The Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition improves on last year’s model with an upgraded AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor, though the rest of its components remain identical. However, Geekom also added its more efficient IceBlast 3.0 cooling, which lets this incredibly fast mini PC run at full power with minimal fan noise.

This new version keeps the same all-aluminum case and port selection I loved on the original, too. Just like with the standard Geekom A9 Max, you still get four handy USB-A ports on the front, with enough connectivity around back to drive up to four displays simultaneously. While you can certainly open this mini PC up to add another M.2 SSD, there’s also one of Geekom’s standard SD card readers on the side for quickly expanding your storage capacity.

At $1,799, the Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition is certainly a pricey mini PC. However, you can typically find it for a few hundred dollars off on Geekom’s website, making it only slightly more expensive than its predecessor. That's not bad, given that RAMageddon doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.

Just like I did with the original, I’ve been using this upgraded mini PC as my daily driver for the past month. During that time, its internal fan never made a peep, and the system hasn’t missed a beat or slowed down at all. However, just like with the first-gen A9 Max, it is a bit trickier to open and upgrade than past Geekom mini PCs I’ve tested.

My Geekom A9 Max review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for your workflow or if it’s worth picking up last year’s model for slightly less.

Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition review: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A follow-up to last year’s compact, silver mini PC with desktop-class power under the hood and loads of front and rear ports.
• Who is it for? Those who need a powerful mini PC with desktop-class performance to replace a larger system or their laptop.
• What does it cost? The A9 Max 2026 Edition costs $1,699 on Amazon but it’s currently discounted to $1,485 on Geekom’s website where you can use code TGA9MAX26 to get an additional 8% off.
• What do we like? The upgraded and more powerful Ryzen AI 9 processor, its compact form factor, the ability to power it via USB-C, the highly generous rear and especially front port selection, and its excellent RAM and storage expandability.
• What don’t we like? The more premium price compared to last year’s model, the more difficult-than-usual case opening process for upgrades, and the easily detached internal Wi-Fi antennas.

Geekom A9 Max: Specs

Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition: The ups

The Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition keeps what works about the original with loads of ports at the front and back, an all aluminum case and plenty of opportunities to upgrade it further if you’re so inclined. However, it now features a faster processor and even better cooling.

Sleek, silver and souped-up

At 5.31 x 5.20 x 1.85 inches, the Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition retains the same compact footprint as the original, which is slightly larger — albeit shorter — than Apple’s redesigned Mac mini M4. It won’t take up any noticeable room on your desk, but you do have the option to mount this mini PC behind a monitor thanks to the included VESA mounting plate. However, given those handy front ports and the side-facing SD card reader, I wouldn’t recommend hiding it away.

With a weight of just 1.54 pounds, the A9 Max has a premium heft without being heavy, meaning you can easily slip it into a backpack. While it comes packaged with a traditional power brick that plugs into a rear barrel port, you don't actually have to use it. One of the two USB4 ports around back supports Power Delivery input (marked "PD-in"), allowing you to power the entire system with a compact 100W GaN charger instead — a convenient perk I've also seen on other mini PCs like the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG.

Design-wise, this new A9 Max is virtually identical to its predecessor on the outside. Under the hood, however, it sports an upgraded AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor and Geekom’s new IceBlast 3.0 cooling. While the original was already fast, this refreshed chip pushes the system's total AI capabilities from 80 up to 86 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of processing power.

If you look at the results from our lab tests, you might be scratching your head as to why last year's original A9 Max actually outperforms this newer model. Fortunately, there’s a simple explanation for this that could be a pro or a con depending on your workflow and technical expertise.

Like the original model, this 2026 Edition features 32GB of DDR5 RAM. However, the original split that memory across two sticks in a dual-channel configuration (2 x 16GB). On this newer model, Geekom ships the system with a single 32GB stick of DDR5 RAM. Running in single-channel mode severely bottlenecks the memory bandwidth, choking the processor during heavy multi-core tasks and synthetic benchmarks.

I spoke with Geekom about this design choice, and they explained their reasoning: it's all about upgrade paths. Since the A9 Max 2026 Edition is highly upgradeable, keeping a single slot open means that if you want to jump to 64GB of RAM down the line, you can simply buy a matching 32GB stick rather than having to throw away two perfectly good 16GB sticks.

The good news is that while using the new A9 Max as my daily driver, I personally didn’t notice any real-world slowdowns or hangups. In fact, I was quite impressed with its day-to-day snappiness, and the integrated Radeon 890M graphics even managed to deliver a very playable experience running Death Stranding 2 on a 1080p monitor.

Ultimately, if you’re the type of user who prefers a "set-it-and-forget-it" machine and has no intention of ever opening up the case, you'll get better out-of-the-box performance value from the original A9 Max. But if you plan on immediately upgrading this mini PC to its limits and can benefit from the long-term potential of the HX 470 processor, the 2026 model makes a lot of sense — provided you don't mind paying extra for it.

The anti-Mac Mini M4

Despite what Apple wants you to think, there are plenty of us that still rely on USB-A ports instead of USB-C ones. Well, if like me, you’re one of those people, then Geekom has the perfect mini PC for you. On the front of the A9 Max, you get four USB-A ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. These easy-to-reach ports are great for plugging in flash drives or 2.4 GHz USB dongles for accessories like mice, keyboards and controllers.

Then around back, you get two more USB-A ports (one is high-speed like the four around front while the other is USB 2.0), two HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB4 ports, dual 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports and a barrel port power connector. That second 2.5 GbE port is great if you want to connect a NAS device to this mini PC, for instance.

As I mentioned before, with two USB4 ports and two HDMI 2.1 ports, the A9 Max can drive up to four 4K monitors simultaneously. Likewise, you could use the USB4 port on the right for power instead.

Although I adore my Mac mini M4, I’m constantly trying out different stands and hubs to add those missing USB-A ports to it. With the A9 Max, I have more USB-A ports than I ever did on my big old desktop gaming PC.

Faster yet cooler

One problem you often run into with mini PCs is excessive fan noise. This comes with the territory, since you’re dealing with a smaller system overall. For the most part, I haven’t run into this with Geekom’s mini PCs besides with the Intel-powered Geekom IT15 I reviewed last year. However, when the original A9 Max was left running demanding workloads for long periods, its internal fan would get quite noisy.

That’s why with the 2026 Edition of the A9 Max, the company upgraded its cooling system to IceBlast 3.0. While the original has dual-copper heat pipes, this upgraded version features a massive full-copper module that’s paired with a bigger custom turbo fan with larger blades. Since the blades are larger and this new module holds heat better, the single fan is able to move more air at lower, much quieter RPMs. As such, the A9 Max 2026 Edition is able to run at peak power without getting overly hot or loud.

Personally, the original A9 Max never got too loud for me during standard tasks, even with dozens of Chrome tabs open across multiple displays. However, if you plan on pushing this mini PC a lot harder, then this new cooling solution will absolutely make a difference. Before deciding between it and the original, I recommend carefully considering how you’re actually going to be using it on a daily basis.

Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition: The downs

The A9 Max 2026 Edition is a powerful and full-featured mini PC, but it’s not without its downsides. The upgraded processor and cooling are nice to have, but they’re not a must-have upgrade over the original. At the same time, opening this mini PC up to upgrade it still proves somewhat tedious given how easily its Wi-Fi antenna cables come unattached.

Mind those pesky Wi-Fi antennas

For the most part, opening the A9 Max 2026 Edition up to upgrade its RAM or to add extra storage is fairly easy. After flipping it over, you have to remove the four rubber feet at each corner to reveal standard Phillips screws.

With other Geekom mini PCs you can get right to their components, but with this one, you first have to remove its massive heatsink before doing so. It’s fairly easy to take off as you just have to remove a few more screws, but like with the original A9 Max, there is a catch.

The A9 Max’s Wi-Fi antenna cables are taped onto the heatsink, and when you take it off, it’s very easy for them to come unattached. Unfortunately, they’re installed underneath this mini PC’s M.2 SSD, and reattaching them can be quite tedious to do.

With the heatsink removed, you can see the single stick of 32GB of DDR5 memory and the free M.2 slot next to the SSD. While it’s positioned for a much smaller 2230 SSD, it's easily accessible if you want to quickly drop in a short drive to expand your capacity.

Honestly, Geekom’s mini PCs are pretty easy to open and upgrade, and this new A9 Max is no exception. Just be forewarned that you’ll likely have to put up a bit of a fight to get those Wi-Fi antenna cables reconnected after doing so.

Not quite an A10 Max

With the Geekom A5 2025 Edition I reviewed, it had been two years between when the original released and when the upgraded version came out. With the A9 Max 2026 Edition, though, the original A9 Max came out just last year.

As you might have guessed from earlier in this review, the main reason Geekom decided to put out a new version of this mini PC so quickly was to fix the cooling issues of the original. That aggressive thermal throttling and loud fan noise was a deal-breaker for a lot of people, and fortunately, the A9 Max 2026 Edition fixes all of this with its IceBlast 3.0 cooling. Along the way, you also get a slightly faster processor, which is unfortunately a bit handicapped due to the single-channel RAM configuration Geekom went with this time around.

Don’t get me wrong: the original A9 Max was an excellent mini PC, and so too is this one. However, instead of a slight performance upgrade and improved cooling, I wouldn’t have minded seeing Geekom jump straight to a true "A10 Max." Given higher component costs due to RAMageddon, though, maybe it’s for the best that the company waited to take things to their next logical conclusion.

Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition: Verdict

The Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition is a refined version of the original A9 Max, with some slight upgrades under the hood that make a big difference in day-to-day use. It’s quieter, cooler, and faster, but you are paying a bit more compared to what you would have last year. Still, you’re getting an ultra-fast mini PC with desktop-class performance and more ports than you'll find on most full-sized towers.

Now, I wouldn’t recommend upgrading to the 2026 Edition if you already own the original A9 Max. However, if you want a fast mini PC that you’ll be able to use at full power for years to come, it’s definitely worth the higher price tag.

Instead of a black square case with an Intel or AMD chip inside, with the Ascent QN10, Asus is doing things differently — both with its design and its silicon.

Unlike with its Intel-powered NUC mini PCs or AMD-powered ExpertCenter ones, the Ascent QN10 is the first to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, specifically the Snapdragon X2 Elite. As such, Asus has given this mini PC a sleek silver case with an anodized aluminum finish as opposed to the black plastic it uses on others.

At Computex 2026, I got a chance to see and hold the newly unveiled Ascent QN10 in person. While I wasn’t able to fully test it just yet, based on our previous benchmark testing of Snapdragon X2 Elite laptops, I’m excited to see what this chip can do when unleashed in an Asus mini PC for the first time.

The new Asus Ascent QN10 is so much more than the chip powering it though. Here are my initial impressions after some one-on-one time with it away from the crowds on the show floor.

Asus Ascent QN10 Specs

Sleek, small — and silver

At just 5.1 x 5.1 x 1.5 inches, the Ascent QN10 is smaller than some of the other Asus mini PCs I’ve reviewed in the past like the tall variant of the NUC 14 Pro. It’s no longer cube-shaped either, nor is it rectangular like the new Asus NUC 16 Pro. Instead, what we have here is a perfectly uniform square block with ports on the front and back and vents on either side.

Speaking of ports, there are two ultra-fast USB4 ones right on the front of the Ascent QN10 that support speeds of up to 40 Gbps, can output video via DisplayPort 1.4 and also offer Power Delivery. Right next to them, you get a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack and two USB-A ports for connecting your accessories.

Personally, I’m looking forward to how you can grab two portable monitors or even a pair of the best smart glasses for some extra screen real estate in a pinch. Likewise, having these faster ports up front is great for transferring data to and from an external hard drive or even your smartphone.

Asus has done something incredibly clever with the Ascent QN10’s cooling, too. While the vents that bring in cool air on the left side form a dense, uninterrupted block of vertical slits, the exhaust grills on the right side are physically split by a horizontal strip of aluminum. The reason for this is pretty interesting.

Since the Ascent QN10 uses a blazing-fast PCIe Gen 5 SSD which tends to run hotter, Asus added a second internal fan just to cool it. To avoid having the heat from the SSD and CPU mixing together, that physical gap on the right panel keeps the exhaust channels isolated. So cool fresh air comes in all at once on the left but gets separated on the way out.

Then on the back of the Ascent QN10, we still have a barrel port connector for power along with another USB4 port, two more USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a fast 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. Overall, this mini PC has a phenomenal mix of front and rear connectivity. At the same time, despite its small size, it can drive up to four 4K displays simultaneously as well.

We’re definitely going to have to get an Ascent QN10 in for testing, but so far, it looks like a promising and powerful mini PC. There is one catch though: it’s missing a useful feature you'll find on almost all of Asus’ other mini PCs.

No hiding this one

When you flip the Ascent QN10 over, things look slightly different than they would on Asus’ NUC or ExpertCenter mini PCs. There isn’t a latch to quickly gain access to its internals, nor are there brackets to attach a VESA-mounting plate.

