemagic Retro X5 is between 12 and 16 W at idle, 27 to 34 W under normal use and up to 106 W under full load.

Fan: How loud is the Acemagic Retro X5?

Under light load, the fans run at a volume of 27 dB(A), but also switch off completely at idle. Under load, however, they spin up to as much as 38 dB(A) and are therefore very clearly audible and can no longer be considered quiet. At full system utilization, the temperature nevertheless remains stable at an average of 77 degrees. Acemagic Retro X5 – heat distribution heise best lists

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Acemagic Retro X5?

Windows 11 Pro in version 24H2 is preinstalled on the Acemagic Retro X5. We do not find any additional bloatware, and our routine full virus scan ends without any anomalies. Running Linux on the system also works; Secure Boot is already disabled at the factory and therefore poses no problems during installation. We test the Ubuntu-based Tuxedo OS and can use it without problems after a short setup. Our monitor's resolution is detected correctly right at startup, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio work without problems. The only issue: the PC does not reliably wake from standby.

Case: How is the build quality of the Acemagic Retro X5?

Alongside the strong hardware, the case of the Acemagic Retro X5 is one of the major highlights. As mentioned, the mini-PC is styled after a Nintendo NES, which is achieved not only through its shape but also through the gray color with red elements, such as on the power button. Accordingly, the system is a real eye-catcher – and it actually also works well as a console replacement on the TV. The build quality is flawless, even though the case is made of plastic – and especially in this price range we would usually prefer high-quality aluminum cases. The PC's packaging is also designed in a retro style and sparks enthusiasm within the team.

For maintenance or swapping components, the PC can be opened from two sides: under the rubber feet on the bottom there are four screws, after loosening which you can reach the case fan. RAM and SSD, on the other hand, are accessible from the top. To do this, you must unlock the lid on the sides via two sliding latches and pull it out sideways. After that, you reach an intermediate plate secured with four screws, which is decorated with illustrations modeled on 8-bit games. Then you have access to the internal components. We have had mini-PCs where opening the case was easier.

Price: How much does the Acemagic Retro X5 cost?

Normally, the Acemagic Retro X5 costs 1400 euros on Amazon. Currently, however, after selecting a 350-euro coupon, it is available for 1050 euros.

Conclusion

The Acemagic Retro X5 is a mini-PC that charms above all with its nostalgic design. The look and packaging modeled on the Nintendo NES immediately sparked enthusiasm in our editorial team. But the internal hardware around the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 also convinces in the test with high performance. The cooling works effectively and keeps the mini-PC below 80 degrees even under prolonged load. However, this comes with high noise emissions when the fan spins up.

The connectivity is absolutely up to date and stands out above all with USB4 as well as USB-C power supply, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0. Wirelessly, it also offers modern standards with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The overall package does, however, come with a fairly high price, especially in times of AI-boom-related price increases for flash memory. At a price beyond 1000 euros, the Acemagic Retro X5 is an appealing and powerful, but also costly, bit of fun. Minisforum UM680 Slim

Minisforum UM680 Slim

The Minisforum UM680 Slim offers top equipment at a mid-range price. Whether it can hold its own against the competition with Ryzen 7 and a fully equipped USB-C port is shown in our test.

Jonas Bettger from 01.06.2025 PROS

full-fledged USB-C port with power input and display output

good performance

case well made CONS

somewhat loud under load

case prone to scratches

Minisforum UM680 Slim in the test

The Minisforum UM680 Slim offers top equipment at a mid-range price. Whether it can hold its own against the competition with Ryzen 7 and a fully equipped USB-C port is shown in our test.

The Hong Kong-based manufacturer Minisforum offers with its UM-Slim series a range of mini-PCs with Ryzen processors from the sixth generation and fully equipped USB-C ports. This means they already cover things that many mini-PCs cannot offer. The Minisforum UM680 Slim is the cheapest member of this product line and offers a Ryzen 7 6800H, 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. It is joined by current connection types such as HDMI 2.1, which are a rarity even in higher-class mini-PCs. We tested how well the overall package proves itself in practice.

We received the test device from Minisforum.

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum UM680 Slim offer?

Inside the Minisforum UM680 Slim works a Ryzen 7 6800H with eight cores, 16 threads, a base clock of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock of 4.7 GHz. The chip dates from January 2022 and is based on the Zen 3+ architecture with the codename Rembrandt in a 6 nm process. The maximum operating temperature is 95 degrees, and the specified TDP (thermal design power) is 45 watts. The integrated graphics unit used is the already better Radeon 680M, which already allows light gaming, but more on that later. It offers twelve execution units (EUs) and clocks at up to 2.2 GHz.

In addition, the Rembrandt CPUs already support DDR5 RAM, which the UM680 Slim also uses directly. A DDR5 SODIMM module from Crucial with 16 GB and 5600 MT/s (mega-transfers per second) is used. The second RAM slot is unoccupied; in total, up to 96 GB can be installed. The main storage is a 1 TB NVMe SSD from Kingston, though in the short M.2-2230 format. It is quite fast and, according to our test with Crystaldiskmark, reaches a read speed of 4550 MB/s and a write rate of 4630 MB/s. This makes it one of the faster M.2 SSDs. Other models, however, achieve significantly higher speeds, although their immediately noticeable effects in everyday use are rather marginal. In addition, another M.2 SSD slot is available.

The Minisforum UM680 Slim has the usual USB-A ports, of which there are four in total, but only two faster ones according to USB 3.2 and two slower ones according to USB 2.0 are available. There is also a 2.5G Ethernet port, a combined headphone jack, Displayport 1.4 and the current HDMI 2.1. The special feature, however, is the already mentioned fully equipped USB-C port. In addition to its USB 4.0 specification with Displayport output, it also offers a power input via PD-in. This means you can supply the mini-PC with power via a single cable and simultaneously output an image to a monitor through it. This is particularly practical when using docking stations (best list) or monitors with an integrated USB-C power output (guide). What has been common with laptops for many years is only possible with mini-PCs in rare cases. In this case, you can do without the otherwise power-supply barrel connector.

For wireless connections, the UM680 Slim uses Wifi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which is comparatively current. A network card from Mediatek is used here – the MT7902. Wifi 7 would of course be even better, but in this price range it is not to be expected on the one hand, and on the other hand it is a difficult topic with AMD CPUs anyway. This is because there are hardly any WLAN chipsets with Wifi 7 and these are either hard to obtain or, in the case of the Intel chipsets, are not compatible with AMD.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum UM680 Slim?

In terms of performance, the Minisforum UM680 Slim is slightly above the comparable system. To better classify the performance, as always we run test runs in synthetic benchmarks. PCmark 10 starts things off – a classic office benchmark, where the UM680 Slim achieves an average of 6319 points across six runs, with peaks upward at 6417 points and downward at 6122 points. The gaming benchmark 3Dmark Timespy also plays a role, awarding the system a total of 1661 points, with graphics rated at 1461 points and the CPU at 7521 points.

In the CPU benchmark Cinebench 2024, there are 87 points in the single-core run and 697 points in multi-core. This puts the system, especially in single-core, clearly below the Minisforum UM760 Slim (single-core: 104; multi-core: 739) – the next higher model in the product line. Finally, we test the system with the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench, which gives the UM680 Slim a score of 2026 points in the single-core test and 8235 points in multi-core. The OpenCL graphics test ends with 22,571 points. These are all solid, good values, although many comparable models deliver roughly the same.

But the best benchmark result is worth nothing if the PC cannot deliver the performance in practice. Therefore we play the classic builder Anno 1800, the modern and still power-hungry city-building simulator Cities Skylines 2, as well as Counter Strike 2 at Full HD resolution. With FSR enabled in Performance mode (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) and options set to low, Anno 1800 is at least playable at over 40 FPS, sometimes even up to 47 FPS. However, the game only reaches these frame rates after about half a minute, after starting at 24 to 28 FPS. Cities Skylines 2, by contrast, is a bitter disappointment; even with the lowest graphics options, the game is unplayable at 10 FPS. To be able to play Counter Strike 2 properly, we have to set the settings to medium and then mostly get 60 to 70 FPS on the Dust 2 map. The UM680 Slim is therefore not a real gaming beast, but there is nothing wrong with an occasional round of Anno or Counter Strike. Minisforum UM680 Slim – photo gallery Minisforum UM680 Slim – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Minisforum UM680 Slim – photo gallery

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Fan: How loud is the Minisforum UM680 Slim and how high is the power consumption?

The fans of the Minisforum UM680 Slim are barely audible or measurable in normal everyday use, such as browsing. At medium load it is usually around 34 dB(A) at the case, but under load the system can really spin up and reaches about 38 to 39 dB(A) at the case and 32 dB(A) from a distance of one meter. Temperatures under load reach up to 82 degrees, although the system can hold at just 78 degrees over longer periods. At the start of a stress test with Aida64, the CPU clock is usually 3.4 GHz and then settles between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz over the course of the test. The system's power consumption is 20 to 25 watts without load. When a stress test starts, it briefly jumps to 94 watts and then drops to 73 watts, sometimes even to 63 watts. These are all normal and unremarkable results; the only unpleasant aspect is the fans spinning up strongly under full load.

Software: Which operating systems does the Minisforum UM680 Slim work with?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Minisforum UM680 Slim. However, since the outdated version 23H2 is still used, you have to download the update to 24H2, which takes some time. It can therefore be faster to put Windows 11 Pro with version 24H2 directly onto a USB stick and reinstall the operating system from there. To be able to boot from the USB stick, you must select it in the boot selection or change the boot order in the BIOS. You get there via Windows' advanced recovery options, which you can start in the system settings. After a restart, the recovery screen opens.

Getting into the BIOS proves unavoidable for installing other operating systems anyway, since Secure Boot must be disabled – otherwise there is an error message and the boot attempt is aborted. After we disabled Secure Boot, the system boots into Linux operating systems without complaint; in the test we use Tuxedo OS, which is based on Ubuntu. While Wi-Fi and audio are available after setup, Bluetooth does not work without further ado. Good news: Standby mode works properly, so you can wake the PC from it again – without the system interface crashing.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Minisforum UM680 Slim?

The silver-gray case of the Minisforum UM680 Slim is made entirely of plastic, but it is well made. There are no sharp edges or creaking components. Only the material coating seems somewhat sensitive, because after just a short time we had small scratches in the plastic.

Opening the case, for example to replace RAM or SSD, is done via the underside of the mini PC. To get to the four screws that need to be removed, you have to get the four rubber feet for vibration damping off. Since they are stuck quite firmly to the case, you may need a helper tool to carefully pry them out. Once the rubber feet and screws are removed, you can simply pry up the bottom plate with a tool at the marked spot provided for this purpose. A little care is required here, since the case fan is attached to that very bottom plate and accordingly a cable hangs from it that can easily be torn off. After that, all components are easily accessible.

Price: How much does the Minisforum UM680 Slim cost?

Normally the Minisforum UM680 Slim costs 379 euros. With our code HEISE15OFF there is a 15-euro discount, so you pay 364 euros.

Conclusion

The Minisforum UM680 Slim is a fundamentally good and attractive mini PC. In the test it shows slightly above-average performance for its price class. The equipment and ports are also impressive for the price of 364 euros. However, the mini PC's problem also comes from Minisforum and is called the UM760 Slim (test report). This costs only 20 euros more (384 euros with the code HEISE15OFF), but offers significantly more performance, better integrated graphics and otherwise an almost identical case with the same ports – including the fully equipped USB-C port for power input and video output at the same time. Minisforum has thus created better competition within its own house that costs only marginally more. The UM680 Slim is, all in all, a good and exciting mini PC, but given the small price difference and the large performance differences, we clearly recommend the UM760 Slim. Alliwava GH9

Alliwava GH9

The Alliwava GH9 is as extravagant as only a few mini PCs, promising plenty of performance in terms of looks and with its i9 at a price starting from 425 euros.

Jonas Bettger, November 6, 2025 PROS

moderate build quality

performance rather mid-range

too expensive

Mini PC in spaceship look with Intel i9 & Thunderbolt 4: Alliwava GH9 review

The Alliwava GH9 is as extravagant as only a few mini PCs, promising plenty of performance in terms of looks and with its i9 at a price starting from 425 euros.

Although we are now familiar with the manufacturer from several tests, the name Alliwava somehow sounds a bit funny to us. Nevertheless, previous models had convinced us, mostly with an excellent price for decent equipment that made other competitors sweat. With the GH9, the manufacturer is trying its hand at an unusual look – alongside promising hardware built around an Intel Core i9, 32 GB of RAM and 512 GB to 1 TB of SSD storage. All of this is available at a price of 425 euros (coupon code MHNQTHB53695). Our test shows whether the mini PC lives up to expectations.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Alliwava GH9 offer?

The Alliwava GH9 relies on the Intel Core i9-12900HK from January 2022 with 14 physical cores and 20 threads. The CPU is divided into 6 performance cores with a clock speed between 1.8 and 3.8 GHz (Golden Cove architecture) and 8 efficiency cores with a clock speed between 2.5 and 5 GHz (Gracemont architecture). The P-cores support hyperthreading, so they can process twice as many threads. The difference from the H variant is the unlocked multiplier, which means the CPU can theoretically be overclocked. It is manufactured using the 10 nm process with Intel 7 lithography. The typical TDP (thermal design power) is 45 W, and the maximum operating temperature is 100 degrees.

The integrated graphics unit is the Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 96 EUs (Execution Units), clocked at 1450 MHz. It draws on the system's RAM, which in the Alliwava GH9 amounts to 32 GB. These are two SO-DIMM modules of the older DDR4 standard, running at 3200 MT/s. This is a shame insofar as the CPU would also support DDR5 RAM – which would significantly benefit the speed of the system and the graphics unit. Alliwava GH9: RAM & SSD heise bestenlisten

In our case, a 1 TB M.2 SSD serves as storage for files. In the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark, it achieves write rates of 3207 MB/s and read rates of 3564 MB/s. These are decent values. Alliwava GH9: CrystalDiskMark results heise bestenlisten

Among the ports, the Thunderbolt 4 port and the two 2.5G LAN interfaces stand out in particular. There is also HDMI and DisplayPort. Furthermore, four USB-A 3.2 ports and an additional USB-C port are available for data transfers. The GH9 communicates wirelessly via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, which is okay. The WLAN chipset used by the computer is the Intel AX201.

Performance: How fast is the Alliwava GH9?

An Intel Core i9 always initially raises expectations of high performance. However, since the Intel Core i9-12900HK is already older and manufactured using a 10 nm process, its performance by current standards is now rather mid-range. This is immediately noticeable in the run with the Office benchmark PCMark 10. There, the GH9 achieves an average score of 6065 points, with peaks at 5999 and 6121 points. This is more on the level of a fifth-generation Ryzen 7, which can already be found in mini-PCs in the price range from 250 euros.

Moving on to the gaming benchmark 3DMark Time Spy, where the computer achieves an overall score of 1913 points, composed of 1673 graphics points and 10,278 CPU points. In particular, the CPU performance here is comparatively high given the meager PCMark score – something we can examine more closely with Cinebench and Geekbench shortly. The Iris graphics unit, by contrast, lags well behind AMD's Radeon 780M. And the older Radeon 680M also performs better here.

In Cinebench 2024, we can check the CPU's performance in single-core and multi-core. In single-core, the GH9 achieves 99 points, and in multi-core 686 points. The single-core performance in particular is not bad, but also not outstanding. For example, a Minisforum UM760 Slim (review) priced at 400 euros also reaches 106 points in Cinebench. In the cross-platform Geekbench 6 benchmark, the GH9 achieves 2399 points (single-core) and 11202 points (multi-core). The OpenCL graphics test ends with 15,786 points. Alliwava GH9 – photo gallery Alliwava GH9 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Alliwava GH9 – photo gallery

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The appearance of the Alliwava GH9 simply screams gaming. So of course we have to play some games on it here. We start these classically in Full HD. In Anno 1800, with FSR (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) enabled, the game is quite playable at 30 FPS on low settings. The medium options also run similarly well at 28 to 30 FPS. High settings are then too much of a good thing and noticeable stutters occur. The classic toaster test Counter Strike 2 runs really well on the machine, with up to 108 FPS on low settings, mostly 89 FPS. On medium graphics options it is mostly 60 to 69 FPS. On high settings, however, the stutters become too great for a first-person shooter. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt runs on the system at 39 FPS on low settings, and less well at 30 FPS on medium options. The city-building simulator Cities Skylines 2 remains unplayable. To make matters worse, the game also crashes after a short time on very low settings.

Power consumption: How high is the power draw of the Alliwava GH9?

At idle, the GH9 draws only 9 to 12 W. Under full load, however, the mini PC happily takes up to 80 W. When using individual applications in everyday use, such as a browser, it is up to 29 W.

Fan: How loud is the Alliwava GH9?

Unfortunately, the Alliwava GH9 cannot convince in the test with low noise levels; the system becomes up to 42 dB(A) loud under full load, measured with a smartphone close to the case at an ambient noise level of 12 dB(A). Even at idle, the fan starts up directly at 25 dB(A), and when running programs this value rises to 32 dB(A).

The CPU temperature unfortunately does not benefit from this noise level either; the cooling can only barely keep the i9 in check. Thus, in a one-hour stress test with Aida64, i.e. full utilization, our test system exceeds the 98-degree mark. In the long run, that is far too high, even if mobile hardware is fundamentally designed for higher temperatures.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Alliwava GH9?

The Alliwava GH9 uses Windows 11 Pro in version 23H2. The update to 24H2 takes some time, which is why it can be worthwhile to reinstall Windows directly with this version.

Case: How is the build quality of the Alliwava GH9?

The most striking feature of the Alliwava GH9 is the case design. The mini PC comes in a hexagonal design reminiscent of a spaceship. On the back it has two protruding plastic parts that are reminiscent of wings. The lettering "Mod 01, Cyberpunk" is emblazoned on the case. The machine can be used upright but also laid flat. We are rather moderately convinced by the build quality of the case. The material feels somewhat thin and is easily twisted. The ports always sit straight, and the power button sits properly in the case. Alliwava GH9: Opened case heise bestenlisten

The PC can be opened via the two screws located on the back above the ports. This is comparatively quick and easy. After that, one half of the case still has to be detached from the rest of the PC, which in turn is very difficult. In the test, we only managed this with force and broke off a plastic hook in the process. The case can also be closed again without one of these four hooks, but it is not pretty.

Price: What does the Alliwava GH9 cost?

Normally, the Alliwava GH9 costs around 469 euros in the configuration with 32/512 GB. With the code MHNQTHB53695, however, the price drops to 425 euros. The variant with twice the SSD capacity currently costs 455 euros with the same code.

The mini PC is also available on Amazon, but there it is considerably more expensive at 659 euros.

Conclusion

In the end, the Alliwava GH9 cannot win our hearts in our test. There are too many major points of criticism for that. It starts with the far too high noise level and the nevertheless excessive heat development, which indicates insufficient cooling. Above all, however, performance is the problem, because the i9 is not a disaster in itself. But for the asking price of 425 euros (code MHNQTHB53695), the performance is too meager, because cheaper systems already deliver similar performance. In this respect, the GH9 is mid-range here, but it commands upper-range prices. Here you get the same performance and equipment for less money – or even more. The build quality is also not impressive, but not a total failure either. Overall, the complete package of the GH9 simply does not fully convince. Sure, Thunderbolt 4 and 2x 2.5G LAN are positive highlights, but that is not enough to earn the computer enough plus points. If the PC drops further in price, it could develop into a quite usable choice, but at present we would prefer other models. With the points of criticism mentioned, we award three out of five stars in the test.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or may not be possible. We link to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences. Geekom IT13 Max

Geekom IT13 Max from EUR 1,276.68

The Geekom IT13 Max is a well-equipped upper-class mini PC with plenty of computing power and numerous ports.

Jonas Bettger from 23.08.2026 PROS

two USB4 ports, one of them with PD-in

two 2.5 Gbit ports from Intel and Wifi 7

very stable cooling without throttling

tool-free opening, good maintainability

Linux runs without adjustments CONS

only HDMI 2.0, no 4K at 120 Hz

second M.2 slot only with SATA speed

RAM limited to 64 GB

fan permanently audible

The Geekom IT13 Max is a well-equipped upper-class mini PC with plenty of computing power and numerous ports.

Geekom's IT series has been one of the established names in the mini PC market for years. The IT13 Max fits in here and relies on an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H with 22 threads, plus either 24 GB of RAM with a 500 GB SSD or 16 GB of RAM with a 1 TB SSD. The computer is generous with its interfaces: two USB4 ports with 40 Gbit/s, one of them with power delivery input (PD-in), six USB-A ports, an SD card reader, two HDMI outputs, and two network ports with 2.5 Gbit/s. Up to four monitors can run simultaneously, and Wifi 7 is on board. That is a top-tier configuration and equips the system for many use cases.

In terms of price, the IT13 Max sits at 735 euros (code HEIT13X8) in the upper segment, while the barebone variant costs 459 euros from the manufacturer. In the test, we answer the questions of how fast, how quiet and how efficient the mini PC runs and whether the price is worth it.

The test device was provided to us by Geekom.

Specifications: What hardware does the Geekom IT13 Max offer?

At its heart is the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, the top model of the Meteor Lake H series from December 2023. Intel manufactures the chip using its in-house Intel 4 process, which corresponds to the 7 nm class, and relies on a big.Little design with six performance cores (Redwood Cove) and eight efficiency cores (Crestmont). Only the P-cores support hyperthreading, resulting in 22 threads. There are also two separate low-power E-cores, bringing the processor to 16 cores in total. When idle, it switches off the compute tile completely and saves power.

The clock speed ranges from 1.4 GHz to 5.1 GHz, with the E-cores reaching a maximum of 3.8 GHz. There is 24 MB of L3 and 18 MB of L2 cache. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) or base power (PBP) is 45 W, with short-term peaks of up to 115 W (MTP) allowed. Intel specifies the maximum operating temperature as 110 °C. Intel vPro Enterprise is on board, which enables remote maintenance in corporate networks.

The graphics unit is an Intel Arc iGPU with eight Xe cores, 128 execution units and a clock speed of up to 2350 MHz. It is based on the Xe-LPG architecture and is therefore significantly more powerful than the old Iris Xe units.

Our test device comes with 24 GB of DDR5-5600 in two SO-DIMM slots, plus a 500 GB Kingston NV3 in M.2 2280 format with PCIe 4.0 x4. Officially, the IT13 Max accepts up to 64 GB, and both RAM slots are occupied. For storage, there is a second M.2 slot in 2242 format, but with SATA connectivity only – that interface holds back any modern SSD. Crystaldiskmark measures 5435 MB/s read and 3028 MB/s write for the Kingston. These are good, but not top values for PCIe 4.0. Geekom IT13 Max: Crystaldiskmark heise best lists

The port list is generous. At the back there are two USB4 ports with 40 Gbit/s each and DisplayPort signal, one of them with PD-in. There is also one USB-A with 10 Gbit/s, an aging USB-A 2.0, two HDMI 2.0 outputs, two RJ-45 jacks with 2.5 Gbit/s (Intel i226-V) and the barrel jack for the external 120 W power supply (19 V/6.32 A). At the front and side there are four more USB-A ports with 10 Gbit/s, a 3.5 mm jack for line-in and line-out, and an SD card reader. Up to four displays can run in parallel. However, HDMI 2.0 instead of 2.1 is no longer a highlight in 2026 and limits 4K to 60 Hz.

Wireless connectivity is provided by an Intel BE200 with Wifi 7 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4 – the current state of the art. There is a mount for a Kensington lock in the case and a Vesa mount for 75x75 and 100x100 mm is included.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom IT13 Max?

In PCmark 10, the IT13 Max with Workflow 1.x averages 7412 points, with individual runs ranging from 7055 to 7562 points. With the newer Workflow 2.0, the average is 8953 points, with outliers from 8720 to 9072 points. For Office, browsers and video conferencing, this is more than sufficient, and parallel applications do not slow the system down either. Developer UL Solutions points out that the two versions are not comparable with each other, as they use different test scenarios. For the time being, we therefore test every test device with both workflows, for which we use an archived version of the program for 1.x.

Geekbench 6 confirms the impression: 2430 points in the single-core test and 13,343 points in the multi-core test. This puts the Core Ultra 9 185H on par with a Ryzen 7 255 H, as used for example in the GMKtec Nucbox K12, but it plays a somewhat stronger hand in single-core performance. In the OpenCL test, the Arc graphics reach 39,059 points – a very good value for an integrated unit and clearly above what Radeon 780M systems achieve.

In Cinebench 2024, the Core Ultra 9 185H reaches 892 points in the multi-core test and 108 points in the single-core test. This puts its multi-core result at the level of current eight-core competitors, and the many threads pay off noticeably in rendering and video editing. The single-core rating, by contrast, is only average – here the age of the Redwood Cove cores shows.

3Dmark Time Spy reports 3904 points overall, of which 3507 are graphics points and 10,921 CPU points. The high CPU rating shows the strength of the 22 threads, while graphics performance places it between Radeon 780M and Radeon 890M. That is enough for older titles and esports games in Full HD, while demanding new releases require reduced details and upscaling. Geekom IT13 Max – photo gallery Geekom IT13 Max – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Geekom IT13 Max – photo gallery

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The Arc graphics are enough for games in Full HD, but require concessions on details. Counter Strike 2 runs on Dust II at medium settings with 2x MSAA at an average of 83 FPS (frames per second). The range extends from 105 FPS in narrow alleys to 45 FPS in open scenes with many visible players. At high details with 4x MSAA, the value drops to 57 FPS, but it remains smooth nonetheless.

We test Anno 1800 in Full HD with FSR 1.0 in "Performance" mode (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) in a city with 631 inhabitants. At low details, the game runs mostly at the 60 Hz limit of V-Sync, and we measure 59 FPS on average. Medium details yield an average of 44 FPS, though with a wide range: broad city overviews push the frame rate down to 30 FPS, while distant views over water reach 60 FPS. At high details, only 27 FPS remain on average, and in extreme close-ups within a block of houses the value falls to 15 FPS. For Anno, the low detail level is therefore recommended.

Cities Skylines 2 remains clearly unplayable at under 10 FPS – the title fundamentally overtaxes integrated graphics units.

AI: How good is the NPU of the Geekom IT13 Max?

The Core Ultra 9 185H comes with a third-generation Intel NPU (Neural Processing Unit) rated at 11 TOPS (trillion operations per second). That leaves it well short of the Copilot+ requirement of 40 TOPS – Microsoft's local AI features do not run on this system.

In the Procyon AI Computer Vision 2.0 benchmark with OpenVINO and Int8 calculations, the NPU reaches 358 points. The Arc graphics, using the same backend with FP16, scores 351 points. The values are therefore almost on par, though the two runs use different data types and are only conditionally comparable. The NPU's advantage lies less in speed than in lower power consumption.

In Procyon AI Text Generation with Llama 2 13B via the NPU, the system scores 202 points at 4.29 tokens/s (processed text units per second) with an average time to first token of 14.23 s. That is too slow for everyday chatbot use. Local language models via LM Studio continue to rely on the GPU and CPU anyway.

Power consumption: What is the power draw of the Geekom IT13 Max?

At idle, the IT13 Max draws 10.5 W from the wall; during load pauses, package power drops to 7 to 12 W. In games we measure 55 W, and under full load with Aida64 up to 77 W. The included 120 W power supply therefore has ample headroom.

The 32-minute stress test shows a cleanly defined behavior: for just under a minute, the processor runs in the short-term boost (PL2) at 50 to 52 W, with the P-cores clocking at 3.79 GHz and the E-cores at 2.79 GHz. After that, the system throttles down as planned to the sustained limit (PL1) of exactly 45 W and holds it for the entire remaining runtime. The P-cores settle at 2.0 GHz, the E-cores at 1.4 GHz, and the low-power cores at 1.5 GHz. Three performance profiles are available in the BIOS; we measured using the standard profile.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom IT13 Max?

The fan runs continuously. At idle we measure around 31 dB(A) (A-weighted decibels); in everyday use the noise levels off at about 34 dB(A) and remains audible. Under full load the level rises to up to 38 dB(A). That is not a record, but it is not whisper-quiet either – a Minisforum AI X1 470 runs noticeably more restrained. Annoying effects such as cyclical ramping up and down do not occur; the noise remains steady.

Thermally, the cooling is convincing: during the short boost phase the CPU reaches peaks of 83 °C, after which the package temperature stays nailed at 74 °C over 30 minutes of sustained load, with minimal fluctuations between 73 °C and 75 °C. Thermal throttling does not occur; power limiting is handled solely via the PL1 limit. The SSD heats up to a maximum of 56 °C. After the test ends, the processor cools to 55 to 58 °C within seconds. In the BIOS, the fan can only be adjusted within limits via three fixed TDP profiles.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Geekom IT13 Max?

Windows 11 Pro version 26100 comes preinstalled. The BIOS dates from May 13, 2026 and is therefore current. Setup with a local account succeeds, but after the first start extensive updates are pending, which take some time.

Linux also runs without problems. In the test we use the KDE spin of Fedora. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the correct screen resolution are detected immediately, and the computer also wakes from standby without problems. Secure Boot is disabled by default, so there is no need to go through BIOS settings. Geekom provides a support page with drivers and BIOS updates.

Case: How is the build quality of the Geekom IT13 Max?

The case is identical to that of the IT13 and IT15 and measures 136 x 50.1 x 132 mm. The build quality of the plastic case is flawless; nothing creaks or wobbles. However, the matte black attracts fingerprints and smudges. Geekom IT13 Max – opened case with components heise bestenlisten

When opening it, Geekom has clearly improved. The computer can be unscrewed from below, and the screws sit directly in the rubber feet – they loosen by hand, entirely without tools. Annoying intermediate layers like those in the older IT11 and IT12 models are gone. Afterwards, both SO-DIMM slots, the two M.2 slots and the Wi-Fi module are exposed. Maintainability is therefore very good, although the mainboard still has to be removed for fan cleaning.

A Kensington lock secures the computer against theft, and the Vesa mount for 75x75 and 100x100 mm is included. Geekom grants a three-year warranty.

Price: How much does the Geekom IT13 Max cost?

With our code HEIT13X8, the IT13 Max costs 735 euros – either with 24 GB RAM and a 500 GB SSD or with 16 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD. The code is valid at the manufacturer and at Amazon. The manufacturer also offers a barebone variant for 459 euros, and Amazon has a 32 GB version for 999 euros. Despite the cost explosion in DDR5 memory, the price is fair for a system of this class.

Conclusion

The Geekom IT13 Max convinces above all with its variety of ports: two USB4 ports with PD-in, six USB-A ports, a card reader, two 2.5 Gbit ports and Wi-Fi 7 make a well-rounded package. The cooling works exemplary stably, there is no thermal throttling, and maintenance succeeds without tools. Linux also runs cleanly right away.

Weaknesses remain: The Core Ultra 9 185H is over two years old, the NPU with 11 TOPS is not enough for Copilot+, HDMI 2.0 is outdated, the second M.2 slot is limited to SATA speed, and more than 64 GB RAM is not possible. The fan, which is audible at all times, also clouds the impression.

For 735 euros, the overall package is still coherent. Anyone who wants more graphics performance should go for the Minisforum AI X1 470 – but pays significantly more for it. Ouvis F1K

Ouvis F1K

The Ouvis F1K comes with a sleek case and a Ryzen 7, which promises a lot of performance. We have extensively tested whether the PC is powerful and yet quiet.

Jonas Bettger from 02/19/2025 PROS

sleek design with an elegant glass top

good accessibility of the case interior

meager performance for a Ryzen 7 8845HS

loud under full load

no firmware download option

The Ouvis F1K comes with a sleek case and a Ryzen 7, which promises a lot of performance. We have extensively tested whether the PC is powerful and yet quiet.

The Ouvis F1K is the modified variant of the Ouvis F1A we have already tested and relies on a Ryzen processor instead of an Intel Ultra. It also offers 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage. As with the Intel model, the case comes in an extravagant look with a glass top. Whether the performance is also appropriate for the price of 613 euros, in addition to the looks, is revealed in the test.

The test device was provided to us by Geekbuying. However, the mini-PC has not been available there for some time.

Specifications: What hardware does the Ouvis F1K offer?

The Ouvis F1K relies either on an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, as in our test device, or optionally on a Ryzen 7 7735HS – a refresh of a chip from the previous generation. The 8845HS is an eight-core processor with 16 threads and operates at up to 5.1 GHz with a base frequency of 3.8 GHz. It is manufactured in AMD's Zen 4 architecture based on 4-nm technology, which brings the same 780M iGPU (integrated graphics unit) as the previous generation. It is based on the RDNA3 architecture with 12 cores and a clock speed of up to 2700 MHz.

It draws on the RAM in the mini-PC, since as an integrated graphics unit it does not have its own video memory. At 16 GB, this is adequately sized, if not generous. The replaceable SO-DIMM module from Kingston uses the DDR5 standard at a speed of 4800 MT/s (mega-transfers per second), which is comparatively slow in the premium segment. Accordingly, the performance of the integrated graphics also suffers somewhat, but more on that later.

A 1 TB NVMe SSD from TWSC is used as mass storage. In practice, according to Crystaldiskmark, it writes at values around 1892 MB/s and reads at 2558 MB/s. These are solid, if not spectacular, results for NVMe storage, although higher transfer rates are hardly noticeable in everyday use – but we still want to mention it. The RAM and SSD are in turn replaceable, and there is also another slot available for each, so expansion can take place without removing the existing modules. Especially with the RAM, use in dual-channel mode also brings advantages for performance.

In terms of ports, Ouvis offers four USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 support, and two HDMI 2.0 ports. There is also an RJ45 Ethernet port with a Realtek 8852BE controller, a combined headphone/microphone jack, and a 19-V DC barrel connector for power supply with the included 120-watt power supply. This is the model from Kuanten that we are already familiar with.

For wireless connections, reasonably current standards are available with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, although for a premium-segment mini-PC at least Wi-Fi 6E should be included. As it is, the Wi-Fi standard in particular is disappointing.

Performance: How fast is the Ouvis F1K?

In terms of performance, the results are largely the typical ones of a Ryzen 7 with Radeon 780M, although the results tend to be somewhat below our expectations. Instead of being better than the Ryzen 7 of the previous seventh generation, the 8845HS in the Ouvis F1K even lands below most comparable systems in the PCmark 10 benchmark. But first things first: with the factory-installed driver version, the mini-PC achieves only a sad 5780 points. Only after manually updating the graphics drivers, whose outdatedness was not reported to us automatically, does the system reach acceptable values. The score then lands at around 7300 points, with fluctuations toward 7400 points and drops to 6890 points. This shows a wide range in performance, ranging from insufficient to good, although on average we can only give it a satisfactory rating.

The 3Dmark Time Spy benchmark does not necessarily reveal a contrary picture here. Instead of over 2000 points in the system score, as is usual for this CPU in other systems, the F1K here sits at only a meager 1798 points. The graphics score, at 1576 points, is also roughly below average for the 8845HS. The Geekbench values for the CPU, at 2039 points (single-core) and 8501 points (multi-core) as well as 24165 points (OpenCL), tell a similar story.

As a result, gaming performance is also below the level of past mini-PCs with Radeon 780M. For example, Counter Strike 2 runs in Full HD at high graphics settings at around 40 FPS, while other systems easily stay permanently above 60 FPS. Cities Skylines 2 stutters along at just under 20 FPS even with reduced settings. Overall, then, gaming is possible with the F1K, but not as good as on other systems – which then cost the same or even less. Compared with the Intel system, performance is accordingly comparable to minimally better. Ouvis F1K – photo gallery Ouvis F1K – front

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – back

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – fan grille

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – side surface

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – top

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – bottom

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – fan in the bottom panel

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – interior of the case

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – RAM & SSD in detail

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – SSD slot

heise bestenlisten Ouvis F1K – case screws integrated into the rubber foot

heise bestenlisten

Fan: How loud is the Ouvis F1K and how high is the power consumption?

The Ouvis F1K relies on a small fan in the bottom panel, which quickly becomes clearly audible during stress tests with Prime95 or AIDA64. Specifically, we're talking about almost 50 dB(A), measured with a smartphone app directly at the case. At a distance of about one meter, however, it's still over 40 dB(A). These are clearly excessive values given the performance on offer. At the same time, the CPU temperature immediately climbs to 88 °C at the start of the stress test and stays there. The clock rate jumps between 4.2 GHz and 4.8 GHz; the 8845HS doesn't even attempt to reach its boost speed of 5.1 GHz. The case, however, remains pleasantly cool on the outside even after prolonged load.

When the desktop is idle, on the other hand, the fan spins only at low speed and is barely audible, though it occasionally spins up again. Power consumption then is 15 to 20 watts, whereas under full load it can rise to up to 70 watts. The temperature is then around 45 to 55 °C. Adjusting the fan speed or even setting up a fan curve with Fan Control is not possible. The same applies to reading out the fan speed using AIDA64 (Heise Download); that is not possible either.

Which operating systems does the Ouvis F1K work with?

The Ouvis F1K ships with Windows 11 Pro. Our test unit had version 23H2 preinstalled, which we updated to 24H2. Unfortunately, there are no driver or firmware updates or download options for reinstalling them. To adjust the BIOS options, the EFI can be accessed by pressing the Delete key. It is a classic, old-fashioned-looking American Megatrends BIOS, but it offers quite a lot of options. Ouvis F1K: Boot view heise bestenlisten

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Ouvis F1K?

The Ouvis F1K shines in build quality and design. Quite literally, because the entire top surface is made of glass. It looks premium, as does the aluminum chassis with rounded edges. However, the top surface also attracts fingerprints enormously, and the brushed aluminum is susceptible to fine white scratches. The plastic underside has a rounded recess with a honeycomb grille, beneath which the fan is hidden. Unfortunately, it is only glued on, so in our case the fan came loose inward after some operating time when we picked it up. Praiseworthy are the screws for opening the case, which are integrated directly into the rubber feet. This means the mini-PC can be opened entirely without tools – a simple solution that manufacturers should definitely copy. The mini-PC can be distinguished from the F1A by its additional fan grille on the side.

With a product weight of just under 850 g, the mini-PC is among the heaviest air-cooled models. The case dimensions of 147 × 147 × 55 mm are also very large compared with the competition.

Price

Currently, the Ouvis F1K with Ryzen 7 7735HS costs about 470 euros. With our test configuration featuring the Ryzen 7 8845HS, 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD, it comes to 613 euros. For the equipment on offer, that is still reasonably fair; the case in particular impresses with its premium look and high-quality build.

Conclusion

The Ouvis F1K leaves us with a somewhat mixed picture. While the design and especially the glass top are an eye-catcher, the hardware underneath does not deliver the expected performance. For a Ryzen 7 8845HS, the results in benchmarks and games are clearly below the usual average and therefore insufficient. In addition, the fan noise under load is too high. The SSD delivers solid but not overwhelming transfer rates. Praise, on the other hand, goes to the clever screw mounting of the case within the rubber feet. At a price of 613 euros for our configuration, however, one must clearly state: yes, the price in itself is quite fair. But there are cheaper systems that deliver similar performance, or equally expensive mini-PCs that offer more performance. So anyone not necessarily drawn to the unusual case is much better off with alternatives such as the Awow HA7 (best list). Geekom GT1 Mega

Geekom GT1 Mega

The Geekom GT1 Mega is the top model of the Intel-based GT series, and our expectations are correspondingly high. Our test shows just how good the GT1 Mega actually is.

David Bettger from 18.03.2025 PROS

high-quality build CONS

graphics weaker than the AMD counterpart

fan loud under load

CPU with high power consumption

The Geekom GT1 Mega is the top model of the Intel-based GT series, and our expectations are correspondingly high. Our test shows just how good the GT1 Mega actually is.

Geekom is now primarily known for its enormously powerful mini-PCs in the premium segment. The GT1 Mega is supposed to push this even further to the top and be the brand's best mini-PC with an Intel processor. It therefore offers an Intel Core 9 Ultra with ARC iGPU (integrated GPU), 32 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD. Our test shows how well the GT1 Mega performs in practice and where it also falls behind the competition.

Update (December 26, 2025): The Geekom GT1 Mega has not been spared a price increase in the wake of the RAM crisis. After the variant with 32 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD was last available for 764 euros, now only the 16 GB version with 1 TB is available – and at the slightly higher price of 799 euros. That is not only 35 euros more expensive, but RAM and storage have also been halved. A variant with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD currently costs 854 euros directly from the manufacturer with the code GK22J5.

Specifications: What hardware does the GT1 Mega offer?

With the Geekom GT1 Mega, the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H represents the spearhead of the first Core Ultra generation. Its 22 threads come from six performance, eight efficiency and two low-power cores. Here one can already suspect that the CPU is a real power hog. Even the base power consumption is between 28 and 45 watts. Geekom advertises a power consumption of only 64 watts, but up to 115 watts is actually possible. The iGPU is an Intel ARC with 2.35 GHz and eight cores. The chip also has an integrated NPU for AI applications.

For RAM, there is 32 GB at 5600 MT/s (mega transfers per second) in the form of two SO-DIMM modules with the DDR5 standard. According to the manufacturer, these can be upgraded to a maximum total memory of 64 GB. We tested operation with 96 GB of RAM, which worked without any problems after the mini-PC took a long thinking minute during the first boot. The modules installed at the factory come from Crucial.

The SSD used in the M.2-2280 form factor is 2 TB in size and also comes from Crucial. More precisely, this is the Crucial P3 Plus model. It can be replaced without any problems, and there is also a free slot for a shorter M.2-2242 SSD. In the test with the Crystaldiskmark storage benchmark, the SSD performs well with 3510 MB/s reading and 3190 MB/s writing, but it is by no means one of the fastest models.

With the size of the GT1 Mega, Geekom took the opportunity to give the PC plenty of ports. These include two 2.5-gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 4.0 Type-C ports and two HDMI 2.0 ports. Especially in this price and performance class, we think at least one DisplayPort connection would have made sense, as it would allow higher refresh rates.

For power supply, the PC uses a 120-watt power supply with a DC barrel connector. The small power plug symbol above the Thunderbolt port does not actually mean that this port can be used to power the device. If you try to do so with a power supply or a power bank, in our case the Sharge 170 power bank from Shargeek, the PC shuts down at the latest when the login screen is reached. Instead, this USB Type-C port supports power-on with a maximum of 15 watts. This means all devices on this port remain powered even after the mini-PC is switched off.

For wireless interfaces, the GT1 Mega shines with the latest available standards: Wifi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. This is possible thanks to the Intel CPU, since the only Wifi 7 chipsets so far come from Intel or Mediatek. While the latter are hardly available, the Intel BE200 chipsets can currently only be used with Intel processors.

Performance: How fast is the GT1 Mega?

With 22 threads at up to 5.1 GHz, the Core 9 Ultra delivers brutal performance on paper, which our benchmarks can only confirm. In PCmark10, the GT1 Mega achieves a top result with an average of 8062 points. Likewise in Cinebench R24 with 113 points in single-core and 927 points in multi-core. The 4099 points in 3Dmark Time Spy, composed of 11858 CPU and 3675 graphics points, are also excellent. Finally, the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6. It certifies the GT1 Mega with 2571 single-core and 13878 multi-core points as well as a score of 39946 in the OpenCL benchmark for the iGPU. Geekom GT1 Mega – photo gallery Geekom GT1 Mega – front

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – back

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – top

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – bottom side

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – screws under rubber feet

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – intermediate plate in the case

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – opened case

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – mainboard

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – RAM modules from Crucial

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – M.2 SSD Crucial P3 Plus

heise bestenlisten Geekom GT1 Mega – top-down view

heise bestenlisten

In the past, however, it has repeatedly been shown that a good result in benchmarks does not necessarily mean good everyday performance or performance in games. With so much power, we therefore naturally cannot leave out our game tests in Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines 2. In Anno 1800, we achieve an average of 53 FPS (frames per second) in an advanced endless game at low settings and with FSR (FidelityFx Super Resolution) enabled in "Balanced" mode. We therefore raised the graphics settings a little. At high graphics settings with FSR still enabled, we still get a good 23 FPS on average. So it can be said that Intel has clearly caught up with AMD here and that the integrated graphics are now slowly becoming "gaming-capable."

In Cities Skylines 2, we start a new game with the medium graphics settings preset and dynamic resolution scaling in "Automatic" mode. We only achieve a stable 17 FPS, but that is still sufficiently smooth for this type of game. In return, the game's beautiful details simply come into their own better.

We carried out all tests in the preset "Normal" performance mode. This can be changed in the BIOS; to do so, you can use the advanced startup menu in Windows.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the GT1 Mega?

The CPU clock therefore reaches a maximum of 5.1 GHz in boost and then drops after a short time first to 2.6 and then to 1.5 GHz. Under load, consumption is initially 111 watts and, as the clock speed drops, falls to around 78 watts. The CPU alone draws up to 70 watts under load. That is already very high for a mini PC, especially since AMD Ryzen chips in systems costing half the price offer comparable performance at significantly lower power consumption. In this respect, the Intel Ultra 9 in the GT1 Mega pays dearly for its good performance in several respects. Even under prolonged load, maximum temperatures remain below 90 °C and are therefore completely harmless.

In performance mode, the clock speed remains permanently between 2.6 and 2.9 GHz, but the fan is correspondingly louder. Power consumption barely changes, at a maximum of 114 watts. Here we are already hitting the limit of the included 120-watt power supply. Temperatures in this mode increase by only a few degrees and briefly exceed the 90-degree mark.

In eco mode, the CPU clock starts directly at only 2.6 GHz and then drops to 1.5 GHz. Consumption here is only a maximum of 85 watts.

If you use the mini PC normally and have a few programs open, consumption is around 30 watts.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the U58 mini PC?

The mini PC comes with Windows 11 Pro and the usual preinstalled programs. A full system scan with Windows Defender found no viruses. Installing Linux is likely to be of interest to one or two people as well. We were able to install and use Proxmox on the built-in SSD without any problems, by selecting the USB stick in the advanced startup menu.

Fan: How loud is the GT1 Mega and how high is its power consumption?

As already mentioned, the GT1 Mega has three different performance profiles: Eco, Normal and Performance. The "Normal" mode is set at the factory, which in our view is also the best choice. Under load, we measure a noise level of 23 dB(A) at a distance of one meter and 37 dB(A) at the case. We use Aida64 for the load tests and measure with a smartphone. At idle it is about 18 dB(A) and the fan is off. During normal use with a few programs open, the GT1 Mega can also briefly reach up to 30 dB(A) at the case. The mini PC draws somewhat more power in Performance mode and therefore has to cool the CPU better. As a result, the fan spins up noticeably faster and we measure a noise level of 45 dB(A) at the case. The Eco mode is recommended for anyone with sensitive hearing; here the noise level under full load is 34 dB(A). We are generally positively surprised that the GT1 Mega is comparatively quiet given its extraordinarily high power consumption.

Case: How is the build quality of the GT1 Mega?

The GT1 Mega measures 135 × 132.2 × 47.1 mm and weighs 685 g. This means the standard case of the GT series has grown a bit in all dimensions. It is still matte gray and made of metal; the bottom plate and rear are made of black plastic. The build quality is excellent and the design strongly resembles an Apple Mac Mini.

With the GT1 Mega, however, RAM and SSD can easily be upgraded; all you have to do is remove the glued-on rubber feet and the screws underneath. With the metal plate beneath them, which holds the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas, caution is advised as with the previous models, so as not to cut the coaxial cables from the PCIe module.

Price: How much does the GT1 Mega cost?

In the Geekom shop, the GT1 Mega with Core 9 Ultra is available for 854 euros with 32/1000 GB. To get this price, you have to enter our code GK22J5 at checkout. On Amazon there is only one variant left with 16/1000 GB at a price of 799 euros. Both versions thus offer less memory than the previously offered configuration with 32/2000 GB. Conversely, this means the GT1 Mega has also risen significantly in price as a result of the cost explosion in DDR5 memory. Nevertheless, the price is below the roughly 980 euros quoted at the time of testing in March 2025.

Conclusion

The GT1 Mega is a powerful mini PC that offers plenty of CPU performance. The graphics unit remains the problem child with Intel as before; it has caught up with AMD but still has deficits in practice. This also makes clear that benchmark results are not everything, because there the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H performs absolutely admirably. Besides these things, the mini PC also offers excellent connectivity, whether wired or wireless. Minor drawbacks are the somewhat loud fan—though only under load—as well as the SSD speed. Especially in this price range, we are used to faster from Geekom, although the performance differences are hardly noticeable in everyday use.

Price is also a good keyword, because the system is very expensive at almost 1000 euros. With mini PCs using AMD processors, you can sometimes get nearly equivalent CPU performance and still better GPU performance for half the cost. Here you honestly have to ask yourself why you should buy the GT1 Mega, especially since, unlike AMD, it buys its good CPU performance with massive sacrifices in power consumption—under load the system draws about 111 watts.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or may not be possible. We link retailers here with whom we have generally had good experiences. GMKtec Nucbox K6

GMKtec Nucbox K6

Very good performance, many ports, and really cheap for a Ryzen 7 of the 7000 series: What is the catch with the GMKtec Nucbox K6? This review shows who this "power box" is worth it for.

David Bettger from 17.12.2024 PROS

good price-performance ratio

USB-C 4.0 with DisplayPort

RAM and SSD upgradeable

strong graphics performance CONS

Very good performance, many ports, and really cheap for a Ryzen 7 of the 7000 series: What is the catch with the GMKtec Nucbox K6? This review shows who this "power box" is worth it for.

The eight-core Ryzen 7 7840HS is fast as expected, but above all the graphics performance really convinced us. Such a performance package is a novelty in this price class for mini PCs. Currently, the K6 with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD is available from the manufacturer starting at 432 euros. However, there is still a catch—we clarify the details in this review (test date: April 26, 2024). The test device was provided to us by Banggood.

Specifications: What hardware does the GMKtec Nucbox K6 offer?

The highlight of the Nucbox K6 is the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS. This processor based on the Zen 4 architecture comes with 8 cores and 16 threads at a clock rate of up to 5.1 GHz. In addition, the Radeon 780M graphics unit (iGPU) is integrated into the chip. For a mini PC, it is not only very strong but also more powerful than counterparts in Intel processors.

It also has 16 GB of fast DDR5 memory with a clock rate of 5600 MHz as SO-DIMM modules. However, a full 8 GB of that is claimed by the GPU, so Windows reports only half as effectively usable. That is already somewhat tight and no longer entirely future-proof—with the Minisforum UM780 XTX, only about 2 GB is taken by the graphics with the same CPU.

An XITC NVMe SSD with PCIe 4.0 and 1 TB of storage is available for data. As CrystalDiskMark shows, the SSD is quite fast and reaches a read speed of 2500 MB/s, while writes are at 2100 MB/s. For a PCIe 4.0 SSD this is not a top value, but more than sufficient. The mass storage can be expanded to a total of up to 4 TB using both slots, and users can upgrade the RAM to up to 64 GB with the two slots.

The mini PC also has two Ethernet LAN ports (2.5 Gbit/s) on the rear. This also makes it possible to use it as a firewall appliance. The USB-C 4.0 port on the front can not only achieve a transfer rate of 40 GB/s but also drive a monitor via DisplayPort 1.4. This allows up to three monitors to be used at the same time. With Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, the mini PC is also up to date wirelessly.

Performance: How fast is the GMKtec Nucbox K6?

Thanks to the powerful Ryzen processor from the 7000 series, the mini PC delivers plenty of performance. In PCmark10 it reaches just under 7400 points, and in TimeSpy it achieves a proud 3200 points. In Geekbench, 2611 points are reached in single core and 11903 points in multicore. The Radeon 780M achieves a result of 32,529 points. So, alongside Office, image editing and video editing, the K6 can also handle demanding games such as Anno 1800 or Cities Skylines 2 in Full HD at high settings. Even if the graphics hold the processor back in games, the K6 is already a small gaming monster. Performance this high at this comparatively low price is currently not to be found anywhere else.

The only drawback is the 16 GB of RAM, of which effectively only 8 GB is available because of the integrated graphics. It is usual for iGPUs to occupy about 2 GB of memory, as with the Minsforum UM780 XTX (review), which is otherwise similarly equipped on the processor side—8 GB is very unusual. It is therefore advisable to go straight for the model with 32 GB of RAM if memory-intensive applications are to be used. The virus test that has been customary since the problems with the Nipogi AK1 Plus (review) found no anomalies. Mini PC GMKtec Nucbox K6 review – photo gallery Mini PC GMKtec Nucbox K6 – front

heise bestenlisten Mini PC GMKtec Nucbox K6 review – left/right side

heise bestenlisten Mini PC GMKtec Nucbox K6 review – rear

heise bestenlisten Mini PC GMKtec Nucbox K6 review – opened case

heise bestenlisten Mini PC GMKtec Nucbox K6 review – case interior

heise bestenlisten

Fan: How loud is the GMKtec Nucbox K6?

The fan of the Nucbox K6 always spins – at just under 35 decibels at a distance of one meter, that is still acceptable for light use, but it can already be disruptive for some users. Here we recommend taking a look at our review of fanless mini PCs. Directly at the case, it is already 45 decibels. Under full load, however, the noise level is extremely loud at 40 decibels at a distance of one meter and up to 65 decibels at the case, and is too much even for this performance class. The CPU reaches a maximum of 92 degrees in the stress test, but typically stays below 90 degrees, and throttles a little. The case remains cool and can be touched without any problem. At idle, the temperature averages 40 degrees. However, the fan control does a good job and only spins it up under high load – but then it really does. Overall, too loud for a mini PC, but given the high performance, it is halfway understandable.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the GMKtec Nucbox K6?

In our test, we repeatedly had problems waking the mini PC from sleep mode, so that we no longer had a picture. If you do not need this, you can still buy it and disable the function.

When it comes to build quality, the mini PC does not win any prizes. The matte gray plastic case of the GMKtec Nucbox K6 looks high-quality and feels good. Unfortunately, however, the surface in "Steel Blue" is quite susceptible, so that it visibly rubs off in some places even during transport in a backpack. Ventilation openings are placed all around the lid and bottom, and black mesh covers with additional air intakes are found on the sides. The mini PC measures 129.5 x 127.5 x 52 millimeters, and its weight is a fairly average 511 grams. For screwing it onto a monitor, there are VESA mounting points on the underside, and a corresponding mounting rail is included.

Price: How much does the GMKtec Nucbox K6 cost?

The price of normally 643 euros for the base configuration is still reasonable for the overall package of the Nucbox K6. Currently, the K6 with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD is available in the manufacturer's store starting at 432 euros (470 USD).

Conclusion

No question, the specs of the GMKtec Nucbox K6 not only sound promising, but also deliver the desired user experience. Especially the graphics performance is a big step for mini PCs. The other components are also well put together and deliver an excellent overall package. Only the fan with its noise level and the faulty sleep mode are a little disappointing. Anyone who is not bothered by this can still buy it.

If memory-intensive programs are used, you should choose the variant with 32 GB RAM or perform an upgrade at a later time. The many USB and display ports, as well as two LAN ports, are also worth highlighting.

We therefore recommend the Nucbox K6 to anyone looking for a powerful mini PC for little money and who is not put off by the loud fan. Acemagic W1

Acemagic W1

The Acemagic W1 is the quietest mid-range mini PC. Nevertheless, with the Ryzen 7 8745HS and integrated Radeon 780M as well as USB 4 Type-C, it offers a tremendously powerful configuration. We have tested it.

David Bettger, 10.06.2025 PROS

Displayport and HDMI

lots of performance

good value for money CONS

Case made of somewhat cheap plastic

Only one USB-C and Ethernet

RAM from a no-name manufacturer

Acemagic is particularly known for its budget-friendly mini PCs. The W1, also labeled Warlord Mini W1 on the packaging, is however more in the category of "powerful mid-range mini PC." At a starting price of 490 euros (code: XDR78TIH), it offers an absolute top-tier AMD SoC with the Ryzen 7 8745HS. There is also 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage. How well the supposed value-for-money hit performs in practice is shown in our test.

Specifications: What hardware does the Acemagic W1 offer?

The Acemagic W1 comes with the Ryzen 7 8745HS with an integrated Radeon 780M graphics unit. We already know the chip from mini PCs such as the Beelink SER8 (review), which impressed us very much. We have also already tested the CPU model without the appended "S" in the Minisforum UM870 Slim (review), which is actually intended only for the Chinese market. The Ryzen 7 8745HS is the official European variant and also offers eight cores and 16 threads of the Zen 4 architecture. These clock between 3.8 and 4.9 GHz, and the TDP is 35 watts – with the Chinese counterpart 8745H it is 45 watts. The Radeon 780M, based on the RDNA 3 architecture, comes with 12 CUs (Compute Units) at a maximum of 2.6 GHz. The processor supports PCIe 4.0 and RAM in the DDR5 standard with a maximum of 5600 MT/s as well as in the LPDDR5 standard with 7500 MT/s.

The installed 32 GB of RAM in the DDR5 standard offers a transfer rate of 5600 MT/s. Two 16 GB modules are installed, with the manufacturer name given exclusively in Chinese characters. Officially, it can be upgraded to 96 GB at 5600 MT/s, which we can confirm in the test.

For data storage, there is a 1 TB M.2 SSD from Rayson (model RS1D0TSSD710) in the 2280 form factor. In the Crystaldiskmark storage benchmark, it achieves a read speed of 4787 MB/s and a write speed of 4503 MB/s, so it is connected via PCIe 4 × 4. The mini PC also provides another M.2 slot, with a maximum capacity of 4 TB supported in each case.

Monitors can be connected via HDMI 2.0 (4K at 60 Hz), DisplayPort 2.0 (4K at 60 Hz) and USB 4 Type C with DisplayPort 1.4 (8K at 60 Hz). The USB-C port offers PD-out, but as usual the power supply is provided exclusively via the DC jack with the included power supply unit. The Ethernet port transfers data at a maximum of 2.5 Gigabit/s.

The wireless interfaces are somewhat outdated with Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2; at least Wifi 6E would be expected here. The chipsets used are the "Realtek RTTL8125 Gaming 2.5 GbE" for Ethernet and the "Realtek RTL8852BE" for Wifi and Bluetooth.

Performance: How fast is the Acemagic W1?

Even almost a year after its introduction, the Ryzen 7 8745HS still competes in the absolute upper class with its performance. In PCmark 10 it achieves an average of 7103 points (median: 7092 points). This makes it 5 percent slower than the 8745H in the Minisforum UM870 Slim (review), which achieves an average of 7480 points here. Cinebench R24 attests 104 points in single-core and 914 points in multi-core for the eight-core chip. In the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, it scores 2574 points in single-core and 13,085 points in multi-core. The graphics achieve a strong 29,680 points in the OpenCL benchmark there and are thus also slightly slower compared to the Ryzen 7 8745H of the UM870 Slim.

We measure gaming performance with 3Dmark Time Spy, in which the mini PC reaches 3225 points, of which 2873 points are for graphics and 10,591 points for the CPU. Games such as Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines should therefore be playable smoothly in Full HD with medium to high settings.

To test this, we started our advanced endless game in Anno 1800 in Full HD with high settings and FSR enabled in "Quality" mode. Looking at the usual 50,000-inhabitant city, we get an average of 30 FPS, with peaks of up to 37 FPS.

Cities Skylines 2 is even more demanding than Anno 1800. We therefore choose medium settings in Full HD and have dynamic resolution scaling in "Automatic" mode. In a still fresh save game with just under 12,000 inhabitants, we get an average of 15 FPS. Unfortunately, the graphics settings must therefore be turned down further for the best gaming experience.

The tests clearly show how much the difference of 10 watts TDP can matter with otherwise identical processors. The 8745HS is thus inferior in full-load applications such as games and benchmarks; in everyday use, the difference is unlikely to be noticeable. Despite all this, the performance of the 8745HS, especially in graphics, is at an absolute top level. Acemagic W1 – photo gallery Acemagic W1 – photo gallery

heise best lists Acemagic W1 – photo gallery

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Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Acemagic W1?

When idle, the temperatures of the CPU and GPU are around 50 degrees, and power consumption is between 12 and 15 watts. Under combined full load, the CPU clock first rises to 3.9 GHz and thus total consumption to 100 watts. After about ten seconds, the system stabilizes at just under 86 watts of consumption, with a CPU clock frequency of 3.7 GHz and a GPU clock frequency of 2 GHz. Occasionally there are outliers in consumption both toward 100 watts and toward 65 watts. The temperatures remain stable below 85 degrees for the CPU and below 80 degrees for the GPU. The surface of the case heats up to as much as 45 degrees, and at the cooler's exhaust it is even 64 degrees.

Fan: How loud is the Acemagic W1?

The fan is usually completely off when idle, but when it does spin up, it is only audible from very close up. Under full load, we measure 28 dB(A) at the case and still 19 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. We measure with an app on a smartphone, and the ambient noise level is around 17 dB(A). This means the W1 even undercuts the top result of the UM870 Slim. It is therefore not the quietest mini-PC of all time, but in the price range under 500 euros it is definitely the quietest. Anyone who wants it even quieter will have to spend more and buy, for example, the Minisforum UM890 Pro (review).

In the BIOS there are no adjustable fan profiles, but the power limit can be set in the three levels "Silent", "Balance" and "Performance". "Performance" is already selected as the default value.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Acemagic W1?

Windows 11 in the Pro version is preinstalled on the Acemagic W1. A full system scan with Windows Defender remains without any findings.

Installing Linux works without problems in the case of Ubuntu 24.04.1. The Ethernet connection as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio and screen resolution are recognized correctly right away. There is therefore no need to manually install basic drivers.

Case: How is the build quality of the Acemagic W1?

The matte, light gray case of the W1 is made entirely of plastic and closely resembles that of the Acemagic M1 (review). The build quality is acceptable, but a metal case would be higher quality, less sensitive and altogether significantly more durable. The silvery coating in particular is quite sensitive, both to fingerprints and to scratches. Overall, we find that the coating looks somewhat cheap.

The design is unfortunately very maintenance-unfriendly. After removing the glued-on feet, you have to laboriously take the entire motherboard out of the gray case part. Only then are the RAM, SSD and CMOS battery even accessible. The mini-PC measures 128.0 × 128.2 × 42.2 mm and weighs 521 g.

Price: How much does the Acemagic W1 cost?

With 32 GB RAM and 1 TB of storage, the Acemagic W1 costs 490 euros on Amazon if you use the 160-euro click coupon and the code XDR78TIH. Alternatively, you can also get the mini-PC via this Amazon listing at the same price, but there you have to enter the code XKDQ6437.

Conclusion

The Acemagic W1 combines strong performance and low operating noise about as well as hardly any other mini-PC. The rest of the equipment doesn't disappoint either; the plastic case is our biggest criticism of the device itself. The bigger problem here is the competition, specifically the Minisforum UM870 Slim. While the W1 already offers strong value for money at 490 euros (XDR78TIH), for a comparatively small surcharge of currently 50 euros you get a nevertheless significant increase in performance with our test winner, the Minisforum UM870 Slim. However, 50 euros is still a good bit more, so anyone who wants to save is in exactly the right place with the W1. Anyone who wants maximum performance, on the other hand, has to spend a little more, but then also has a mini-PC that performs a few percent better. In any case, we award four and a half stars in the test for a good, but not the best, overall result. Aoostar God57

Aoostar God57

Thanks to its good equipment, the Aoostar God57 mini-PC offers sufficient performance for office use. However, the performance of the integrated Radeon graphics is only conditionally sufficient for gaming.

Kai Schmerer, 07.11.2024 PROS

Good performance thanks to Ryzen 7 5700U

32 GB RAM

permanently quiet and low power consumption

Attractive LED lighting CONS

Plastic case

RAM and SSD storage can only be expanded by replacement

Aoostar God57 in review

With the God57, Aoostar offers a compact mini-PC that, on paper, with a Ryzen 5700U, 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB NVMe SSD, should offer enough performance reserves for office use. In order not to disturb the concentration of the user and office colleagues, the integrated cooling is supposed to work particularly quietly. And in terms of design, the mini-PC aims to impress with its integrated LED lighting. Whether the current price of 329 euros for the Aoostar God57 is justified is shown in our review.

Equipment: What hardware does the Aoostar God57 offer?

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U is a notebook processor that offers eight cores and 16 threads with a maximum of 4.3 GHz. The integrated graphics unit is the Radeon RX Vega 8 at 1900 MHz. The CPU was already introduced in 2021 and is manufactured by TSMC using the 7 nm process.

The memory is generously equipped with 32 GB DDR4-3200 from Lexar in the SODIMM form factor. Since it is not soldered to the motherboard, it can be replaced, with the two slots supporting a maximum kit size of 64 GB. The integrated 1 TB M.2 SSD, designated Asint AS806, is based on PCIe 3 and achieves a read/write performance of about 3500/3100 MB/s in the test with Crystal Disk Mark. This shows significantly lower performance than PCIe 4 variants, which for example achieve 4900/4200 MB/s in the Geekom AE7 (review). Despite the lack of thermal paste and cooling plate, the temperature of the SSD remains so low even under intensive load that no throttling occurs. However, the God57 does not offer another M.2 SSD. So anyone who wants to expand the SSD storage must replace the existing SSD with a model with a larger capacity. The mini-PC can handle SSDs up to 2 TB.

For a wired network connection, the Aoostar God57 offers a 2.5 Gb/s and a Gigabit Ethernet port on the rear. The mini-PC supports wireless connections with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Thanks to USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort connections, users can drive up to three monitors with up to 4K at 60 hertz with the mini-PC. There are also two USB-A ports on the rear as well as a USB-C port for power supply with the included 65-watt power supply.

On the front there are additionally two USB-A slots and a USB-C port with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), as well as a headphone jack. The mini-PC, on the other hand, does not offer an SD card reader.

As a special feature, the Aoostar God57 offers RGB LEDs which, in the default setting, glow in different colors through the openings on the top of the case in the form of a lettering (Cyberpunk) and elongated as well as dotted patterns. The blades of the built-in fan with a diameter of 8 cm serve as a reflective surface and amplify the lighting effect. With a switch on the front, however, other colors can also be set, which light up either permanently or pulsating. The LED animation can also be switched off (see also image gallery). Aoostar God57 Mini-PC Aoostar God57 with LED lighting

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Aoostar God57 with LED lighting

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Aoostar God57: Crystal Disk Mark with deactivated clearing of the write cache

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Aoostar God57: Kubuntu 24.04

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Aoostar God57: read performance USB stick with large files

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Aoostar God57: read performance USB stick with small files

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Performance: How fast is the Aoostar God57?