Instead, there are four white feet around the vents in the middle of the Ascent QN10 with screws at each corner. You can certainly open this mini PC up, but you will need a screwdriver to do so. While you can’t add more RAM due to how Qualcomm’s Snapdragon architecture is engineered, there are dual M.2 slots and both support up to 2TB for a total of 4TB of storage when fully equipped.

Now, it wasn’t the non-upgradeable RAM or the QN10 not having a toolless design that surprised me most; it was how you can’t VESA-mount this mini PC. One of the perks of using one of the best mini PCs is that — for the most part — you can usually mount them behind your monitor. Doing so gives you the space-saving benefits of an all-in-one computer like an iMac but at a fraction of the price and with more flexibility.

Given its sleek silver design and anodized aluminum case, though, I think Asus wants its first Snapdragon-powered mini PC to sit front and center on your desk. That’s alright with me, but I do wish Asus had included an integrated fingerprint reader on the power button or even next to it for faster logins. Since the Ascent QN10 is the kind of mini PC you can't hide away behind a monitor, having biometric security right at your fingertips would have been a nice touch.

Only AI will tell

I’m glad that Asus gave me a chance to see and hold the Ascent QN10 before its official release. However, there’s only so much I can glean from it without having it powered on and connected to a monitor.

Besides its sleek design and the premium components inside, the big sell here is the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU. It features 80 TOPS and is powerful enough to run AI agents like OpenClaw, Hermes, or Claude Desktop directly on the Ascent QN10. With Qualcomm’s AI Hub, it should be easy enough for even beginners to get started running AI locally. Since this mini PC is ARM and not x86-based, it should be a whole lot quieter and cooler when doing so too.

A few more questions remain as well, like how much the Ascent QN10 will actually cost when it releases. For now, though, I think this mini PC has the potential to be a great Mac mini M4 alternative for Windows users who are looking to get started with AI agents.

Stay tuned, as I’m definitely calling in one of these for review.

• I tried the new ROG NUC 16 and Asus’ upgraded mini gaming PC is complete overkill — but in the best way possible
• All 8 laptops launching with Nvidia RTX Spark this fall and what they can do
• I held the MacBook Neo in one hand and the new XPS 13 in the other — and Dell’s $699 laptop is surprisingly lighter

The new Asus ROG NUC 16 is the kind of device you need to experience firsthand to truly appreciate what this console-sized PC is capable of. Thankfully, while everyone else at the ROG 20th anniversary event made their way upstairs toward the DJ, I slipped away for some one-on-one time with this mini gaming PC. I’m incredibly glad I did, because the raw performance packed into this tiny case completely blew me away.

Even though we’re dealing with just a 3-liter case here, Asus has managed to pack this device full of powerful components. From an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX processor to up to a Nvidia RTX 5080 Laptop GPU and even 128GB of DDR5 memory fully configured, the ROG NUC 16 is no slouch.

My favorite thing this time around is that in addition to the standard black, it now also comes in white. However, if you prefer black but want something different, there’s always the even more powerful ROG NUC 16 Edition 20 which features gold accents all around like the new ROG Xbox Ally X20 I checked out when I first arrived at Computex 2026.

So what can a console-sized mini PC with all the latest components actually pull off gameplay-wise? Quite a lot. If the Steam Machine just doesn’t seem like it has enough power to make your living room PC gaming dreams come true, then the ROG NUC 16 could be just what you’re looking for.

Asus ROG NUC 16 Specs

Console-sized PC power

On the front of the ROG NUC 16, there are two high-speed USB-A ports and a USB-C port along with a 3.5mm audio jack. There’s also a lightstrip above the power button with ROG branding on the right.

One big difference this time around is that Asus has completely redesigned the ROG NUC 16’s stand. Instead of having to manually screw it in like on the ROG NUC 970 I reviewed a few years ago, you now get a removable one made of two pieces that works in both vertical and horizontal orientations.

At the same time, the ROG NUC 16 now knows which orientation it’s in thanks to the G-sensor in its motherboard. Depending on which orientation you have the device in, its triple-fan QuietFlow cooling system will adjust accordingly for the best airflow.

Around back is where things really get interesting with the ROG NUC 16. On the left, you have all your video-out ports from the Nvidia GPU inside which include dual HDMI 2.1, dual DisplayPort 2.1 and a Thunderbolt 4 port. Then on the right, there are four more high-speed USB-A ports and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port.

I’ve tested larger mini PCs like the Framework Desktop with fewer USB-A ports, so I really like how Asus has given you more than enough for all your peripherals. The ROG NUC 16 has an impressive selection of ports and powerful components inside but how well does it game? That’s what I was about to find out.

Small footprint, max graphics

At its ROG 20th Anniversary Event, Asus had all of its standard devices launching at Computex 2026 set up in the main room and the special edition ones for the anniversary in a smaller room off to the side.

What I liked about the ROG NUC 16 setup in particular was how I could see both the black and white version on either side and try it out in the middle. While I couldn’t switch between games like I could on the ROG Xbox Ally X20, Capcom’s Pragmata was already loaded up and ready to go. While I had read my colleague Tony Polanco’s review, I didn’t have a chance to play it myself, so this was great.

When playing with a mouse and keyboard, the game ran buttery smooth on the ROG NUC 16. It looked great too, especially as this mini gaming PC was paired with a 27-inch ROG Swift OLED gaming monitor.

One thing that really surprised me was that I didn’t hear a peep out of the ROG NUC 16 while playing. Since it had likely been running for hours before I got to try it, I figured the fans would have ramped up by now. However, with three active cooling fans and dual vapor chambers instead of standard copper heat pipes, the ROG NUC 16 feels like the kind of mini PC you can game on for hours without having to put on one of the best gaming headsets to drown out fan noise.

Obviously we’ll need to get one in for testing and put it through the paces at home. However, during my brief time with the ROG NUC 16, I was quite impressed with its performance overall. After skipping last year’s ROG NUC 2025, going from the ROG NUC 970 to this one was a massive improvement and all my previous gripes have been fixed. Well, all but one of them.

Portability has a price

Back when I first tried out one of Asus’ ROG NUC mini gaming PCs, the top-tier configuration was expensive at $1,799 for the ROG NUC 970. However, it wasn’t out of reach for those who wanted a premium mini PC they could game on and easily throw into a backpack to take with them anywhere. In the years since though, the price of an ROG NUC has climbed steadily upward.

For instance, last year’s ROG NUC 2025 launched with a base price of around $3,200. Unfortunately, this new ROG NUC 16 is even more expensive with a starting price of $3,799 for the baseline configuration. Then if you want the Moonlight White model seen here, you’re going to be paying even more at $4,700. Now Asus isn’t entirely to blame for this as due to RAMaggeddon, component prices just keep going up and up.

Will the ROG NUC 16 be worth it for most people? Probably not. Keep in mind that you’re paying a higher price for a premium machine you can take with you anywhere. Also, thanks to its new design and how Asus has reworked its cooling, the ROG NUC 16 will stay quiet under load while similarly-specced mini gaming PCs will sound like a jet engine under load.

If you’re looking for that console aesthetic but prefer to play on PC, then you might want to take a look at the Minisforum G1 Pro I recently reviewed. It is slightly larger but still smaller than a PS5 Pro by a fair margin when standing vertically. However, unlike the ROG NUC 16, it has an internal power supply instead of a large power brick and you can actually upgrade its graphics card since it uses a standard — albeit mini-sized — desktop GPU.

For those with money to spend who are short on space or travel overseas for extended periods, the ROG NUC 16 is the most powerful mini gaming PC you can get right now. And thanks to its powerful components, it will smoke any console, well at least until the PS6 and next Xbox arrive in a few years.

• I held the MacBook Neo in one hand and the new XPS 13 in the other — and Dell’s $699 laptop is surprisingly lighter
• All 8 laptops launching with Nvidia RTX Spark this fall and what they can do
• I just tested Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra — Nvidia RTX Spark brings life to one of the best laptops I’ve ever tried

The Minisforum G1 Pro isn’t your typical mini PC. Instead, it feels like a true small form factor (SFF) rig thanks to its internal, desktop-grade power supply and its dedicated GPU. We aren’t dealing with a power-limited laptop chip here; instead, you’re getting a low-profile Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060.

After seeing the G1 Pro at Computex last summer, I knew I had to get one in for testing. I’ve been using it for both work and play for almost two months now, and it hasn’t disappointed on either front. With an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM under the hood, the G1 Pro handled my daily workload with ease. Then, when work was done for the day, it transformed into a console-like gaming powerhouse capable of playing the latest AAA releases with the settings cranked.

Still, at $1,439, the G1 Pro is more expensive than your average mini PC — though it’s still significantly cheaper than the Asus ROG NUC. There are also some trade-offs to consider: its small footprint means a sparse port selection for accessories, and the G1 Pro can get loud when you push its hardware to the limit.

My Minisforum G1 Pro review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for your setup and if it really packs enough of a punch to make you consider ditching your console for good.

Minisforum G1 Pro: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A gaming-focused mini PC with a desktop-grade power supply and GPU.
• Who is it for? Gamers who don’t have the space for a full tower, those who like to travel with their gaming PC and people who want workstation power in a small form factor with the option to play demanding games too.
• What does it cost? The Minisform G1 Pro costs $1,439 at Minisforum and Amazon.
• What do we like? Its console-like design, the fact that it uses desktop-grade components, that you can swap in more RAM or storage, how there’s no bulky power brick and that you can even upgrade its GPU.
• What don’t we like? The form factor limits port availability and it can get loud when playing demanding games cranked up to max settings.

Minisforum G1 Pro: Specs

Minisforum G1 Pro: The Ups

The Minisforum G1 Pro is far from your standard mini PC. However, its powerful components and upgradability make it just as useful in your living room as it is in the office.

Even sleeker than a console

At 12.4 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches with a white outer shell, it’s hard not to draw comparisons between the G1 Pro and Sony’s PS5. Personally, though, I prefer Minisforum’s more uniform design. On the left side of the G1 Pro’s case, there are two triangular sets of vent holes while the right side is completely flat.

A black strip runs between the two sides and on the front, there’s a high-speed USB-A port, a USB-C port (that can do video out), a 3.5mm audio jack and the power button. There are also customizable RGB lightstrips on either side of the G1 Pro’s front ports.

Now around back is where things get interesting. In the center, you get two more high-speed USB-A ports, another USB-C port (that can also do video out), an HDMI 2.1 port and surprisingly, a 5 Gigabit Ethernet port. Then on the left side, you get another HDMI 2.1 port, two DisplayPort 2.1b connections and a DisplayPort 1.4a one too from the G1 Pro’s dedicated GPU. Finally, there’s a standard PC power port along with an on/off switch on the right side.

Unlike with the PS5, the G1 Pro comes with a vertical stand in the box. It screws onto the bottom of the device using a thumb screw for additional support. While you can technically use the G1 Pro horizontally too, doing so is a bit awkward because when you flip it over to have its vents facing up, the Minisforum and AtomMan logos are upside down. Now if you were to mount it under your desk horizontally, this wouldn’t be the case and the device would still have plenty of airflow.

Just like with my PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X, one of my favorite things about the G1 Pro is that it doesn’t have a bulky power supply like the Geekom A9 Max and many of the other mini PCs I’ve tested. In fact, the only other mini PC I’ve tried that uses an internal power supply is Apple’s Mac mini M4.

Since standard PC power cables are incredibly cheap, I plugged one in at my desk and had another in the entertainment center under my TV. That way, when I did want to play some of the best PC games on a large screen, I could just move the G1 Pro into my living room.

Console aesthetic, workstation performance

The G1 Pro may have a more gamer-friendly aesthetic but unlike the AtomMan G7 PT, it won’t look out of place in an office setting. Sure, its white shell and unique design will draw attention but not the unwanted kind.

While the G1 Pro may be marketed as a mini gaming PC first and foremost, it’s a surprisingly capable work machine too. A big reason for this is because of its upgradeability. For instance, while my review unit shipped with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, you can actually put up to 96GB of RAM in its small case — but more on that later.

In terms of my daily workload which consists of dozens of Chrome tabs opened simultaneously and editing images in GIMP, the G1 Pro never missed a beat. It handled everything I threw at it with ease with plenty of power left over for more demanding tasks.

In the table above, you can see how well the G1 Pro fared compared to the competition. It held its own in Geekbench’s single-core tests in our lab, but its multi-core results weren’t nearly as high as those from the A9 Max, Framework Desktop and even the Intel-powered AtomMan G7 Ti. Still, when transcoding a 4K video to 1080p in our Handbrake test, the G1 Pro finished the task in just over three minutes.

Another area where the G1 Pro really excels is with connectivity. In addition to Bluetooth 5.4, you also get full Wi-Fi 7 support. When connected to one of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers in the other room and running a speed test, I saw download speeds of 1.5 Gbps which is quite fast over Wi-Fi. Then again, if you have a real need for speed, you can always use an Ethernet cable to connect the G1 Pro directly to your router using the 5 Gigabit Ethernet port around back.

The biggest difference between the G1 Pro and the rest of these mini PCs though is in gaming performance, especially since it’s the only one with a dedicated, desktop-grade GPU.