As expected, the Aoostar God57 with Ryzen 5700U does not deliver top results in the benchmarks. In the PCmark 10 benchmark test it reaches 5353 points, in 3Dmark Time Spy it is 1439 points. Thus the Aoostar God57, as expected, does not achieve the good performance of mini-PCs equipped with a significantly more powerful Ryzen 9 7940HS, which achieves 7513 points in PCmark 10 and 3435 points in 3Dmark in the Geekom AE7. With Geekbench 6, the Aoostar God57 reaches 1632 in the single-core and 6743 in the multi-core test. The GPU test determines 15969 points. For comparison: the Ryzen 9 7940HS in the Geekom AE7 comes to 2694 and 13687 points and 34087 points in the GPU test.

The preinstalled Windows 11 Pro runs completely without complaint and very briskly; we perceive no loading delays or stutters. The system comes without bloatware, the virus test does not trigger. Given the price and the high performance reserves, the mini-PC is a reliable, fast companion for many years for home office applications, but also suitable for some games. However, this definitely does not include demanding titles such as Cities Skylines 2, which is very graphically demanding. Even at very low graphics options in Full HD it stutters. It runs better in Anno 1800, which is smoothly playable with Fidelity FX activated, but loses some of its beauty. With high settings, titles such as Portal 2 run in the test – such games are fun, but one must keep away from the rest despite the strong integrated AMD graphics. More requires a reasonable dedicated GPU or a stronger integrated graphics unit such as the Radeon 780M.

How high is the power consumption of the Aoostar God57?

In everyday desktop operation, the power consumption without a monitor is between 7 and a maximum of 35 watts (Prime95), on average it is mostly 20 watts.

Can Linux also be installed on the Geekom AE7?

The Aoostar God57 ships with Windows 11 Pro. Anyone who wants to be absolutely sure about spyware should completely reinstall the operating system via a USB stick. If you create this with the Rufus tool (Heise Download), you can also use it to disable the mandatory online account in the standard setup. Alternatively, the online requirement can also be bypassed during setup by entering oobe\bypassnro in the command line window (Shift key+F10).

However, when reinstalling Windows 11 Pro 24H2, not all components are recognized. But after installing the AMD chipset drivers, this shortcoming is fixed. We also still need to install drivers for the Wi-Fi card. Aoostar offers BIOS updates, drivers and setup disks in its support area.

The Aoostar is compatible with common Linux distributions. We were able to install Ubuntu 24.04, Kubuntu 24.04 and Deepin V23 RC2 (Debian) on the mini PC without any problems.

Fan: How loud is the Aoostar God57?

Anyone looking for a quiet mini PC is in exactly the right place with the Aoostar God57. The built-in fan with a diameter of 8 cm is practically inaudible. Even under heavy CPU load, for example with Prime95, it does not get louder than when browsing the internet.

How is the build quality of the Aoostar God57 and is mounting on a monitor possible?

At first glance, the square case with an edge length of 13.3 cm and a height of just under 6 cm appears to be well made. The power supply does not whine and the ports sit flush with the case. However, it is made entirely of plastic, so the tactile feedback does not inspire enthusiasm. Access to the case is possible from above and below. Removing the top cover, which is secured with four Torx screws, reveals the large fan and heatsink. The Phillips screws of the bottom cover are hidden behind the glued-on rubber feet. If you loosen these, you can remove the cover and gain access to the SSD and memory slots.

The Aoostar God57 offers the option of mounting a VESA bracket on the underside so that the mini PC can be attached to the back of a monitor. However, a VESA bracket is not included in the scope of delivery. It contains only a mini manual as well as an HDMI cable and a power cable for the power supply.

Price: How much does the Aoostar God57 cost?

The Aoostar God57 currently costs 329 euros at Geekbuying in the variant with 16 GB RAM. In our configuration variant with 32/1000 GB, it is 389 euros.

Conclusion

The Aoostar God57 mini PC completely convinced us in the test. It is primarily recommended for users looking for a quiet, powerful and energy-efficient office PC. In terms of performance, it cannot keep up with the best mini PCs, as expected, but at 329 euros it also costs significantly less. The God57 is less well suited for gaming. Apart from this use case, the Aoostar, with the performance it offers, is more than good for almost all applications and, thanks to 32 GB RAM, still offers enough headroom for the future. Alliwava H90 Pro

Alliwava H90 Pro

An eighth-generation Ryzen 7, plenty of RAM and modern ports: that is what the Alliwava H90 Pro offers for a price of 435 euros.

Jonas Bettger from 13.10.2025 PROS

Build quality could be improved in places

CPU temperature under load above 94 degrees

slow no-name SSD

Mini PC with Ryzen 7 & DisplayPort 2.1 for 8K at 60 Hz: Alliwava H90 Pro in review

An eighth-generation Ryzen 7, plenty of RAM and modern ports: that is what the Alliwava H90 Pro offers for a price of 435 euros.

Mini PC manufacturers from the Far East in particular are known for their sometimes idiosyncratic brand names. Alliwava is no exception here and has so far been rather unknown. In the past, however, we had already tested two devices from the manufacturer, which above all impressed with an excellent price-performance ratio. Both, however, were budget to mid-range systems. With the Alliwava H90 Pro, the manufacturer is now throwing a stronger mini PC into the ring with an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32 GB RAM and a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD. Whether this one can also shine with a good price-performance ratio will be shown in the test.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Alliwava H90 Pro offer?

The Alliwava H90 Pro uses an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS from the eighth Ryzen generation, based on the Zen 4 architecture (codename Hawk Point), as its processor. This is an eight-core chip with 16 threads, with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of 4.9 GHz on individual cores. The chip's TDP (Thermal Design Power) is 35 W and its maximum operating temperature is 100 degrees. The CPU, introduced in July 2024, is manufactured using TSMC's 4 nm process. Unlike the 8845HS, the 8745HS lacks an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) as an AI accelerator, although its fields of application are sometimes scarce – the additional chip is therefore more of a bet on the future. As an integrated graphics unit, the processor relies on the well-known and powerful Radeon 780M, which was already included in the previous generation. It clocks at 2600 MHz and offers 12 CUs (Compute Units).

For DDR5 RAM, two 16 GB SO-DIMM modules from Kingbank with 4800 MT/s are used. This means the mini-PC does not exhaust the more powerful maximum configuration for SO-DIMM DDR5 RAM at 5600 MT/s. The iGPU, which also uses the RAM as video memory, could suffer as a result. An NVMe drive labeled H12025051903 in the M.2-2280 format serves as the SSD, but its manufacturer is not specified more precisely. There is no more detailed information in the system itself either; here only "NVME 1 TB" is listed. In the Crystaldiskmark storage benchmark, it is unable to impress in any case, reaching only just under 1099 MB/s for reading and 1600 MB/s for writing. Both are better than a SATA SSD, but in the price range above 400 euros we would expect higher speeds. Alliwava H90 Pro: Crystaldiskmark heise best lists

We are pleased that Alliwava uses DisplayPort 2.1, which makes resolutions of 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz possible. HDMI 2.1 is also on board, as is a front-side USB-C port that supports the DisplayPort protocol. Unfortunately, USB4 as the new, high-quality standard is missing. In addition, with new mini-PCs we would like one of the USB-C ports to also be usable for powering the system. With laptops this has been an absolute standard for many years, but with mini-PCs it is a rarity. Since even inexpensive systems under 200 euros have offered this function in the past, it cannot necessarily be due to the price.

Apart from that, the Alliwava H90 Pro otherwise provides four USB-A ports according to USB 3.2 Gen2x2 as well as two 2.5G Ethernet ports. Wirelessly, the system works with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, with the MediaTek MT7922 Wi-Fi chipset being used.

Performance: How fast is the Alliwava H90 Pro?

When it comes to performance, things get serious: here the Alliwava H90 Pro has to show what it is capable of. In the classic office benchmark PCmark 10 there is an initial surprise: the mini-PC achieves an average score of 6116 points, with peaks at 6164 and 6029 points. Even for the somewhat weaker Ryzen 7 8745HS, that is clearly too meager.

In 3Dmark Time Spy, the result is not good, but not catastrophic either, at 2511 points. The CPU reaches 9503 points, the iGPU 2511 points. Especially compared with other 8745HS systems, such as the Chuwi AuBox 8745HS or the Acemagic W1, these are fairly average values, even if we had hoped for more from the CPU. Here, however, the 8745HS simply seems to be fundamentally inferior to other chips.

Let us take a closer look at the CPU with Cinebench 2024, where we get 96 points in single-core and 753 points in multi-core. These, in turn, are very weak results even for the 8745HS. In the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, the results are 2308 points (single-core) and 10960 points (multi-core). The OpenCL graphics test gives 19,917 points.

To summarize the situation fundamentally, the performance on its own is absolutely fine; it is still a powerful machine. However, since we never consider the mini-PCs we test in isolation but always compare them with other systems of comparable price or comparable equipment, we must state quite clearly here: the PCmark results are a disaster for an 8745HS and, to put it mildly, miles away from the best scores. Usually this chip reaches 7100 points or better in PCmark. The results in Time Spy, on the other hand, are solid, while in Cinebench the system falls behind again. With such values, the cooling in particular is interesting, which we will discuss in the "Fans" section. Alliwava H90 Pro – photo gallery Alliwava H90 Pro – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Alliwava H90 Pro – photo gallery

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We then conclude the Performance section with a few game tests in Full HD, including Counter Strike 2. At high settings without the FSR upsampler (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution), we reach up to 82 FPS on Mirage. The city-building simulator Cities Skylines 2 runs at medium settings with a city of 120,000 inhabitants at 14 FPS, and at very low options at least at 21 to 25 FPS. Nevertheless, we would consider it rather unplayable. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt flickers across the screen at medium settings without FSR at 40 FPS. Finally, we tested the building game Anno 1800, which runs at about 30 FPS without FSR at medium options. With FSR (Performance mode), it is then 40 FPS, and at low settings with FSR even 50 FPS.

Fans: How loud is the Alliwava H90 Pro?

Let's move on to cooling. The noise level of the Alliwava H90 Pro is not a problem in any case; the system sometimes remains silent when idle. Unfortunately, when the fan is stopped, we hear a slight electrical whine from the PC case, which is particularly noticeable at low ambient noise levels. In everyday application use, such as using the browser, the fan runs at 25 dB(A). Under full load via the Aida64 stress test, it reaches a maximum of 35 dB(A). These are absolutely acceptable results.

Unfortunately, what stands out under load is this: the CPU temperature climbs to well over 94 degrees. While the CPU initially still runs at just under 4.0 GHz at an uncritical 53.6 °C, the temperature shoots up to 83.5 °C within 14 seconds, whereupon the system already reduces the clock speed to 2.6 GHz. Shortly afterward, the processor reaches a critical value of 95.4 °C. To counteract overheating, the system gradually throttles performance further and further—first to 2.1 GHz and after four minutes to a low point of just 1.6 GHz. The CPU remains there for seven minutes. As a result, the temperature drops to 83 degrees and from minute 11 the chip can clock at 2.5 GHz again—which, however, immediately leads to a rise to 88 degrees. We suspect that this strongly fluctuating clock behavior is the main cause of the sometimes weak performance observed earlier in the benchmarks.

The power consumption of the Alliwava H90 Pro is between 16 and 19 W (idle), 27 W (light load, such as browsing), and 76 W (full load), depending on the load.

Software: Which operating systems does the Alliwava H90 Pro work with?

The Alliwava H90 Pro comes with Windows 11 Pro, but with the older feature update 23H2. So right after setup we have to install the update to version 24H2, which was the latest available version for this system at the time of testing. The new 25H2 is on its way, but so far it is not available here. Before we can install the 24H2 update, Windows asks us in the update settings to reinstall the current version of Windows in order to repair system files and components. The subsequent restart takes over three hours, during which only the "Restarting" loading screen is visible. The 24H2 update is only triggered after that. Our usual full virus scan using Windows Defender finds nothing suspicious.

Linux also runs on the system. First, however, you have to find your way into the AMI BIOS and disable Secure Boot. Then you can select the boot medium via the boot menu. In the test we try the Ubuntu-based Tuxedo OS as well as the Fedora-based Nobara Linux. Both systems work right away, detect the resolution correctly, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio are usable. Waking from standby mode also succeeds with both Linux distributions.

Case: How is the build quality of the Alliwava H90 Pro?

The Alliwava H90 Pro comes in a plain case made partly of aluminum and partly of plastic. The basic shape is reminiscent of premium mini PCs, above all the Apple Mac Mini. The external dimensions are 130 × 128 × 52 mm, and the weight is 360 g. The black plastic top has a stylish ribbed texture, but the material feels a bit thin and creaks. The bottom is also made of plastic; a round base with a rubber ring as a buffer serves as the contact surface. This creates more distance between the mini PC and the table for better airflow from below. The four easily accessible screws are also located there. Once they are loosened, the lid comes off easily with a short shake. This makes all components quickly accessible. The plastic bottom also feels rather less high-quality, creaks, and the rubber ring is cut uncleanly. That is nitpicking at a high level, but it is a level we are slowly but surely reaching with a price beyond 400 euros.

Price: How much does the Alliwava H90 Pro cost?

Normally the base variant of the Alliwava H90 Pro with 32/512 GB costs about 479 euros. With the code MHNQTHB53695, however, it is currently only 435 euros in the manufacturer's shop. The variant with a 1 TB SSD (our test configuration) is priced at 509 euros, but currently costs 465 euros with the same discount code.

Conclusion

The Alliwava H90 Pro is undoubtedly an interesting computer. In particular, the comparatively low price and the modern Ryzen 7 make the system attractive. However, the mini PC has a few cooling problems, which lead to mediocre to poor results, especially in PCmark but also in Cinebench – at least compared with other 8745HS systems or mini PCs in the same price range. For example, in the stress test we sometimes observe CPU temperatures above 95 degrees, which subsequently leads to a drop in CPU clock speed. That in turn is likely the cause of the poorer performance.

There are also individual points for improvement in the build quality. In addition, the SSD used, which is not specified in more detail, is not convincing – a better brand-name model would be desirable here. The modern ports, above all Displayport 2.1, are a positive. However, with this mini PC too we miss a USB-C port that can also provide power to the system, as has long been standard with laptops. All in all, a solid, exciting system with potential for more. Deducting our criticism, we award four stars.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) is subject to hurdles or not possible. We link here retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences. T8 Plus

T8 Plus

Cheap and yet good: that is the T8 Plus mini PC. For under 150 euros, thanks to 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD, you get flawless performance for office & home office. We clarify all the details in the review.

Jonas Bettger from 02/21/2025 PROS

lots of storage for the money CONS

no USB-C

meager graphics performance

SSD only at SATA speed

only Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2

repairability somewhat difficult

Mini PC T8 Plus review: good, cheap and quiet

Normally, overly cheap mini PCs are a load of junk, with compromises in terms of performance that are too great. The T8 Plus mini PC shifts the point where junk & co. begin a bit further back again. From 170 euros you get a computer here with the Intel N100 familiar to us, together with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage. Even more expensive mini PCs around 300 euros use this fairly new and power-efficient processor – quite a statement, then, to place it in such a cheap computer. At first glance, therefore, a really sensible affair. Is it all too good to be true? We answer these questions in the following review.

The test device was provided to us by Geekbuying. There the T8 Plus is no longer available compared with the test date of 03/13/2024, but alternatively on Aliexpress or under another name on Amazon.

Equipment: What hardware does the T8 Plus offer?

The T8 Plus relies on the popular Intel N100 – a spiritual descendant of the budget processors from the Celeron series. With its four cores and four threads at a maximum of 3.4 GHz, it certainly doesn't set any performance records, but it keeps consumption notably low at under 10 watts. What helps deliver good system performance is the 8 GB of RAM at its side plus an M.2 SATA SSD from 256 GB by FuturePath. According to our test in the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark, this writes and reads only at SATA speed of around 480 MB/s. For RAM, the manufacturer surprisingly uses DDR5 chips, but these are permanently soldered as LPDDR5-4800.

This therefore cannot be expanded. For the SSD, an M.2 slot is used, into which you can therefore also insert different storage. To do so, however, you have to completely disassemble the mini PC; accessibility is anything but convenient. Many small Phillips screws, covers and the mainboard must be removed before the slot is accessible.

In terms of connectivity, the mini PC shows a very generous side, especially given its size and price. We particularly like the three HDMI ports, which consequently allow the use of up to three monitors. The two Ethernet ports for stable and fast internet are by no means a given even in more expensive territory. This means this mini PC is also suitable straight out of the box and without an adapter (guide) for use as a firewall appliance. With the wireless interfaces, on the other hand, we are disappointed by Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2; the outdated standards are forgivable given the price, however.

Performance: How fast is the Aoostar T8 Plus?

The quad-core Intel N100 processor is one of the weaker representatives, but computes noticeably faster than the earlier Celeron chips. With a 6-watt TDP, efficiency is its creed. In everyday use, the system is pleasantly brisk, and we do not notice any stuttering. The 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM is sufficient for most office tasks, but can also quickly become tight depending on the application. Even four 4K videos opened in parallel in Chrome on YouTube push the RAM to 95 percent utilization. By default, around 2.5 GB is in use. Mini PC T8 Plus: Removed intermediate cover heise bestenlisten

In the PCmark 10 benchmark, the small computer reaches just under 3150 points – a respectable value. For an N100, the result is slightly above average. The same processor in the fanless Asus ExpertCenter PN42 scored around 14 percent worse with 2700 points. A perfect example to illustrate the influence of RAM on system performance, because the Asus model has clearly too little with 4 GB.

In the 3Dmark Time Spy benchmark, the T8 Plus achieves 371 overall points, with the CPU managing 2454 points and the graphics only 323 points. Not only does this once again highlight the currently low performance of integrated graphics cards, but also that the Intel models in particular are weaker. Graphics-intensive tasks such as rendering or newer games should therefore be avoided. Expecting that, however, would be presumptuous for a price of under 150 euros.

The preinstalled Windows 11 Pro comes with the usual bloatware apps such as Spotify and co., but no additional software is present. During setup, it is noticeable that Windows 11 does not require a Microsoft account even on this Far East mini PC. Our system is also preset to English, and during the installation of updates, the prompts not to switch off the PC stubbornly remain in English even after manually changing the language. Our usual virus test ends without any issues. Mini PC T-Bao T8 Plus – photo gallery T-Bao T8 Plus: front view

heise bestenlisten Mini PC T-Bao T8 Plus: left-side view with three HDMI ports

heise bestenlisten Mini PC T-Bao T8 Plus: rear view with three USB-A and two Ethernet ports

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Fan: How loud is the Aoostar T8 Plus?

In our field test, the noise level of the Aoostar T8 Plus is so low that it is barely measurable. If we really push the mini PC to its limits and fully max out RAM and CPU, we can elicit a completely everyday-usable 30 decibels at peak from the small case. Most of the time, though, you would rather think the fan is broken, it works so quietly. Respect for achieving this so well with such a small case and thus a tight internal layout. After all, many components that heat up are packed close together and heat each other up further, so the cooling must be sophisticated.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Aoostar T8 Plus?

Particularly striking about the T8 Plus is the extremely compact case measuring just 80 × 80 × 47 millimeters. It is therefore by no means as small as the CSL Tiny Box, but still pleasantly compact. Moreover, we prefer having more RAM and are happy to accept a somewhat larger case for that. At 300 grams, the weight is nicely low, so the mini PC is easy to transport.

The build quality is completely acceptable, even if the smooth, silver-coated plastic case looks somewhat cheap. The coating also does not seem to be particularly durable, so we notice minor scuffs on the edges after only a short time. Overall, however, the quality and equipment of the system are absolutely appropriate for the price. Mini PC T8 Plus: opened case with SSD heise bestenlisten

We would like to add a follow-up to the original review regarding access to the interior of the case: opening the mini PC is not entirely easy due to its enormous compactness. The four outer Phillips screws are easy to loosen, but the ones under the plastic cover can only be reached with a very long bit. Here we use our electric precision screwdriver (bestenliste), which offers numerous bits, including particularly long ones. Getting there is quite fiddly, however, since the case is fitted together in several places. Accordingly, we have to pry it open somewhat forcefully, which carries risks for the integrity of the components. Mini PC T8 Plus: case opening only possible with long bits heise bestenlisten

Once these not-uncomplicated hurdles have been overcome, the PC can simply be taken out. It is a small, double-sided board measuring 79 x 79 x 30 mm. A small fan sits on it, and on the other side the SSD in the more compact M.2 2242 format. Beneath that is the Wi-Fi card. As mentioned, the RAM is soldered on – but with such compact dimensions there is no other option, since the case is already too small for SO-DIMM modules. You have to be careful not to tear off the cable of the CMOS battery mounted in the lid.

Different manufacturers: Are the Aoostar T8 Plus and Acemagician T8 Plus the same mini PCs?

The T8 Plus is sold under numerous brand names with identical equipment. We tested the product under the earlier brand name T-Bao (Tianbao), but this brand has since been renamed Aoostar. It is also sold under other brands belonging to other companies. Presumably one manufacturer produces this mini PC on behalf of other companies, which then stick their branding on it and sell it in their own shop. Thus we also find alternative offers of the mini PC on Aliexpress, where it currently costs 170 euros. For an N100 mini PC with 16 GB RAM, a really good price Acemagician T8 Plus – photo gallery Acemagician T8 Plus

heise bestenlisten Acemagician T8 Plus – front

heise bestenlisten Acemagician T8 Plus – top

heise bestenlisten Acemagician T8 Plus – rear

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In addition, we recently received the T8 Plus from the mini PC manufacturer Acemagician, which is offered in the configuration with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD for 150 euros on Amazon, but is no longer available in the meantime. Visually, apart from the logo and additional stickers, it resembles the Aoostar T8 Plus that we tested on 13.03.2024. In terms of performance it is not one hundred percent identical, even though the same N100 is used. Compared with our original model equipped with only 8 GB RAM, the system achieves slightly higher results in the PCmark 10 benchmark of 3250 points (instead of 3150 points) on average. In Time Spy from 3Dmark, however, with a score of 367 points (Aoostar: 371) for the overall system, 320 points (Aoostar: 323) for graphics and 2270 points (Aoostar: 2454) for the CPU, it delivers lower values.

In Geekbench it manages 1183 points (single core) and 3028 points (multi core). The integrated SSD is somewhat faster than in the original model and comes from KingSpec. Specifically, it is the NT-512 in the M.2-2242 format. The write speed is 511 MB/s, the read rate is 561 MB/s compared with 480 MB/s for the Aoostar T8 Plus. So even though the PCs are the same models on the hardware side apart from the SSD, the test nevertheless shows that the manufacturers optimize differently on the software side. In any case, the 16 GB RAM here brings no boost to system performance. The noise level is somewhat higher than the Aoostar, but under load at 34 to 36 dB(A) at the case it remains at a tolerable level. At a distance of one meter, only 29 dB(A) can be measured.

Otherwise notable: Acemagician sticks significantly more stickers on the case, which point to WhatsApp support or setup tips. Aoostar delivered the tidier appearance here.

Price: What does the Aoostar T8 Plus cost?

Currently you can get the Aoostar T8 Plus with 16/512 GB from 170 euros on Aliexpress (select the correct configuration variant). In the past, however, the device was already available for 100 euros.

The Acemagician model with N100, 12 GB RAM and a different 256 GB SSD is currently no longer available. With 8/256 GB and the newer N150, you can get it for 149 euros (select the discount coupon) on Amazon.

Conclusion

The T8 Plus got quite a lot right. Besides the completely sufficient everyday performance and the still adequate RAM, this above all includes the really good price. For 170 euros you have a really attractive little horse in the stable here. The fact that some manufacturers stumble even at 170 euros is shown, for example, by our test of the CSL Tiny Box. Not so here, which is why the nevertheless small mini-PC gets a clear recommendation.

Thanks to the available variety of ports with three HDMI and two Ethernet, an astonishingly large number of use cases open up for the low price, around smart home hubs with Home Assistant (guide), firewall appliances or office use. Overall, all we can say is: hats off.

Acemagician TK11-A0

A mini-PC with a fingerprint sensor, Thunderbolt and built-in speakers: that is the Acemagician TK11-A0, which is currently available with an i5 for 389 euros. What else it can do is shown in the test report.

Thomas Joos of 20.01.2024 PROS

Thunderbolt port

Fingerprint sensor for Windows Hello

Monitors with up to 8K resolution usable CONS

meager graphics performance

fan too loud (at intervals)

bulky case

Acemagician TK11-A0 in review

Mini-PCs are as popular as never before. The small computers with efficient laptop processors are not only handy in their mostly cube-shaped cases, but also stay cool and quiet. This means they do not heat up rooms too much and are primarily suitable for places where there is little space or where the PC should not be visible. They are also less bulky than laptops. The performance spectrum ranges from the absolute entry level around Celeron and Athlon to Core i9 and Ryzen 9.

With an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-11390H, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage, the focus of the Acemagician TK11-A0 is more in the home office area. However, it offers some highlights that we want to explore in more depth in the following sections. For example, an external graphics card can be connected to the rare and extremely fast Thunderbolt 4 port, which significantly boosts graphics performance. This then even makes it possible to play high-end games. For a fast login via Windows Hello, the unusual but useful fingerprint sensor helps. We show the details and possibilities in this test report.

The entry-level model is a variant with an i5-11320H, 32 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage. The version tested here differs only in the processor (i7 instead of i5) and the amount of RAM (16 instead of 32 GB). Unfortunately, it is currently out of stock, and a return to the shelves is uncertain.

We received the mini-PC from the manufacturer for review. By way of explanation of the names: the seemingly independent brands Acemagic, Acemagician and Nipogi all belong together under the company Mini-PC-Union. The individual products sometimes resemble one another in appearance, nomenclature and equipment. This mini-PC was the first from the Acemagician brand that we tested (test date: January 19, 2024).

Equipment: What hardware does the Acemagician TK11-A0 offer?

The Acemagician TK11-A0 comes in various equipment levels with 11th-generation Intel processors. Our review sample relies on an i7-11390H (maximum clock speed 5 GHz), 16 GB of RAM (DDR4-2666, 2x 8 GB installed) and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. The currently available i5 variant relies on an i5-11320H, a full 32 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD.

The mini-PC is expandable; thanks to two RAM slots, up to 64 GB in total can be installed. For the M.2 slot (NVMe-2280), 2 TB is the maximum storage size, and the integrated module can be swapped out for it. For storage, the device also offers an additional 2.5-inch slot for drives with up to 2 TB of capacity as well. This means an existing hard drive with data can be carried over to the new system. The scope of delivery includes a VESA mount and the somewhat clunky 65-watt power supply.

Most mini-PCs have only limited ports. That cannot be said of the TK11-A0, however, because there is a colorful bouquet of connections on the front and back. The highlight is unquestionably the Thunderbolt 4 port on the front – until now a rarity on the mini-PC market and therefore also the first in one of our tests to have one. With it, along with the DisplayPort connection and the HDMI 2 port, a total of three monitors can easily be connected. The Thunderbolt port and the DP port each offer 8K. In addition, the Thunderbolt 4 port can drive an external graphics card and transfer data at 40 GB/s. Since there is only one LAN port, the mini-PC unfortunately cannot be used as a firewall appliance for OPNsense, Pfsense or other open source firewalls. Mini-PC Acemagician TK11-A0 – ports on the back heise bestenlisten

Also very unusual for a mini-PC is the built-in speaker, which according to the manufacturer offers stereo and surround. Of course, the sound quality is predictably weak, but it is sufficient for office use. That saves you separate external speakers. Truly astonishing and even rarer to find is the fingerprint sensor integrated into the case, which can be used with Windows Hello for login. It stores up to ten fingerprints, so several people in a family or office can work with the PC. Under Windows 11 Pro, that is no problem.

As for the wireless interfaces, the Acemagician TK11-A0 has the current wireless standards on board with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 – good that corners were not cut here.

Performance: How fast is the Acemagician TK11-A0?

First of all, it should be said that this PC also does not come with an installation medium. The same applies to the sticker with the Windows key that used to be stuck on the cases of laptops and PCs. Nowadays that is unusual, since the product key is stored in the BIOS and is automatically retrieved during a new installation. However, anyone who wants to back up the key can use tools such as the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder. As for the installation files for Windows 11, you can simply download them from Microsoft.

Getting the computer up and running is as easy as usual. After startup, the setup of Windows 11 Pro begins. The operating system is already preinstalled. For sign-in, it is best not to establish a network connection yet. Then setup without a Microsoft account is possible. All drivers are preinstalled.

After we have set everything up and log in to the Acemagician TK11-A0 for the first time, its extremely practical fingerprint sensor stands out right away. This allows users to sign in conveniently and securely with Windows Hello without a password. In everyday use, we would not want to be without it. Unfortunately, mini-PCs with this capability are few and far between.

Now let us move on to checking performance. In the PCmark 10 benchmark, the device with i7 reaches a score of just under 4700 points. The i5 variant is about 180 points lower. That is not an outstandingly good result, but by no means bad or underpowered either. At least that applies to the processor side, with which you will have a lot of fun in everyday home office and office use. That will also still apply in a few years, because the performance reserves should be sufficient even under more demanding successor versions of Windows 11. However, the system's longer-term usability is also ensured by the good expandability of RAM and SSD.

On the graphics unit side, however, our enthusiasm is noticeably dampened. Intel chips are traditionally weaker than the AMD competition, which also applies here. So no miracles should be expected from Intel's Iris Xe chip, which limits the field of use to office applications. Demanding video editing or gaming is out of the question here.

In this particular case, however, that can be changed abruptly. Because the TK11-A0 offers another rarity: a Thunderbolt port. Such ports are so fast that the speed enables the connection of an external graphics card (guide). This allows graphics performance to be increased significantly, which further secures the system's future-proofing. Because if the computer should ever run out of steam, it can be given a performance boost this way.

Fan: How loud is the Acemagician TK11-A0?

One downside noticed in operation is the fan noise. It is somewhat annoying at times, as it keeps switching on at intervals. This means we have phases of almost complete silence and then suddenly noise again. Overall, the fan is barely noticeable or disruptive most of the time. It is a shame that the fan management opts for intermittent cooling instead of running the fans continuously at a low level. By comparison, however, some Geekom models known for loud fans, such as the Geekom AS5 or Geekom AS6 (review), were significantly louder.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Acemagician TK11-A0?

The mini PC comes in a square design that almost looks a bit clunky, especially when compared with other, much more compact mini PCs such as the GMKtec Nucbox M2 (review). Of course, users do not expect design highlights from a mini PC.

The case is made of black/dark gray matte plastic. Due to the matte texture and the color, it attracts fingerprints and grease smudges extremely quickly. The ports are distributed across the front and rear. The power button also serves as the fingerprint reader and lights up green after startup. All in all, the mini PC makes a high-quality impression, even if it is not overly attractive. With the included VESA mount, the mini PC can be screwed to the back of a monitor.

Price: How much does the Acemagician TK11-A0 cost?

The Acemagician TK11-A0 is currently available on Amazon in the i5 variant with 32 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage for 439 euros. The equipment is decent for that, not least because of the Thunderbolt port. In the i7 configuration tested here, the model is unfortunately currently sold out everywhere. We fear that all variants of the TK11-A0 may soon be discontinued in favor of newer model series or a successor. The mini PC has already been on the market for more than two years. In general, however, availability from Far Eastern manufacturers is a difficult topic and can change within a short time. The development is therefore unpredictable.

Conclusion

The Acemagician TK11-A0 is a well-equipped mini PC, with the Thunderbolt 4 port and the fingerprint sensor standing out in particular. While the former enables longer-term operation of the system by connecting an external graphics card, the latter is an extremely pleasant convenience in everyday use.

The system's performance is average to good, the design somewhat clunky. Performance is in the solid mid-range, but it falls far short in graphics power. The potential of the graphics ports is remarkable, as displays with up to 8K resolution are possible via Thunderbolt and DisplayPort. That is not only impressive but also a rarity even among far more expensive mini PCs.

Unfortunately, the fan is somewhat annoying at times, causing noise at intervals, though compared with Geekom devices it otherwise remains limited. All in all, the mini PC offers solid value for money and pleases with its conveniences. The fingerprint sensor in particular immediately won our hearts. Acemagic M1

Acemagic M1

On paper, the Acemagic M1 promises strong hardware that is unusual for 336 euros. Whether it can live up to that promise in terms of performance is revealed in the test.

Jonas Bettger from 07.06.2025 PROS

flat case

low noise level

comparatively low power consumption CONS

worse performance compared to the competition

somewhat cheap, scratch-prone plastic case

The Acemagic M1 promises strong hardware on paper that is unusual for 336 euros. Whether it can live up to that promise in terms of performance is revealed in the test.

While until a few months ago mainly mini PCs with fifth-generation Ryzen processors were represented around 300 euros, more and more systems with Ryzen CPUs from the 6000 series are now pushing into this price range. This is also the case in the Acemagic M1, which for 336 euros offers a Ryzen 7 6800H flanked by 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. The advantage of this sixth generation: the already stronger integrated Radeon 680M graphics unit as well as higher efficiency. We tested whether the Acemagic M1 also meets this expectation.

We received the test device from the manufacturer.

Equipment: What hardware does the Acemagic M1 offer?

The Acemagic M1 comes with an AMD Ryzen 6800H, which is an 8-core CPU with 16 threads that operates at 3.2 to 4.7 GHz. The chip comes from the sixth generation (January 2022) with the code name Rembrandt based on the Zen3+ architecture, manufactured in 6 nm. At the time, it was marketed as an upper-class chip, among other things for gaming notebooks; in the meantime, its performance is more likely to be classified in the mid-range. Further specifications are a maximum operating temperature of 95 degrees, and the thermal design power (TDP) is 45 watts. Graphics are handled by the already more modern integrated Radeon 680M graphics unit, which brings a noticeable improvement but is still below the gaming-capable 780M. The 680M works with twelve execution units (EUs) and clocks at up to 2200 MHz.

A noticeable leap compared to the fifth generation is the support of fast DDR5 RAM, which also benefits the graphics unit, since it also uses the system memory due to the lack of its own VRAM. In the M1, a single 16 GB DDR5 SODIMM module from Juhor with 4800 MT/s (mega transfers per second) is used, which is slower than in the similarly equipped Minisforum UM680 Slim. An additional RAM stick can easily be added via the second slot, allowing up to 64 GB in total. For mass storage, there is a 512 GB NVMe SSD from Rayson connected via PCIe 3.0. In the test with the Crystaldiskmark storage benchmark, it offers a write rate of 1744 MB/s and a read speed of 1783 MB/s. Here too, there is an additional, unoccupied storage slot, so the system can be upgraded to a total of up to 4 TB.

On the connection side, the system offers a full six USB-A ports, all of which are specified at least to USB 3.2 Gen1. There is also an Ethernet port, a barrel connector for the power supply, as well as HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 and USB-C according to USB 3.2 Gen2.

For wireless connections, the Acemagic M1 at least relies on Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. In this price range that is still standard, but we would still like to see Wifi 6E, especially since the direct competition offers it more and more often. After all, the standard dates back to 2021, so it already has a few years under its belt. The network card is the Realtek 8852BE.

Performance: How fast is the Acemagic M1?

To quantify the performance of mini-PCs, we put them to the test in various synthetic benchmarks and, where it makes sense on the hardware side, play a round with them. The performance of the Acemagic M1 can be described as rather below average. Compared to other systems with the Ryzen 7 6800H, the result from PCmark 10 is significantly lower at 5901 points. The direct competitors Geekom A6 (review) and Minisforum UM680 Slim (review) reach 6400 to 6500 points here. This picture continues when looking at 3Dmark Time Spy, where the Acemagic M1 reaches 1257 points for the overall system, 1111 points for the graphics and 4984 points for the graphics. In particular, the CPU score is practically halved compared to the competition (Geekom A6: 9265; Minisforum UM680 Slim: 7521).

Let us now put the CPU under the magnifying glass in the form of Cinebench 2024: While the single-core performance with a score of 83 points (UM680 Slim: 87; A6: 90) does not deviate so extremely, the deviation in the multi-core test is all the greater. There, the Acemagic M1 reaches a score of only 517 points compared to the nearly 700 points of the Geekom A6 and Minisforum UM680 Slim. This picture is also confirmed by the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6, where single-core performance lands at 1919 points and multi-core at 7617 points. Especially in the latter, the deviation compared to the Geekom A6 is almost 3000 points. The system completes the OpenCL graphics test at 21,275 points and is thus also below the values of the other two mini-PCs.

Overall, the Ryzen 7 6800H, as it performs in the Acemagic M1, corresponds more to a Ryzen 7 5800U with improved graphics, and thus remains clearly below expectations. Acemagic M1 – photo gallery Acemagic M1 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Acemagic M1 – photo gallery

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In practice with Anno 1800 as well as Cities Skylines 2 and Counter Strike 2, the mini-PC is likewise only moderately convincing in Full HD. Since Cities Skylines was already unplayable on the better Minisforum UM680 Slim, it is no surprise that this is also the case with the Acemagic M1 – at the lowest settings and with Fidelity FX Super Resolution (FSR) enabled, we get only a paltry 7 FPS. Counter Strike 2 runs surprisingly well at 30 to 40 FPS, but stutters here and there – for a first-person shooter, however, that is too little to speak of good playability. Anno 1800 can be played at low options and with FSR set to "Performance" at between 23 and 30 FPS, but this comes at a heavy cost to the game's attention to detail – so it is somehow possible, but pleasant is different.

Fan: How loud is the Acemagic M1 and how high is the power consumption?

In terms of noise, the Acemagic M1 is among the more moderate mini-PCs. Most of the time, the measured noise level is 27 to 29 dB(A) at the case and under 20 dB(A) from one meter away. Under full load, the mini-PC ramps up to about 33 to 35 dB(A) at the case, which is entirely within reason. At a distance of one meter, the measured value is then about 25 dB(A). Under load, the CPU temperature barely exceeds the 80-degree mark, and the chip clock fluctuates between 2.5 and 2.6 GHz.

Power consumption is about 12 to 17 watts at an idle desktop, 30 watts when using a browser or other applications, and 45 watts under load. This is presumably also the reason for the lower performance compared to the Minisforum UM680 Slim. The latter may briefly draw as much as 94 watts and is somewhat higher in consumption. Acemagic has therefore evidently bought economy and low noise levels by capping performance.

Software: Which operating systems does the Acemagic M1 work with?

The Acemagic M1 comes with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled, though still in version 23H2. A full system scan for viruses with Windows Defender revealed no anomalies. Setup succeeds via a local account as long as you do not give Windows an internet connection. The update to the latest version 24H2 takes some time. It can therefore be faster to reinstall Windows directly from a USB stick with the current version. To be able to boot from the stick, you must access the BIOS via Windows' advanced recovery options, which is an American Megatrends BIOS. There you can change the boot order. If you want to install Linux via the same route, you should also disable Secure Boot during your visit to the BIOS, since otherwise Linux cannot boot. In our field test with Tuxedo OS, which is based on Ubuntu, booting then worked without problems. After a short setup, we had access to the KDE desktop, where Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio were usable – very good. Waking from standby mode also worked in the test.

Build: How is the build quality of the Acemagic M1?

The plastic case of the Acemagic M1 closely resembles the V1, K1 or T8 Plus models. The silver coating also feels similarly cheap and not only attracts fingerprints and greasy marks, but is also very susceptible to scratches. After just a few days, we had already inflicted several scratches on the side of the case. In general, we also like metal cases much better, but there are still high-quality plastic cases too – with this one, however, we definitely won't warm to it. Mini-PCs such as the Ninkear N4 (review) or U58 (review) already offer aluminum cases for under 280 euros, which feels more premium. Mini-PC Acemagic M1 review: Scratches in the plastic case heise bestenlisten

As for size and shape, it looks like a larger-scaled Acemagic V1 (review); the external dimensions are 128 x 128 x 41 mm. Even opening the case is similarly complicated, because the screws under the rubber feet are again seated very deep in the case. This requires a long bit, for example from the set of an electric precision screwdriver (bestenliste). As a result, the case is definitely not as easy to open for maintenance as with other mini-PCs – a shame. Caution is advised after successfully loosening the screws because of the cables glued to the bottom plate, including the cable to the DC barrel connector. Furthermore, the bottom plate has to be pried out of the case with some force, which can cause it to break. The plastic used here also does not seem particularly sturdy. Once these obstacles have been overcome, you have access to the case fan. To reach the RAM and SSD, you have to remove the mainboard entirely from the case, since these are located on the other side. In doing so, the merely loosely fitted plastic cover of the power button can come off; it must be reinserted into the recess in the case before reassembly. Acemagic M1: Unfortunately, the screws are seated so deep that an extra-long bit is necessary to open the case. heise bestenlisten

The stickers on the case that are customary for manufacturers from the Mini-PC-Union company (Acemagic, Nipogi, etc.) have been significantly reduced here. In addition to the two AMD stickers relating to the CPU and iGPU, there is only the typical sticker from Acemagic on the LAN port, which is intended to unmistakably warn against allowing Windows to connect to the internet during the setup process. This is said to enable faster setup.

Price: How much does the Acemagic M1 cost?

Normally, the price of the Acemagic M1 is 369 euros in our test configuration with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. With our code 98B33AAV, it costs 336 euros until June 30.

Conclusion

The Acemagic M1 leaves a mixed impression. On the plus side are the comparatively low noise level, the low power consumption, as well as the good port selection and the low price of 336 euros. Even the regular price of 369 euros is still fair. Getting a sixth-generation Ryzen 7 for that is really good. Unfortunately, however, the 6800H in the M1 does not deliver the performance it should. As a result, the mini-PC falls well short of expectations and of the barely more expensive competition from Minisforum in the form of the UM680 Slim. We would definitely spend the extra 30 euros, especially since the competitor is even better equipped in terms of ports.

On the other hand, the more compact form factor and the problem-free Linux operation impressed us in the test. In the end, however, there are deductions for repairability, since the chosen case brings with it some pitfalls – and thus makes reaching the internal components more difficult. Overall, a fair but improvable overall package at an attractive price in itself. When looking at the competition, however, we would rather recommend the UM680 Slim or even the even better UM760 Slim. In the test, the Acemagic M1 gets three and a half stars from us. Aoostar God 78

Aoostar God 78

Attention Cyberpunk fans: The Aoostar God 78 offers enough power for gaming and looks very much like gaming. What it can do is shown in our test.

Jonas Bettger from 08/24/2024 PROS

high performance thanks to Ryzen 7 & Radeon 780M

stylish design with RGB lighting CONS

fan spins up strongly under high load

Aoostar God 78 in the test

Attention Cyberpunk fans: The Aoostar God 78 offers enough power for gaming and looks very much like gaming. What it can do is shown in our test.

Mini-PCs usually come in the same boring box shape and with a black or silver case color. The Aoostar God 78, also known as Aoostar MN78 (Aoostar was formerly T-Bao/Tianbei), is a welcome exception. It comes in the extraordinary look of the game Cyberpunk. It shares the design with its less powerful brother, the Aoostar God 57 (review). However, that one works with a fifth-generation Ryzen and thus the older graphics unit that is not suitable for gaming. With the Ryzen 7 7840HS, on the other hand, the God 78 is really suitable for gaming. It also comes with at least 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage – at a price of 539 euros at Geekbuying (code NNNFRMN16).

This equipment gives reason to hope that not only the case but also the inner values speak for real gaming. Whether that is the case is shown in our review. Mini-PC Aoostar God 78 – top side heise bestenlisten

Equipment: What hardware does the Aoostar God 78 offer?

The Aoostar God 78 is powered by a Ryzen 7 7840HS, which has eight cores and 16 threads (maximum 5.1 GHz) in the Zen 4 architecture. The graphics unit is the well-known and powerful Radeon 780M iGPU. It can use the 16 GB or 32 GB DDR5-5600 RAM, which comes from Crucial and is installed in two modules. This means it can be replaced, although the manufacturer does not specify the maximum size. The PCIe 4.0 SSD in the M.2-2280 format is also replaceable, with either 512 GB or 1 TB selectable from the factory. According to our test with the Crystaldiskmark storage benchmark, the Crucial P3 Plus used writes at 4761 MB/s and reads at 5214 MB/s.

The mini-PC also has all the necessary modern ports. In addition to USB-C 4.0, DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 are also available on the back. A second USB-C port is responsible for powering the computer, using Power Delivery at 100 watts (20 volts, 5 amps). That is commendable, because it means you are not dependent on the one included power supply – which would be expensive to replace if lost. Of the two Ethernet ports, one operates at 2.5 Gbit/s and one at 1.0 Gbit/s.

The wireless interfaces use the fairly recent Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 standards, although Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 already exist.

Performance: How fast is the Aoostar God 78?

We have now seen the Ryzen 7 7840HS in numerous mini-PCs, and so we have a certain premonition of what to expect. Speaking of expectations: here they are of course even greater due to the case alongside the chip, because anyone who shouts gaming so loudly on the outside must also deliver gaming. And the Aoostar God 78 does. But first, the synthetic figures. In the PCmark 10 benchmark, the Aoostar God 78 reaches a peak of 7828 points; averaged over several runs, it is 7746 points. The 3Dmark Time Spy gaming benchmark awards the system 3443 points, and thus fewer than Intel's top CPU – the Core Ultra 9 185H. The graphics score is 3076 points and thus minimally below the Intel model, while the CPU score is 10,654. Geekbench awards the computer 2631 points in the single-core test and 13,182 points in the multi-core test.

In return, AMD's graphics unit still scores in the gaming area, where the Intel processor, in contrast to benchmark tests, had real problems. The Aoostar God 78 handles Full HD games such as Counter Strike and Anno 1800 with FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) enabled at medium to high settings without problems, reaching over 70 to 90 FPS – if in doubt, you reduce these. More demanding titles such as Cities Skylines 2 flicker across the screen at around 50 to 70 fps at least at medium settings. So the Cyberpunk mini-PC really does live up to its gaming attitude. Mini-PC Aoostar God 78 – photo gallery Mini-PC Aoostar God 78 – photo gallery

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The power consumption was interesting here, which is around 24 to 30 watts by default. However, if we put the system under load using Prime95 or games, the God consumes 78 and sometimes up to 86 watts. That is comparatively a lot for a mini-PC, but in the context of gaming it is still low – considering what a desktop PC consumes.

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the system, which during setup does not even ask us for a Microsoft account, but directly suggests local setup. Our complete system scan with Windows Defender ran without finding any viruses.

Fans: How loud is the Aoostar God 78?

By default, the two fans of the Aoostar God 78 stand still. In desktop operation with a few open applications, the volume with the fan active is then at most 34 dB, and from a distance of one meter it is about 27 dB. Under load, however, they initially spin up in bursts; the more the hardware heats up, the longer the bursts become. Here we then also measure sometimes more than 45 dB at the case and 38 dB from a distance of one meter. For a mini-PC, that is already very high, although according to HWMonitor the temperature does not exceed 84 °C and the CPU can permanently maintain clock rates above 4 GHz. The temperatures on the outside of the case are below 40 °C at the top, while at the side edges they are significantly higher at over 55 °C.

In addition to the pure fan volume, another annoying aspect of the cooling system is a secondary noise from the upper fan, which keeps whining. This noise makes the noise level noticeably more intrusive.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Aoostar God 78?

The stylish outer case of the God 78 has a cyberpunk look and is made of high-quality plastic. The RGB lighting on the top can be changed via a button to fixed colors or patterns – or switched off completely. The case is divided into two parts that are screwed together. The lower part looks very familiar to us from the Awow HA7 (review), namely the layout of the ports and the design of the bottom and buttons.

To replace RAM and SSD, the case can be opened from the underside. After removing the rubber feet, you can loosen the screws and remove the bottom. Caution is required with the fan attached to the bottom, otherwise its cable will be torn off.

The dimensions are 131.5 × 131.5 × 55 millimeters, absolutely average for a mini-PC. The same applies to the weight of 550 grams, which is usual. The scope of delivery includes, in addition to the 100-watt PD power supply and the HDMI cable, a VESA mount, with which the Aoostar God 78 can also be attached behind a monitor.

Price: How much does the Aoostar God 78 cost?

The Aoostar God 78 is available in the base configuration with 16/512 GB from 539 euros at Geekbuying (code NNNFRMN16). In our test variant with 32/1000 GB, it costs 599 euros there. That is absolutely reasonable for this processor and the amount of storage.

Conclusion

The Aoostar God 78 is an unusual mini-PC: an unconventional case design, an extraordinary name. The Ryzen 7 7840HS once again lives up to its reputation and can deliver on the computer's visual gaming promise. In the games in our test, it becomes clear that the system is genuinely powerful enough for Full HD gaming. And we are talking about current games here, not ten-year-old casual games. That this is possible on integrated graphics still amazes us even after the umpteenth mini-PC test.

In addition, the manufacturer relies on replaceable RAM and storage, as well as good cooling. However, good does not necessarily mean quiet. And so the Aoostar God 78 can really ramp up under load, which it avoids in everyday use otherwise. On the connectivity side, the mini-PC offers the very latest with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 as well as USB-C 4.0. The use of USB-C with Power Delivery for the power supply is also practical and commendable.

The overall package works for us, and so does the price. Therefore, in the test, with the noise level under load as the only shortcoming, it gets four and a half stars.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) comes with hurdles or is not possible. We link to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences here. H56

H56

With its good equipment, the H56 mini-PC offers enough performance for a simple office computer. Our test shows whether the H56, now priced at only 279 euros, convinces in practice.

Kai Schmerer from 10.03.2025 PROS

good office performance

installation bay for 2.5-inch HDD/SSD

two HDMI cables included CONS

poor fan control with high-frequency whistling

only one M.2 slot

With its good equipment, the H56 mini-PC offers enough performance for a simple office computer. Our test shows whether the H56, now priced at only 279 euros, convinces in practice.

The H56 is a classic white-label product. A few weeks ago, the computer was available under the GXMO brand; now it is offered under the name Alliwava by many retailers. This happens more often with particularly cheap mini-PCs from China. For 279 euros, the equipment with Ryzen 5 5600H, 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD is definitely impressive. On paper, this gives the H56 enough performance for use as an office PC. Whether it also convinces in practice and whether the investment is worthwhile is shown in the test (test date: February 14, 2025).

The test device was provided to us by Geekbuying, but the mini-PC is no longer available there. Alternatively, it can still be obtained from Banggood.

Equipment: What hardware does the H56 mini-PC offer?

The H56 uses a Ryzen 5 5600H, a six-core chip with 12 threads that clocks up to 4.2 GHz. By default, the TDP of the CPU released in 2021 is 45 watts, but PC manufacturers can configure it between 35 watts and 54 watts. Unlike newer AMD processors, with a Radeon RX Vega 7 it offers only basic fare in terms of GPU. This makes it clear that the mini-PC is not primarily suited as a gaming platform – more on that later. With 16 GB of RAM in the form of a single SO-DIMM module with DDR4/3200 memory and a 512 GB SSD, however, the prerequisites for a sufficiently powerful office PC are in place. Another RAM slot is still free, so you can upgrade and improve performance with dual-channel operation. There is no second M.2 slot, however. Instead, users can connect an additional SSD or HDD in the 2.5-inch format via the included SATA cable. The lower case cover provides a bay for these, but it can only accommodate models with a height of 7 mm. Images: Mini-PC GXMO-H56 Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: Ryzen 5 5600H, 16 GB DDR4, 512 GB SSD

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: With a bracket mounted on the underside, the mini-PC can be attached to a monitor.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: Only one 16 GB DDR4/32000 module is installed. The mini-PC allows a maximum RAM expansion of up to 64 GB.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: Ports

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: The 16 GB memory module is from Asint.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: Motherboard connector for the included SATA cable.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: With the included SATA cable, you can also install a SATA SSD up to a height of 7 mm.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: The lower case cover offers a bay for a SATA SSD/HDD with a height of up to 7 mm.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: The MediaTek chip MT7921 offers support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: Only SSDs with a maximum height of 7 mm (top) fit into the expansion bay. Thicker SSDs with 9 mm (bottom) therefore cannot be used.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: Ports

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: The mini-PC can also be operated with Linux.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: In the AIDA64 stress test, the temperature rises to a maximum of 66° C.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: With 946 points in the 3DMark Time Spy test, the mini-PC proves that it was not made for demanding 3D games.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: With just under 5400 points in PCMark, the mini-PC shows good office performance.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: The integrated SSD is not the fastest. In normal office use, however, this should hardly be noticeable.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: With 6 GHz Wi-Fi, the mini-PC fully exploits the maximum performance of our fiber-optic connection.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: Performance drops on the 2.4 GHz network.

heise bestenlisten Power consumption remains pleasantly low at a maximum of 36 watts.

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava H56: The case is flawlessly finished. All ports are easily accessible and sit flush with the case.

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The available ports are more than satisfactory for the price range. Thanks to two HDMI ports on the rear, users can drive monitors with 4K resolution and a 60-hertz refresh rate with the H56. On the rear there are also two USB 2.0 interfaces ready for connecting a mouse and keyboard. There is also a Gigabit Ethernet port, which is driven by the Intel 225V network chip. However, the H56 does not offer a second Ethernet port, which means the mini-PC cannot be used as a firewall appliance without additional work. On the front there is also a USB-C port and two USB 3.0 ports. For wireless interfaces, the H56 relies on a MediaTek MT7922, which offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The mini-PC therefore has reasonably current wireless interfaces.

Performance: How fast is the H56?

With a Ryzen 5 5600H, 16 GB RAM and an NVMe SSD, the H56 should offer enough performance for use as an office computer. Although the relatively weak result in CrystalDiskMark with read/write performance of 2553/1863 MB/s is initially disappointing, the PCMark result of just under 5400 points shows its suitability as an office computer. Compared with the Ninkear N4 equipped with the previous-generation Ryzen 5 4600H CPU, the nominal performance increase is slight, but the graphics are somewhat better. In the 3DMark Time Spy test, however, the H56 achieves a score of only 946 points. While the CPU scores 4929 points, which is even worse than the previous chip, the graphics score reaches 828 points — which nevertheless proves that the PC is overall less well suited for demanding 3D games. Here you simply have to spend more money.

On the 5 GHz network, the Wi-Fi interface fully exploits the performance of our fiber-optic connection at 100/50 Mbit/s for download and upload. As usual, performance drops significantly on the 2.4 GHz network. Here the mini-PC reaches only 35 Mbit/s for download and just under 23 Mbit/s for upload. Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava-H56: With just under 5400 points in PCMark, the mini-PC shows good office performance. heise bestenlisten

Fan: How loud is the H56 and how high is power consumption?

After Windows starts, the fan is initially inaudible. As soon as the CPU temperature rises above 40° Celsius, which already happens when browsing the internet, that changes. The volume is not the actual problem, but rather the high-frequency whistling sound coming from the case. Unfortunately, fan control tools such as Fan Control do not recognize the fan, and there is also no way in the BIOS to optimize fan control. After all, the Ryzen 5 5600H tolerates significantly higher temperatures of up to 105° Celsius, so the fan does not have to make a racket at 40° Celsius.

With an idle desktop, the H56 requires only just under 8 watts. And even under high load, power consumption remains pleasantly low at a maximum of 36 watts. In standby it is less than 1 watt. Power consumption remains pleasantly low at a maximum of 36 watts. heise bestenlisten

Which operating systems does the mini-PC H56 work with?

The mini-PC H56 ships with Windows 11 Pro 23H2. A fresh installation with the current version 24H2 works flawlessly. As usual, however, a few drivers must be installed. After we installed these for the AMD platform, the MediaTek wireless chip and the Intel network chip, no yellow warning triangles are visible in Device Manager. Since the license key is stored in the EFI as usual, Windows activates automatically.

The mini-PC also works with Linux. The test with Tuxedo OS based on the current Ubuntu version 24.04 and Linux kernel 6.11 runs without problems. The mini-PC H56 also works with Linux. heise bestenlisten

Form factor: How is the build quality of the H56?

With side lengths of 11.3 and 12.6 cm and a height of 4.1 cm, the mini-PC H56 is very compact and thus ranks among the smallest representatives of its kind with a Ryzen processor. And at a weight of 375 grams, it is not particularly heavy either, which is likely due to the plastic case in an anthracite metallic look. The build quality is otherwise without fault: all ports sit flush with the case and are easily accessible. On the left, right and top, air-permeable metal covers are cleanly integrated into the case. Mini-PC GXMO/Alliwava H56: The case is flawlessly finished. All ports are easily accessible and sit flush with the case. heise bestenlisten

Price: How much does the mini-PC H56 cost?

At the time of testing on February 14, 2025, the mini-PC H56 in our test configuration with Ryzen 5 5600H, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD cost just under 300 euros. In the meantime, only the large 32/1000 GB version is available, which costs 279 euros at Banggood, with shipping from a Czech warehouse – so you don't have to reckon with import duty and VAT.

Conclusion

The mini-PC H56 leaves a mixed impression in the test. On the one hand, thanks to its good hardware equipment, it delivers adequate performance for use as an office computer. And the installation bay for 2.5-inch SSDs is also useful if you want to continue using an existing SATA SSD. The normal price for the device, at around 300 euros, is definitely too high. In the meantime, however, the H56 costs only 279 euros in the larger configuration variant and is thus significantly more attractive. Usually, under 250 euros there are only the significantly weaker Intel N100 chips; AMD plays no role there. That changes in this way, and the Ryzen 5 of the H56 is the much better decision. Should the offer expire, however, there are more powerful alternatives for just under 300 euros.

Those who buy from a Chinese dealer pay less in many cases. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) is subject to hurdles or not possible. We link here to dealers with whom we have generally had good experiences. Aoostar N100

Aoostar N100

The Aoostar N100 is pleasantly well equipped with 16 GB RAM and many ports for 165 euros. How it performs in practice, we show in the test.

Jonas Bettger from 08.05.2024 ADVANTAGES

Intel N100 for under 170 euros

16 GB DDR5 RAM

low operating noise

two Ethernet ports DISADVANTAGES

The Aoostar N100 is pleasantly well equipped with 16 GB RAM and many ports for 165 euros. How it performs in practice, we show in the test.

The Aoostar N100 is one of the mini-PCs with an outstanding price-performance ratio. Its name comes from the solid, though certainly not outstanding, Intel N100 processor. It is joined by a remarkable 16 GB of RAM. This equipment is unmatched for under 190 euros. The hardware is thus even better equipped than the popular, inexpensive T8 Plus mini-PC, which only had 8 GB of RAM on board. The signs are good that we have another real price-performance hit in this test. But before the euphoria, let us let the practical impressions speak in the test report.

Due to the rebranding of the Aoostar brand, the system is now sold identically built under the new manufacturer name Aoostar. We tested it still as the Aoostar N100; the test device was provided to us by Geekbuying.

What is the equipment of the Aoostar N100 like?

The Aoostar N100 has an Intel N100. We already know the quad-core processor from many other inexpensive mini-PCs. In terms of performance, it follows in the tradition of earlier Celeron processors. With four cores (four threads) at a maximum of 3.4 GHz and a TDP of a mere 6 watts, it is accordingly modest, yet a performance boost over Celerons is clearly noticeable.

Particularly striking are the 16 GB of DDR5-4800 RAM. Not only are 16 GB a lot & rare for this price, but especially also the DDR5 standard, which offers significantly higher speeds. Unfortunately, however, the RAM cannot be expanded, as these are permanently soldered LPDDR5 chips. The 512 GB M.2 NVMe SSD, on the other hand, is accessible and can be replaced. According to our results in Crystaldiskmark, it writes at speeds of 1722 MB/s and reads at 1768 MB/s. For an NVMe SSD, that is neither fast nor slow, but for such an inexpensive mini-PC it is phenomenal. Other models already rely on M.2 SATA SSDs here or even only on flash-based eMMC storage.

The port selection pleases us, especially given the price. There are two Ethernet ports for a stable LAN connection. As a result, the mini-PC is also suitable for use as a firewall appliance. The reset button for resetting the BIOS, should this ever be necessary, is practical – a popular extra from Aoostar that we find on many of the manufacturer's mini-PCs. The only thing that pains us is the lack of USB-C, which is not to be expected in this price range, however. For wireless interfaces, the Aoostar N100 unfortunately relies on outdated standards with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.

Performance: How fast is the Aoostar N100?

In everyday use with Windows, the Aoostar N100 delivers smooth performance. In the PCmark 10 benchmark, the entire system reaches around 3200 points, which is completely solid and even ranks among the best results in the budget segment. As expected, however, graphics performance shows the biggest deficit. This can also be measured through differentiated evaluation via the 3Dmark TimeSpy benchmark. Here the system reaches 378 points, which is primarily due to the iGPU with only 331 points. The CPU is clearly further ahead with 1983 points.

But this comparison also reveals something else. The T8 Plus, equipped with the same CPU, achieves almost 500 more CPU points, while graphics are around 10 points lower than here. So the T8 Plus gives the CPU more headroom, while the Aoostar N100 favors the graphics. The Minix Z100 – also equipped with the N100 but passively cooled – lags significantly behind in all three results. All in all, this once again shows: graphics has not been Intel's strength so far, and especially cheap graphics are generally weaker. AMD shows that it can be done differently. For contrast: looking at mini-PCs around 300 euros with integrated AMD graphics units, such as the Ouvis AMR5, it reaches over 1200 points – a completely different world. If you spend even more on AMD, you even get iGPUs with which you can play current games well in Full HD. Mini-PC T-Bao N100 – photo gallery Mini-PC T-Bao N100 – photo gallery

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Finally, on performance we would like to praise the enormously fast boot process – the system takes under seven seconds from the appearance of the boot screen to the loaded home screen. Otherwise, the preinstalled Windows 11 Pro comes with the usual bloatware apps around Spotify and co., but no additional software is present. Our virus test with Microsoft Defender, which has become standard given the anomalies in Far East mini-PCs, ended without findings.

How loud is the Aoostar N100?

The operating noise of the Aoostar N100 is impeccable. Even after several hours of operation with Prime95 at full load of CPU and RAM, the system remains as quiet as it is cool. We measure just over 30 decibels at a distance of one meter; directly at the case it is about 34 decibels. In normal Windows operation, the fans are virtually inaudible and unmeasurable. Given the efficient hardware, however, any other result would have disappointed us. Other mini-PCs with this CPU are similarly quiet, and some even offer completely fanless passive cooling, such as the Minix Z100.

What else did we notice?

Access to the interior of the case is provided by removing the bottom panel after loosening four screws. The bottom plate seems a bit too thin and, when closed, can be pushed inward without much effort – which does not give a sturdy impression. The rest of the plastic case, however, is solid and does not creak, although the smooth coating feels cheap and already shows wear at the edges after a short time. The case has standard dimensions for a mini-PC at 130 x 130 x 60 millimeters and can be mounted behind a monitor via VESA mount.

How much does the Aoostar N100 cost?

The Aoostar N100 normally costs 190 euros in our test variant with 16/512 GB. Currently you can get it from 149 euros with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD; with 16 GB RAM it is now just under 200 euros.

Aliexpress currently lists the Aoostar N100 even in the base configuration (8/256 GB) for 133 euros.

Conclusion

In the budget segment, the Aoostar N100 is an outstanding package in terms of price-performance ratio. A full 16 GB of RAM is an absolute rarity at a price under 190 euros, and even more so when it is fast DDR5 RAM.

The system's performance is extremely good for the price and can even keep up with models that cost 100 euros more. As expected, however, there are deficits in graphics, which sits at the very bottom of the performance range. The ports offered meet our expectations; two Ethernet ports are a welcome special feature. Overall, this is a very attractive, inexpensive complete PC package that is not too good for use as a home office computer, smart home hub or firewall appliance. The fan noise is completely acceptable, and the build quality is appropriate for the price but solid. We only missed a USB-C port, but that is not a given in this price class either. Minisforum MS-A1

Minisforum MS-A1 from 249.00 EUR

Thanks to an AM5 socket, the Minisforum MS-A1 supports ordinary AMD desktop processors. With up to four M.2 SSDs, the mini-PC offers almost as much in terms of storage expansion as a desktop computer. The test shows what else the barebone system offers.

Kai Schmerer, January 11, 2025 PROS

Expandable with up to 4 M.2 SSDs

CPU replaceable

Installing CPU and RAM is time-consuming

No microSD card slot

Fan speed cannot be read out

Minisforum MS-A1 in review

With the MS-A1, Minisforum offers a mini-PC that differs from the competition in every respect. Unlike ordinary models, which are usually equipped with permanently installed laptop processors, the MS-A1 comes with an AM5 socket and is therefore compatible with ordinary AMD desktop processors from the Ryzen 7000/8000 series. And where otherwise there is only room for a maximum of two SSDs, the MS-A1 offers four M.2 slots.

But is that even worthwhile, and can the cooling cope with the higher power consumption of desktop processors? We will clarify these and other questions below.

How big is the Minisforum MS-A1 and what equipment does the mini-PC offer?

With dimensions of 19 × 18.6 × 4.8 cm, the MS-A1's case is significantly larger than conventional mini-PCs. The reason for this is the massive heatsinks which, in combination with the three installed fans, not only keep the CPU's operating temperature within the specified range but also ensure that RAM and SSDs do not heat up as much. This is also noticeable in the weight: while a standard mini-PC like the Beelink Ser 8 (review) weighs only about 750 grams, the MS-A1 weighs just under 3 kg.

However, the larger case also offers advantages: while most mini-PCs have only one or at most two M.2 slots for SSDs, the MS-A1 has a total of four, all in full size, with a width of 22 mm and a length of 80 mm. However, only the upper slots support PCIe 4.0 x4, while the lower ones support PCIe 4.0 x1 and PCIe 3.0 x4 (see image gallery). According to the manufacturer, this allows users to expand the storage to up to 27 TB. Minisforum MS-A1: The cooling works flawlessly. heise bestenlisten

For the RAM, the MS-A1 offers two SO-DIMM slots that can accommodate up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600. However, the MS-A1 does not use the full specification and clocks the RAM at 2600 MHz, which corresponds to DDR5-5200.