Not your average mini PC GPU

Typically when gaming on a mini PC, you’re relegated to using either integrated graphics or a discrete laptop-style GPU. The latter is obviously better but with the G1 Pro, you don’t have to settle for either of these lesser options. Instead, you have the power of a discrete, desktop-grade Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU at your disposal.

The G1 Pro is mainly designed for playing games at 1440p. However, as I had it hooked up to a 4K gaming monitor, I leveraged Nvidia DLSS 4 — and then later DLSS 4.5 — to bump up the framerate in more demanding games.

With Super Resolution enabled, Death Stranding 2 ran like a charm on this smaller, console-sized mini PC. I also played through a bit of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart with DLSS enabled for equally impressive results. As it’s still in development, I even ran the demo for the upcoming skateboarding sim Skate Style natively and even at 4K, it looked and ran great.

In our lab tests, the G1 Pro performed well across the board without DLSS enabled. We saw 90 fps in Red Dead Redemption 2 at 1080p, while Cyberpunk 2077 saw a less than ideal but still playable 45 fps at native resolution. With DLSS and upscaling enabled, though, you can easily push past 60 fps in the most demanding AAA titles.

Having a desktop-grade Nvidia RTX 5060 installed from the get-go is one of the most compelling things about the G1 Pro. However, just like its RAM and storage, you can actually swap out your GPU later on if you need even more power.

Small but surprisingly expandable

Opening up the G1 Pro to make upgrades is surprisingly simple. After removing the vertical stand and two screws on the base of the machine, the vented side panel just slides right off.

Doing so lets you see the Nvidia RTX 5060 from Gigabyte on the left, a large blower-style fan above the CPU in the center and the 350W power supply on the right. Despite the G1 Pro’s smaller size, Minisforum managed to pack a lot of powerful components into this case with well-managed cables to boot.

Now you can add more memory or storage, but doing so requires unplugging the power supply’s main connector and removing the CPU fan. While one of the M.2 SSD slots is occupied with a 1TB drive, there’s a free one next to it. In total, you can add up to 8TB of storage with a 4TB SSD in each slot. Minisforum even includes an extra SSD heatsink in the box, which is a nice touch for those adding a second high-speed drive.

Although you can’t see it here, there’s a single stick of 32GB DDR5 RAM underneath the CPU cooler. However, there’s a second, free slot next to it. Once RAMaggedon is behind us, you could utilize both to configure the G1 Pro with a whopping 96GB of memory.

A quick note on the single-channel RAM configuration my review unit shipped with: running a PC in single-channel mode does lead to a bottleneck, which is likely why those Geekbench multi-core scores from earlier were lower than expected. However, if you do decide to upgrade the G1 Pro’s RAM, you can just add another 32GB stick; if you had two 16GB sticks, you’d have to ditch them entirely to reach 64GB or more.

Though 96GB of RAM will definitely be overkill for most, if you’re using this mini PC for 8K video editing or running LLMs locally, it’s nice to know that you have plenty of room to expand in the future. Speaking of which, since the G1 Pro uses a standard GPU — albeit a low-profile one — you could theoretically swap out the included RTX 5060 with an RTX 6060 once Nvidia’s next-gen GPUs hit the market.

Minisforum G1 Pro: The Downs

The Minisforum G1 Pro is truly a remarkable mini PC that breaks new ground. However, it’s not without its downsides, which include a sparse port selection for your accessories and fans that can get quite noisy when running demanding workloads or graphically-intensive games.

Port shortage (but not for video)

Just like with the AtomMan G7 Ti, I wish the G1 Pro had a few more USB-A ports. Since I switch between computers so much, I prefer using a 2.4 GHz USB dongle for my mouse and keyboard as opposed to Bluetooth. This lets me quickly get up and running when setting up a new PC.

You do get three USB-A ports — one on the front and two on the back — with the G1 Pro. However, since I have a pair of Kanto Ora bookshelf speakers hooked up via USB along with the dongles for my mouse and keyboard, I found myself at a loss when I wanted to plug in the dongle for a controller. One more USB-A port to get the total up to four would have been a nice addition here.

While you don’t get quite as many USB-A ports as you do on a machine like the Geekom A9 Max, you do get loads of video out ports. Both the front and back USB-C ports are capable of video out, but the G1 Pro also features two HDMI 2.1 ports and two DisplayPort connections.

If you want to run a multi-monitor setup, the G1 Pro is more than capable of doing so with ease. However, if you have a lot of older accessories that use USB-A, then you’ll likely need to pair this mini PC with a hub to get all the ports you need.

The beast unleashed

Let’s face it: mini PCs can get noisy due to their smaller size, and the G1 Pro certainly suffers from this, but only when pushing the machine with demanding games or intensive workloads. With my sound meter, I measured 40dB when using this mini PC for work which is roughly as loud as a quiet library. However, when I booted up a resource-intensive game like Death Stranding 2, I saw sound levels reach as high as 60dB.

Although 60dB is quite loud if you have the G1 Pro sitting right next to you on a desk, switching to a pair of wired USB-C headphones did the trick and made that extra fan noise a lot less noticeable. One of the best gaming headsets would have worked just as well.

To help manage the noise, Minisforum’s pre-installed software allows you to switch between Work, Gaming, and Beast modes. These modes adjust the Ryzen 9's power limit from 60W all the way up to a staggering 100W. Depending on which one you use, the G1 Pro will prioritize either a quiet workspace or raw performance. While the software is intuitive and easy to use, I would have liked to see a dedicated physical mode switch on the front of the case, similar to the one on the AtomMan G7 Ti or G7 Pt.

Minisforum G1 Pro: Verdict

The Minisforum G1 Pro certainly lived up to the initial early impression I had when I first saw it at Computex last summer. It’s sleek, small and packed with powerful but more importantly upgradeable components and this really helps set it apart from other mini PCs as well as Minisforum’s previous devices.

At $1,439, it is more expensive than a console as well as most other mini PCs. However, for the price, you’re getting a dedicated Nvidia GPU which gives you access to DLSS and loads of other features. At the same time, you’re not stuck with soldered RAM and also have the ability to add more storage or even to swap out its low-profile GPU for a more powerful one down the line.

Despite its small package, the G1 Pro delivers both as a gaming machine and as a workstation. While I would have loved a few more USB-A ports, that’s by no means a dealbreaker. The same is true for heightened noise levels under heavy load since wearing a pair of headphones completely drowned out all that extra sound.

If you’re looking for a mini PC you can also game on and don’t want to be stuck with a laptop GPU or an external GPU dock, the G1 Pro is an innovative and fantastic machine for both work and play.

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I never thought I’d go from carrying one of the best mini PCs in my pocket to dropping it in a dock and instantly being able to play AAA games. That was until I tried Khadas’ new Mind Graphics 2.

Unlike other mini PCs, where you have to open them up to upgrade their RAM or storage, the Khadas Mind and now the Khadas Mind 2 can be upgraded in seconds with two unique docks. While the Mind Dock adds more ports and a handy volume knob, the Mind Graphics dock takes things to a whole new level with a desktop-grade GPU.

This isn’t your standard USB4, OCuLink, or Thunderbolt-powered eGPU dock either. Instead, it uses Khadas’ proprietary 122-pin Mind Link connector for an even faster connection. Paired with an Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti, the new Mind Graphics 2 has more than enough power for the best PC games, but you can also use its GPU to turbocharge creative workflows like photo or video editing.

After trying out the original Khadas Mind with the first Mind Graphics dock, here’s what it's been like using the more powerful Mind 2S with the Mind Graphics 2 for a week, and why it will be hard to go back to a standard mini PC.

Part GPU, part workstation

At 7.83 x 5.24 x 4.33 inches, the Mind Graphics 2 doesn’t take up all that much space on your desk at all compared to a DIY eGPU dock. Still, though, it makes the Mind 2S at 5.75 x 4.13 x 0.79 inches look absolutely tiny in comparison. In the box, you get the Mind Graphics 2 and a power cable, besides an original Mind, Mind 2, or Mind 2S mini PC; that’s all you need to get started.

There are quite a few handy ports on the front, including a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, and an SD card reader, along with a customizable indicator light above the Khadas logo. This is a nice change from the Mind 2S and Khadas’ other pocketable mini PCs, which only have a power button up front.

Around the back of the Mind Graphics 2 is where things start to get interesting. You get dual HDMI 2.1b ports, a DisplayPort 2.1b, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. That USB-C port isn’t for connecting peripherals, though. Instead, you can plug one of the best laptops into it and take full advantage of the RTX 5060 Ti inside, even if you don’t have one of Khadas’ mini PCs.

The Mind Graphics 2’s CNC unibody aluminum shell doesn’t just give this eGPU dock a slick look; it also acts as a secondary heat sink. In fact, this is why you can run a desktop-grade GPU in a small 2.5-liter space without it sounding like a jet engine. However, it is on the heavier side at six pounds, but this helps keep it firmly planted on your desk even while you’re disconnecting and plugging in new cables around back.

On top of the Mind Graphics 2, there’s a cutout that houses a male Mind Link connector. To start using this eGPU dock with one of Khadas’ mini PCs, you just drop the device on top, and it magnetically connects to the Mind Graphics 2. It almost feels like magic, and the first time I docked the Mind 2S, it reminded me of inserting an iPod into one of those fancy speaker docks back in the day.

Not so mini anymore

To test out the Mind Graphics 2, I decided to swap out the Mind Dock I was using at my Logitech MX Master Series-themed desk setup. Even with the extra height from this eGPU dock, I still had plenty of clearance under my main ultrawide monitor, and I was also able to plug in my dual portable monitors on either side of it to power my less conventional triple monitor setup.

In order to get the Mind 2S, I reviewed working with the dock, and I had to update its firmware. However, once that was done, the Mind Graphics 2 and the RTX 5060 Ti inside it showed up in Device Manager in Windows 11 instantly and in the Mind app.

In the Mind app, you can see the device info, update its firmware, and change the color of the indicator light above the Khadas logo on the front. One big change that I like about this new version of Khadas’ eGPU dock compared to the original Mind Graphics is that it now comes standard with 16GB of VRAM. Previously, there was an 8GB version as well as a 16GB version.

It’s always great to have options, but with PC games becoming increasingly demanding — especially on an ultrawide monitor — I’d much rather have 16 than 8GB of VRAM.

The Mind 2S looks great on top of the Mind Graphics 2, and the two make a nice pair. I also really like how my stationary peripherals are plugged into the dock itself, but I still have spare USB ports on the back of the Mind 2S as well as on the front of the dock for plugging in external drives or charging my other devices.

Besides its desktop-grade GPU, the Mind Graphics 2 has a couple of other neat tricks up its sleeve. For instance, on the right side of the dock, there’s an integrated fingerprint scanner as well as volume buttons.

The fingerprint scanner also works as a button, and when pressed, it instantly mutes any audio coming from the Mind Graphics 2’s built-in dual 5W speaker system. Need a microphone for video calls or even your favorite AI chatbot? Well, there are also dual microphones inside the Mind Graphics 2 as well.

Using the Mind 2S with the Mind Graphics 2 was perfect for my daily workload. I had extra ports and an SD card reader front and center where I needed them, and I really appreciate having a fingerprint scanner for quickly logging into Windows each morning.

I’ll admit that most of my work takes place in a browser these days, but I did mess around in Windows and let a few apps, including GIMP and Steam, default to using the Mind Graphics 2’s RTX 5060 Ti instead of the integrated Intel Arc 140T GPU on the Mind 2S.

Now, if I still edited video like I used to back in the day, this dock’s extra graphics power certainly would have come in handy. Instead, though, I decided to put it to the test by loading up a few of my favorite PC games.

From rendering to gaming

As I found out when I used the Mind 2S to build a proper triple-monitor setup on a budget, its integrated graphics actually let me play some less demanding games as well as some older titles quite well. With it connected to the Mind Graphics 2, though, I could finally step up to playing the latest games with ease.

Since I grew up skateboarding every day, I’ve always had a soft spot for skate games. Normally, when testing out new mini PCs with either an integrated or a discrete GPU, I like to boot up the skateboarding sim Session. This time around, though, I decided to test out the Mind Graphics 2 with the upcoming game, Skate Style. It uses a similar control scheme where each of the joysticks on your controller is mapped to either foot, but as you can see in the picture above, the game has a much more polished look to it.

With the Mind Graphics 2, I was able to crank up the graphics settings as well as enable DLSS for an additional performance boost. While the game is still in early access, it ran great on this setup, even on my ultrawide display. It’s a testament to the 122-pin Mind Link connection; there was none of the 'stutter' you usually associate with external graphics solutions.

From there, I decided to up the ante by playing a bit of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart with all the bells and whistles enabled. Even when playing in 21:9, it ran smooth as butter at a steady 60 fps. The monitor I’m using here is more productivity-focused with just a 60Hz refresh rate. However, I do want to try out the Mind Graphics 2 with one of the best gaming monitors to push the framerate even further to 120Hz or even 240Hz in games that support it.

I also fought my way through the last boss in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, but since that game doesn’t have native 21:9 support, I didn’t take any photos. Likewise, I picked up the Dead Space remake on sale, and that game ran great, too, in ultrawide mode.

I still need to put the Mind Graphics 2 through a bit more testing, but based on my experience so far, it’s an excellent addition to Khadas’ growing Mind ecosystem. I really like how this accessory takes one of the most unique mini PCs out there and instantly transforms it into a true gaming rig, albeit in a much smaller form factor.

Managed modularity

Now at $1,349, the Mind Graphics 2 certainly won’t be for everyone. You can definitely cobble together your own external GPU dock for a whole lot less, but that kind of defeats the purpose. The Mind Graphics 2 is an elegant solution to a common problem, needing a bit more graphical prowess for more demanding workloads and of course, playing the latest PC games when you do get some downtime at the end of the day.

Another reason you might consider a pre-built eGPU dock like this one is for all of the extras. In addition to all those video out ports around back, you’re also getting a few handy front ports, a fingerprint scanner, and built-in speakers and microphones.

Now, if you don’t need a GPU and want to beef up Khadas’ Mind, Mind 2, or Mind 2S, there’s always the standard Mind Dock, which also adds more ports, built-in speakers, and, as I mentioned, a tactile volume knob. Having used both, I like the low-profile design of the latter, but turning a pocketable mini PC into a gaming rig just by docking it can’t be beat.

Khadas isn’t stopping with an eGPU dock, though, as the company also recently released its Mind x Play add-on for its mini PCs. Instead of letting you play games, that accessory actually takes one of its Mind mini PCs and turns it into a laptop, complete with its own screen, keyboard, trackpad, and built-in battery. I’m planning on trying that out next, but I also want to see how the Mind Graphics 2 adds to the company’s upcoming Mind Pro mini PC.

I never thought I’d be docking and undocking a mini PC like this one, even after using it on the go with a pair of AR glasses, but here we are. Sure, it’s a bit niche, but if you want a mini PC you can bring to the office for work and then magnetically attach to an eGPU dock for some gaming when you get home, you won’t find anything else like the Mind and Mind Graphics 2, and trust me, I’ve looked.

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The Khadas Mind 2S is unlike any mini PC I’ve tested yet. Despite its smaller, pocketable size, it features full-sized ports around back and enough power under the hood that it felt more like a workstation than a mini PC when plugged in at my desk.

After reviewing the original Khadas Mind, I was eager to get my hands on this new, upgraded model. While it now features an upgraded Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM and comes with a 2TB SSD, Khadas still managed to make it fit inside the same-sized case.

Although it is on the expensive side at $1,599, there aren’t any optional upgrades to worry about as those are the specs you get with the only configuration of the Mind 2S. Then, if that’s a bit out of your price range or more power than you can handle, you could always pick up the significantly cheaper Mind 2 which starts at $799. Either way, you’re still getting the same sleek design and excellent port selection. If you need more ports or even more power, you can always expand its capabilities with one of Khadas’ optional Mind docks.

I’ve used this PC at home, while traveling and even with AR glasses for the past 10 months and in my opinion, it’s easily one of the best mini PCs you can get today. Read on though to see if this pocketable powerhouse is for you or if you’d be better off with something less portable and more stationary.

Khadas Mind 2S: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A powerful yet pocketable mini PC that feels more like a workstation than your typical device in this category.
• Who is it for? Those who want workstation-class power in a small, quiet package with the option to add more ports or even dedicated graphics via the Khadas ecosystem.
• What does it cost? The Khadas Mind 2S costs $1,599, but the standard Khadas Mind 2 starts at $799 and comes in three configurations.
• What do we like? Its sleek unibody-style aluminum enclosure, the slim "carry-anywhere" design, the versatile port selection, the easy-access SSD slot on the bottom, and the expansive modular dock ecosystem.
• What don’t we like? The significant price jump between the Mind 2 and Mind 2S and that it can get slightly noisy under heavy load.

Khadas Mind 2S: Specs

Khadas Mind 2S: The Ups

The Mind 2S retains everything that made the original a standout — its ultra-compact, premium build — but adds a significant spec bump that pushes it into true workstation territory. While the design is still a win, it’s the massive jump in internal power that truly makes this new model shine.

Sleek, premium and pocketable

At 5.75 x 4.13 x 0.79 inches, the Mind 2S is the exact same size as the original Mind mini PC. Despite using the same case, Khadas has made some changes to the device’s internals.

For instance, while the original Mind had a solid cooling setup, this new model features a pure copper vapor chamber liquid cooling system. Likewise, the PCIe connector on the bottom of the Mind 2S has been upgraded to PCIe 5.0 which doubles its bandwidth to 256GT/S but more on that later.

Around back, the port selection appears identical to the original Mind at first glance. However, Khadas has upgraded the ports on the Mind 2S and you now get two high-speed USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB 4 port and a Thunderbolt 4 port. Given the Mind 2S’ tiny size, this is quite the selection of ports.

For instance, when I ditched my laptop for the Mind 2S with a pair of Xreal One AR glasses, I was able to power the device using a large portable powerbank, connect the glasses via the other USB-C port and use one of the USB-A ports for my low-profile mechanical keyboard’s 2.4 GHz dongle. All with one port to spare since I used a smaller trackball mouse that connected via Bluetooth with that setup.

The Mind 2S is a very versatile mini PC but it’s the upgraded chipset and all of the extra RAM Khadas added this time around that makes a difference.

Now with more power

The Khadas Mind was no slouch in terms of power, but the Mind 2S takes things to a whole new level. Unlike the standard Mind 2, which uses Intel’s Series 1 Meteor Lake chips, the Mind 2S is equipped with a Core Ultra 7 255H chip from Intel’s Series 2 Arrow Lake-H family. Not to be confused with the hyper-efficient Lunar Lake chips found in many of today’s ultra-thin laptops, Arrow Lake-H is all about raw performance and heavy multi-tasking.

The reason Khadas went with Arrow Lake over Lunar Lake is clear: the company has always positioned the Mind 2S as a workstation in a mini PC’s body. With 16 cores and 16 threads, the Ultra 7 255H offers double the core count of a typical Lunar Lake chip. This architectural choice is also what allowed Khadas to outfit the Mind 2S with a massive 64GB of RAM, whereas Lunar Lake is physically capped at 32GB. Power draw is another big factor; the Mind 2S can pull up to 115W under load, providing the kind of sustained performance you’d normally expect from a much larger desktop.

As you can see in the table above, the Mind 2S performed great across the board. It kept pace with the much larger Geekom A9 Max in both single and multi-core tests and even managed to beat out the Mac mini M4 by nine seconds in our video encoding test using Handbrake. Given that the Mind 2S has a significantly smaller footprint than its rivals, I’m quite impressed by how well it fared in our testing lab.

In addition to more cores and threads, the chipset Khadas picked for the Mind 2S has another trick up its sleeve for when you’re not using it purely as a workstation.

Not just for work

Ever since Khadas first sent over the Mind 2S, I’ve been using it both on the go with AR glasses and at home. Thanks to its unique form factor and the fact that it’s powered using a standard USB-C power adapter, this mini PC has found its way into quite a few of my desk setups—including my first triple-monitor one I put together last spring.

The Mind 2S has easily been able to handle my daily workload, which consists of multiple Chrome windows with dozens of tabs open in each and some heavy photo editing. However, when using it at that triple-monitor setup, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to see what it would be like to game on it.

Even with three 1080p monitors and using Intel’s Graphics Software to stitch them together into a single display, the Mind 2S was able to run loads of older titles flawlessly. I credit this to the Intel Arc 140T iGPU inside its Core Ultra 7 255H chip.

One of the biggest perks of having 64GB of RAM is that I was able to use the Shared GPU Memory Override in the Intel Graphics Command Center to set aside 32GB of memory specifically for the iGPU. This essentially gave the Mind 2S more "VRAM" than many dedicated gaming laptops, which helped immensely with texture-heavy games.

Now, don’t expect the Mind 2S to be a gaming-focused mini PC like the Asus ROG NUC 970 or the AtomMan G7 Ti. However, if you’re playing less demanding games at 1080p and don’t mind turning down a few settings here and there, you can absolutely game on it. But if you want to take things to the next level graphics-wise, Khadas has that covered too.

Instantly expandable

Before we get into the optional Mind Dock and Mind Graphics Dock, the Mind 2S has another trick up its sleeve. If the 2TB of onboard storage isn’t enough, all you have to do is flip this mini PC over and push down on the magnetic cover to reveal a free M.2 2230 slot.

The slot supports up to a 2TB SSD, allowing you to essentially double your storage capacity in seconds. It’s an impressive inclusion for a PC you can slip in your pocket. Speaking of portability, the Mind 2S also features an integrated 5.55Wh battery. While it isn't meant for working on the go, it allows the device to enter a low-power standby mode for up to 25 hours when unplugged. This lets you move the PC between docks or rooms without having to save your work or reboot.

Besides that SSD slot, the bottom of the Mind 2S features Khadas’ proprietary Mind Link connector. This 122-pin interface has been upgraded to PCIe 5.0 x8 on the 2S, to make it even faster. The Mind Dock adds a fingerprint scanner, a volume knob, and a wealth of extra ports, while the Mind Graphics dock houses a desktop-grade GPU.

I haven't tested the new Mind Graphics 2 yet, but I spent a lot of time with the original model. One second I was working with the mini PC powered by my monitor’s USB-C port, and the next I was playing Final Fantasy XV with a desktop Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti. The upcoming Mind Graphics 2 will push this even further with an RTX 5060 Ti that takes full advantage of the 2S’s faster PCIe 5.0 bandwidth.

I will admit that both the Mind Dock at $179 and the Mind Graphics docks which range from $849 to $1,349 are on the expensive side for optional accessories. Still, they take what was already a fantastic mini PC and transform it into a legitimate desktop replacement.

You can absolutely use the Mind 2S on its own, but the ecosystem is what truly makes it feel like the future of computing. Oh, and did I mention Khadas recently released its new Mind xPlay accessory for $399? It essentially turns this mini PC into a laptop, complete with its own display, keyboard, and trackpad.

Khadas Mind 2S: The Downs

The Mind 2S is a powerful computer and the perfect follow-up to Khadas’ original Mind but it’s not without its downsides, both of which stem from its much smaller form factor compared to other, less expensive mini PCs.

Not quite silent (especially under load)

For the most part, you won’t really hear the Mind 2S while you’re working. It has a slight, and by no means annoying, hum when using it for less-demanding tasks like web browsing or standard office work. In fact, I’m quite impressed by how quiet it is, given it’s less than an inch thick.

When you push the Mind 2S with heavy workloads like video editing, though, it can get noisy. For instance, when I tried running some more demanding games using its integrated graphics, the fan spun up something fierce. It's a high-pitched whir that lets you know the internal cooling is working overtime to keep that powerful Arrow Lake chip from overheating.

While it's by no means a dealbreaker, if you want a dead-silent mini PC, the Mac mini M4 is still the gold standard. The Minix Elite EU715-AI is another good option if you want something that runs Windows and stays practically silent during your workday, though you do sacrifice the cutting-edge performance and the unique modularity of the Khadas Mind for peace and quiet.

Paying a premium for pocketable power

Let’s face it: $1,599 is a steep price to pay for a mini PC. This is especially true when you can pick up an equally powerful Geekom A9 Max for several hundred dollars less, or even a base Mac mini M4 at a fraction of the cost. With the Mind 2S, you’re essentially paying a "form factor tax."

In addition to this high up-front price, if you want to push the Mind 2S to its limits as a workstation or a gaming PC, adding a Mind Dock and the new Mind Graphics 2 pushes the total price past the $3,000 mark. At that point, you’re firmly in the territory of high-end gaming desktops or premium workstation laptops — both of which offer similar raw power and with the latter, portability.

If you don’t plan on taking advantage of the Mind 2S’s unique modular capabilities and pocketable nature, it will likely be overkill for most people. Fortunately, the standard Mind 2 is significantly cheaper, with a starting price of $799. It gives you all the perks of the Khadas ecosystem and that signature build quality without the same initial sticker shock.

Khadas Mind 2S: Verdict

The Khadas Mind 2S continues to impress me with its sleek design, powerful internals, and its place as the newest addition to Khadas’ growing Mind ecosystem. Despite its pocketable size, you still get full-sized ports and expandable storage. Likewise, thanks to its internal battery, this is the kind of mini PC you could actually bring with you to work and then back home in the evening — all without ever powering it down.

At $1,599, the Mind 2S certainly won’t be for everyone. In fact, I’d consider it a "special edition" device for existing Khadas Mind fans who want the maximum amount of power in this specific form factor today. Then again, with the Mind Pro now available for pre-order at $1,799, it might be worth waiting and paying a bit more for that next-gen Panther Lake chip if you're chasing the absolute ceiling of performance.

Still, if you want a seriously fast, dockable mini PC you can carry in your pocket right now, the Mind 2S is a fantastic machine that stays true to the solid foundation laid by the original Khadas Mind.

The Minix Elite EU715-AI is one of the rare mini PCs that manages to pack high-end performance into an absolutely tiny chassis without compromising on cooling or noise. At just over an inch and a half tall, it barely takes up any room on your desk, and yet, despite its small size, it runs nearly silent.