Wi-Fi is available in the form of an Intel AX210 M.2 module, which offers Wi-Fi 6E as well as Bluetooth 5.2. For wired network connections, there are two 2.5 Gb/s ports on the rear of the case. There you will also find three connection options for monitors with up to 4K and 120/144 Hz refresh rate: DisplayPort 2.0, HDMI 2.1 and USB-4/DP. The rear interfaces consist of two USB-A ports (USB 3.2 and USB 2.0) as well as an OCuLink port for connecting external graphics cards or other PCIe devices. This is possible, for example, with the eGPU dock available for just under 100 euros. Three USB ports are also available on the front, two of which offer USB 3.2 x2 with 10 Gbit/s. Next to them are a headphone jack and the power button. Integrated into the latter is a blue LED that shines very brightly and unfortunately cannot be switched off. There is no microSD card slot. Minisforum MS-A1: To install the processor, SSD and RAM, you have to disassemble the mini-PC. heise bestenlisten

The MS-A1 is powered by the included 240-watt power supply. The package also includes an HDMI cable. An earlier version of the mini-PC included an M.2 SATA adapter, but this can no longer be used in newer MS-A1 units due to optimized cooling. Instead, the scope of delivery includes an SSD heatsink with thermal paste and rubber mounts. While SSDs for the M.2 slots accessible on the top are cooled with it, the cooling solution on the bottom covers both the SO-DIMM and the two M.2 slots.

How easy is it to install the CPU, SSDs and SO-DIMM memory?

To open the case of the MS-A1, you have to loosen several screws on the underside. Then you remove the front panel so that you can subsequently slide the motherboard mount out of the case. Now you still have to loosen the screws of the heatsink and the two fans, which are mounted on both sides, in order to gain access to the CPU socket (more details in the image gallery). The procedure is relatively involved and requires some dexterity. It is best to use a magnetic screwdriver for this so that the screws do not fall into the interior of the case when loosening them. Images: Minisforum MS-A1 Minisforum MS-A1: Mini-PC with desktop Ryzen, four M.2 slots for SSDs

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: Mini-PC with desktop Ryzen, four M.2 slots for SSDs

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: Bios

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: To install the processor, SSD and RAM, you have to disassemble the mini-PC.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: An additional SSD heatsink is included in the scope of delivery.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: To install the processor, SSD and RAM, you have to disassemble the mini-PC.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: The TDP for the processor can be adjusted in the Bios.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: The blue operating LED shines very brightly. Unfortunately, it cannot be disabled.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: The cooling works flawlessly.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: Cinebench 23

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: The mini-PC also works with Linux.

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A1: The power consumption with an idle desktop is a good 12 watts. Under full load it is about 100 watts.

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How much performance does the MS-A1 offer?

In combination with the AMD processor Ryzen 7 8700G used, 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD, the MS-A1 achieves roughly the performance values of a conventional mini-PC with a Ryzen 9. In PCmark the MS-A1 reaches a score of just under 7800 points and is thus marginally more powerful than other high-end mini-PCs such as the UM890 Pro (review). In 3D performance it falls back somewhat, which is likely due to the somewhat lower-clocked memory. Overall, in the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark it achieves a system performance of 3300 points (UM890 Pro: 3437) and a 3D score of 2936 points (UM890 Pro: 3063). The CPU performance is 11,042 points (UM890 Pro: 11,218).

The Geekbench values of 2672 points (single core) and 13475 points (multi core) are also good, as is Cinebench, where the mini-PC achieves almost the same performance as the UM890 Pro with 967 points (multi core) and 107 points (single core). Minisforum MS-A1: Cinebench 23 heise bestenlisten

How loud is the MS-A1 and how high is the power consumption?

Power consumption with an idle Windows desktop is slightly over 12 watts, while a mini-PC with a similarly powerful AMD notebook CPU requires only about 6 to 8 watts in this operating mode. Under full CPU load, for example with Prime95 or the stability test from AIDA64, it rises to about 100 watts, while comparable mini-PCs require just under 90 watts.

The cooling works flawlessly and keeps the temperatures of the processor, SSD, mainboard and RAM in the low range when the desktop is idle. At times the processor reaches a temperature below 30 °C. The device's three fans are barely audible in the process. They only draw attention to themselves under heavier load. However, at 38 dB directly at the case, the noise level is lower than with some other mini-PCs. Minisforum MS-A1: Power consumption with an idle desktop is a good 12 watts. Under full load it is about 100 watts. heise bestenlisten

Which processors does the Minisforum MS-A1 support?

Our test model is equipped with BIOS 1.03 and thus supports the Ryzen processors from the 8000/7000 series by default. With BIOS version 1.06, which is currently only available as a beta, Ryzen processors from the 9000 series such as the Ryzen 9 7950X also work. However, instead of the required TDP of 170 watts, this can only be operated at 100 watts. Accordingly, the processor does not deliver its full performance, but in some benchmarks it can clearly outperform the 8700G thanks to its doubled number of compute cores.

However, since the MS-A1's mainboard does not offer a flashback option that allows a BIOS update without RAM and CPU, the mini-PC – as of today – must be started up with a compatible CPU in order to be able to perform the BIOS update.

When choosing a processor, it is important to note that the MS-A1 does not have a dedicated graphics card. Thus the CPU's integrated graphics are used. However, unlike laptop processors, not every AMD desktop CPU has an integrated graphics unit. So here you have to buy one of the models with an integrated graphics unit, such as the Ryzen 7 8700G. Otherwise there is no image on the monitor.

Is a Windows license included?

If the Minisforum MS-A1 is purchased not as a barebone but as a fully equipped mini-PC, Windows Pro including a valid license is preinstalled. The barebone variant does not include this. Minisforum MS-A1: The mini-PC also works with Linux. heise bestenlisten

Does Linux run on the Minisforum MS-A1?

In the test, the installation of Tuxedo OS 4, which is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, worked without any problems.

How much does the Minisforum MS-A1 cost?

We received the AS-A1 including an AMD Ryzen 7 8700G, 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD from Minisforum for this test. In this configuration the MS-A1 costs 829 euros. Currently, however, the device is only available as a barebone variant, which users must equip themselves. With a base price of 283 euros, you therefore have to factor in additional costs for the processor, RAM and SSD, landing at somewhat under 700 euros, plus a Windows license if you do not want to run the MS-A1 with Linux.

Conclusion

In the test, the Minisforum MS-A1 convinces with quiet and effective cooling. In normal operation the mini-PC is practically inaudible. The fans only become noticeable under heavier load. At up to 38 dB, however, the operating noise is not as loud as with some other mini-PCs.

By using a conventional desktop CPU, users can simply replace it if it fails, which is not possible with mini-PCs that have notebook processors soldered directly to the motherboard. On the other hand, processors generally last several years, so the ability to swap them is not particularly important to many people. On the other hand, however, the processor can be swapped for a more powerful model. However, this is only possible with a BIOS update, for which one has so far had to install a supported CPU in the system. In addition, more powerful processors such as the Ryzen 9 7950X cannot unleash their full performance because the TDP in the MS-A1 is limited to 100 watts. Moreover, the MS-A1 does not have a dedicated graphics card integrated, so you absolutely must buy AMD processors with an integrated graphics unit.

The Minisforum MS-A1 is therefore recommended for anyone who values a quiet and powerful mini-PC with a large memory expansion. Instead of one or at most two M.2 slots like conventional mini-PCs, the MS-A1 can drive up to four SSDs. The fact that only the top two offer full PCIe performance can be neglected, since much data, such as audio archives, does not require such peak performance. Blitzwolf MPC3

Blitzwolf MPC3

The Blitzwolf MPC3 offers a Ryzen 5 for under 150 euros as well as a good selection of ports. This makes it a solid choice in the entry-level segment of mini-PCs.

Jonas Bettger from 18.09.2025 PROS

NVMe SSD instead of SATA CONS

partly loud fan

only Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2

simple plastic case

Mini-PC under 150 euros with Ryzen 5 for office & tinkerers: Blitzwolf MPC3 in review

The Blitzwolf MPC3 offers a Ryzen 5 for under 150 euros as well as a good selection of ports. This makes it a solid choice in the entry-level segment of mini-PCs.

The manufacturer Blitzwolf has been a familiar name to us for many years thanks to its unusual, memorable name, and has so far mainly stood out with many accessory products, headphones, projectors and the like. Now the manufacturer also has full-fledged mini-PC systems in its range and is focusing on the entry-level class here. A Ryzen 5 3500U is used, paired with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. The whole thing is available at the good price of 144 euros (code BG31d958). We show in the review whether buying the system makes sense and what the mini-PC is suitable for.

Banggood provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Blitzwolf MPC3 offer?

The Blitzwolf MPC3 comes with a hardware selection that is unusual for mini-PCs, because it uses a Ryzen 5 3500U. This CPU still comes from the Picasso series introduced in 2019 and is manufactured in 12 nm. It clocks at 2.1 to 3.7 GHz and has four cores with eight threads. The TDP (thermal design power) is specified as 15 watts, and the maximum operating temperature is 105 degrees. The integrated graphics unit is a Radeon RX Vega 8 clocked at 1200 MHz.

On the memory side, only DDR4 RAM is supported, with a 16 GB module from Authorain running at 2666 MT/s in the Blitzwolf PC. That is comparatively slow, especially since RAM in dual-channel would positively influence the performance of the Ryzen chip – but more on that later. However, the memory chips are labeled SK Hynix. The NVMe SSD in the M.2-2280 form factor used in our test device is 512 GB and comes from Gofatoo. According to Crystaldiskmark, it writes at 1854 MB/s and reads at 2005 MB/s. That is comparatively fast for the budget class, because at prices under 180 euros most mini-PCs otherwise rely on SATA M.2 SSDs, which do not exceed 550 MB/s.

In addition, the system has four USB-A ports, three of them with USB 3.2 and one with USB 2.0. In terms of connections, the system offers two HDMI 2.0 ports, a LAN port and a USB-C interface that supports image and data transfer. However, the latter cannot carry input power; for this, you must use the included 65-watt power supply with a round barrel connector. There is also a microSD card slot on the side.

For wireless connections, the Blitzwolf MPC3 relies on the outdated Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 standards, although their use is common in the budget segment. Nevertheless, we would like to point out the newer Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7 standards, which have been available for years, and their advantages. At least Wi-Fi 6 would be welcome here. The Wi-Fi chipset used is the Realtek 8822CE.

Performance: How fast is the Blitzwolf MPC3?

With the brand name Ryzen 5, one inevitably first thinks of solid mid-range performance that is up to office work in any case. But with the Ryzen 5 3500U, you quickly notice its age of 6 years, because the chip is more at the level of today's Intel N processors. For example, it achieves an average score of 3328 points in PCmark 10, with outliers at 3399 and 3208 points. This puts it on par with devices such as the Ninkear MBox 11 (review). This is also unmistakable in 3DMark Time Spy: the Blitzwolf MPC3 scores 589 points here, composed of 523 graphics points and 2072 CPU points. Even the Ninkear N4 (review) with its Ryzen 5 4600H is just under 300 points above it and nearly triples the Ryzen 5 3500U's value in the CPU score.

The results in Cinebench and Geekbench also express this. In Cinebench 2024, it manages a meager 53 points in the single-core run and 182 points in multi-core. The cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 gives the CPU a score of 1041 points (single-core) and 2336 points (multi-core). Both CPU and GPU thus lose considerable ground and in some benchmarks even remain behind an Intel N150. Accordingly, the results of the Ryzen 5 3500U in the MPC3 very clearly show the advancements in performance of modern CPUs over the past years. The mini-PC is therefore aimed in particular at tinkerers who want to turn it into a power-efficient smart home control system with Home Assistant or perform other tasks with low performance demands. The computer also performs well in office use. Blitzwolf MPC3 – photo gallery Blitzwolf MPC3 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Blitzwolf MPC3 – photo gallery

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Based on the results, it quickly becomes clear to us: gaming is absolutely out of the question here. Nevertheless, we dared to launch Anno 1800 on the system. As expected, the game is unplayable and, at the lowest settings and with the FSR upsampler (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) enabled in "Performance" mode, reaches only 11 FPS. We therefore skip further games; even the menu of Counter Strike 2 stutters so badly that it is almost impossible to operate.

As part of this test, we also tried the benchmark performance with 32 GB RAM in dual-channel operation. With a kit from Crucial, the system achieves a slightly higher score of 3409 points in PCmark, and in 3Dmark Time Spy it is now 615 points (CPU: 2065 points; GPU: 548 points). This corresponds to differences of 2 to 4 percent.

Fan: How loud is the Blitzwolf MPC3?

The noise level of the Blitzwolf MPC3 fluctuates quite extremely. While the fan in our stress tests with Aida64 caused maximum noise emissions of 33 dB(A), measured at the case, the noise level in everyday operation, such as at system startup or when opening programs, jumps from 26 dB(A) to over 41 dB(A) – but only for a few seconds. Mini-PC Blitzwolf MPC3: heat distribution via thermal imaging camera heise bestenlisten

By contrast, the power consumption of the MPC3 is very moderate at a maximum of 30 watts under full load and is on a level with the Intel N CPUs that are comparable in terms of performance. Under load, the CPU clock is between 1.4 and 1.5 GHz after it was at 2.1 GHz for a few seconds. The temperature of the CPU package does not exceed 65 degrees.

Software: Which operating systems does the Blitzwolf MPC3 work with?

Windows 11 in version 24H2 is installed on the Blitzwolf MPC3. However, after setup there are still numerous updates before the system is usable. There is no additional bloatware. Our usual full system scan for viruses using Windows Defender finds no anomalies.

Running Linux is also possible. In our test, we run the Ubuntu-based Tuxedo OS for this. To do so, we change the boot order in the system's Ami BIOS so that the USB stick is accessed first. The BIOS can be accessed, among other things, via Windows' advanced recovery options. Once on the Tuxedo OS desktop, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio are usable. The resolution is also detected correctly and we can adjust the monitor brightness in the settings. However, bringing the computer back from standby causes problems in the test: the PC freezes on waking and the screen remains black – a shame.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Blitzwolf MPC3?

The build quality of the Blitzwolf MPC3 is okay, but not high-quality. The black plastic case is assembled neatly and the edges look clean. However, the material does not feel premium, nor does the computer make any visual statement. Doubtless a full-fledged PC for under 150 euros does not need to do that either, so the build quality is absolutely okay in that respect – but fundamentally speaking it is very simple. We also noticed that the case is almost identical to those of the Minisforum UN100P and UN150P. Accordingly, the layout of the ports is the same here as well. Even the manufacturer lettering and the pattern on the top are in the same place. The dimensions are 127.5 x 112.4 x 39.9 mm, and the weight is 420 g.

Opening the case for maintenance or to replace components such as RAM and SSD proves somewhat difficult. It is commendable that the manufacturer has attached a rubber pull tab on the underside to make it easier to detach from the case. However, the screws that must first be loosened are recessed so deep in the case that a longer, narrow bit is required. This is not understandable, since easily removable screws located on the top would also suffice. We resort to an electric precision screwdriver (best list) that includes such an attachment in its scope of delivery. Once the four screws are loosened, force is required. For the underside is hooked so firmly to the case that considerable force is needed to get it off. At the same time, one must be careful not to damage the plastic bottom. We have to pry the case open bit by bit and be careful not to tear off any internal components.

Once that is accomplished, the lid can be removed and the components are directly accessible.

Price: What does the Blitzwolf MPC3 cost?

The Blitzwolf MPC3 costs 144 euros at Banggood with our code BG31d958.

Conclusion

For us, the Blitzwolf MPC3 is a first in every respect: the manufacturer's first mini PC, the first mini PC with a Ryzen 5 3500U. The result of this is not wrong, but also not top-level. Contrary to expectations for a Ryzen 5, the performance is more at the level of current budget CPUs, such as Intel's N series. At a price of 144 euros (code BG31d958), that is nothing bad, but also nothing special – in terms of performance, the MPC3 is simply one of many. For the price, the performance is okay, and support for dual-channel RAM is an advantage over Intel's N chips.

The noise level is largely okay, remaining quieter under load than at times in everyday use, such as when booting up the computer. In terms of connectivity, the PC has the essentials and offers USB-C, which is not exactly a given under 180 euros. In addition, Blitzwolf relies on an NVMe SSD instead of a SATA SSD, although it comes from a no-name manufacturer. Criticism is directed at the outdated wireless interfaces as well as the somewhat laborious opening of the case. The build quality of the case is also simple, but neat and appropriate for the price. Overall a decent result, for which we award four stars.

GMKtec Nucbox M2

For under 350 euros, the GMKtec Nucbox M2 offers solid hardware built around an Intel Core i7-11390H. We show everything else in this review.

Jonas Bettger from 16.05.2024 PROS

Good price-performance ratio

USB-C with DisplayPort

good expandability CONS

long setup process

mediocre graphics performance

drivers via a dubious Google Drive link

GMKtec Nucbox M2 review

For under 350 euros, the GMKtec Nucbox M2 offers solid hardware built around an Intel Core i7-11390H. We show everything else in this review.

Powerful PCs in a small form factor: these are mini PCs that rely on efficient and increasingly powerful laptop processors. Thanks to their mostly cube-shaped case, they are particularly handy and are therefore suitable for places where gaming performance is not needed but the PC should not be visible. In addition, they are less bulky than laptops, which are simply much larger due to the display and keyboard. The hardware in mini PCs is not only low in consumption but also produces much less heat and noise.

Many mini PCs are significantly cheaper than laptops with the same hardware. Now GMKtec is a manufacturer that wants to push the price down even further. Because with the GMKtec Nucbox M2 you get an Intel Core i7-11390H, 16 GB of RAM and an M.2 NVMe SSD with 512 GB of storage. The review shows what it can do. The test device was provided to us by Banggood.

Equipment: What hardware does the GMKtec Nucbox M2 offer?

First of all, it should be said that despite the name, the GMKtec Nucbox M2 does not use an Apple M2 processor of the same name. Instead, the Far East mini PC relies on an Intel Core i7-11390H, which has four cores and eight threads at 3.4 GHz, with a maximum of 5 GHz. We already know this processor from the Geekom Mini IT11 (review). In terms of performance, it is not an absolute top performer, but it offers a balanced ratio of consumption and performance. Its TDP (Thermal Design Power) is 35 watts.

Added to this are 16 GB of DDR4 RAM (SO-DIMM 3400 MHz) and an M.2 NVMe SSD with 512 GB of storage. Thanks to the use of slots instead of permanently soldered chips, both are also expandable. For RAM, up to 64 GB can be installed in the two SO-DIMM slots, and for storage, up to 2 TB is possible.

With such equipment, the mini PC is well prepared for many years to come and should also be completely sufficient for the upcoming successor to Windows 11. If you need even more RAM for your tasks, you can expand it very easily. Included accessories are a mounting rail, as well as a matching 100-watt power supply and an HDMI cable.

If you want to use the mini PC as a firewall appliance for OPNsense, Pfsense or other open source firewalls, you will have to look for alternatives, since unfortunately only one LAN port is available. A positive point is that a USB-C port with display output is available. So you only need to plug in one more cable and can connect both a monitor and USB peripherals at the same time. In addition, this makes it possible to connect a total of three monitors.

For the wireless interfaces, we find current standards in the form of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 – very good, especially considering the relatively low price.

Performance: How fast is the GMKtec Nucbox M2?

Windows 11 in the Pro version is already preinstalled on the GMKtec Nucbox M2. There, the requirement to use a Microsoft account is easier to circumvent than with the Home edition. As usual, no media for restoring Windows or for installing drivers are included. In case of need, however, you can simply obtain the installation files for Windows 11 from Microsoft. GMKtech offers the drivers on its website via a Google Drive link, which is not exactly confidence-inspiring.

In the past, it was common for a sticker with the product key to be affixed to the case of a computer running Windows. That has not been the case for some time, since the Windows key is simply stored in the BIOS. That way, the system automatically reads it out again during a possible reinstallation. If you nevertheless want to read out the key, tools such as the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder can help. GMKtec Nucbox M2 – underside heise bestenlisten

Windows setup starts with some delay after the mini PC is switched on for the first time. After clicking through the welcome screen, many options and Office offers, our system first begins with updates. Not via the system settings, however, but a separate update installation view – at this point (after 20 minutes) we still have not reached the desktop. After several restarts of the system, we are finally allowed to set a PIN and now get desktop access. Here another battery of driver updates and more awaits.

A look at the program list shows that additional bloatware has been dispensed with. Only the usual suspects that a new Windows always ships with are present on the system. After unpleasant experiences in past mini-PC tests with models from Acemagic, the first thing we do is run a full system scan of the system with Windows Defender. After about 10 minutes, the test fortunately ends without result – no manufacturer application identified as suspicious.

Now we take a look at performance and put the system to the test with the PCmark 10 benchmark. Here the GMKtec Nucbox M2 reaches around 5290 points, which is already a good, if not outstanding, value. For the home office, the performance is in any case more than sufficient, but one should not harbor illusions about gaming or demanding video editing with it. What is surprising about the result, however, is that the mini PC thus scores almost 600 points better than the Geekom Mini IT11 (review), which uses the same processor. In the test, the latter managed only 4700 points and also costs a full 140 euros more at 459 euros.

However, one should not be misled by the name Intel Core i7. Of course, processors in this series are among the better, upper-class models that Intel has to offer. But the i7-11390H in particular is a rather weaker i7 model of the 11th generation. By comparison, a 5th-generation Ryzen 5 from AMD in the Nipogi AM07 (review) performs somewhat better with 5700 points. In addition, AMD's graphics unit is traditionally stronger than Intel's.

The installed M.2 NVMe SSD fully lives up to its name when it comes to speed. In the CrystalDiskMark benchmark, it achieves read rates of 2098 MB/s, and the write speed is a respectable 1407 MB/s. That means the NVMe is not among the fastest, but for a mini PC around 300 euros, these values are pretty good.

Fan: How loud is the GMKtec Nucbox M2?

The Nucbox M2 is definitely not among the very quietest mini PCs – if only because there are passively cooled and therefore completely silent models. At idle, the system is mostly inaudible and the fans hardly kick in. Under load, however, they repeatedly spin up noticeably. We then measure around 30 to 35 decibels at the case with a smartphone; at a distance of one meter, the peak is around 32 decibels. If you move your ear closer to the mini PC, the fan's friction noises sound rather odd – like a leaf blower or vacuum cleaner. From a normal distance, however, this is barely perceptible or even disturbing, even at full load.

Design: How is the build quality of the GMKtec Nucbox M2?

The GMKtec Nucbox M2 comes in a look that is as plain as it is elegant. The gray metal case with rounded edges feels high-quality. The top is finished in a black piano-lacquer look, which makes it susceptible to fingerprints and dust. On the left and right sides, as well as on the back above the ports, there are openings for ventilating the system. On the underside there are two holes for wall mounting, as well as screw threads for attaching the mounting rail.

The case dimensions are 114 × 106 × 42.5 millimeters, and the weight is 425 grams. This makes the GMKtec Nucbox M2 one of the somewhat lighter mini PCs, and the dimensions are quite slim.

Price: How much does the GMKtec Nucbox M2 cost?

At Banggood, the GMKtec Nucbox M2 is currently available for 347 euros. At the time of testing on 07.01.2024, the price was still 319 euros.

Conclusion

In the end, the GMKtec Nucbox M2 leaves us positively surprised. In the test, the i7 used even surpasses the performance of the same chip in the competitor Geekom Mini IT11.

However, these results must not be misinterpreted: gaming or demanding video editing remain off-limits, mainly due to the low performance of the integrated graphics chip. Rather, this is a multimedia machine that should deliver excellent performance for many years and new Windows versions to come. If in doubt, the good expandability of RAM and SSD storage helps. Aoostar R7

Aoostar R7

With two 3.5-inch bays, the Aoostar R7 can also function as a NAS. How well that works and what else the mini PC with Ryzen 7 has to offer is shown in our test.

Kai Schmerer, 11.02.2025 PROS

Good performance

usable as a NAS

quiet CPU fan CONS

system fan not controllable and loud

microSD card slot only USB 2.0

With two 3.5-inch bays, the Aoostar R7 can also function as a NAS. How well that works and what else the mini PC with Ryzen 7 has to offer is shown in our test.

As a rule, mini PCs are intended for use as classic office computers. The Aoostar R7 can also be used for that. With two 3.5-inch bays, the mini PC with Ryzen 7 5825U and two 2.5G Ethernet ports is also suitable as a Network Attached Storage (NAS). But does that even make sense? We will clarify this and other questions below.

Design: How is the build quality of the Aoostar R7?

At first glance, you can already tell that the Dem Aoostar R7 is a very special mini PC. Its exterior does not resemble the classic Intel NUC form factor, but rather a mini air purifier (best list): The approximately 20 cm tall plastic case with a round base and a diameter of just over 16 cm tapers toward the top into a square with rounded corners and a width/depth of 12.4/13.5 cm. The weight of 1.13 kg is relatively high. The air-permeable top cover, like the case, is white and features a yellow tab that makes it easy to remove. At first glance, the Aoostar R7 looks like a miniature air purifier. Instead, the interior of the case houses a Ryzen 7 5825U, 16 GB RAM, a 512 GB SSD and offers two 3.5-inch bays for SATA HDDs. heise bestenlisten

Beneath that are two 3.5-inch bays for appropriately sized SATA hard drives. However, SSDs also fit into the bays. While the SATA hard drives require no tools for installation and are held in the pull-out bays by four rubber mounts, the SSDs must be screwed in. Matching screws are included in the scope of delivery. The bays sit to the left and right of the centrally positioned mainboard, which is held by a metal frame. However, they do not support hot swapping.

If you remove the four screws from the round plastic underside, the entire mini PC can be pulled out of the case (see also the image gallery). In addition to a CPU fan, a 92 mm fan behind the lower cover provides cooling for the mainboard and hard drives. A 100-watt power supply and an HDMI cable are also included in the scope of delivery. Images: Aoostar R7 Aoostar R7 with Ryzen 7 in review: Mini PC with NAS option

heise bestenlisten Aoostar R7 with Ryzen 7 in review: Mini PC with NAS option

heise bestenlisten Aoostar R7 with Ryzen 7 in review: The system fan cannot be controlled and makes quite a lot of noise. However, the problem can be solved by installing a PWM fan.

heise bestenlisten Aoostar R7 with Ryzen 7: The test model is equipped with a 512 GB SSD and 16 GB DDR4 RAM. An additional M.2 slot is available as an expansion option. However, the RAM must be replaced if you want to expand it to the maximum possible 64 GB.

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heise bestenlisten Aoostar R7 with Ryzen 7 in review: Mini PC with NAS option

heise bestenlisten Linux can also be used with the Aoostar R7.

heise bestenlisten The installation of the NAS operating system worked without problems with the Aoostar R7.

heise bestenlisten Aoostar R7: Benchmarks, drivers and fan control

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Equipment: What hardware does the Aoostar R7 offer?

The Aoostar R7 is powered by a Ryzen 7 5825U, which offers eight cores with 16 threads and clocks up to 4.5 GHz. Although the processor is based on the older Zen 3 architecture and is manufactured using the 7 nm process, its power consumption is only 15 watts by default. In the mini PC, however, the TDP is likely to be 25 watts. Integrated into it is a Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics unit, which has eight execution units. The Aoostar R7 is also equipped with 16 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM in the form of two SO-DIMM modules as well as a 512 GB NVMe SSD from Asint. A second M.2 slot is available for installing an additional SSD. The two SO-DIMM slots allow memory to be expanded to up to 64 GB. Aoostar R7: The test model is equipped with 16 GB DDR4 RAM and a 512 GB SSD. In addition, another M.2 NVMe slot is available. heise bestenlisten

The installed Asint SSD is no performance miracle and, with a maximum read performance of 3.5 GB/s, delivers only average performance. In normal everyday office use, however, you will hardly notice this. Aoostar would have done better not to connect the internal microSD card reader via USB 2.0: The read performance is only 36 MB/s, while the same microSD card reaches 155 MB/s via a USB 3.0 card reader.

The device is switched on via the power button on the front. The ports are located exclusively on the rear. Here there are two USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports each as well as one USB-C port. The latter offers 100 watts and can also be used to connect a monitor. Together with a DisplayPort and an HDMI port, the R7 can drive up to three monitors. There are also two 2.5G LAN ports, which rely on an Intel I226-V Ethernet controller, a power connection for the power supply, an analog audio output and a microSD card slot.

Performance: How fast is the Aoostar R7?

As expected, the Aoostar R7 with Ryzen 7 5825U shows good performance in the test when it comes to use as an office computer or as a NAS solution. In the PCMark benchmark it reaches just under 6000 points. A look at Geekbench 6 shows 1967 points in the single-core test and 7785 points in multi-core. However, as a gaming computer it is less well suited because of the already older Radeon GPU than current mini PCs with the Radeon 780M iGPU, as shown by the score of only 1429 points in the 3DMark Time Spy test. Aoostar R7: With almost 6000 points in PCMark, the mini PC shows good office performance. heise bestenlisten

Fan: How loud is the Aoostar R7 and how high is its power consumption?

The built-in system fan cannot be controlled, so it always runs at the same speed. And unfortunately that speed is so high that the resulting noise level is too loud for concentrated work in the office and is also disruptive when used as a NAS. The manufacturer cut corners here, because the four-pin fan connector on the motherboard supports models with pulse-width modulation (PWM). Users can therefore remedy the loud operating noise by installing a controllable 92 mm fan such as the Be Quiet Pure Wings 2.

The CPU fan, by contrast, is barely audible and remains pleasantly quiet even at full CPU load. In the BIOS, users also have the option of configuring the fan's start temperature. Alternatively, the Fan Control tool can be used to optimize fan control so that it remains virtually silent during operation. Of course, you should keep an eye on the CPU temperature while doing so. But the installed Ryzen 7 5825U remains pleasantly cool even at low fan speed and high load and only rarely exceeds 70 °C (see image gallery). Aoostar R7: The test computer's power consumption is pleasingly low. At an idle desktop it is just under 8 watts, and at maximum load up to 45 watts. In standby, the mini PC requires only about 1 watt. heise bestenlisten

At an idle desktop, the Aoostar R7 requires only 8 watts. At maximum load it is up to 45 watts, and in standby about 1 watt.

Which operating systems does the Aoostar R7 work with?

The Aoostar R7 ships with Windows 11 Pro 23H2. We freshly set up the device with the current version, Windows 11 Pro 24H2. Thanks to the license key stored in the EFI, the Windows reinstallation is also activated. However, not all devices are recognized immediately. Only after installing drivers for the AMD chipset and GPU as well as for the Intel network chip are there no more yellow exclamation marks in Device Manager.

The installation of Linux in the form of Tuxedo OS worked without problems. All components are recognized right away. Installing the NAS operating systems True NAS (heise download) and Unraid (guide) also proceeds without problems. Installing the NAS operating system worked without problems with the Aoostar R7. heise bestenlisten

Price: How much does the Aoostar R7 cost?

In the test configuration with 16 GB DDR4 RAM and a 512 GB SSD, the Aoostar R7 currently costs 359 euros. With 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD, 399 euros are due, although the 40-euro surcharge for double the storage can certainly be worthwhile depending on the use case.

Conclusion

In the test, the Aoostar R7 is not entirely convincing. In any case, we fail to see why it ships with Windows as a NAS solution. If you want to use it for that purpose, you have to install a suitable NAS operating system anyway. And when used as a mini PC as a classic office computer, it offers enough performance, but the manufacturer cut corners in the wrong place. The uncontrolled system fan simply makes too much noise, which is also annoying when used in NAS mode. At least this problem can be solved by installing a PWM fan. That keeps the R7 nicely quiet. And we discovered another shortcoming: if you are going to install a microSD card slot, you should connect it via USB 3.0 and not slow it down with USB 2.0.

All in all, we can recommend the Aoostar R7 mini PC with reservations, but there are better offers as an office computer. Blackview MP20

Blackview MP20 from EUR 329.00

Fast and compact: The Blackview is an efficient mini PC with Intel N150 and plenty of RAM and SSD storage.

David Bettger from 08.12.2025 PROS

M.2 SSD with SATA speed

Blackview MP20 with Intel N150 in review: Quiet mini PC for office & co. from EUR 150

Fast and compact: The Blackview is an efficient mini PC with Intel N150 and plenty of RAM and SSD storage.

The Blackview MP20 is another compact and efficient mini PC with an Intel N CPU in the price range up to 300 euros. In the past, Blackview has often offered a system that looked conventional at first glance but ultimately stood out from the competition with better performance or more features. The MP20 offers 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage, which already exceeds the norm. Our review shows how good the performance is in practice. The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Blackview MP20 offer?

The MP20 relies on the Intel N150 introduced in spring 2025. In terms of performance, it sits between the N95 and N97, but is part of the newer Twin Lake-N architecture. This architecture already celebrated its fourth anniversary in 2025. The processor offers four efficiency cores at up to 3.6 GHz and no performance cores. The integrated Intel Xe graphics unit is limited to 24 cores (execution units) at up to 1.0 GHz. The TDP is specified as 6 W. This makes it an efficient processor that is definitely not designed for gaming.