Minix didn’t cut corners here either. Instead of using an underpowered processor for the sake of going smaller, the PC maker equipped the Elite EU715-AI with one of Intel’s Meteor Lake chips, along with enough RAM and storage to handle most workloads. However, if you need more, you can always open this mini PC up and easily upgrade it.

After spending over a month using it as my daily driver, I’m seriously impressed by just how quiet it is while handling everything I’ve thrown at it. Still, I wish there were a few more USB ports around back, and you’re definitely paying a premium price for its “Elite” all-metal case and whisper-quiet design.

My Minix Elite EU715-AI review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for your needs or if it’s worth going with something slightly louder and taller for a lot less.

Minix Elite EU715-AI: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A business-focused mini PC that packs high-end performance into an absolutely tiny case.
• Who is it for? Users who want a powerful workstation that saves desk space and stays practically silent even under load.
• What does it cost? The Minix Elite EU715-AI costs $1,300. While it carries a premium price tag, this mini PC comes fully equipped with enough RAM and storage that most won't need to upgrade it for years.
• What do we like? The ultra-compact size, the convenience of standard USB-C power, the near-silent operation and the ability to easily add more storage later.
• What don’t we like? The high entry price and a frustrating lack of rear ports make cable management a challenge.

Minix Elite EU715-AI: Specs

Minix Elite EU715-AI: The ups

There’s a lot to like about the Minix Elite EU715-AI, from its tiny footprint to how you’ll practically never hear its internal fan spin up. However, it’s the small things, like the included power adapter and how upgradeable it is, even with such a thin profile, that stood out to me most.

Tiny package, plenty of power

Measuring 5.51 x 5.43 x 1.56 inches, the Elite EU715-AI is just slightly wider than the Mac mini M4, but it’s also half an inch shorter. This mini PC won’t take up much space on your desk at all, and Minix even includes a VESA mounting bracket if you want to install it behind a monitor. Be warned, though: it’s so quiet you might actually forget it’s there.

On the front, you get two high-speed USB-A ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port and a headphone/microphone combo jack. There are also two tiny microphones located above its front USB ports to complement its “AI” branding, just like on the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG. However, it lacks a built-in speaker like on that mini PC, so you will need to bring your own speakers to converse with your favorite AI chatbot or if you need to jump on a call.

Around back, you get two USB-C ports (one of which is used for power), one USB-A port, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. There is also a Kensington lock on the right side and vents to expel hot air above the rear ports.

Under the hood, the Elite EU715-AI is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor and 32GB of DDR5 memory. It also comes with a 1TB M.2 SSD and Windows 11 Pro. In our lab tests, the Elite EU715-AI beat out newer Intel-based mini PCs like the Geekom IT15 across the board despite having an older, first-generation Intel Core Ultra Series 1 chip.

The reason for this performance gap is that the EU715-AI features a 16-core processor designed for high-performance laptops, whereas many newer 2nd-gen Core Ultra (Lunar Lake) chips focus on power efficiency over raw processing power. While the Elite EU715-AI is a powerful yet pricey mini PC, it was the low noise levels that impressed me most.

Mac mini quiet

Just like I did with the AceMagic F2A, I had to break out my sound level meter to test the Elite EU715-AI, but for the opposite reason. With the F2A, its dual fans made a very audible hum and got as loud as 55dB. The same was true with the Geekom IT15, which hit 54dB. It’s a completely different story with the Elite EU715-AI, which was significantly quieter at just 36dB.

With other mini PCs I’ve tested, like the Atomman G7 TI, there’s a physical button on the front to switch between performance modes. With the Elite EU715-AI, I don’t even need one; even with over 20 Chrome tabs open across three windows, it never so much as made a peep while I was working. Even when I’d leave it on in the background, it wasn’t audible at all.

If you don’t want to hear your computer at your desk, the Elite EU715-AI is the closest a Windows-based mini PC has gotten to Mac mini M4 noise levels (or lack thereof) yet in my experience.

No barrel port here

One common feature that less premium mini PCs often share is large power adapters that use a vendor-specific barrel port connector. Fortunately, you won’t find one here. Instead, the Elite EU715-AI uses a standard 100W USB-C power adapter.

I know this is a small thing, but as someone who’s constantly building desk setups and trying out new mini PCs, I don’t like being stuck with a bulky, non-standard power adapter. Since the Elite EU715-AI relies on a 100W USB-C connection, the included adapter is very compact and roughly the size of a standard phone charger. Just like with the even smaller (and pocketable) Khadas Mind, this means you can actually use a third-party GaN charger if you want an even more portable setup for travel.

Some newer mini PCs like the Geekom A9 Max and the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG let you use one of their USB-C ports for power in lieu of their barrel ports. However, since they still keep the barrel jack on the rear panel, that connector ends up being wasted physical space. That isn’t the case with the Elite EU715-AI; the back of the unit is cleaner because it was designed specifically for USB-C power input.

Easy upgrades in a small case

Even with a mini PC as small as the Elite EU715-AI, you can still open it up and upgrade the existing components — and you’re able to add new ones too. In this case, you can swap out the included 32GB of RAM for up to 96GB.

Likewise, you can also swap the included 1TB M.2 SSD for a 4TB drive, and there’s also a free M.2 2280 slot where you can add another 4TB drive for a total of 8TB of storage. Not bad for such a tiny case.

To get to the Elite EU715-AI’s internals, I flipped it over and removed a screw at each of its four corners.

One thing I really like about this mini PC, compared to the Geekom A5 and most of the others I’ve reviewed, is that I didn’t have to remove the rubber case feet on the bottom to get to these screws. Instead, Minix slightly offset the Elite EU715-AI’s feet and put the case screws closer to the edge. That way, you can easily open its case without worrying about damaging those rubber feet.

Minix Elite EU715-AI: The downs

The Minix Elite EU715-AI is a seriously impressive mini PC in a very petite package. Unfortunately, it’s not without its downsides that make cable management more difficult and put a serious dent in your wallet.

Short on ports

I don’t know about you, but when I want to plug wired devices into my computer, I prefer to do so at the back so that I can run their cables behind my desk. Well, the Elite EU715-AI does come equipped with three USB-A ports for doing so. The problem is, two are on the front and only one is at the rear.

Although this likely won’t be a deal-breaker for most people, at this price, I’d like to see a few more ports and even an SD card reader. Now, I get there are space limitations around back due to the Elite EU715-AI’s case, but both the Asus NUC 14 Pro and the original MSI Cubi NUC 1M both have dual USB-A ports around back. While they don’t have a DisplayPort like the Elite EU715-AI does (something you rarely see on a mini PC), the latter retains the same dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Speaking of ports, I have another gripe with one of the rear ports in particular.

Underpowered rear USB-C video

Having a Thunderbolt 4 port on the front of the Elite EU715-AI is very convenient for quickly connecting a portable monitor. But what if you’ve permanently incorporated one into your desk setup? Well, I have a portable monitor next to my ultrawide, and as such, I’d rather connect it to the Elite EU715-AI using the USB-C Gen 2x2 port around back. Unfortunately, when I tried it with two different portable monitors, I couldn’t get either of them to work.

Eventually, I just used an angled USB-C extension cable and plugged my portable monitor into the Thunderbolt 4 port on the front instead of the more conveniently located USB-C one on the back. It worked well enough, though this fix did take away from the Elite EU715-AI’s sleek design.

After a bit of research, I finally found the problem. While both the Thunderbolt 4 port up front and the USB-C one around back provide 15W of power (and most portable monitors need 8-12W), the rear port seems to experience handshake issues where it isn’t able to “negotiate” the power draw required by the monitor while simultaneously handling a video signal.

Once I added another USB-C cable and connected it to an outlet to power the portable monitor, I was able to get the rear port working correctly. However, I would have loved to have the same one-cable connection I have at the front of the Elite EU715-AI around back.

Paying an Elite premium

When Minix first launched the Elite EU715-AI in May 2025, it was originally priced at $999. At the time, this was already more expensive than similarly specced mini PCs from brands like Minisforum and Geekom, but its compact form factor and all-metal case helped justify the "Elite" branding.

In the time since, however, the ongoing RAM crisis has pushed the price of memory through the roof. As a result, PC makers and retailers have been forced to raise prices significantly, much like how the Xbox Series X is now more expensive at $649 than it was when it launched back in 2020.

Let’s face it: you’re going to be spending more for PCs, laptops, and other electronics today than you would have just a few months ago. The problem with the Elite EU715-AI, though, is that you’re paying a $1,300 premium for a mini PC with an Intel Core Ultra Series 1 processor when Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) processors have already arrived.

Given that my colleague Jason England just reviewed a laptop with one of these new chips, I can tell you the performance and efficiency gains are significant, and they'll likely be making their way to mini PCs any day now. This makes the "Series 1" hardware inside this Minix feel two generations behind the curve for such a steep price.

Minix Elite EU715-AI: Verdict

The Minix Elite EU715-AI stands out thanks to its ultra-compact case and the premium materials used throughout its design. Despite being two generations older, its Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor is still very powerful and more than equipped for a wide variety of workloads. Its near-silent operation — peaking at just 40dB — is equally impressive given the thermal and acoustic limitations that usually come with such a small chassis.

Although I would have liked to see a few more ports around back, and I think swapping the position of the Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ones would make sense, you’re still getting a solid selection. This includes features you rarely find elsewhere in this size, like DisplayPort 1.4 and a dedicated USB-C power port.

My biggest gripe, though, is with the price. Although slightly premium, $999 was originally the perfect price point for a machine like this. Unfortunately, Minix is just one of many manufacturers forced to raise prices due to the ongoing RAM crisis. The blame for this $1,300 sticker price doesn’t fall on the company; instead, the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure has effectively hijacked the global memory supply.

Still, if you’re looking for a whisper-quiet mini PC with a very small footprint and the option to upgrade it down the line, the Elite EU715-AI could be worth the premium. This is especially true considering that memory prices aren't expected to settle until at least 2027, and may even increase further as the year goes on.

I was over the moon at the idea of a completely redesigned Mac mini in a much smaller case with a more powerful M4 chip. That was until Apple finally showed off its new design, revealing that, this time around, the power button on the Mac mini M4 would be on the bottom instead of on the back of the device.

The Apple Magic Mouse with its oddly placed charging port immediately sprung to mind. At least with a wireless mouse though, you don’t have to plug it in all that often. Now with one of the best mini PCs, a power button is integral to their daily use. Apple on the other hand saw things quite differently.

Shortly after the Mac mini M4’s launch, Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing Greg Joswiak and SVP of Hardware Engineering John Ternus explained in an interview with IThome that the underside of the Mac mini M4 was the “optimal spot” for its power button due to the redesign. At the same time, they also noted that most Mac users never actually turn their devices off.

Although I used a Mac growing up and while in college, back when I reviewed the Mac mini M4, I had mostly been using Windows-based mini PCs. As such, I initially scoffed at the idea of never shutting down my computer and how Apple had practically made the device’s power button unreachable.

Now though, after using the Mac mini M4 for over a year I realized Apple just might have been right.

A non-optional accessory

Just like when I spent a week testing out the Mac mini M2 ahead of the release of this updated model, the first accessory I added to the Mac mini M4 was a USB-C powered dock and stand.

I know most people are fine using Bluetooth accessories these days but since I’m constantly switching between computers, I actually prefer one of the best mechanical keyboards and a trackball mouse with 2.4 GHz USB receivers. With three USB-A ports on the front, I even have one left over to plug in a flash drive. Likewise, with an SD card reader on the left, it’s easy to quickly take photos off my camera.

The Satechi Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub also has another trick up its sleeve. When you flip it over, there’s a free slot where you can install up to a 4TB M.2 SSD. Doing so lets you get around paying the Apple Tax for extra storage. Also, thanks to the fact that the Mac mini M4 comes with 16GB of RAM as the new standard, you likely won’t have to jump up to an upgraded model since this accessory easily lets you add more storage space.

The other big problem the Satechi Stand & Hub solves is that you can now easily reach the Mac mini M4’s power button. Without it, you’d have to awkwardly tilt the device over on your desk anytime you wanted to power it back on after a shutdown.

Although I haven’t stopped using this accessory with my Mac mini M4 for over a year now, the cutout at the back isn’t the killer feature I initially thought it would be.

Powered on and forgotten

Even though I still think the Mac mini M4 is the best mini PC for most people and especially for Apple users, I’ve been using it less lately so that I can spend my time testing and reviewing other, Windows-based mini PCs.

When OpenAI rolled out its ChatGPT Atlas browser back in October of last year though, I was tasked with installing it and doing a hands-on. Since it was Mac-only at that time, I got it up and running on my Mac mini M4. Now if I had one of the best MacBooks on hand, it would have been a lot easier taking pictures of this new AI-powered browser running on a Mac. Instead, I ended up putting a new desk setup together just to do so.

To Apple’s credit, when I was done, I didn’t shut down the Mac mini M4. Instead, I let it go into sleep mode and that was that. Much to my surprise though, when I returned from CES 2026 last week, I saw its status light was still on. After a few taps on my keyboard, it instantly sprung back to life, completely oblivious to the fact that I had left it powered on for almost three months.

It was at that moment that it dawned on me, maybe Apple was right. With a new puppy in our game room sleeping where I previously worked, I’ve found myself working from the Mac mini M4 in the next room and letting it fall asleep on its own each night for the past week.

I think what surprised me the most though is that besides that small white indicator light, I wouldn’t have known Apple’s mini PC was sleeping as it’s completely quiet when doing so and it isn't a light sleeper like some of the Windows-based mini PCs I’ve tested and reviewed. It doesn’t “wake up” for updates or from overly sensitive peripherals.

Even when my son would bump into my desk when running over to check on the puppy, the Mac mini M4 never stirred. That was until I started typing on the keyboard in front of it.

From hidden to essential

Now that I fully understand Apple’s reasoning with the Mac mini M4’s power button placement, I’d still like to see some changes with the Mac mini M5 or whatever comes next. Instead of tucking it away on the underside of the device, what if Apple actually made it useful?

After reviewing the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG and loving the fingerprint scanner integrated into its power button, I’d love to see Apple do something similar with the next Mac mini. Right now, if you want to use Touch ID to do things like log in, use Apple Pay, install new software or buy apps from the Mac App Store, your only option is to purchase a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID separately. But imagine how much more useful this functionality would be if it was built right into your Mac?

Even if Apple doesn’t want to give up the biggest selling point of its most expensive keyboard, there are other ways the Mac mini’s power button could be useful. Given that we’re getting an upgraded and more intelligent Siri soon, imagine if a short press of the power button could bring that up while a long press could be used to shutdown your computer. The possibilities are really almost endless once you bring short, long and even double presses into the mix.

It might have taken me over a year, but now, I finally understand why Apple compromised with the placement of the Mac mini M4’s power button. I’d say I was going to shut down my computer now but given that it’s been on for months, I guess I’ll just step away from my keyboard and let it drift off to sleep.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried this new mechanical keyboard with the Mac mini M4 and it puts Apple’s Magic Keyboard to shame
• Mac mini M4 — 4 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
• I gave my Mac mini M4 the ultimate upgrade with this Mac Pro-style case and it fixes some of my biggest complaints

While one of the best laptops will certainly do the job for most people, I’ve always found them limiting. From their non-modular designs to the constant worry of keeping a battery topped off, I prefer to work on a desktop whenever possible.

In fact, I’ve gone so far as to bring one of the best mini PCs with me when I travel, and more recently, I ditched my laptop entirely for a pocketable mini PC and a pair of AR glasses. The catch is that I still have to bring a keyboard. But what if I didn’t?

The Raspberry Pi 400 was the first device to truly put the keyboard-PC back on the map. At less than $100, you aren't paying a premium for the form factor, but being limited to ARM-based Linux meant it could never be my daily driver for work.

HP recently showed off its new EliteBoard G1a, which feels much better suited for a mainstream audience as it offers a full Windows 11 Pro experience that easily fits in a backpack. After going hands-on with it, I think I’m finally one step closer to leaving my mini PC behind and just working from a keyboard — even if the dream isn't quite perfect yet.

Finally, a pro-level keyboard-PC

At first glance, the HP EliteBoard G1a doesn’t look that different from any other keyboard you’d find in an office setting, as it has a full-size layout with a numpad on the right. It’s only when you see it from the side that you notice the laptop-like vents and two USB-C ports on the top left corner.

On the version I saw, these were the only two ports on the device — one is a high-speed USB4 port and the other is USB 3.2 Gen 2.

What surprised me most about the EliteBoard G1a is that both of these ports are capable of video out. With one of the best monitors that has at least 65W of USB-C Power Delivery, you can actually run a dual-monitor setup right from the keyboard. This effectively turns your display into a docking station, leaving your desk completely clutter-free.

When you flip the EliteBoard G1a over, the cooling vents reveal its true nature. Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processor with up to Radeon 860M graphics, it’s a legitimate powerhouse.

Beyond standard office work, it’s equipped to handle creative apps like Photoshop and even light gaming — tasks that would bring a Raspberry Pi 400 to its knees.

The device can also be outfitted with an optional 32Wh internal battery. This isn’t meant for working on the go with a portable monitor; instead, like with the Khadas Mind mini PC, it’s designed to let you move from one desk to another without shutting down or rebooting.

Even the power button feels "Elite." A solid white LED means it’s powered on, while a blinking light indicates Modern Standby — ready to wake up with a single tap. You can even opt for a version with an integrated fingerprint sensor for Windows Hello, so you can securely login as you’re powering up the device.

During my hands-on time, the experience was snappy and, more importantly, practically silent. An HP rep explained that it’s tuned to stay at or below 38dB, backed by a TÜV certification for low noise. For a moment there, I almost forgot there was a whole computer underneath my fingers.

Close but it doesn't quite track

I was quite impressed with the EliteBoard G1a, but it isn’t without its shortcomings, the most significant of which is the numpad on the right. If you’re an accountant or a real number cruncher, you probably need those keys, but for the rest of us, it feels like wasted space.

A trackpad would be a whole lot more useful for a device meant to be a portable all-in-one. HP is actually exploring adding a trackpad version to the EliteBoard G1a lineup, but in the meantime, the device at least comes with a pre-paired wireless mouse to bridge the gap.

As someone who couldn’t imagine working without one of the best mechanical keyboards, the real deal-breaker for me is the typing experience. To achieve that ultra-thin 12mm profile, the EliteBoard G1a features a low-profile scissor-switch membrane keyboard instead of true mechanical switches.

The silver lining is that the design is remarkably modular; the keyboard deck is spill-resistant and easy to replace if it gets damaged or if you accidentally douse it in coffee.

If the EliteBoard G1a had mechanical keyswitches and a trackpad on the right, it would be the perfect device for me, especially given how much power that AMD Ryzen AI 300 chip packs into such a tiny form factor. Unfortunately, it’s currently designed for business users where a quiet membrane keyboard is par for the course.

Now that HP has shown you can cram a powerful Windows 11 computer into a keyboard, I'm hopeful other PC makers will follow suit. Here’s to hoping one of them decides to go all-in on the premium typing experience and gives us a keyboard-PC with both mechanical switches and a trackpad.

More from Tom's Guide

• I finally added a NAS to my home network, and I can’t believe I waited this long
• The 5 things I'm glad I knew before buying a mini PC
• I paired a pocketable mini PC with a pair of AR glasses and even I was surprised when it became my go-to travel setup

The Lenovo Yoga Mini i is an absolutely tiny mini PC in a puck-shaped chassis that still manages to pack a serious performance punch thanks to the inclusion of Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 3 chips. However, it has quite a few tricks up its sleeve that could easily earn it a place amongst the best mini PCs.

Unveiled during CES 2026, this is the second mini PC from Lenovo’s Yoga line, and as such, it sports the same aluminum finish from the company’s premium line of consumer laptops. Despite its small size, Lenovo has outfitted the Yoga Mini i with an excellent selection of rear ports, but there are also a few handy ports on the side.

I briefly went hands-on with the Yoga Mini i at CES, but its unique form factor immediately made it stand out. However, it wasn’t until I learned more about this mini PC that its unique design and built-in AI capabilities truly clicked.

Here are my initial thoughts on the Yoga Mini i and why I think it just might be the perfect desktop companion.

Lenovo Yoga Mini i hands-on review: Specs

Lenovo Yoga Mini i: Price and availability

The Lenovo Yoga Mini i will have a starting price of $699 and is expected to launch in June 2026. However, we’ll likely learn more about other, more powerful configurations of this mini PC and what they’ll cost when we get closer to its release this summer.

Lenovo Yoga Mini i: Design

At 5.12 x 5.12 x 1.91 inches, the Yoga Mini i is slightly larger as well as slightly shorter than Apple’s Mac mini M4 and it also features a case that’s made from aluminum. However, its round form factor instantly sets it apart, especially among other rectangular mini PCs.

On the front, the Yoga logo is visible in the center with two holes for its built-in microphone above, and the Lenovo logo is etched onto the top of its case. Conveniently, on the side of the Yoga Mini i, there’s a Thunderbolt 4 port along with a 3.5mm combo headphone and microphone jack.

Then around back, there’s a single USB-A port, an HDMI 2.1 port, two USB-C ports — one of which is used to power the device with 100W PD-in — a second Thunderbolt 4 port and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. This is quite a lot of ports for a device this size, given the limitations that come with using a rounded case instead of a rectangular one.

When you flip the Yoga Mini i over, there’s a small stand on the bottom of the device with a rubber ring that wraps all the way around to keep it firmly planted on your desk. Then above that, there are circular holes all the way around this mini PC, which serve a dual purpose. Not only do they provide ventilation as part of their 360-degree airflow system, but they also provide audio output from the Yoga Mini i’s built-in speaker.

It’s clear a lot of thought went into the design of this mini PC, but as I said before, it has a few more tricks up its sleeve.

Lenovo Yoga Mini i: Qira and Wi-Fi sensing

When I first went hands-on with the Yoga Mini i, Lenovo hadn’t announced its new Qira AI Assistant yet. However, when I went and checked it out again after the announcement, I finally saw the full picture.

At first glance, the Yoga Mini i looks just like one of the best smart speakers and it actually kind of is, in a sense. Although you can bring up Lenovo’s new AI assistant from within Windows, you can also tap on the top of the Yoga Mini i to do so as well. While I haven’t gotten a chance to try this out yet, I can already see how useful this could be when working at your desk.

In addition to opening Qira, you can also tap the top of this mini PC to share files and to turn its RGB underglow light on or off. Speaking of its built-in lighting, you can also have this light sync to music playing from its built-in speaker.

For its final trick, Lenovo has equipped this mini PC with Wi-Fi sensing capabilities. By constantly monitoring how its wireless signals reflect off of walls and furniture, the Yoga Mini i can detect when a large physical object like a person walks in front of it.

By opening the Lenovo AI Turbo Engine app, I was able to customize the color of the Yoga Mini i’s underglow light and pick from several different lighting effects. After setting the light’s color to red and the lighting effect to breathing, I stepped away from the device, and the instant I was back in front of it, it greeted me with a cool little light show.

Now I don’t know how useful this will be on an everyday basis yet, but I’m excited to try this out for myself in my full review later this year. However, I can already imagine using this feature to quickly see if my PC is still on when I come back into the room.

Lenovo Yoga Mini i: Performance and in use

Like I mentioned before, I was only able to briefly go hands-on with the Yoga Mini i, and I won’t know how well it actually performs until we get one into our testing lab. Still, it was quiet, apps opened quickly and it didn’t feel sluggish at all, likely because it’s rocking one of Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 3 chips.

I can already see myself using this device as my next mini PC, with it front and center on my desk. I really like how there’s a fingerprint reader integrated into its power button, as this will let me quickly log into Windows without having to enter a PIN. Likewise, I won’t have to plug in a pair of speakers to listen to music or to watch videos and its built-in microphone will probably work in a pinch for meetings, though it will probably be more useful for using Lenovo’s Qira AI assistant.

Even though the Yoga Mini i is small enough to fit in your pocket, it can actually drive up to four high-resolution displays thanks to its dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1 port and high-speed USB-C port that supports video out. I’ll have to try this out for myself, but from what I’ve seen so far, the Yoga Mini i already looks like an impressive mini PC.

Lenovo Yoga Mini i hands-on review: Outlook

The Lenovo Yoga Mini i is far from your typical mini PC, for better or worse. You can’t mount it behind a monitor and I doubt you’ll easily be able to open it up to add another SSD or to swap out its RAM. However, if you’re after a smaller device with a unique design and more than a few features you won’t find anywhere else.

I’m looking forward to putting the Yoga Mini i through its paces and using it as my daily driver later this year. Hopefully Qira is as impressive as Lenovo has made it out to be but even if it’s not, this sleek mini PC certainly stands out from the crowd. Either way, stay tuned for my full review.

More from Tom's Guide

• I saw Satechi’s new Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock at CES and it felt like I was holding a Mac mini M4
• The 5 things I'm glad I knew before buying a mini PC
• I paired a pocketable mini PC with a pair of AR glasses and even I was surprised when it became my go-to travel setup

I never thought I’d head out for a trip and leave my laptop behind, but after spending a year with my pocketable mini PC and AR glasses setup, I finally did.

Don’t get me wrong, one of the best laptops is a much better fit for most people, but then again, I’m not most people. While I love my trusty ThinkPad, I rarely use it. It’s a great machine, but I’ve been spoiled by my home office desk setup.

Being able to write stories like this one with a dual-monitor or even a triple-monitor setup gives me more than enough screen real estate for multiple Chrome windows with at least half a dozen tabs open in each one. I also love the feeling of having a mechanical keyboard under my fingers as opposed to the membrane-style ones you find on most laptops. Then I have my trackball mouse with customizable buttons which gives me improved accuracy while putting less strain on my wrist.

I tried everything to recreate that experience on the road — including using a dual-screen portable monitor — but it wasn’t until I first put on a pair of AR glasses that things finally clicked. Then it just came down to finding one of the best mini PCs that was small enough and could be powered by USB-C to bring the whole setup together.