The CPU supports both DDR4 and DDR5. Blackview has given the MP20 only a single DDR4 SO-DIMM module with 2667 MT/s (megatransfers/s). It offers a capacity of 16 GB and is from the brand alhua. Only one slot is available as well. We were also able to use a faster module from Crucial with 3200 MT/s without any problems. DDR4 instead of DDR5 is a shame in any case, since system performance would certainly benefit from the newer standard – but the decision is justifiable given the low price.

Although the CPU offers PCIe 3.0, the M.2 SSD only has SATA speeds. In CrystalDiskMark we measure 562 MB/s for reading and 507 MB/s for writing. The SSD is in the 2280 form factor and offers 512 GB of storage space. However, the M.2 port on the motherboard has the faster M-key and could therefore theoretically provide a higher transfer rate. Unfortunately, this is not the case, since even with a PCIe 4.0 SSD we measure only 881 MB/s for reading and 865 MB/s for writing in CrystalDiskMark.

Despite its compact dimensions, the MP20 offers all essential ports, such as four USB-A (2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0) and Gigabit Ethernet. There is also HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort, each for one display with a maximum 4K resolution at 60 Hz. USB-C is not present, which we sorely miss in 2025, especially since other mini PCs in the same price range offer it. Power is accordingly supplied exclusively via the DC jack.

Wirelessly, the MP20 connects with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The chipset is the Realtek 8852BE. The Realtek RTL8168/8111 is used for Ethernet communication.

Performance: How fast is the Blackview MP20?

The N150 is primarily intended for simple tasks such as office work, which is why expectations are rather low. Gaming can be completely forgotten here, apart from retro games. In PCMark 10, the MP20 achieves an average of 3447 points with peaks at 3470 and 3397 points. That is an enormously strong result; typical values for this CPU are around 3200 and strong values are normally just under 3300 points. In the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark there are also strong 459 points, composed of 403 graphics and 2250 CPU points. For example, the Minisforum UN150P (review) surpasses the MP20 slightly here, by an additional 200 CPU points. In the cross-platform Geekbench 6 benchmark, the MP20 achieves a score of 1264 in single-core and 2975 in multi-core. The OpenCL benchmark awards 4271 for graphics performance. Finally, Cinebench R24 certifies 61 points in single-core and 183 points in multi-core for the N150. This puts the Blackview MP20 on par with the strongest mini PCs with an Intel N150 CPU. However, the CPU is very much trimmed for efficiency – anyone who needs more performance must turn to higher-priced alternatives from AMD. Blackview MP20 – photo gallery Blackview MP20 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Blackview MP20 – photo gallery

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Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Blackview MP20?

At idle, the MP20 consumes just 6 to 8 W. Under full load, total consumption is a constant 25 W and the clock rate averages 2.5 GHz. Of that, the CPU alone accounts for 15 W. The GPU runs continuously at the maximum clock of 1 GHz. The system should therefore always deliver consistently strong performance.

Fan: How loud is the Blackview MP20?

At idle, the MP20 is whisper-quiet. Only under load is the fan audible at all. We measure 32 dB(A) directly at the case and 20 dB(A) at a distance of one meter with a smartphone. During this, we put the entire system under full load using the Aida64 stress test. The CPU reaches a maximum of 83 degrees, on average only 76 degrees. This means the mini-PC can always deliver its maximum performance without entering thermal throttling, i.e., temperature-related downclocking. The noise level of the mini-PC is absolutely fine; the fans are comparatively quiet, although not completely silent. All in all, the cooling makes a good impression.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Blackview MP20?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Blackview MP20. A full virus scan with Windows Defender remains without findings. The system also does without any bloatware, with the exception of the Microsoft apps and services.

We can access the BIOS without any problems via Windows' advanced recovery options. In this way, we can disable Secure Boot, boot from our Ventoy USB stick and install Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS without any problems. The correct resolution is selected automatically; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet also work. For audio, we can also use our headphones directly via aux. Waking from sleep mode, which often causes problems, also works right away here.

Case: How is the build quality of the Blackview MP20?

Visually, the MP20 looks almost like a shrunken Nipogi AK1 Pro (review). Both have a black case with a copper-colored ring in the upper half. However, the MP20 is not constructed in two parts and, due to its smaller size, also offers fewer ports. The case is made entirely of plastic and is solidly built. There are no sharp edges, but as is usual with inexpensive plastic cases, it can be easily pressed in and creaks noticeably when doing so. The surface also took damage right away during transport. On first setup, the case also had an intense chemical smell, which however faded over time. The external dimensions are 100 × 100 × 35.2 mm. At a weight of 265 g, the mini-PC is very compact and portable.

Opening it, for example to upgrade the components, works as usual. Under the four rubber feet on the bottom are four screws that can be loosened with a long screwdriver. After that, the lid along with the copper-colored decorative ring can be removed. You then have access to the RAM and SSD; for the fan, you additionally have to remove the entire mainboard.

Price: How much does the Blackview MP20 cost?

From the manufacturer itself, the MP20 with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage currently costs 248 euros; the 8/256 GB variant is available from 192 euros.

Conclusion

With its Intel N150, the MP20 delivers more performance than is otherwise usual. Nevertheless, it is primarily intended for simple tasks and is very economical overall. With its low operating noise, it is therefore well suited as a simple office PC. Thanks to its small size, it is very portable, but offers not much more than only the most necessary ports. Upgradeability is also very limited. For operation with Windows, based on experience we can only recommend the tested variant with 16 GB RAM. Models like the Minisforum UN150P and UN100P were a no-brainer at around 200 euros. However, since these apparently have been permanently retired, the MP20 is a solid successor that just cannot quite keep up when it comes to ports – especially the lack of USB-C is a real drawback in 2025. Geekom Mini IT12

Geekom Mini IT12

Thanks to a powerful i7 processor and USB 4, the Geekom Mini IT 12 can drive up to four monitors. It is currently available at a discount from 419 euros. In this test, we put the mini-PC through its paces.

Thomas Joos from 17.01.2024 PROS

high processor performance

connection of up to four monitors possible

The Geekom Mini IT12 offers solid performance. The device comes with 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage and a twelfth-generation Intel Core CPU, either as Core i5 or i7. With ten CPU cores and 16 threads, the Intel Core i7 offers a good amount of performance headroom, so that the mini-PC is sometimes even suitable for image or video editing.

It currently costs only 474 euros in the Core i5 variant directly from Geekom (code GKFH5). In this test, we show how the Mini IT12 performs and what it is suitable for (test date: January 17, 2024).

Equipment: What hardware does the Geekom Mini IT12 offer?

The Geekom Mini IT12 is available in several variants. In our test configuration with the Intel Core i7-12650H processor, 32 GB RAM (dual-channel DDR4 SO-DIMM at 3200 MHz) and a 1 TB NVMe SSD, the PC costs around 569 euros. With ten CPU cores, there is good performance headroom here. The processor clocks at up to 4.7 GHz, which is also a high level for a mini-PC.

It is a pity that Geekom has not installed DDR5 RAM in this PC either, which one could have expected given the already higher price. The advantage would be that the system's performance would benefit once again by a bit. For most use cases, however, the installed DDR4 RAM is easily sufficient. The RAM can be expanded up to 64 GB, so that the mini-PC is truly future-proof. Data can be stored on a 1 TB NVMe SSD.

If this storage space is still not enough, the mini-PC can be upgraded with another SSD, to a total of up to 2 TB of storage space. This also makes sense, for example, if users want to transfer data from another PC. If that PC has a similar drive, it can simply be installed in the device. For such scenarios, it is also still possible to install an additional 2.5-inch SATA SSD, either to increase the storage space once again or to transfer data. Overall, the mini-PC can thus be expanded to up to 5 TB of storage space.

The onboard graphics chip is permanently integrated on the mainboard, just as with the other Geekom mini-PCs. Here too, an Intel Iris Xe is used. The performance of the iGPU is not exactly breathtaking, but it is sufficient for home office, web surfing, and image and video editing at a normal level.

When it comes to ports, Geekom is as generous as ever. In total, four monitors can be connected to the mini-PC, two of them even with a resolution of up to 8K (USB 4) and another two monitors with a resolution of 4K on the HDMI 2.0 ports. On the side there is also an interface for a Kensington lock as well as an SD card slot. Because only one LAN port is available, the mini-PC is ruled out as a firewall appliance for Pfsense or OPNsense – which is sensibly feasible in smaller networks with such small computers.

There is positive news regarding the wireless interfaces, because Geekom relies on reasonably current standards with Wi-Fi 6E (with support for the 6 GHz band) and Bluetooth 5.2 – good.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom Mini IT12?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled and all drivers are already preinstalled on the system. Setup can therefore be done with a local user account or with a Microsoft account. As is now customary with new Windows devices, no data medium with installation files or drivers is included.

Nor is there a sticker with the product key for Windows on the case. In case of cases, however, the installation files for Windows 11 can be obtained quite easily from Microsoft. The product key does not necessarily have to be backed up, since it is stored in the BIOS. When Windows is reinstalled, the system normally reads it out automatically. If you still want to retrieve the key, tools such as the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder can help.

As far as performance is concerned, the Mini IT12 performs very respectably, as expected. In the maximum configuration with i7 and 32 GB RAM, the system reaches a score of 5245 points in PC Mark 10. That is remarkable for a mini-PC, even if not an absolute high score. Models with AMD processors have performed a good deal better in the past. They can owe their lead in part to their integrated graphics unit, which has more power than the Intel counterpart installed here.

The graphics unit is also the reason why we see this system as split in two. The processor performance naturally opens up many usage scenarios that demand higher performance. Limited by the graphics performance, however, we advise against overly demanding video editing work and gaming AAA titles. To make that possible, the use of DDR5 RAM would also have been helpful, which noticeably reduces processing time. As far as graphics are concerned, the mini-PC would have benefited in that integrated graphics units have to fall back on the working memory instead of using dedicated graphics memory.

For applications in the home office and office, however, the speed difference between DDR4 and DDR5 is rather secondary. There, given the benchmark result and our impressions, the mini-PC will still be a lot of fun in a few years' time and is well equipped for new Windows versions with higher performance requirements.

Fan: How loud is the Geekom Mini IT12?

First of all, it is important to know about the Geekom Mini IT12 that the mini-PC has a fan that can sometimes be somewhat loud and annoying. With Geekom systems, this is no surprise in our experience from nearly 20 individual tests; the manufacturer's mini-PCs generally have an issue with noise levels.

A powerful Core i7 must accordingly be cooled by a fan, but with Geekom we get the impression that the fan only knows full speed or standstill. There is no fan control. Even devices from inexpensive manufacturers around 180 euros do this better. The Mini IT12 is no exception here and is therefore less suitable for quiet environments. Anyone who wants to escape the constant wheezing of the fan should therefore arm themselves with ANC headphones.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Geekom Mini IT12?

Like many mini-PCs, the Geekom Mini IT12 has a square design with various ventilation openings for heat dissipation. The metal case is finished in metallic blue, which conveys a distinctly more premium impression than the black and monotonous plastic counterparts. As with many mini-PCs, it is also possible here to mount the PC behind the monitor using the included VESA mount. That also somewhat reduces the noise nuisance from the fan.

Thanks to its small dimensions, however, the mini-PC is also an eye-catcher on the desk. The device's dimensions are 117 × 112 × 50 mm, and the weight is a no-longer-quite-so-slim 650 g. That makes it one of the heavier mini-PCs, but compared with laptops it is still easier to carry in a bag or backpack. The mini-PC is very compact and the metal frame is sturdy.

Price: How much does the Geekom Mini IT12 cost?

The Geekom Mini IT12 in the i5 variant currently costs 474 euros directly from the manufacturer (code GKFH5). The model with i7 CPU and the maximum memory configuration (32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD) is available from Geekom for 617 euros (code GKFH5).

On Amazon, only the variant with i9 is still available, but it is extremely overpriced.

Conclusion

The Geekom Mini IT12 offers fundamentally good performance, apart from the somewhat meager graphics unit. In addition to the inherently limited performance of such chips, Intel's models in particular have traditionally been weaker.

Nevertheless, the mini-PC is a good device with more than sufficient performance in the home office and office. Especially for office applications that require somewhat increased performance, it is a good choice in the long term as well. Thanks to expandability to up to 64 GB of RAM, the speed is more than sufficient for many use cases. The SSD storage can be expanded to a total of 5 TB if more is needed. The blue-shimmering case can take credit for an attractive look and high-quality build.

If you weigh performance against processing, performance, port variety and price, you get a highly attractive overall package here that is genuinely fun. The only showstopper here is the high fan volume typical of Geekom. In quiet rooms, the fan is audible almost continuously and it is not possible to control it. For particularly quiet environments or people with sensitive hearing, we therefore recommend other devices or the use of headphones with ANC. Anyone who needs more graphics performance should go with AMD or prefer a mini-PC with 13th-generation Intel chips. Ouvis AMR5

Ouvis AMR5

The Ouvis AMR5 offers a Ryzen 7 for under 350 euros. Our test shows whether the system also convinces in practical use beyond its price.

Jonas Bettger from 07.02.2024 PROS

good price (Ryzen 7 for 330 euros)

USB-C is present

manual dial for setting performance & volume

RAM & SSD easily accessible and expandable (magnetic, removable side panel) CONS

loud (just under 40 decibels)

only Wifi-5 & Ethernet port only at 1 Gbit

build quality mediocre (dull plastic that smells a bit)

lighting cannot be disabled

Ouvis AMR5 in review

The Ouvis AMR5 offers a Ryzen 7 for under 350 euros. Our test shows whether the system also convinces in practical use beyond its price.

The Ouvis AMR5 mini-PC stands out with fairly strong hardware in the form of an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. The equipment is really good for the price of 330 euros (select the 70-euro coupon); at Geekom and co. you pay at least 150 euros more for similar performance – and then often get “only” Intel hardware. Ryzen mini-PCs are in high demand and popular not least thanks to their stronger integrated graphics.

This review shows how the Ouvis AMR5 behaves in detail and whether users have to make compromises at this price. The test device was provided to us by Geekbuying.

Equipment: What hardware does the Ouvis AMR5 offer?

The Ouvis AMR5 relies on an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, which offers 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock of 1.8 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.3 GHz. In addition, there are two 8 GB RAM sticks (DDR4-2666). An M.2 SSD with 512 GB is also integrated, but in the CrystalDiskMark benchmark it only reaches SATA speeds of around 520 MB/s (read) and 472 MB/s (write).

RAM and SSD can be replaced and expanded. While up to 64 GB is possible for RAM thanks to SODIMM slots, there are two slots for M.2 2280 storage sticks. These can hold a maximum of up to 4 TB, i.e. two 2 TB drives.

Among the ports, we note the included Type-C port positively, which also supports video output. In total, up to three monitors can be connected. The Ethernet port is only a 1-gigabit interface – most mini-PCs have 2.5-gigabit Ethernet here. The manufacturer also cut corners on wireless connections, so the AMR5 relies on Wifi-5, which is already 10 years old. Wifi-6 is now standard, Wifi-6E is on the rise and Wifi-7 is in the starting blocks – in short: this is already a bit weak in 2024. The same applies to Bluetooth, which is only available here in version 4.2. Although this is likely to be secondary for a mini-PC, it is worth noting in contrast to other models that rely on more modern standards. Mini-PC Ouvis AMR5 in review – photo gallery Mini-PC Ouvis AMR5 in review – ports on the front

heise best lists Mini-PC Ouvis AMR5 in review – ports on the back

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Performance: How fast is the Ouvis AMR5?

Expectations for the result in PCmark 10 are high for the Ouvis AMR5; the Nipogi AM07 (review) has already set a strong precedent in the past with a Ryzen 5. With its Ryzen 7 5700 U, the Ouvis mini-PC lands at around 5341 points in Performance mode – a good, if not outstanding, result. In Auto it is 5323 points, while in Silent it is only 5192 points, so the difference is not huge, but it is noticeable. In fact, however, all the results are below those of the Nipogi AM07. Why is that, since the Ryzen 7 is the better CPU compared with the Ryzen 5?

The benchmark result can be explained by the fact that the Ryzen 5 is a good deal better in single core, i.e. performance with one core. In the Cinebench benchmark we can see this clearly, because the Ryzen 5 achieves 521 points there, while the Ryzen 7 manages "only" about 480 points. In return, the Ryzen 7 has two more cores and four more threads and thus runs away from the Ryzen 5 in multicore-optimized applications. Mini-PC Ouvis AMR5 – rotary knob for performance modes heise best lists

We find the rotary knob for setting the operating mode exciting. There are three modes to choose from here, which affect the performance and noise level of the mini-PC: Silent (10 to 15 watts), Auto (15 to 20 watts) and Performance (20 to 25 watts). The lower levels are indeed noticeably quieter, but by throttling they also sometimes noticeably limit performance. The LED ring in the power button shows the currently set mode by color.

The preinstalled Windows 11 Pro runs completely without complaint and very briskly; we do not perceive any loading delays or stutters. The system comes without bloatware, and the virus test does not trigger. Given the price and the high performance reserves, the mini-PC is a reliable, fast companion for home office applications for many years, but is also suitable for some games. However, that definitely does not include demanding titles such as Cities Skylines 2, which is very graphically demanding. Even at very low graphics settings in Full HD it stutters. It runs better in Anno 1800, which is smoothly playable with Fidelity FX enabled, but loses some of its beauty. Titles such as Portal 2 run at high settings in the test – such games are fun, but you have to stay away from the rest despite the strong integrated AMD graphics. More requires a proper dedicated GPU.

This is nicely visible in the Time Spy benchmark from 3Dmark. Here the system reaches 1447 points, with the weaker graphics unit at 1274 points pulling down the good CPU score of 6332 points.

Fans: How loud is the Ouvis AMR5?

With its Ryzen 7 5700U, the Ouvis AMR5 is one of the more powerful mini-PCs. But this also comes with higher noise levels, because high performance leads to more heat generation, and that heat simply has to escape somehow. Depending on the operating mode, the fans spin up and produce just under 43 decibels at peak. That is a lot for a mini-PC, but given the high CPU performance we find it understandable here. Very good: The fan noise can be described as a whoosh; there are no extra-annoying whining tones, vibrations or other interfering noises.

Important: The AMR5 is not permanently this loud. If CPU utilization is below 30 percent, the fans switch off completely even in Performance mode. Changing the modes also has an immediate effect on the noise level; "Silent" really does mean quiet. Here we measure only values below 30 decibels – even with an open Cities Skylines 2 session. In office use, the fans frequently remain switched off or are very quiet.

Form factor: How is the build quality of the Ouvis AMR5?

The case shape of the Ouvis AMR5 is a bit idiosyncratic at first, the design has something of a forced marriage between a console and a shrunken tower PC. The integrated RGB lighting, analogous to a gaming PC (guide), unfortunately cannot be controlled, let alone switched off – a shame, but not necessarily disruptive at every deployment location. The build quality of the case could be better; the plastic feels somewhat dull and cheap. The smell reminds us of freshly unpacked rubber products such as a swimming ring or rubber duck. Not pleasant, but also not too intense or disruptive. Besides, it fades over time. Mini-PC Ouvis AMR5 – maintenance flap heise bestenlisten

The maintenance flap is somewhat cheap and seems very fragile; when removing and reattaching it, we recommend great caution so as not to break off the thin hooks.

Price: How much does the Ouvis AMR5 cost?

The Ouvis AMR5 costs 339 euros on offer at Geekbuying. At the time of testing on February 7, 2024, however, the price was already 300 euros.

Amazon offers a virtually identical model from Acemagician for 330 euros (select the 70-euro coupon). It appears that Ouvis also belongs to the company Mini-PC-Union (Acemagic, Nipogi, Acemagician) or that there is at least a device pool from which various manufacturers can pick white-label mini-PCs.

Conclusion

As far as performance is concerned, the Ouvis AMR5 fully meets our expectations. The Ryzen 7 delivers as ordered and, at Full HD resolution and reduced settings, even manages games such as Portal 2, Counter Strike or Anno 1800. If you need more RAM or system storage, both can be upgraded or replaced via a practical magnetic maintenance flap.

However, the mini-PC is not the quietest; depending on the selected operating mode, the fans are clearly audible – given that there is also a lot of performance behind them, we find this understandable. The build quality of the case does not elicit cheers, but that cannot be expected at a price of 330 euros either. The chosen points for savings are sensible and tolerable; the AMR5 is put together with intelligence and therefore gets a clear recommendation. Overall, it is an incredibly attractive mini-PC. Asus Nuc 15 Pro

Asus Nuc 15 Pro

The Asus Nuc 15 Pro is a quiet mini-PC in the absolute top segment. It is quiet, extremely well equipped and future-proof.

David Bettger, January 28, 2026 PROS

three times USB-C, two of them Thunderbolt 4

supports its own upgrade modules

upgrading RAM and SSD is tool-free

The Asus Nuc 15 Pro is a quiet mini-PC in the absolute top segment. It is quiet, extremely well equipped and future-proof.

With the Nuc 15 Pro, Asus brings a mini-PC in the absolute premium segment to market – at least judging by the price. In the past, the manufacturer has made it difficult for us to recommend its products – and not because they were not good. Most of the time the problem is simply the cost of the hardware. In most cases, manufacturers from the Far East simply offer significantly more performance at a lower price.

But the purchase price is not everything, and anyone who uses their mini-PC for many years may run into problems and then be grateful for competent customer service. We took a close look at the Nuc 15 Pro and show in our review how well it performs. The manufacturer provided us with the review unit.

Specifications: What hardware does the Asus Nuc 15 Pro offer?

The Asus Nuc 15 Pro, or occasionally Intel Nuc 15 Pro, mini-PC offers the Intel Ultra 7 255H in the "Tall" version (product designation RNUC15CRHU700002). This 16-core chip from the second generation of Intel's Core Ultra series offers six performance, eight efficiency and two low-power efficiency cores – but does not support SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading).

The maximum clock speed is 5.1 GHz with a maximum total power consumption of 115 W in turbo. The SoC is now for the first time manufactured entirely by TSMC using the N3B process and no longer in its own facilities.

The chip can be supported by up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM at 6400 MT/s or, with LPDDR5, even 8400 MT/s over two memory channels – this is particularly beneficial for the integrated graphics, which goes by the name Arc 140T. It provides eight cores with a clock speed of up to 2250 MHz and thus delivers up to 75 TOPS (Int8).

That is also a good keyword, because the processor also has an NPU (Intel AI Boost) with up to 13 TOPS (Int8). In total, Intel advertises up to 99 TOPS with the supported frameworks OpenVINO, WindowsML, DirectML, ONNX RT, WebNN (CPU/NPU only) and WebGPU (GPU only).

Our review unit comes with only 16 GB of DDR5 RAM in the form of two SO-DIMM modules at 5600 MT/s from Samsung. This puts the system at the lower end, especially because the graphics alone may occupy 8 GB of it. Particularly for the use of LLMs (Large Language Models), a significant, albeit currently very costly, upgrade is therefore necessary.

For typical applications under Windows, such as Office but also image editing, the integrated memory size should initially still be sufficient. However, anyone who finds it too small from the outset can save the surcharge for the equipped variant and go for the memory-free barebone version. Whether one really comes out cheaper this way given the exploding memory prices is questionable. Asus states the maximum supported capacity as 96 GB.

The installed M.2 NVMe SSD from Crucial/Micron in the 2280 form factor is connected via PCIe 4.0 x4 and offers 1 TB of capacity. In Crystaldiskmark we measure top values of 7101 MB/s for reading and 6531 MB/s for writing. The M.2 port itself even supports PCIe 5.0 x4, which corresponds to a theoretical transfer rate of up to 16 GB/s. The SSD can be upgraded at this port to up to 8 TB.

The second M.2 port is connected via PCIe 4.0 x4 and supports SSDs in the 2242 form factor with up to 2 TB. Using an expansion card, we can convert the second M.2 port from the 2242 form factor to 2280 – this saves costs for the SSD and above all offers a larger selection.

The NUC 15 Pro offers three USB-C ports, two of which are Thunderbolt 4. The latter are located on the back and offer the expected features: 40 Gbps transfer rate, display output via DisplayPort 2.1 (8K at 60Hz) and up to 100 W PD-out – but no power input. Consequently, the PC can only be powered via the barrel connector and not via USB-C, which is a shame and less flexible. Especially in combination with docking stations (best list), one could thus establish the entire peripherals as well as the power supply via a single cable. Additional monitors can be connected via the two HDMI 2.1 ports (4K at 60 Hz).

The USB-C port on the front is only for data transfer at up to 20 Gbps. On the back there is also a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port. Using the expansion cards for the high-end variant of the NUC 15 Pro, another 2.5-gigabit LAN port can be added, depending on the card also with an additional RS232 interface. The chipset used is always Intel's own I226-V.

Wirelessly, the mini-PC is up to date with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Here too, the chipset used is from Intel, specifically the BE201.

Performance: How fast is the Asus Nuc 15 Pro?

Our usual benchmark PCMark 10 received a major update with version 2.3, which makes the results no longer comparable with previous versions. For the Nuc 15 Pro, we first extensively tested the last version of the version 1.x workflow and then updated to the latest version with the new version 2.0 workflow.

On average we achieve 6720 points (max. 7052 points). The new workflow delivers somewhat higher values with 8186 points on average and a maximum of 8331 points. These are definitely solid values and more than sufficient for the usual everyday tasks. However, this result is still a good distance away from absolute top level. In terms of performance, the system is well comparable with the Nipogi AM21 with AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, which achieves 8131 points in the new workflow.

In 3DMark Time Spy the Nuc achieves a score of 1774, of which 1615 graphics and 4037 CPU points – the AM21 fares almost twice as well with 3207 points. Cinebench R24 also delivers a strong result of 119 points in single-core and a sobering result of 367 points in multicore. The same is shown by the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6.5 with 2610 points in single-core and 6351 multicore.

It almost seems as if the entire power consumption is hard-limited, which means the cores can hardly unfold their full performance in multicore. Geekbench 6 attests to mediocre 21,313 points for the graphics in the OpenCL benchmark – the AM21 with its Radeon 780M is already at 28,735 points. The device thus appears very much trimmed for efficiency and apparently does not want to provide the user with maximum performance at all. Gaming is therefore likely to be more difficult here than usual for mini-PCs in this price range. Asus Nuc 15 Pro – picture gallery Asus Nuc 15 Pro – picture gallery

heise best lists Asus Nuc 15 Pro – picture gallery

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We first play Anno 1800 again in Full HD and load our advanced endless game. We initially try it with high presets and FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) in "Quality" mode. The game first loads normally up to "Set Sail", but when we click on it to enter our world, the game repeatedly freezes and finally crashes. The same happens when we set FSR to "Performance".

At first glance we suspect an overflow of the shared RAM, which is why we reduce the graphics settings to "Low" and FSR to "Balanced". This finally gets us into our game, and when looking at our city of 50,000 inhabitants we get an average of 56 FPS. We then venture into the medium presets with FSR in "Quality" mode. The game actually loads this way, and we get a solid 40 FPS on average. RAM utilization is around 90 percent, without us having opened any other programs.

After this experience, we start Cities Skylines 2 with the very low settings and constant dynamic resolution scaling. We play in a still young world with just under 12,000 inhabitants and thus get 18 FPS on average. While this is visually unappealing and far from optimal, it is still basically playable. With low settings we drop to 14 FPS. With medium presets and automatic dynamic resolution scaling we now get a completely unplayable 7 FPS on average.

Our suspicion of poor performance did not actually prove true, because contrary to the benchmark results, the Nuc 15 Pro fares significantly better in Cities Skylines 2. Unfortunately we have no direct comparison value for Anno, since the Nuc 15 Pro could no longer start the game from the high presets onward. In the end, however, it is still far from making a real gaming PC obsolete in either game.

AI: How good is the NPU?

With the Asus Nuc 15 Pro we now test the system's AI performance with a real benchmark for the first time. For this we use Procyon, another piece of software from UM Solutions and effectively the successor to PCmark 10, even though the latter remains supported for now. There are three different tests for AI performance in various tasks: Image Generation, Text Generation and Computer Vision.

The benchmark allows us to use either the iGPU or the NPU for the run – sometimes also the CPU. This depends on the "toolkit" used, which differs for each graphics card manufacturer. Under Windows, Microsoft's general ONNX-Runtime DirectML toolkit can be used, but this in turn cannot address the NPU.

We start with image generation using Stable Diffusion 1.5 Light and get 788 points with the NPU when using Intel's OpenVINO. If we use the iGPU and OpenVINO here, the overall result jumps to 2286 points. In text generation using LLMs, the benchmark uses the Phi 3.5, Mistral 7B, Llama 3.1 and Llama 2 models.

We first use only the NPU with OpenVINO and get 277 (Phi), 246 (Mistral), and 227 points (Llama 3.1). With Llama 2, an error occurs repeatedly, which is why we get a score of 0. With the GPU, it's 531 points with Phi, 489 with Mistral, 470 with Llama 3.1, and 317 with Llama 2. Finally, we also test the iGPU with Microsoft's ONNX Runtime, where we achieve 351 points with Phi and 281 points with Mistral – here Llama 3.1 fails, which is why Llama 2 is not even run at all.

Finally, Computer Vision: Here the NPU reaches 361 points at float16 precision with OpenVINO. The GPU reaches 182 points at float32 with OpenVINO and even 203 points with Microsoft's Windows ML.

The tests show that the NPU is significantly weaker than the graphics, but that is also intentional. The actual goal is to let everyday AI applications such as autocorrect, text-to-speech, facial recognition, or Microsoft's Recall run as efficiently as possible and, in terms of performance, almost unnoticed in the background.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Asus Nuc 15 Pro?

The built-in Intel Ultra 7 is set up to be extremely power-efficient here. At idle, we initially see a still-typical consumption of 9 to 11 W, which does not increase all that much under full load. With the full stress test in Aida64 over several hours, we measure a nearly constant consumption of just 33 W.

The average clock rate of the cores is therefore only 1.2 GHz, which is also due to the many efficiency cores. The system is connected to the internet only via LAN and manages a Bluetooth keyboard as well as a monitor via HDMI. Thus, in the upper class, the system is definitely among the most power-efficient, even if the full potential of the platform is definitely not exhausted here due to the low power consumption.

Fan: How loud is the Asus Nuc 15 Pro?

The mini-PC offers plenty of space in the case and also consumes only little energy – accordingly, the noise level should be a positive surprise. And so it is, because under full load we consistently measure below 30 dB(A) on the case. At a distance of one meter, we determine about 19 dB(A) in normal operation – a typical value. For the measurement, we use a smartphone app at an ambient noise level of about 16 dB(A) – without any claim to laboratory precision. Asus Nuc 15 Pro – heat distribution on the case heise bestenlisten

Under load, the fan only spins up higher sporadically and remains very quiet overall. In practice, the noise is so restrained that we initially suspected the benchmark was not running correctly at all. In normal operation – for example with office tasks or media playback – the mini-PC remains completely silent.

Thermally, too, the system shows no weakness: even under full load, the cooling reliably keeps the CPU below 65 degrees Celsius. From this we conclude that the processor performance could have been increased somewhat without significantly raising the fan speed.

In the BIOS there are the fan modes "Whisper", "Standard" and "Performance", with "Standard" being the default. There is also a setting item for performance mode, but it is grayed out. As a result, it is not readily possible to change the default value "Balanced Enabled".

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Asus Nuc 15 Pro?

Windows 11 Pro comes preinstalled on the Asus Nuc 15 Pro. A full virus scan with Windows Defender comes back with no findings. The system also does without any bloatware, with the exception of the Microsoft apps and services.

In the BIOS, Secure Boot is already disabled, which is why we can boot directly from our USB stick into Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS. That, at least, was the idea, because we first have to allow booting from USB media, since the BIOS does not offer a classic boot order. Once in Ubuntu, everything initially looks flawless: The screen resolution is displayed correctly, and Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LAN work.

Audio over HDMI also works without problems. If we put the device into sleep mode, we can wake it again after a short time. The only problem: The currently connected LAN port stays asleep. The problem also occurs with the expansion cards that have a LAN port. That is unfortunate, but under Linux it can usually be fully fixed with just a few commands.

Case: How is the build quality of the Asus Nuc 15 Pro?

The case of the Asus Nuc 15 Pro is a real highlight, and not because it has won a design award. What is special here is that it can be opened completely without tools – assuming the screw that locks the release is not tightened. The bottom panel then opens up like a chest and provides access to RAM and SSD. These can also be removed completely without tools, making the mini-PC enormously maintenance-friendly. Asus Nuc 15 Pro – tool-free opening: The case opens up like a chest. heise bestenlisten

For the aforementioned expansion cards in the "Tall" version, you only need to loosen two screws and insert the module. The CPU fan is directly under the lid, which can also be removed without tools. To do so, you just need to carefully lift it and thereby release it from the plastic clips.

The black case itself is plain and measures 117 × 112 × 54 mm. The mini-PC thus comes to a rather high total weight of 600 g. It is also made entirely of plastic, but at least it is flawlessly finished and not overly susceptible to fingerprints, scratches or dirt.

Price: How much does the Asus Nuc 15 Pro cost?