I did just that at the beginning of this year. At that time, it was just a proof of concept. However, in the months since, I’ve put it to the test while traveling and now, it’s found a permanent place in my carry-on. Here’s how this unconventional combo went from a wild experiment to my biggest surprise of the year.

From my pocket to the plane

Back in 2024, I reviewed the Khadas Mind mini PC. Unlike the Mac mini M4 or the Geekom A9 Max though, the Khadas Mind mini PC looks more like a portable hard drive and is small enough to slip into a pocket.

While the original was impressive, I used the newer, more powerful Khadas Mind 2S for this project. My favorite feature is that it offers full-sized ports — including Thunderbolt 4, USB4, HDMI, and two USB-A ports — so I don't have to lug around separate dongles.

Since the Mind 2S (and the Mind) can be powered via USB-C, I’m not tethered to a wall outlet. I can use a standard GaN charger or even a high-capacity power bank for a truly mobile workstation. For my display, I use a pair of Xreal One AR glasses. They have built-in speakers and an ultrawide mode that recreates the side-by-side window experience I love so much with my ultrawide monitor at home.

After testing this unique setup out around my home, it was time for my first real test: a trip to NYC for the unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2. Much to my surprise, after going hands on with Nintendo’s latest console, I managed to write my entire hands-on review with this mini PC and AR glasses combo.

Even more surprisingly, I was able to fit my wireless mechanical keyboard, mini trackball mouse, and the rest of this setup on an airplane tray table with everything powered by my Ugreen Nexode Power Bank. Since I managed to pull that off and loved working from my hotel with this mini PC and AR glasses combo, I decided to put my setup to the true test by bringing it with me on an international trip.

Ready for prime time

Although CES in Las Vegas is the go-to show for new tech and futuristic concepts every year, Computex in Taiwan is just as impressive. Instead of being in the city of lights with all that glitz, you’re at the heart of where your favorite laptops, monitors, and gadgets actually get made. For that reason, myself and the rest of the Tom’s Guide computing team have been traveling halfway across the world to see the action in person for the last few years.

This year, in addition to my laptop (just in case), I also decided to bring my mini PC and AR glasses setup, and I’m glad I did. When I’m out on the show floor, I like to travel light as there’s plenty of walking between the two exhibition halls — TaiNEX 1 and TaiNEX 2 — that make up the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Lugging around a laptop means I need a larger bag, but with the Khadas Mind 2S and the rest of the accessories in my setup, I was able to fit everything plus my camera into a much smaller bag.

When it was time to update the live blog or work on a story, I headed to the press room and got to work. As you can see in the picture above, I have the Mind 2S plugged into a Ugreen Nexode GaN charger, with the other USB-C port connected to my Xreal One AR glasses. On the table, I have plenty of room for my slim mechanical keyboard and my mini trackball mouse, the Elecom Bitra.

Given that my colleagues and I sometimes have to divide and conquer at a big show, I found the Adaptive-Transparency Mode on the Xreal One AR glasses incredibly useful. By default, the shortcut button on top of the right temple is set to switch to Transparency Mode, which turns off the display so I can see my surroundings. This let me keep working while remaining aware of my team, including if someone had just walked into the room.

Sure, I did get some looks in the press room at Computex, but they weren’t the typical ones I’d get when using a setup like this in public. Instead, everyone was curious about the gear, and I even had a local Taiwanese reporter come up and interview me about it on video. At the end of the day, I’m glad I brought it to Taiwan and plan on doing the same for CES 2026 next week.

Leaving my laptop behind

Shortly after I returned from Taiwan this summer, my family and I had a trip planned to the south of Texas. In the rush to pack, I still had a bit of unfinished work to attend to. For a moment, I thought about slipping my laptop into my backpack but then it hit me: I didn’t need to.

Instead, I packed the Khadas Mind 2S, the Xreal One AR glasses, my low-profile mechanical keyboard, and my mini trackball mouse. I only had to catch up on a few things before I could fully enjoy the trip, and I knew this setup would be more than enough. After checking into the hotel and putting my little one down for the night, I got everything set up and got to work.

While everyone else slept, I sat in the armchair in my hotel room and managed to clear every remaining item off my list. What I really loved about using AR glasses instead of a laptop is that there wasn’t a glow from a screen that might wake up my son. In fact, besides the moment I took the glasses off my face, the entire room remained completely dark.

In the end, what began as an experiment just to see if it was possible turned into one of my favorite setups of the year. If I hadn’t tried out the original Khadas Mind, I never would have thought of it.

I don’t know what next year will hold or what new setups I’ll have a chance to build, but I know this mini PC and AR glasses combo is a winner I plan on using for years to come.

More from Tom's Guide

• I finally added a NAS to my home network, and I can’t believe I waited this long
• The 5 things I'm glad I knew before buying a mini PC
• I spent a week with this AI-powered mini PC and the buttons on the front earned it a permanent spot on my desk

The Geekom A9 Max is an incredibly fast mini PC that delivers excellent performance thanks to its AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor. This is paired with powerful components throughout, along with the ability to upgrade its RAM and storage down the line, all in a compact case that’s only slightly wider than the Mac mini M4.

At $1,199, the A9 Max is on the expensive side. However, this isn’t your typical mini PC, as you’re getting desktop-class power and practically all the ports you could need. In typical Geekom fashion, you have loads of rear ports with the ability to drive up to a quad-monitor setup. However, it was the four USB-A ports around front and the convenient SD card reader on the side that impressed me most.

Not only is the A9 Max powerful, it’s also very quiet. During the two months I spent using it as my daily driver, its internal fan never made more than a peep while the system stayed cool. This is likely due to the large heatsink under its motherboard, which did make opening its case up a bit more difficult than with the other Geekom mini PCs I’ve tested in the past.

My Geekom A9 Max review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for your needs and whether or not it’s worth spending a bit more on a seriously fast yet compact machine.

Geekom A9 Max: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A compact, silver mini PC that provides desktop-class power and loads of front and rear ports.
• Who is it for? Those who need a powerful mini PC with desktop-class performance to replace a larger system or their laptop.
• What does it cost? The A9 Max costs $1,199, though it's currently discounted to $1,089 on the company’s website.
• What do we like? The powerful Ryzen AI 9 processor, its compact form factor, the ability to power it via USB-C, the highly generous rear and especially front port selection, and its excellent RAM and storage expandability.
• What don’t we like? The premium price tag, the more difficult-than-usual case opening process for upgrades, and the easily detached internal Wi-Fi antennas.

Geekom A9 Max: Specs

Geekom A9 Max: The ups

The Geekom A9 Max certainly earns its name with plenty of power under the hood, loads of ports at the front and back and a solid upgrade path should you want to add even more memory and storage later on.

Sleek, silver and solid

At 5.31 x 5.20 x 1.85 inches, the A9 Max has a slightly larger footprint than the Mac mini M4 on your desk but is slightly shorter. Likewise, you get a VESA mount and screws in the box should you want to mount this mini PC behind your monitor. However, with all those handy front ports, I wouldn’t recommend it but more on that later.

On the front of the A9 Max, there are four high-speed USB-A ports — one of which is an always-on charging port — and a headphone jack along with the power button. On the left side, you get an SD card reader and on the right, there’s a Kensington Lock to secure this mini PC at your desk.

Around back, you get two more USB-A ports (one of which is high-speed, the other is USB 2.0), two HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB4 ports, dual 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports and a barrel power connector. If you don’t plan on using the A9 Max with a quad-monitor setup, you can use one of the USB4 ports (the one marked PD-in) and a 100W or higher GaN charger instead of the external power supply, just like on the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG.

Four rubber feet on the underside of the A9 Max kept it firmly planted on my desk and I really like how its aluminum outer shell gives this mini PC a more premium look. However, if you want some color, there’s also a purple version available for the same price.

While the design and ports are excellent on the A9 Max, it’s the power under the hood that’s really the standout feature of this mini PC.

Mini but mighty

Geekom definitely didn’t skimp on the A9 Max’s components and this absolutely shows during my day-to-day usage. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which is paired with 32GB of DDR5 memory and you also get plenty of storage thanks to the included 2TB M.2 SSD.

On the connectivity side, you’re getting Wi-Fi 7 support along with Bluetooth 5.4. I also really liked having not one but two 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports which can come in handy if you want to connect the A9 Max to one of the best Wi-Fi routers via Ethernet and use the other port to transfer files to a NAS device.

As you can see in the table above, the A9 Max also performed really well in our benchmark tests. While the Geekom IT15 was slightly ahead of it in Geekbench, the A9 Max pulled ahead when it came to moving large files and encoding video. Personally, I found the IT15 to be somewhat on the noisy side under load while the A9 Max never reached more than a slight hum during my real-world testing.

I used the A9 Max as my daily driver at a dual-monitor setup for two months and I was seriously impressed with its performance. As a Chrome power user with dozens of tabs open at a time, it never once slowed down and it was just as speedy when editing photos in GIMP.

Although I didn’t have a chance to test its gaming performance, in our lab, it hit 72 fps in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm at 1080p and 37 fps at 4K. With a machine this powerful, you could easily play plenty of modern titles at 1080p with the settings turned up and it will likely handle older titles with ease.

I primarily used the A9 Max for work and one thing really stood out for me when doing so as it made my workflow a lot simpler.

Ports at your fingertips

On most mini PCs, you typically get two USB-A ports, a headphone jack, and maybe a USB-C port up front which is more than enough for most people. However, when you have a USB-C port with video out on the front, you typically don’t have one at the rear. Since Geekom usually gives you not one but two USB4 ports around back, the company decided to go all out on USB-A ports on the front, and this is one of my favorite things about the A9 Max.

As I switch between computers quite often, I like to use the 2.4 GHz USB dongles that come with most wireless keyboards and trackball mice. This lets me quickly change computers without having to pair all of my peripherals over Bluetooth. With the A9 Max, I can have my USB adapters plugged in up front and still have two USB-A ports left over for plugging in flash drives or even charging my phone or tablet.

Another useful feature that you’ll often find on practically every Geekom mini PC is the full-size SD card reader on the left side. This is very convenient for me as it allows me to quickly download photos from my camera like the ones in this review.

Given that you can absolutely game on the A9 Max, theoretically, you could set it up in your living room and connect four wired controllers for a modern-day, N64-like experience. This is absolutely something I want to try when I get time — maybe over the holidays.

Geekom A9 Max: The downs

The A9 Max definitely delivers when it comes to ports, power and upgradeability. However, opening it up and accessing its internals wasn’t as easy on some of the other mini PCs I reviewed. Plus, you’ll need to be very careful with the cables for the Wi-Fi antennas when doing so.

Upgrading can be tricky

Just like with the Geekom A6 I reviewed, opening up the A9 Max starts with flipping it over and removing its rubber feet. This time around though, the glue used to attach them to the bottom of the case was quite strong and I needed to use a pry tool to remove them. Fortunately, I had one on hand from installing one of the best dash cams in my car.

One thing that I do like about Geekom’s rubber feet though is that they slot in on either side. This means that if the adhesive does wear off, you’ll still be able to reattach them on the bottom of the A9 Max. With the feet off, I then used a screwdriver to remove four screws to access the A9 Max’s internals. This is normally all you have to do but Geekom did things a bit differently with this mini PC to keep it cool.

You see, underneath the bottom of its case, there’s a large metal heatsink you also have to remove before getting access to its internals. Removing it meant unscrewing four screws on the A9 Max’s corners and two on either side of the heatsink.

Now here is where things went slightly awry for me. Do you see the two wires taped down on the backside of the heatsink? Well, those are for the A9 Max’s 3D spatial antennas. They’re designed to help boost the device’s Wi-Fi signal and they were definitely an improvement over the ones on the IT15 before I opened the case up. The problem is that they become detached quite easily, which I didn’t realize until after I put the A9 Max back together.

With that done, I was able to access the A9 Max’s motherboard where you can swap out the included M.2 SSD for something larger or add a smaller M.2 2230 SSD if you want to have dual drives inside this mini PC. Likewise, you can also swap out the memory and add more RAM too.

The slightly more difficult disassembly process is by no means a deal breaker. However, if you are going to open the A9 Max up, I’d recommend taking your time and being extra careful when removing the heatsink. That way, you won’t have to reattach those two Wi-Fi antennas which can be quite tedious to do.

Geekom A9 Max: Verdict

The Geekom A9 Max is one of the most impressive mini PCs I’ve tested yet. From its sleek aluminum case to its powerful internals and conveniently placed front and rear ports, there isn’t anything I’d change about its design. The A9 Max also holds up well under both heavy and light workloads and it served me quite well as my daily driver during the time I spent with this mini PC.

You also have plenty of upgrade opportunities here from adding a second SSD to swapping out the included one and adding more memory. While the 3D spatial antennas that connect to its Wi-Fi card could be a bit more snug when it comes to their connection, you just have to be careful and take your time when removing the A9 Max’s heatsink.

The A9 Max delivers and then some, which is why I’d easily recommend this mini PC to anyone looking to downsize from a desktop or those who don’t want to plug in their laptop to a dock when using it at their desk in a more permanent setup.