With 1 TB of storage and 32 GB of RAM, the Asus Nuc 15 Pro with Intel Ultra 7 in the "Tall" version currently costs 1529 euros on Amazon. Without RAM and SSD, the Nuc 15 Pro with Ultra 7 still costs 588 euros.

Conclusion

The Asus Nuc 15 Pro is a powerful mini-PC that does many things extremely well. What pleased us most was the extremely maintenance-friendly case, which requires no tools at all to upgrade the RAM and SSD. In addition, expansion modules can be retrofitted, for example for a longer M.2 slot, additional 2.5-gigabit LAN or a classic RS232 interface. This makes the device flexible to use and future-proof.

The USB-C ports are also excellent, since usually there are at most 2. The fact that two of them are equipped with the full Thunderbolt 4 specification is the icing on the cake. Thanks to the Intel chipset, the Nuc 15 also uses the latest consumer standards wirelessly, which in turn makes it very future-proof. Particularly surprising for us was also the extremely low operating noise, although a fair amount of potential performance is left on the table for this.

The disadvantages of the Asus mini-PC are obvious: the high price and only a little RAM. 16 GB of RAM does not seem little at first and is currently still the de facto standard under Windows. However, it should be noted that the iGPU alone may use up to 8 GB of it, and in graphics-intensive applications, such as gaming at high resolution, the PC effectively has just under 8 GB of RAM. In 2026, that is decidedly too little, especially at this price tag. Nipogi CK10

Nipogi CK10

Shines in office tasks and can also game: For 330 euros, the Nipogi CK10 offers a lot. How well it can hold its own in terms of price-performance is shown in our test.

David Bettger from 31.10.2024 PROS

VGA instead of DisplayPort connection

Nipogi CK10 in review

Shines in office tasks and can also game: For 330 euros, the Nipogi CK10 offers a lot. How well it can hold its own in terms of price-performance is shown in our test.

With the CK10, the Mini-PC Union, to which Nipogi belongs, is once again relying on Intel. With a Core i5, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB M.2 SSD, you get the usual package. In addition to USB-C, the mini-PC also offers a VGA port – a rare sight. It is available on Amazon at a current price of 330 euros. How well the mini-PC performs at this price is shown in our test (test date: October 31, 2024). Nipogi CK10 heise best lists

Equipment: What hardware does the Nipogi CK10 offer?

In the Nipogi CK10, the Mini-PC Union once again offers us Intel. The Core i5 12450H, now more than two years old, has four efficiency and four performance cores each with twelve threads. The maximum clock speed is 4.4 GHz. In our test device, the CPU's power consumption is a maximum of 35 watts. The integrated graphics unit still comes from the Intel Iris Xe series rather than the newer Intel ARC series and has less performance, but also fewer driver problems. However, apart from a few exceptions, gaming is out of the question with it. AMD chips in the price range up to 400 euros are comparatively more powerful, especially in graphics.

Our test device has 16 GB of RAM, installed in the form of two 8 GB SO-DIMM modules. These still use the DDR4 standard at 3200 MHz – actually MT/s ("mega transfers per second"). The NVMe SSD in the M.2-2280 form factor comes with 512 GB, uses the PCIe 3.0 standard and is sufficiently fast. In CrystalDiskMark, the SSD reaches 2565 MB/s in reading and 1860 MB/s in writing. The RAM can be upgraded to 64 GB, the SSD to up to 2 TB. In addition, an empty slot is available for another M.2 SSD.

Two HDMI ports are available for image transmission, plus VGA as well – a DisplayPort connection would of course be even better. The HDMI ports support 60 Hz at 4K display resolution. Furthermore, Gigabit LAN is available once, and power is supplied via a DC jack and unfortunately not via USB-C. That is also unusual in this price range, however. The USB-C port on the front of the mini PC can only be used for data transfer. As for wireless interfaces, the CK10 is well equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Performance: How fast is the Nipogi CK10?

The Intel Core i5 12450H is primarily intended for office use. That it really delivers there is shown by PCmark 10, where the i5 scores between 5022 and 5224 points. The gaming benchmark 3Dmark Time Spy then reveals the limits of the system. Here the CK10 manages only 981 points, of which 5633 are CPU and 857 graphics points. Comparable AMD systems achieve just under 150 points more in graphics.

In Geekbench 6, the mini PC reaches 2284 points in single-core and 7100 points in multi-core. Graphics manages only 8335 points. We also subjected the system to a test in Cinebench R24. There the Core i5 reaches 98 points in single-core and 367 points in multi-core. The CK10 is therefore mainly suited to simple office work, since these usually benefit more from high single-core performance.

Gaming is rather difficult due to the weak graphics. The shooter Valorant is of course still playable smoothly at low settings in Full HD. Here the mini PC even averages just under 120 FPS. Anno 1800 then shows the limits of the integrated graphics unit. At low settings in Full HD with FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) enabled in "Balanced" mode, the CK10 achieves under 30 FPS. In doing so, we look among other things at a metropolis with over 50,000 inhabitants – the game's beautiful visuals no longer quite come across here, however. Nipogi CK10 – photo gallery Nipogi CK10 – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Nipogi CK10 – photo gallery

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The system is very frugal to make up for it. Under full load, total consumption is only 42 watts, of which the CPU takes a maximum of 35 watts. At idle, power consumption is 12 watts. In the stress test, the CPU clocks above 4 GHz only briefly and settles between 1.7 and 1.8 GHz after just a few seconds. The maximum temperature here is 90 degrees.

Fan: How loud is the Nipogi CK10?

We were particularly impressed by the noise level of the cooling. Even though the CPU gets hot under full load, the fan remains very quiet at a maximum of 30 dB at the case. Nevertheless, it must be noted here that this is only a 35-watt CPU, which quickly downclocks under full load and draws only 20 watts most of the time. At a distance of one meter, the noise level is no longer meaningfully measurable (<25 dB). At idle, the fan is always off.

Case: How is the build quality of the Nipogi CK10?

The CK10 is one of the more compact mini-PCs. With external dimensions of 126 × 138 × 52 mm and a weight of 480 grams, it is quite handy. The matte gray case is made entirely of plastic, with air vents on the top and bottom. The lid is also provided with a rectangular pattern as well as various manufacturer stickers. However, especially the removable covers on the top and bottom feel cheap and can be bent significantly – the packaging, by contrast, looks very premium. The bottom also sits far too tightly for our taste and makes opening the case unnecessarily difficult. The scope of delivery includes everything necessary: from an HDMI cable to a VESA mount as well as a SATA cable for the retrofittable SSD.

Price: How much does the Nipogi CK10 cost?

The Nipogi CK10 in the configuration with Intel Core i5, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage currently costs 330 euros on Amazon.

For twice the RAM and SSD, you pay 389 euros – a fair surcharge.

Conclusion

The Nipogi CK10 is a solid mini-PC that is primarily intended for office use. Especially in this price range, the mini-PCs with AMD CPUs deliver even better value for money – as is the case here as well. Also, the VGA port instead of DisplayPort should be a reason to buy for very few people.

Despite the generally good overall package, we recommend devices with AMD CPUs. These chips have significantly more graphics performance and thus offer better value for money. Apple Mac Mini M4

Apple Mac Mini M4 from EUR 1,055.00

The Apple Mac Mini M4 has made a name for itself thanks to its strong performance and efficiency. Our review shows just how good the mini-PC actually is.

David Bettger from 09.09.2025 PROS

strong performance

value for money

5 USB-C ports (3 of them with Thunderbolt 4)

power supply integrated CONS

gaming support

upgradability

poorly placed power button

Apple Mac Mini M4 review: Mini-PC with plenty of power, top quality & fair price

The Apple Mac Mini M4 has made a name for itself thanks to its strong performance and efficiency. Our review shows just how good the mini-PC actually is.

Until now, we have tested exclusively mini-PCs with Windows. However, with the "Mac Mini" series, Apple itself offers a portfolio of mini-PCs within its own universe. Especially the variants of recent years, from M1 to M4 processors, have made a name for themselves through their enormous performance and simultaneously high efficiency. We want to experience this for ourselves and dare to make the leap to the Mac. Our test device is the Mac Mini M4 with 16 GB Unified Memory and 512 GB storage. Our review shows how well the Mac Mini performs in practice.

Specifications: What hardware does the Mac Mini M4 offer?

Our test device is equipped with the base version of the M4 processor. As part of the "Apple Silicon" series, the SoC is based on the ARM architecture and is manufactured using the 3 nm process. It offers 10 cores, of which 4 are performance cores and 6 are efficiency cores. The former clock at a maximum of 4.5 GHz, the latter at 2.9 GHz. The TDP of the chip is 22 watts. The GPU also has 10 cores and supports ray tracing, i.e. the simulation of light rays in a virtual scene. The processor and graphics fully share the 16 GB of "Unified Memory" in the form of soldered LPDDR5X-7500 modules – RAM and graphics memory are thus fused into one. Together with a 16-core NPU with 38 TOPS, the Mac Mini is particularly popular as a server for local use of AI models.

For storage, a 512 GB model from Apple is used. With Amorphous Diskmark – the Mac equivalent of Crystaldiskmark – we measure 3394 MB/s for reads and 3662 MB/s for writes.

The mini-PC offers a total of five USB-C ports, with the three on the back specified as Thunderbolt 4. There is also one HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet. Also worth mentioning is the power button, which is unusually placed at the back underneath the device and is therefore extremely difficult to reach. The device also has a built-in speaker with decent sound.

Performance: How fast is the Mac Mini M4?

Thanks to the modern ARM architecture, the M4 processor is not only extremely powerful but also very energy-efficient. PCmark 10 is not supported on the Mac, and we were only able to install 3DMark in the Steam version. Since we could not redeem our product key there, we used the available Time Spy Extreme benchmark. There, the Mac Mini achieves a strong result with 9897 points. For comparison: the Minisforum MS-A2 with Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti reaches 7624 points here under Windows.

The cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 attests 3799 points in single-core and 14,985 points in multi-core for the mini-PC. It also achieves 38,275 points in the OpenCL graphics benchmark – the Radeon 780M in the Minisforum 870 Slim reaches only 31,122 points here. In the multi-core test of Cinebench R24, the Mac Mini manages 946 points and an enormously strong 176 points in single-core. Apple Mac Mini M4 – photo gallery Apple Mac Mini M4 – photo gallery

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Despite strong performance, gaming on the Mac is a niche and support is correspondingly sparse. Of our usual test games Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines 2, neither is supported out of the box. Counter Strike 2 does not run either, but at least CS:GO does in the Legacy version. The game also runs butter-smooth on the strong hardware. We also tested Minecraft via the Prism Launcher, which in version 1.21.1 and at the highest settings in a single-player world also ran consistently smoothly at around 200 FPS.

The Mac Mini is predestined for use as a host for local AI or LLMs. This is due not least to the strong graphics performance but above all to the "Unified Memory," which makes a lot of memory available to the graphics. This means large LLMs can also be loaded into the graphics memory, which does not cause any additional loss in performance. The 16 GB of our test device is still too little for the largest AI models, but it can already rival many high-end graphics cards, such as those from Nvidia.

With the gpt-oss-20b model from Open AI, we receive a detailed answer to the question of how transistors work, at a brisk 17.13 tokens/s. We use LM Studio in version 0.3.25 for this.

Productivity software such as the CAD program Fusion 360 also runs without problems on the Mac Mini.

At idle, the Mac Mini consumes just 6.5 watts. Under full CPU load with the "yes" command, consumption rises to about 15 watts and the processor temperature to 54 degrees. With additional GPU load from a prompt to the local AI, consumption rises to an average of 24 watts with brief spikes to about 46 watts. The temperature climbs to up to 82 degrees.

Fan: How loud is the Mac Mini M4?

No matter how heavily the Mac Mini 4 is utilized, the system remains completely silent at all times, even with the fan active. It doesn't get better – or quieter – than this.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Mac Mini M4?

Mac OS version 15.6.1 is installed on the Mac Mini M4. Windows and Linux users should be prepared to adapt. The system and its operating logic are simply a matter of taste – even if the actual differences are not great. In our editorial team, we have fans and advocates of both universes.

Switchers from Windows will certainly experience one or two aha moments when installing software or accidentally closing the email program while trying to type an @ sign. The advantages of the operating system are its good stability and the almost seamless collaboration between iPhone, iPad and MacBook. This makes working across device classes easy, as the devices synchronize information so that you can continue work you started directly on another device. Incoming calls on the iPhone, for example, can also be answered directly on the PC. Windows does offer similar counterparts for some of these functions via Phone Link, but not always with the same tight integration.

Chassis: How is the build quality of the Mac Mini M4?

The gray chassis of the Mac Mini is almost entirely made of aluminum. Only the bottom plate together with the power button is made of black plastic. The build quality is flawless, as is typical for Apple, and the design is simple.

The chassis can actually be opened, though only with some force. Here we are happy to refer to the guide from iFixit. Officially, no components can be upgraded. In the meantime, there are unofficial SSDs that can use the proprietary interface and enable a subsequent storage upgrade. Especially for storage, Apple demands utopian prices.

Price: How much does the Mac Mini M4 cost?

The configuration of our test device is already available from 899 euros in Apple's online store. The entry-level variant with the same processor but only 256 GB of storage is available from 699 euros.

At Amazon, the entry-level model is available from 605 euros and our test device from 800 euros. The surcharge for the next larger configuration variant with 8 GB more RAM, i.e. 24 GB, is about 200 euros more, while 32 GB of RAM then costs "only" just under 60 euros extra on top of 1063 euros.

Conclusion

The Mac Mini M4 combines strong performance, efficiency and good build quality like hardly any other computer in this form factor. The operating system is MacOS – with all its advantages and disadvantages. This makes it an absolute recommendation for all Apple enthusiasts, and for everyone else it is at least worth a try. Especially with the entry-level models, the Mac Mini delivers an enormously strong price-performance ratio, unfortunately at the expense of flexibility and above all upgradability. Add to that the high value retention – used Macs can be sold very well for a very long time. Nipogi H2 (i5-14450HX)

Nipogi H2 (i5-14450HX)

Solid mini PC for office tasks: With its Intel Core i5, the Nipogi H2 promises plenty of performance in a compact format.

Jonas Bettger, March 26, 2026 PROS

practical locking mechanism for the case lid CONS

comparatively expensive

somewhat loud under load

Graphics performance below average

high power consumption

moderate build quality

Mini PC with USB-C & room for two SSDs: Nipogi H2 with Intel i5-14450HX in review

Solid mini PC for office tasks: With its Intel Core i5, the Nipogi H2 promises plenty of performance in a compact format.

The mini PC union behind brands such as Acemagic, Nipogi or Ouvis has repeatedly made a name for itself in the past with outrageously good prices. The Nipogi H2 sets out to be another attractive mid-range computer for everyone. With an Intel Core i5-14550HX, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, it offers a very respectable configuration on paper. In terms of price, however, the system is unusually high at 500 euros – presumably also a consequence of the cost explosion in DDR5 memory triggered by the AI boom. Whether the system can still live up to expectations, we show in our review. The manufacturer provided us with the review unit.

Specifications: What hardware does the Nipogi H2 offer?

Our review unit runs an Intel Core i5-14550HX, which has 10 cores and 16 threads. These are divided into six performance cores (P; with hyperthreading) and four efficiency cores (E; Gracemont, without hyperthreading). However, the H2 is also available with other processors, such as the stronger i7-14650HX. The 14450HX is part of the Raptor Lake HX refresh and is manufactured by Intel using the 10 nm FinFET process (Intel 7 lithography). The clock speed ranges between 1.8 and 4.8 GHz, with the E-cores clocking between 1.8 and 3.5 GHz and the P-cores between 2.4 and 4.8 GHz. The TDP is 55 W but can rise to 157 W in turbo mode. The maximum operating temperature is 100 degrees Celsius.

The integrated graphics unit is an Intel UHD Graphics Xe with 16 EUs (Execution Units), which clocks at 1500 MHz and can use up to 8 GB of RAM. The RAM is 16 GB and is implemented as a single SO-DIMM module. A second SO-DIMM slot is unoccupied and can be used for expansion. The integrated DDR4-3200 module comes from the manufacturer Shenzen Shikotar Semi, which is unknown in this country. The SSD is the 512 GB NVMe Taimi MT5000 in the M.2-2280 form factor, which operates over PCIe 4.0. According to the Crystaldiskmark storage benchmark, it writes at 3222 MB/s and reads at 4435 MB/s. Nipogi H2: Crystaldiskmark heise best lists

In terms of ports, the system offers six USB-A ports (of which 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 and 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1), one USB-C port compliant with USB 3.2 Gen 2, as well as HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. There is also a Gigabit LAN socket. Power is supplied exclusively via the DC barrel connector and therefore not via USB-C, as has been standard for laptops for many years. We naturally find this a shame, since it makes the system less flexible and means you cannot simply use a 100 W USB-C charger (best list).

Wireless connections are provided by the Nipogi H2 via Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6. The chipset used here is the Realtek 8852BE.

Performance: How fast is the Nipogi H2?

With a 14th-generation i5, expectations for the Nipogi H2 are more in line with a good mid-range system than an absolute record holder. Just how strong it is becomes clear in our classic office and gaming benchmarks. Before we begin, one note up front: the office benchmark PCMark 10 recently received a major update that raises the workflow from version 1.x to 2.x. According to the changelogs from developer UL Solutions, this also means that the results of the two versions are no longer comparable with each other. Therefore, for the time being we are measuring with both workflows in order to maintain comparability with previously tested models.

In workflow 1.x, the Nipogi H2 averages 5176 points, with peaks at 5073 and 5218 points. In workflow 2.x, it averages 6074 points, with outliers at 5844 and 6193 points. This makes the system more comparable to weaker mid-range systems, which may not shine in gaming but perform well in everyday office use. 3DMark Time Spy confirms this impression as well, in which the H2 achieves a total of 456 points, while the CPU still performs quite respectably with 8081 points.

The graphics unit in particular is a disappointment here, however, as it reaches only 391 points and thus falls far behind other similarly priced mini-PCs. Price-comparable competitors such as the Minisforum UM760 Slim (review) or the Alliwava GH9 (review) achieve, for example, 2300 or 1613 GPU points here. The OpenCL graphics score from Geekbench 6 is also not impressive here at 3993 points; the UM760 Slim manages 23,368 points here. These are therefore completely different dimensions, which means the graphics of the H2 is more worthy of a mini-PC under 250 euros than of a 500-euro system.

The fact that the CPU itself is not necessarily the bottleneck of the PC is shown by a look at Cinebench 2024. There it reaches 104 points in single-core mode and 673 points in multi-core. In Geekbench 6 as well, the values of 2476 points (single-core) and 8704 points (multi-core) are absolutely in line with what is expected for a mid-range system. Nipogi H2 – photo gallery Nipogi H2 – photo gallery

heise best lists Nipogi H2 – photo gallery

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We also ventured into gaming in practice, but were somewhat disappointed by the results. While Anno 1800 still managed a reasonably solid 20 FPS in Full HD and low settings with the FSR (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) upscaler enabled, Cities Skylines 2 and Counter Strike 2 stuttered so badly even in the main menu that gaming in any form was out of the question. In The Witcher 3: Wild Life as well, the FPS dropped below the 10 mark, which is unplayable.

Overall, the Nipogi H2 therefore shows clear weaknesses, especially in graphics, and is thus absolutely unsuitable as a gaming system. This is a shame, particularly in comparison with similarly priced systems, since between 500 and 600 euros you can definitely get mini-PCs capable of Full HD gaming.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Nipogi H2?

The consumption of the Nipogi H2 is comparatively high even in normal everyday use, where the system draws up to 26 W in idle without load. If we use the PC with normal applications, such as a browser, this already climbs to 68 W, which we find quite a lot. Under load it is up to 90 W. Especially compared with systems with similar benchmark results, the Nipogi H2 is among the most power-hungry. Such high values are mainly found in systems like the Minisforum UM890 Pro (review), which, however, can justify them with significantly more performance.

Fan: How loud is the Nipogi H2?

The fan noise of the Nipogi H2 is overall absolutely within reason. Without load, it is a maximum of 24 dB(A) measured at the case. At full load via the Aida64 stress test, however, the noise level climbs to up to 38 dB(A), which is at the upper end of average. Nipogi H2 – heat distribution heise best lists

However, the temperature development under load also remains within limits and only briefly reaches 83 degrees, but settles at 78 degrees and an average of 75 degrees. At the start of full load, the clock rate is still at the full 4.8 GHz, but drops after just a few seconds. On average, the system remains stable at 2.9 GHz. Only individual P-cores clock continuously at around 4 GHz.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Nipogi H2?

Windows 11 Pro in version 25H2 is preinstalled on the Nipogi H2. Windows is activated with a digital license. No bloatware is preinstalled on the system, and our routine full virus scan with Windows Defender finds nothing unusual.

Case: How is the build quality of the Nipogi H2?

The case of the Nipogi H2 seems to us like a larger version of the Nipogi E2 (review). The build quality of the gray plastic is okay, but not overwhelming. The material feels somewhat cheap on the surface, and edges quickly feel greasily smooth. The look certainly also has a certain share in the disappointment one feels when touching it. Based on it, one might think the PC is adorned with copper elements – but here, too, it is only plastic.

On the back there is a rather clever release mechanism with which you can unlock the lid and then remove it. However, the slider used for this looks rather cheap. Admittedly, you won't open your PC every day, but the build quality could have been somewhat higher quality. The greatest influence on our expectations here is in particular the high price of 500 euros and more. For that, you simply get a significantly more premium case with other devices.

Under the case lid there is a glossy intermediate layer held by four screws. If you loosen them, you can access the hardware. On the E2 there was room here for a 2.5-inch hard drive, on the H2 not. The intermediate layer also feels somewhat cheap, and the glossy paint here is not conducive to the perceived quality.

The Nipogi H2 measures 128.2 x 128.2 x 44 mm and weighs 579 g.

Price: How much does the Nipogi H2 cost?

Normally, the Nipogi H2 in our test configuration (i5, 16/512 GB) costs 600 euros on Amazon. After subtracting the click coupons and entering our code HEISEH2PC, the price drops to 500 euros.

The variant with 32 GB of RAM normally costs 900 euros and drops to 600 euros with the click coupons and our code HEISEH232.

The discount coupons are valid depending on availability until April 26, 2026. If stock sells out beforehand, the price at a later time after publication may already differ.

Conclusion

The Nipogi H2 is a solid mid-range mini PC. Especially for everyday use and office work, its performance is more than solid. With two slots for M.2 SSDs, it can be expanded well, which makes sense for longer-term use. In addition to a USB-C port, you get a decent selection of connections with six USB-A ports.

However, its current price and meager graphics performance put a damper on its attractiveness. In the price range around 500 euros, we have simply already tested several PCs that offered considerably better GPU performance as well as other conveniences – such as USB-C for power supply or two 2.5-gigabit LAN ports. The Nipogi H2 has none of that, which is why it comes up short in comparison. In addition, the case feels somewhat cheaply made and, in our eyes, suits systems around 200 euros better than such an expensive mini PC. Also noticeable is the system's high power consumption, which already exceeds 60 W when browsing the internet.

We would rather recommend a Minisforum UM760 Slim (review) or a GMKtec Nucbox K12 (review). They are stronger, similarly priced, and also work more efficiently with lower consumption. That makes the H2 not a thoroughly bad PC, just clearly too expensive. However, this is likely due to the cost explosion in DDR5 memory triggered by the AI boom. At a price of 300 euros, the PC would be considerably more attractive. In the test, it therefore gets three stars.

Acemagic F2A

With 16 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 7, a 1-TB NVMe SSD and an Intel Core Ultra 125H, the Acemagic is well equipped for use as an office PC. But does the package convince in practice?

Kai Schmerer from 05.05.2025 PROS

Good performance

Case well made CONS

With 16 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 7, a 1-TB NVMe SSD and an Intel Core Ultra 125H, the Acemagic is well equipped for use as an office PC. But does the package convince in practice?

The Acemagic F2A comes from the manufacturer Mini-PC-Union, which offers mini PCs under various brands such as Nipogi and Acemagician. The Acemagic F2A is available in two variants: with the 4.5 GHz Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14 cores) or with the 4.8 GHz model Core Ultra 7 155H and 16 cores. The former costs 627 euros with the discount code KAAUPG8K, while the more powerful model is available with the same code for 719 euros. That is a substantial price reduction compared with the recommended retail prices of 899 and 999 euros. But does that make the Acemagic F2A a bargain? Our test shows. Images: Acemagic F2A Mini-PC Acemagic F2A with Intel Core Ultra 5 125H or with Core Ultra 7 155H, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe SSD

heise bestenlisten Mini-PC Acemagic F2A with Tuxedo OS

heise bestenlisten Network performance: Ethernet

heise bestenlisten Network performance: 2.4 GHz

heise bestenlisten Network performance: 5 GHz

heise bestenlisten Acemagic F2A: PCMark10

heise bestenlisten Acemagic F2A: Power consumption

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Features: What hardware does the Acemagic F2A offer?

Our test model is the cheaper variant with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, which offers 14 computing cores and 18 threads and clocks at up to 4.5 GHz. Both mini-PC variants are otherwise identically equipped: 32 GB, 1-TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7 (Intel BE200) as well as an Intel Arc GPU with 2.25 GHz and eight execution units. However, the integrated NPU offers only 34 TOPS, making it inferior to the AMD counterparts, which offer up to 55 TOPS, and therefore it also does not qualify for Windows Copilot.

For the RAM, the manufacturer uses two 16 GB DDR5 SO-DIMM modules from Kingston with a speed of 5600 MT/s. The memory can be expanded to up to 64 GB by replacing the existing modules.

The NVMe SSD used in the M.2 2280 form factor is 1 TB in size and also comes from Kingston. It is connected to the system via PCIe x4. There is also a second M.2 slot in full length (M.2 2280), so another SSD can be installed. However, the connection here is limited to PCIe x2.

In the test with the CrystalDiskMark storage benchmark, the SSD performs well with 3688 MB/s in reading and 1339 MB/s in writing, but it is by no means one of the fastest models. Unfortunately, Acemagic has not equipped the SSD with a heatsink, so during operation it quickly reaches temperatures of more than 60 degrees despite the fan. Under intensive load, the SSD therefore throttles its performance.

In terms of interfaces, the mini PC offers two USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports and a 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet port (Realtek RTL8125) on the rear. There is also a DC barrel jack for connecting the included 120-watt power supply. Unfortunately, the HDMI ports support 4K monitors only up to 60 hertz. A DisplayPort connection is missing. On the front there are two more USB-A ports with USB 3.2 Gen1 as well as a USB-C port with the same performance. Next to the on/off switch there is also an audio output. Mini-PC Acemagic F2A: 3DMark heise bestenlisten

Performance: How fast is the Acemagic F2A?

As expected, the Core Ultra 5 125H in the Acemagic F2A delivers good performance. In PCMark 10 the chip scores 6922 points. In the cross-platform Geekbench benchmark, the mini PC reaches 2252 points in the single-core and 10924 in the multi-core test, and 30766 points in the GPU benchmark.

In 3DMark, the Intel Arc GPU integrated into the processor can even keep up with the Radeon 780M in the Ryzen processors, with a score of 3267 points. Game tests confirm this as well, although not every game has yet been optimized for Intel graphics and AMD's 780M still offers some advantages. Nevertheless, Intel has caught up.

Network performance is also fine. In our 1 Gbit/s network, the Ethernet port reaches the theoretical maximum with 985 Mbps download and 1003 Mbps. And Wi-Fi performance also achieves top values with 980 Mbps download and 897 Mbps upload (see also image gallery).

In a direct comparison with our current test winner Minisforum UM870 Slim (best list) with Ryzen 7 8745H, however, the Acemagic F2A is overall somewhat slower. Acemagic F2A: PCMark10 heise bestenlisten

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Acemagic F2A?

Under maximum load with Prime95 (heise download), the stability test from AIDA64 (heise download) or Cinebench 2024, the power consumption of the Acemagic F2A is briefly up to 102 watts. After a few seconds the CPU throttles its clock speed so that consumption drops to about 90 watts. When the desktop is idle, the mini PC requires between 10 and 12 watts, while browsing the internet and classic office applications draw between 26 and 40 watts from the outlet. Acemagic F2A: power consumption heise bestenlisten

Fan: How loud is the Acemagic F2A?

The Acemagic has a total of two fans: one cools the CPU, the second is intended to curb the heat generated by the memory and SSD, although, as already mentioned above, this does not work well with the SSD. While the fans are usually inaudible in normal office operation, the noise level rises to up to 49 dB(A) under heavy load. That makes concentrated work practically impossible. Another nuisance is that the fans occasionally spin up briefly and then fall silent again. That is more disturbing than a continuous medium-high speed. In addition, during the test the fan sometimes "forgot" to reduce its speed at low temperatures. Even a restart did not help. Only after we switched off the device, disconnected the power supply plug and reconnected it did the fan control work again. The fan control, combined with an irritating noise profile, is therefore the very big weakness of the Acemagic F2A.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Acemagic F2A?

The mini PC Acemagic F2A ships with Windows 11 Home. However, since version 22H2 is preinstalled, for reasons of time we decide on a fresh installation with the current Windows 11 version 24H2. Afterwards we install a few more drivers so that no yellow exclamation marks remain in Device Manager. Since Acemagic does not provide a download option for the F2A, we downloaded the necessary drivers from Intel (chipset, GPU, NPU) and Realtek (Ethernet).

The installation of Tuxedo OS, based on Ubuntu 24.04, worked in the test, including detection of all drivers. Mini-PC Acemagic F2A with Tuxedo OS heise bestenlisten

Case: How is the build quality of the Acemagic F2A?

The Acemagic measures 14.7 × 14.7 × 5.2 cm and weighs 760 g – rather large and heavy for a mini PC. The case is painted dark gray and is made entirely of plastic. The tactile feedback is accordingly not particularly high-quality. On the top side, a gold stripe runs around the case. In addition, the manufacturer's lettering is applied there in white letters. Furthermore, three stickers "decorate" the top side. Two of them bear QR codes that lead to the Acemagic VIP Club and the WhatsApp support group. The third bears the Intel Inside logo. All three stickers can be removed, but the case then has to be freed from the adhesive residue. Mini-PC Acemagic F2A: The bottom can be easily detached, giving access to the SO-DIMM and M.2 slots. heise bestenlisten

The bottom can be easily detached via the screws integrated into the rubber feet. Then you have access to the SO-DIMM sockets and the M.2 slots. The following video shows how to proceed.

Price: How much does the Acemagic F2A cost?

The Acemagic F2A is available in two variants: with the 4.5 GHz Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14 cores) or with the 4.8 GHz model Core Ultra 7 155H and 16 cores. The former variant costs 627 euros with the discount code KAAUPG8K, while the more powerful model is available with the same code for 719 euros. That is a substantial discount compared with the recommended retail prices of 899 euros and 999 euros.

Conclusion

Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, 32 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet and a 1 TB NVMe SSD, the Acemagic F2A has everything needed for a high-performance office PC. However, the overall package fails to convince in the test. The fan, which howls very loudly under heavy load, is still the least of its problems – in office use, you hardly hear the device at all. But the alternatives, such as the Minisforum UM870 Slim (bestenliste), cost considerably less, offer significantly more performance apart from Wi-Fi 7, are much quieter and come with Windows 11 Pro. Minisforum MS-A2

Minisforum MS-A2

The Minisforum MS-A2 mini PC offers a strong CPU and equipment. Our test shows whether it can compete with gaming PCs thanks to its full-fledged PCIe interface.

David Bettger from 11.08.2025 PROS

2x USB-C (10 Gbps and DP Alt-mode)

2x 10 Gb SFP+ & 2x 2.5 Gbit LAN

strong CPU

compact and easy-to-open case

physical PCIe x16 interface CONS

weak graphics

cooling at the limit

Mini PC as a workstation with a slot for a graphics card: Minisforum MS-A2 in the test

The Minisforum MS-A2 mini PC offers a strong CPU and equipment. Our test shows whether it can compete with gaming PCs thanks to its full-fledged PCIe interface.

Minisforum is an established manufacturer of mini PCs and has made a name for itself in the past primarily with its strong price-performance ratio. The MS-A2 is the big brother of the MS-A1 (review) and can be classified as a mini workstation. Instead of a desktop CPU, it now uses mobile CPUs from the 9000 series, more precisely: the Ryzen 9 9955HX with 16 cores and 32 threads. The rest of the equipment and expansion options also leave little to be desired. For example, 3 M.2 SSDs, 96 GB RAM and any expansion cards or even graphics cards can be connected via the physical PCIe x16 interface.

Our test shows how well the system performs out of the box without and with a dedicated graphics card and whether the cooling can keep up with the high power consumption.

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum MS-A2 offer?

With the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, the MS-A2 offers a powerful 16-core processor with Zen 5 architecture. Thanks to SMT (simultaneous multithreading), the processor provides 32 threads. The TDP is configurable between 55 and 75 watts and the maximum clock rate is 5.4 GHz for all cores.

The chip also has the integrated Radeon 610M graphics. This offers only two CUs (compute units) and clocks at 2200 MHz. As our experience shows, this means gaming is only possible in esports titles such as CS 2 despite the enormously strong CPU.

The installed drive in the M.2 2280 form factor offers a capacity of 1 TB. It is also connected via PCIe 4.0×4 and achieves 6138 MB/s read and 5337 MB/s write in CrystalDiskMark. The SSD also has a heatsink and is actively cooled by a fan. There are also two additional M.2 slots, one of which can be converted into a U.2 slot with the included expansion card. This allows a maximum storage capacity of 15 TB. Minisforum MSA2 - Images Minisforum MSA2 - Images

heise bestenlisten Minisforum MS-A2 - Images

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For RAM, two 32 GB DDR5 SO-DIMM modules are used. These offer a transfer rate of 5600 MT/s and can be upgraded to a total capacity of 96 GB. The two modules are also from Crucial.

No mini PC from our previous tests can match the interfaces. The MS-A2 offers two USB 3.2 Gen Type-C ports with a 10 Gbit/s transfer rate and DisplayPort 2.0 Alt-mode (8K 60Hz) – unfortunately, however, no USB 4. There is also one HDMI port in version 2.1 (8K 60Hz). In addition to two 2.5-gigabit LAN ports (Realtek RTL8125 and Intel I226-V chipsets), there are also two SFP+ ports with a 10 Gbit/s transfer rate (Intel X710 chipset). These are special network ports with high data transfer, but they require special hardware. They are primarily used in the server sector.

The highlight of the interfaces, however, is the PCIe x16 slot, although in reality only 8 lanes are connected with PCIe 4.0. This allows the system to be expanded as desired, for example with a full-fledged desktop GPU. The case offers space for a card of one slot in size – larger cards can still be connected to the system via a riser cable. In this way, the MS-A2 can be upgraded into an extremely compact gaming PC.

The wireless interfaces are fine with Bluetooth 5.2 and Wifi 6E (MT7922 chipset).

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum MS-A2?

The 16-core Ryzen 9 9955HX offers excellent performance, but the weak iGPU makes the system seem rather unbalanced.

In PCmark10, the system achieves an average of "only" 6930 points. In 3Dmark Time Spy as well, the result is a weak 783 points, of which 10,652 are for the CPU and 673 for the iGPU. Here it is clearly recognizable that the mini PC is held back by the weak graphics, which are inferior to most 400-euro mini PCs (Minisforum UN680 Slim: 1461 graphics points). In Cinebench R24, the MS-A2 can really shine with 127 points in single-core and 1649 points in multi-core. Geekbench 6 attests the Ryzen 9 3165 points in single-core and 18308 points in multi-core. Gaming with the system out of the box is not to be thought of. In Anno 1800, we can achieve a playable 25 FPS in 1080p only thanks to the lowest settings and FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) in performance mode. The charm of the game and the level of detail of our 50,000-inhabitant metropolis are thus almost entirely lost.

The more demanding Cities Skylines 2 is almost unplayable at 8 FPS in 1080p, also with the lowest settings and automatic dynamic resolution scaling.

Only with a full-fledged GPU can the system unfold its full performance. For this, we use an Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti in the Asus TUF variant via a riser cable. The graphics card is powered by a PC power supply.

In this way, we achieve up to 14,637 points in 3Dmark Time Spy, of which 15,002 are graphics and 12,867 CPU points. In the more CPU-focused PCmark 10 as well, the result could be increased to 9022 points. The additional performance here presumably comes primarily from deactivating the integrated graphics.

In Anno 1800, we now achieve a strong 40 FPS in the highest settings in 1080p and with FSR deactivated – if we look only at the water, well over 100 FPS are also possible.

In Cities Skylines, we play in 1080p with high settings and active DLSS in "Best Quality" mode. In this way, the system consistently achieves between 50 and 60 FPS.

All results except Geekbench were achieved with the BIOS in version 1.0.1. With the current version 1.0.2, in our case the results deteriorated in some cases by more than 7 percent despite additional setting options.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Minisforum MS-A2?

Although the CPU is a mobile processor, the power consumption at idle is surprisingly high. For the entire system, we measure at least 30 watts. Under full load, consumption is a maximum of 135 watts, of which 65 watts alone are for the graphics unit. The temperature is always below 92 degrees – high, but still completely within range. The CPU initially clocks at 3.8 GHz and then gradually drops to 3.6 GHz, and its power consumption then falls to about 120 watts.

With BIOS version 1.0.2, we finally also ventured to replace the thermal paste and thermal pads. The result, however, was different than expected: the temperatures actually got a little worse as a result.

The performance mode can be set in the BIOS with the Silent, Balance and Performance options.

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum MS-A2?

The biggest weakness of the MS-A2 is clearly the fan. It is constantly active even at idle and, at 21 dB(A) directly on the case, is quite noticeable. In addition, the second fan for the hard drives also runs continuously. Under full load, in addition to the increased speed, the fan sometimes briefly spins up even more. The noise level is 43 dB(A), which is significantly above the usual values of a premium mini PC.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Minisforum MS-A2?

The MS-A2 comes with Windows 11 Pro installed from the factory. A full system scan with Windows Defender remains without findings.

We also tried Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ethernet working without problems. The screen resolution was also detected correctly; only audio output via the 3.5 mm jack did not work.

Case: How is the build quality of the Minisforum MS-A2?

The case is identical to that of the MS-A1 with external dimensions of 190 × 186 × 48 mm. The MS-A2 weighs 1.47 kg. The plain case is mostly made of metal; only the panels on the front and back are made of plastic. Thanks to a clever sliding mechanism, the hardware can even be accessed without tools. There is still plenty of free space inside the case that can be filled with additional hardware such as M.2 SSDs. Only the RAM is somewhat hidden under the CPU's radial fan.

Price

The Minisforum MS-A2 costs 1239 euros on the manufacturer's website in the configuration with 64 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD and AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX. On Amazon, the mini PC also costs 1239 euros.

Conclusion

The MS-A2 is an enormously powerful mini PC that, without an external graphics unit, is better understood as a server. Especially with regard to network connectivity, its classification as a compact server is reinforced. In terms of expandability, the system offers as many options as hardly any other. It can thus be optimized for almost any use case and, for example, turned into a gaming PC. Maintenance is also particularly user-friendly thanks to the tool-free opening of the case. The biggest point of criticism is the cooling, which is not only somewhat undersized but also uses a disturbingly loud fan. For use as a server this is entirely acceptable, but in everyday use it would be rather unpleasant. The MS-A2 is therefore more of a niche product that covers the use cases of a compact server. Minisforum AI X1

Minisforum AI X1 from 895.00 EUR

The Minisforum AI X1 is a high-quality and powerful mini PC that, with its Ryzen 7 H 255, is even capable of Full HD gaming.

Jonas Bettger from 05.03.2026 PROS

The Minisforum AI X1 is a high-quality and powerful mini PC that, with its Ryzen 7 H 255, is even capable of Full HD gaming.

The manufacturer Minisforum has long been known to us for exciting, high-quality mini PCs with good equipment. The AI X1 is no exception here and comes in a sleek aluminum case with potent hardware. It relies on the somewhat unusual AMD Ryzen 7 H 255, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. In addition, with Wifi 7, two USB4 ports, and Oculink, it offers an exciting connectivity package. We put the mini PC on the test bench and show whether it is worth the current price of 670 euros. The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Minisforum AI X1 offer?

For the AI X1, Minisforum relies on the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255, which has identical specifications to the Ryzen 7 8745H. Both CPUs share the fact that they are only available for the Chinese market. The H 255 uses a configuration of eight cores and 16 threads. The clock rate is between 3.8 and 4.9 GHz. The thermal design power (TDP) is usually 45 W, and the maximum operating temperature is 100 degrees. The Hawk Point H chip with Zen 4 architecture is manufactured using the 4 nm process.

The integrated graphics unit is a Radeon 780M, which we already know from numerous past tests as surprisingly powerful. It has 12 CUs (Compute Units) with 768 shader units and clocks at up to 2600 MHz. An NPU is not active. Minisforum AI X1 – Crystaldiskmark heise best lists

For RAM, there is a total of 32 GB, split across two 16 GB DDR5 SO-DIMM modules from Crucial. These operate at up to 5600 MT/s. For system storage, Minisforum provides a 1 TB M.2-2280 SSD from Kingston. According to Crystaldiskmark, it writes at 5320 MB/s and reads at 6128 MB/s. Another M.2-2280 slot is free, so the AI X1 can be upgraded to up to 4 TB.

In terms of connectivity, the mini PC offers HDMI 2.1, Displayport 2.0, and two USB4 ports. Both of the latter support Displayport Alt Mode, and the rear one also supports PD-in, so it can handle the PC's power supply. There are also three USB-A ports (1x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2) and one Oculink. For network connectivity, the AI X1 relies on the modern Wifi 7 standard, and for connecting devices in the immediate vicinity it uses Bluetooth 5.4. For wired connections, there is a 2.5G LAN port. The chipsets used are the Mediatek MT7925 for WLAN and the Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller for LAN.

Performance: How fast is the Minisforum AI X1?

To assess the performance of the AI X1, we first use the classic office benchmark PCMark 10. However, it recently received a major update that raises the workflow from version 1.x to 2.x. According to developer UL Solutions, this change also means that results with the new workflow are no longer comparable to those of the previous version. Therefore, for the time being, we provide the results of both workflows in order to maintain comparability.

In the version 1.x workflow, the Minisforum AI X1 averages 7168 points, with outliers at 6962 and 7250 points. With version 2.x, on the other hand, it averages 8396 points, with peaks at 8306 and 8515 points. Compared with the Minisforum UM870 Slim (review), which uses the technically identical Ryzen 7 8745H mentioned above, the results from v1.x are about 200 points lower. Compared with the recently tested GMKtec K12 (review) with Ryzen 7 H 255, the AI X1's result is comparable to somewhat better.

In the gaming benchmark 3DMark Time Spy, the system scores 3349 points, made up of 2986 GPU and 10832 CPU points. Compared with the K12, the overall score is likewise higher, with the GPU score only marginally better. The UM870 Slim is a bit better, especially in CPU, but the overall score and GPU result are not far apart.

In Cinebench R24, there are 104 points in single-core and 945 points in multi-core. The cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 ends at 2599 points (single-core) and 13,086 points (multi-core). Minisforum AI X1 – photo gallery Minisforum AI X1 – photo gallery

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Games also run on the Minisforum AI X1. The Ryzen 7 H 255 and its Radeon 780M iGPU turn out to be surprisingly powerful. In Anno 1800, there are up to 50 fps even at high settings, and up to 55 fps at medium options. We play in Full HD with the FSR upscaler (AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution) active in Performance mode. In Counter Strike 2, it is up to 85 fps at the High preset. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt also runs at up to 60 fps at medium options.

Only Cities Skylines 2 runs at the Low preset with just 7 to 14 fps, and at Very Low with a maximum of 22 fps.

Despite the naming with the term "AI", the Minisforum AI X1 in this configuration does not have an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI acceleration. However, there are also other variants of this PC that have an NPU, which we may put to the test later in a separate review.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Minisforum AI X1?

The Minisforum AI X1 draws about 11 to 13 W at idle, and up to 27 W in normal everyday use when using the browser. If we put the system under full load with the Aida64 stress test, it is a hefty 88 to 94 W.

The clock speed starts at 4.8 GHz, then drops to 3.9 to 4.3 GHz, and then settles at 3.7 GHz over the further course.

Fan: How loud is the Minisforum AI X1? Minisforum AI X1 – heat distribution heise bestenlisten

The low noise level is one of the absolute advantages of the Minisforum AI X1. While the noise level is usually around 28 dB(A) at idle, it is usually 33 to 35 dB(A) under load. For the performance the system offers, that seems more than appropriate. The temperature development also remains absolutely limited at an average of 74 degrees.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Minisforum AI X1?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Minisforum AI X1. The system comes without additional bloatware. Our routine system scan with Windows Defender finds no viruses. Windows is activated with a digital license.

Running Linux on the system is also possible. First, we go into the BIOS via Windows' advanced recovery options and disable Secure Boot. After that, we can boot into Tuxedo OS, which is based on Ubuntu, via our Ventoy USB stick. Once there, we can use Wi-Fi and audio directly, but Bluetooth cannot be activated. The system wakes from standby without any problems.

Case: How is the build quality of the Minisforum AI X1?

The build quality of the Minisforum AI X1 leaves no reason for criticism. The case is largely made of silver-gray aluminum and feels high-quality. Only the underside and the area around the rear ports are made of black plastic. On the sides there are larger areas with a grille structure for dissipating heated air. Minisforum AI X1 – RAM & SSD heise bestenlisten

The case can be opened quite easily from the underside by loosening four screws. Their threads are quite deep in the case, but Minisforum used long screws so that they can be reached more easily. This way, no special, longer and thinner bit is needed. We then carefully pry open the bottom panel with a plastic pick. Careful opening is recommended here, since the case fan is mounted directly on the bottom panel and otherwise its cable to the mainboard could be torn off.

Price: How much does the Minisforum AI X1 cost?

Currently, the Minisforum AI X1 in our test configuration with Ryzen 7 H 255, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD costs 759 euros from the manufacturer. On Amazon, however, it costs only 670 euros. A 16 GB variant is also available there for 629 euros.

Conclusion

Overall, the Minisforum AI X1 is another exciting mini PC with good equipment. The Ryzen 7 proves to be surprisingly powerful, while the device nevertheless remains comparatively quiet and especially cool. This shows that Minisforum has well dimensioned and tuned the system's cooling.

The device is also well equipped in terms of ports and stands out above all with two USB4 ports and Oculink. There is also Wi-Fi 7 as a modern wireless standard. The build quality of the device is also flawless. However, for its current price of 670 euros, there is also the Minisforum UM870 Slim, a similarly equipped computer from the same company with comparable performance. Anyone who does not absolutely need the premium advantages with USB4, Oculink and Wi-Fi 7 will also be happy with this device at a lower price. In any case, the Minisforum AI X1 (255H) is an absolutely recommendable mini PC, which therefore receives four and a half out of five stars in the test.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer often pay less. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or may not be possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences. Acemagic M1 (i9-13900HK)

Acemagic M1 (i9-13900HK)

Acemagic delivers another mini PC called "M1", this time with the older top SoC Intel i9-13900HK.

David Bettger from 09.01.2026 ADVANTAGES

RAM, SSD and CMOS battery difficult to reach

only DDR4 RAM

Mini PC Acemagic M1 for €599 in review: Intel i9 with strong performance is quiet

Acemagic delivers another mini PC called "M1", this time with the older top SoC Intel i9-13900HK.

The loyal reader of our articles will notice that we have already tested the Acemagic M1. However, the Mini-PC Union, more specifically Acemagic, has decided to also offer a version of the mini PC with an Intel CPU. So now the Intel Core i9-13900HK with 14 cores and 20 threads works inside the compact case. In addition, there is a full 32 GB of RAM and an SSD with 1 TB capacity for a price of 599 euros. However, the two variants of the M1 compete in different price ranges. So the only question is how well the older i9 still performs today. Our review provides the answers.

The manufacturer provided us with the test device.

Equipment: What hardware does the Acemagic M1 offer?

With the Intel Core i9-13900HK, the Acemagic has a powerful processor with 14 threads and 20 cores. The bigLITTLE architecture is used here, with the chip having 6 performance cores (P-cores) with hyperthreading and 8 efficiency cores (E-cores) without hyperthreading. The performance cores clock at up to 5.4 GHz, while the efficiency cores reach a maximum of 4.1 GHz.

The CPU has been available since 2023 as the spearhead of the first release of Raptor Lake-H. The CPU is manufactured using the 10 nm process, also known as Intel 7, and is therefore not as efficient as the latest chips using the 5 nm process. The SoC is specified with a TDP of 45 watts, although this can be raised to a maximum of 115 watts by the system configurator.

The graphics unit used is the old in-house Iris Xe rather than a modern and more powerful Arc iGPU. The graphics chip has 96 cores (compute units) with a maximum clock of 1.5 GHz.

The CPU is also supported by 32 GB of RAM in the form of two DDR4 modules. Unfortunately, well-known manufacturers are not used here. The modules deliver a transfer rate of 3200 MT/s (megatransfers/s). While this provides the maximum supported data rate for the CPU in terms of DDR4, the processor also supports the newer DDR5 standard. So performance has fundamentally been left unused here, especially since iGPUs benefit from fast RAM. With standard DDR5 SO-DIMM modules, 5200 MT/s would already have been possible. At least, according to the manufacturer, the RAM can be upgraded to up to 64 GB. Acemagic M1 (i9-13900HK) – RAM & SSD heise bestenlisten

For storage, there is 1 TB in the form of an M.2 NVMe SSD – unfortunately again no-name hardware. In CrystalDiskMark, the SSD achieves speeds of 3481 MB/s (megabytes/s) for reading and 3391 MB/s for writing. In addition, the mini PC offers another M.2 port, but only at SATA speed (B-key). Both M.2 slots are designed for the 2280 form factor and officially support a capacity of up to 4 TB in total.

The M1 provides only one USB-C port in the USB4 standard with 40 Gb/s (gigabits/s) on the front. Although this supports image output via DisplayPort (4K at 120 Hz), it cannot be used to power the mini PC – as is so often the case, this is done only via the DC jack. For connecting monitors, HDMI version 2.0 (4K at 60 Hz) and DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 120 Hz) are also available. The RJ45 Ethernet port on the back transfers data at up to 2.5 Gb/s and is managed by the RTL8125 Gaming chipset from Realtek.

Wirelessly, the mini PC connects via the MediaTek MT7922 with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 – quite current, although Wi-Fi 7 would be ideal.

Performance: How fast is the Acemagic M1?

The Intel i9-13900HK was one of the most powerful mobile processors of its time. Since its release almost three years ago, however, things have moved on in the tech world, and AMD in particular has been able to significantly increase the efficiency of its chips once again. It is not surprising that the i9 averages 7520 points in PCMark 10. That is a very strong result, falling only just behind the Ryzen AI 9 370 HX in the Geekom A9 Max (review) (7684 points).

In 3DMark Time Spy, however, the i9's weak graphics become clearly noticeable. The result is only 1543 points, of which 1347 points are for graphics and 8971 for the processor. The A9 Max achieves around 3868 points here from 3466 graphics and 11305 CPU points and is therefore clearly better equipped for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.

The CPU alone also shows its class in Cinebench R24 and reaches 122 points in single-core and 807 points in multi-core. Finally, the cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6.5 certifies 2813 points in single-core and 9429 points in multi-core for the CPU. The OpenGL graphics score amounts to a meager 13,609 points. Acemagic M1 (i9-13900HK) – photo gallery Acemagic M1 (i9-13900HK) – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Acemagic M1 (i9-13900HK) – photo gallery

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Despite the comparatively weak graphics, we ventured into the usual games: Anno 1800 and Cities Skylines 2. We play the former in Full HD with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) enabled in "Performance" mode and select the low settings preset. This gives us an average of 40 FPS in the advanced endless game when looking at our city of 50,000 inhabitants. However, Anno has beautiful graphics that are of course no longer visible in this way.

We therefore switch to high settings and FSR in "Quality" mode. This leaves an average of only 15 FPS, which once again spoils the gaming experience despite the beautiful graphics, and we have to describe it as virtually unplayable. For comparison: the Geekom A9 Max still achieves 18 FPS even at ultra-high settings with FSR disabled.

Cities Skylines 2 is even more power-hungry, so that even at the lowest settings and with active dynamic resolution scaling ("Constant" mode), no more than 11 FPS on average is possible. GPU utilization is constantly at 100 percent, while CPU utilization is only around 15 percent – a clear bottleneck. This makes Cities Skylines 2 unplayable in Full HD with this hardware.

Power consumption: How high is the power consumption of the Acemagic M1?

In terms of performance, the i9 could still keep up quite well with the current top processors, but does that only come at the cost of high power consumption? We already see a consumption of 20 watts at idle, which is significantly above the 10 to 15 watts of current systems. Under full load, consumption rises directly to 95 watts and stays there for around 90 seconds. During this time, the processor clock is between 2.7 and 2.8 GHz, averaged across all cores. Subsequently, consumption drops permanently to just under 81 watts – while the average clock rate is then only 2.4 GHz.

The Geekom A9 Max behaves very similarly here, but under prolonged load its consumption is 70 watts with a 2.9 GHz CPU clock – of course, that cannot be compared one-to-one.

Fan: How loud is the Acemagic M1?

Cooling also performs well, as the fan is inaudible at idle. Under prolonged full load, the cooling manages to keep the CPU consistently below 85 degrees. In the process, we measure only 30 dB(A) directly at the mini-PC's case with a smartphone – a very strong result. At a distance of one meter, it is then still 19.5 dB(A) on average. This makes the system enormously quiet under load, especially considering the high CPU performance. The temperatures are also in a good range.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Acemagic M1?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Acemagic M1. A full virus scan with Windows Defender remains without findings. The system also does without any bloatware except for the Microsoft apps and services.

Linux also runs on the system without problems, as the manufacturer advertises. We booted Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS via our USB stick with Ventoy. To do so, we first went into the BIOS via Windows' advanced startup menu and adjusted the boot order there and disabled Secure Boot.

Once in Ubuntu, we see that our monitor's resolution is correctly detected. In addition, audio via AUX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet work without any further action. The mini-PC even wakes reliably from standby – it doesn't get any better than that.

Case: How is the build quality of the Acemagic M1? Acemagic M1 (Ryzen 7 6800H) vs Acemagic M1 (i9-13900HK) heise bestenlisten

For the case, the M1 relies entirely on plastic. Here it is colored in a darker shade of gray than on the AMD version. However, the layout of the ports and the general shape are identical. We can identify only one real difference: the USB-C port on the front has a slight indentation.

The build quality is fine, although the device does not feel as premium as it would with a metal case. The high sensitivity of the coating, as is the case with the AMD version, did not stand out to us as clearly here. The case measures 128.2 × 128.2 × 41 mm and is therefore of usual size.

The case can be opened with some care for hardware maintenance or upgrades. To do this, we remove the four rubber feet on the underside and loosen the screws underneath, which are set deep. If in doubt, these can only be reached with a long, thin bit, such as from an electric precision screwdriver (bestenliste). Then we have to pry up the bottom and also separate the port frames from the case on the back. This allows us to separate the bottom from the rest of the mini PC, with only the DC jack cable remaining connected to the mainboard. Acemagic M1 (i9-13900HK) – case interior heise bestenlisten

To reach the RAM, SSD and CMOS battery, we take the entire mainboard out of the remaining half of the case. We bend the frame to the side so that the board passes the fixtures – in doing so, a piece has already broken off the case for us. During reassembly, care must also be taken that the antenna cables are not pinched between the case and mainboard – there is a special recess on the board for this. In our eyes, the mini PC is therefore not particularly maintenance-friendly if you want to do more than just clean the dust off the fan.

Price: How much does the Acemagic M1 cost?

The Acemagic in the tested configuration with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage is currently available on Amazon for 599 euros.

Conclusion:

The M1 with Intel Core i9-13900HK offers an astonishing amount of processor performance and can even keep up with modern upper-class chips in this respect. Power consumption is not much higher either. The deficit here lies primarily with the graphics unit, which does not do justice to the CPU. As a result, the system is very unbalanced for gaming, for example, and the graphics always hold back the rest of the hardware. New systems, from both AMD and Intel, place a strong focus on a solid integrated GPU, which is then easily twice as powerful.

It is also not exactly helpful in this context that only DDR4 RAM is used. Otherwise, the cooling does an enormously good and, above all, quiet job. So anyone primarily looking for a mini PC with a strong CPU will find the Acemagic M1 a real insider tip. For everyday use, however, there are alternatives that are more balanced and more future-proof with DDR5 RAM, such as the Minisforum UM760 Slim (review). Geekom A9 Max

Geekom A9 Max from 1,699.00 EUR

The Geekom A9 Max is a strong premium mini PC that impresses not only with its port selection but also with AI power. We have tested it.

David Bettger from 09.10.2025 PROS

two 2.5-gigabit Ethernet CONS

loud under load

Cons in maintenance: difficult to open

The Geekom A9 Max is a strong premium mini PC that impresses not only with its port selection but also with AI power. We have tested it.

The Geekom A9 Max jumps on the current AI hype and aims to deliver the performance needed for it with AMD's Ryzen AI 9 370 HX. A small special feature here is also the upgradeable RAM, which is 32 GB at the factory, something that is becoming increasingly rare for modern CPUs. Together with a strong NPU, the system is equipped for AI tasks. The good equipment is rounded off with a 2 TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. How well the A9 Max performs in practice is shown in our test. The Geekom A9 Max is a strong yet expensive option at a price of 1614 euros (code: ASG05).

Update (September 23, 2026): After the Geekom A9 Max was still priced at 939 euros at the time of testing in October 2025, it now costs a hefty 1614 euros (code: ASG05) as a result of the cost explosion in DDR5 memory.

Specifications: What hardware does the Geekom A9 Max offer?

The Geekom A9 Max competes with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 at the top of the high-performance and AI-focused mini PCs. The twelve-core chip is based on the Strix Point architecture, which follows the philosophy of Intel's big.Little design. Therefore, there are only four Zen 5 cores that provide full performance and clock at up to 5.1 GHz. The remaining eight Zen 5c cores are primarily efficient and reach a clock rate of up to 3.3 GHz. Thanks to hyperthreading, a total of 24 threads are available.

As a result of the AI hype, the chip also has a powerful NPU (Neural Processing Unit) with a maximum of 50 TOPS (trillion operations per second). In combination with the CPU, up to 80 TOPS are possible – other systems, such as the Geekom Mini IT15, even achieve 99 TOPS. This allows local machine learning, for example, to proceed much more efficiently. For local AI language models via Ollama or LM Studio, NPUs are not yet used. Therefore, they are currently integrated primarily for the system's future-proofing.

In addition, the processor offers the currently most powerful integrated graphics unit in the form of the Radeon 890M. Its 16 graphics cores clock at up to 2900 MHz. The SoC is configured with a standard TDP of 28 W, with a maximum of 54 W provided.

Alongside this are two DDR5 SO-DIMM modules with 5600 MT/s – the maximum in terms of speed for non-soldered RAM. The two Crucial modules, each 16 GB, can later be upgraded to an official 128 GB, in theory even 256 GB. This is not possible with many Strix Point mini PCs with soldered RAM, which makes it all the more welcome.

The installed M.2 SSD in the 2280 form factor is connected via four of the 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes and is accordingly fast. In CrystalDiskMark, the Wooposit SSD achieves 7090 points in reading and 6319 points in writing. The capacity of 2 TB is also generous. In addition, the mini PC has another, still unused M.2 slot in the 2230 form factor. Both slots are specified for capacities up to 4 TB. The AI X1 Pro from competitor Minisforum offers more in this regard and can accommodate up to three M.2 NVMe SSDs.

With two HDMI 2.1 and two USB 4.0 ports, the A9 Max easily drives up to four monitors simultaneously at 8K at 60 Hz. In addition, power can be supplied not only via the included power supply unit with DC jack but also via USB-C – however, only one of the ports supports this function (marked with a power plug symbol). Alongside no fewer than six USB-A ports, there are also two 2.5-gigabit Ethernet ports.

Wirelessly, the system also communicates at the latest standard with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The MT7925 chipset from MediaTek is used for this. For LAN, the widely available Realtek RTL8125 Gaming hardware is used.

Performance: How fast is the Geekom A9 Max?

As expected, the Ryzen AI 9 370 HX delivers excellent performance. However, compared with the nearly identical Minisforum AI X1 Pro, there is no clear performance winner.

In PCmark 10, the A9 Max scores minimally worse with an average of 7684 points, but the deviation is below 1 percent and thus within the measurement tolerance. In 3Dmark Time Spy, the difference is clearer: With 3868 points, the A9 Max is almost 7 percent ahead of the competition from Minisforum. The score consists of 3466 graphics and 11,305 CPU points. The cross-platform benchmark Geekbench 6 attests 2890 points in single-core and 15342 points in multi-core for the Geekom mini PC. The graphics result in the OpenCL benchmark amounts to a strong 39,670 points. Finally, Cinebench R24: Here both systems are level in single-core with 119 and 120 points. In multi-core, the AI X1 Pro achieves a result 5.6 percent higher than the 1176 points of the A9 Max.

Thus both systems are largely on par – however, the performance difference in 3Dmark Time Spy suggests that games run even better on the A9 Max. Geekom A9 Max – photo gallery Geekom A9 Max – photo gallery

heise bestenlisten Geekom A9 Max – photo gallery

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We therefore once again started Anno 1800 in our advanced endless game. In Full HD, with ultra-high settings and FSR (Fidelity FX Super Resolution) disabled, we get an average of 18 FPS. With FSR in "Balanced" mode, it is up to 32 FPS when looking at the city of 50,000 inhabitants and 95 FPS when looking at the open sea.

In the more demanding Cities Skylines 2, with medium settings, dynamic resolution scaling enabled ("Automatic" mode) and Full HD resolution, we get about 16 FPS.

AI: How well do local LLMs run?

To do justice to the mini PC's and the CPU's AI focus, we ran LLMs (Large Language Models) locally on the system using LM Studio. The MoE (Mixture of Experts) model gpt-oss-20b from Openai can already be loaded fully into RAM. In our speed test, the model achieves 24.3 tokens/s – with all layers offloaded to the GPU. For now, we leave the quality of the output out of consideration, as it depends on many other factors. Larger models usually give better answers, and with upgraded 96 GB RAM they can also be loaded for the most part.

Power consumption: How high is the power draw of the Geekom A9 Max?

At idle, the A9 Max draws only between 10 and 15 W. When the entire system is fully loaded, total consumption briefly rises to up to 96 W, but then drops to 82 W. The CPU clock is initially 4.3 GHz, then about 3.3 GHz. Only after another nearly 5 minutes do power draw and clock rate fall again. At an average CPU clock of 2.9 GHz, the system still consumes 70 W and holds this constant. The second drop in power is very likely not temperature-related, as temperatures remain consistently below 82 degrees. Geekom A9 Max: heat distribution heise bestenlisten

Fan: How loud is the Geekom A9 Max?

At idle, the system is virtually silent, and the fan only kicks in during more demanding tasks. In return, the system is relatively loud under full load. Using a smartphone, we measure 38 dB(A) at the case and 24 dB(A) at a distance of one meter. In this respect, too, the system is very similar to the Minisforum AI X1 Pro, except that the latter stays another ten degrees cooler – meaning it cools more effectively.

Software: Which operating system is installed on the Geekom A9 Max?

Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled on the Geekom A9 Max. A full virus scan with Windows Defender comes back clean. The system also does without any bloatware apart from the Microsoft apps and services. Booting Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS worked without problems via the extended Windows start menu. Once in Ubuntu, all drivers were already loaded correctly, so video, audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet worked right away – that's how it should be. Unfortunately, however, the system does not reliably wake from standby mode.

Case: How is the build quality of the Geekom A9 Max?

The Geekom A9 Max is made almost entirely of metal. The gray case with the manufacturer's name on top follows the brand's usual design. Only the removable cover on the underside is made of black plastic. On the sides there are mesh grille openings for fresh air intake. The heated air flows out through openings on the back. In this respect, the mini PC closely resembles the Geekom GT1 Mega. The case measures 135.3 × 132.0 × 47.0 mm including the glued-on rubber feet.

Unfortunately, opening the mini PC is unnecessarily difficult, because the cables from the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chipset to the antennas are extremely short. When removing the intermediate plate with the antennas, the connectors can therefore quickly come loose from the chipset. Caution is advised here, as reconnecting the cables is very cumbersome.

Price: How much does the Geekom A9 Max cost?

The Geekom A9 Max normally costs 999 euros. Currently you can get it on Amazon for 1699 euros. From the manufacturer, the price is 1614 euros (code: ASG05).

In terms of configuration options, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro has clear advantages, as it is also available as a completely storage-less barebone variant, but also with significantly more storage: you can order up to 96 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD from Minisforum.

Conclusion

The Geekom A9 Max delivers an enormous amount of performance in a small form factor. With upgradeable RAM, it is also about as well suited to local AI applications, such as LLMs, as hardly any other mini PC. Compared with other mini PCs in this performance and equipment class, the A9 Max is strongly positioned and meets all basic requirements. However, as a result of the memory crisis, the price has risen exorbitantly and now stands at over 1600 euros. That is extremely steep even for the hardware configuration. Anyone looking for a powerful mini PC, whether for gaming or AI, is well advised in terms of performance with the Geekom A9 Max, but given the price we now advise against buying one.

Those who buy from a Chinese retailer pay less in many cases. However, in the event of a warranty or guarantee claim, there is a risk of poorer service. In addition, enforcing consumer rights (returns, warranty) involves hurdles or is not possible. We link here to retailers with whom we have generally had good experiences.

Affiliate information

The links marked with are commission links (affiliate links). If an order is placed via such a link, TechStage receives a commission. This does not result in any additional costs for the buyer. Minisforum UM890 Pro From €999.00 Minisforum MS-S1 Max From €4,194.01 Minisforum UM870 Slim From €341.00 GMKtec Nucbox K12 From €899.96 Minisforum UM760 Slim From €339.00 Geekom A7 Max From €859.99 Minisforum M1 Pro From €1,199.00 Minisforum AI X1 470 From €1,359.00 Asus Expert Center PN54 From €1,619.00

heise list: Over 80 Windows 11 mini PCs tested, Minisforum UM890 Pro takes first place

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