The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is a compact mini PC with plenty of power under the hood in a sleek, all-black case. Besides being a powerful mini PC well suited for business and productivity, it’s also a Copilot+ PC which means you get instant access to Microsoft’s latest AI features and a dedicated Copilot button right on the front.

MSI didn’t stop there with AI though as the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG includes the company’s own AI Engine software to automatically adjust this mini PC’s settings based on the task at hand.

Likewise, you also get a feature you rarely see on other mini PCs: a built-in microphone and speaker. This lets you interact with Microsoft Copilot or other AI assistants hands-free and personally, I really enjoyed pressing the button on the front to instantly bring up Copilot when I needed to.

Packed with either a high-end Intel Ultra 7 or Ultra 9 processor and plenty of memory, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is the perfect little desktop companion for getting work done. It has a similar front port layout, but it lacks the second HDMI port that was useful for quick dual-monitor setups on the older MSI Cubi NUC 1M.

Still, besides two variations to pick from (with a less powerful Ultra 5 variant available in some regions), there are also slightly cheaper barebones configurations of the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG if you’d rather provide your own storage and operating system.

My MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for you or if something cheaper without all its AI-powered features would be a better fit.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A sleek, all-black mini PC with plenty of ports and some unique features.
• Who is it for? Business users or professionals that want a small and quiet mini PC that comes with Microsoft’s Copilot+ AI features built-in.
• What does it cost? The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG costs $949 for the standard model or $1,054 for the upgraded version. However, you can also get either one in a barebones configuration for slightly less but you will have to provide your own storage and operating system.
• What do we like? Its near-silent operation, the built-in fingerprint scanner and Copilot button on the front, the two Thunderbolt 4 ports at the back (one can be used for power in) and how MSI makes it easy to mount and use this mini PC behind a monitor.
• What don’t we like? That there’s one less HDMI port on the back compared to the previous model, and how its RAM is soldered to the motherboard, which means you can’t upgrade it.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Specs

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: The ups

The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG manages to pack more powerful internals into the same small chassis without adding extra noise. However, it’s the new AI-powered features and a few key upgrades that allow it to easily outshine its predecessor.

A silent powerhouse

At 5.34 x 5.22 x 1.97 inches, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG has the exact same dimensions as the Cubi NUC 1M. However, MSI has made some slight tweaks to both the front and back of this new mini PC while retaining the same overall design.

Up front, you get two high-speed USB-A ports, a microSD card reader and a headphone jack like before. However, the power button has moved to the left side of the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG to make space for the new Copilot button and an integrated fingerprint scanner. At the top, there are also now two small holes which are used for the built-in microphone.

On the back of the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG, you get a nice selection of ports including two USB-A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports, HDMI 2.1 and a barrel port connector for its 120W power supply. If you look closely at the Thunderbolt 4 port on the right though, you’ll notice a small plug icon. This was one of my favorite things while testing since you can swap out the included power adapter for any USB-C GaN charger providing 100W Power Delivery (PD) instead.

I spent a month or so using the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG as my daily driver and during that time, I was really surprised by just how quiet it was, even when dealing with more demanding workloads like photo editing and transferring large files. In fact, I had both it and the Geekom IT15 in the same room and while the latter got noticeably loud doing these same types of tasks, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG remained almost silent.

During benchmark testing, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG showed a massive improvement over its predecessor when transcoding video files in Handbrake and scored higher in Geekbench 6.3’s multi-core tests. However, it fell slightly behind the Cubi NUC 1M in single-core performance. This is a deliberate architectural trade-off though. With its newer Lunar Lake chips, Intel optimized them for improved power efficiency and AI performance in small systems, rather than prioritizing higher speeds for a single task like its older Raptor Lake chips did. The Geekom IT15 did easily beat out the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG overall, but like I mentioned, it was a lot louder while doing so.

The Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is an excellent mini PC for work and business-related tasks, but thanks to its integrated Intel Arc Graphics 140V graphics, it can handle photo and video editing as well as some light gaming too. However, this mini PC has another trick up its sleeve that makes it ideal for covert, behind your monitor setups.

Mountable but better front and center

Inside the box with most mini PCs, you’ll find a VESA plate adapter that lets you mount the computer behind your monitor to free up space on your desk. While MSI also includes one with the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG, it takes things a step further.

You see, with your mini PC mounted behind your monitor, reaching its power button can be awkward. To solve this, MSI developed a proprietary HDMI-CES feature called Power Link that automatically turns on the 2MG (and the 1M) when you turn on your monitor.

However, you will need a compatible MSI monitor that supports Power Link to pull this off. I tested this with the Pro MP271A E2 business and productivity monitor MSI sent over with the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG and it worked like a charm.

Given that you may not have an MSI monitor on hand or aren’t ready to swap out your current display, you also get a wired external power button. It plugs into the side of the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG and has an adhesive back which makes it easy to stick anywhere on your desk for quick access.

Although I really enjoyed using the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG behind a monitor as it almost felt like an all-in-one computer like the M4 iMac, I actually preferred having it right in front of me at my desk. That way, I could use the microSD card reader on the front to quickly take photos off my camera and the integrated fingerprint scanner in its power button made logging into Windows seamless. There’s another reason you’d want to have this mini PC within arm’s reach though.

Copilot+ on your desk not your lap

Up until very recently, if you wanted a Copilot+ PC with all of Microsoft’s AI-powered features, you’d have to spring for one of the best laptops. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case and you can now find a few mini PCs that come with Copilot+ certification.

The Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is the first one I’ve tried though and while I typically prefer Gemini over ChatGPT, I found myself using Copilot more often than I thought I would. This is because it has a dedicated Copilot button on the front right next to its microSD card reader. What I liked about this approach is that instead of opening a new tab or a new Chrome window, I just pressed the button and Copilot sprung to life.

Another feature that really impressed me is that with the built-in microphone and 2W internal speaker, I could also pull up Copilot’s voice mode and chat away with Microsoft’s AI assistant while I worked. Likewise, the built-in microphone also proved handy when I wanted to use voice search in Chrome.

In addition to a dedicated Copilot button, you also get access to the rest of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC features like live captions and translation, Windows Studio Effects to improve your video calls, Cocreator in Paint, click-to-do contextual AI and the company’s somewhat controversial Recall feature. These are all powered by the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG’s NPU which is rated at up to 48 TOPS.

Overall, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is ideal for business-related tasks but it’s also quite well-suited for AI ones too.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: The downs

The Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG certainly improves upon its predecessor with more impressive specs and some useful new features, all within the same sized case. However, it’s not without its downsides, which include one fewer port around back and less long-term upgradability.

Complicating multi-monitor setups

Don’t get me wrong, with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI 2.1 port around back, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG can easily power a triple-monitor setup. However, as someone who tested and reviewed the 1M, I immediately noticed that there was one less port around back.

With the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG, you have almost an identical port layout to the 1M. However, instead of a second HDMI port underneath the Thunderbolt 4 port on the right like on the 1M, there’s just a blank space.

Now I know Thunderbolt 4 is the more versatile port overall but if you want to quickly put together a dual-monitor setup with practically any two monitors, HDMI is the easiest way to do so. To run a dual-monitor setup now, you are forced to dedicate one of the precious Thunderbolt 4 ports to video output using a USB-C to HDMI/DP adapter like I did in the picture above. Likewise, while all of the best monitors have HDMI, only more expensive models come with Thunderbolt or USB-C inputs.

When taking a close look at the rear ports on the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG I noticed another downgrade too. While there were two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) ports on the 1M, these have been swapped with much slower USB 2.0 ones. You still get two high-speed USB-A ports on the front but if you want to plug in one of the best external hard drives to back up your data, you’re more likely to use one of the rear ports instead of one on the front.

The missing HDMI port on the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG stood out to me most but there’s another big change inside that makes buying a higher-specced version of this mini PC from the get-go a better option if you’re interested in using it as your long-term work machine.

Fast but not quite futureproof

With either an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V or an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V under the hood, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is a fast and very capable mini PC, especially as either variation also comes with 32GB of LPDDR5X memory. However, one of the perks of using a mini PC over a laptop, is that most of them are upgradeable. Opening up the NUC AI+ 2MG is easy enough — just four screws on its underside that do double duty as its feet.

Once inside, you can swap out the included M.2 SSD for something larger. However, you’re going to want to back up that drive first as there isn’t a second free M.2 slot for adding extra storage. While the single slot does support the latest, ultra-fast PCIe 5.0 drives, you are capped at whatever capacity you install.

Unlike the 1M though, you aren’t able to swap out its RAM either. This is because, like with the Ryzen AI Max chip in the Framework Desktop, the LPDDR5X memory is soldered directly to the motherboard. This design is necessary for the highest possible power efficiency and speed of the Intel Ultra 7 or 9 processor, but it means that while MSI gives you a generous 32GB as standard, jumping up to 64GB in the future just isn’t possible.

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG: Verdict

The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is an impressive, whisper-quiet Copilot+ mini PC with plenty of power under the hood and enough improvements across the board to make upgrading from the older Cubi NUC 1M worthwhile.

Not only can you easily mount and power it on/off behind your monitor but the integrated fingerprint scanner in the power button and the dedicated Copilot button are just as good of a reason to keep it front and center on your desk.

MSI gives you a great selection of both essential and more powerful ports and it’s always great to see a built-in microSD card reader for extra storage or transferring photos. While I would have liked to have a second HDMI port and faster USB-A ports around back, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG makes up for this with 32GB of soldered, faster LPDDR5X RAM in the base model and its new Copilot+ features as well as the built-in microphone and speaker to quickly converse with your AI assistant.

Given the current retail price, if you’re after a powerful mini PC with a generous 3-year warranty and readily available after service to use as your next work machine, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is easy to recommend, especially if you’re invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem and require the power of a dedicated NPU. Given the changes MSI has made between it and the 1M, I’m excited to see what’s new in the follow-up to the 2MG.

The Geekom IT15 is a powerful mini PC that delivers the latest Intel performance and futureproof Wi-Fi 7 connectivity in a sleek, all-black, and highly compact case. Available in two configurations, it features Intel’s 2nd gen Core Ultra processors and can be easily upgraded with more memory and storage.

At either $1,199 for the high-end configuration or $899 for the less powerful one, the IT15 is clearly a premium machine designed for demanding workloads and AI tasks. You get a wide selection of front and rear ports, including two USB4 ports, an SD card reader on the side and a 2.5 GbE port for blazing-fast wired connectivity.

Although I’ve reviewed several Geekom mini PCs, this is my first time testing one with an Intel processor instead of one from AMD. While the company packed plenty of power under the hood, the IT15’s compact case does mean its fan can become noticeable when multitasking heavily. Fortunately, Geekom includes a mounting bracket, allowing you to easily put this mini PC behind your monitor to keep it out of sight.

My Geekom IT15 review will help you decide if its premium performance and cutting-edge features are worth the price and make it the best mini PC for you, or if one of the company's AMD-powered A-series machines is a better fit for your needs.

Geekom IT15: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A compact, all-black mini PC with plenty of power and ports.
• Who is it for? Those who want a powerful mini PC to replace a desktop or laptop and don’t mind spending slightly more to do so.
• What does it cost? The base Geekom IT15 configuration costs $899 while the high-end one costs $1,199.
• What do we like? The sleek, all-black design, the generous port selection (including dual USB4), Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, quad-display support, and easy upgradeability.
• What don’t we like? The noticeable fan noise under heavy multi-tasking, the lack of a front-facing USB-C port and the premium price tag.

Geekom IT15: Specs

Geekom IT15: The ups

The Geekom IT15 immediately stands out in a sea of boring-looking mini PCs with its sleek, all-black look; however, it's the sheer power packed into its compact chassis and the excellent upgradeability that truly makes this mini PC a top contender.

Not just another silver box

The IT15 is absolutely tiny. At just 4.6×4.4×1.8 inches, it’s smaller than the Mac mini M4 but only slightly larger than the less powerful Geekom A6. However, by going with an all-black design, this system immediately stands on its own. While the sleek black finish is somewhat prone to fingerprints, I prefer its subtle look over the rough matte texture of the MSI Cubi NUC 1M.

On the front, you get two handy USB-A ports and a headphone jack next to the power button. I would have liked a USB-C port up front, but Geekom typically places them around back, and for good reason. Still, there’s ample room for one on the left side.

Just like with the company’s other mini PCs, you get a whole slew of ports around back. In addition to two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB-A ports, and a 2.5 GbE Ethernet port, you also get two USB4 ports above the HDMI ones.

Geekom puts its USB-C ports around back as they're full-featured, offering video-out functionality. With dual HDMI and dual USB4, you can run up to a quad display setup. I personally stuck to my standard ultrawide monitor with a portable monitor underneath it when testing this mini PC.

Another useful feature is the full-size SD card reader on the side. I simply pop the SD card out of my camera, insert it into the IT15, and easily transfer my photos, like the ones used in this review.

In terms of design, the IT15 absolutely nails it with a clean look and plenty of vents for airflow around back and on the sides. However, it’s the powerful Intel Core Ultra processor that really makes this mini PC stand out from the competition.

Small footprint, big power

The IT15 may be small, but Geekom has managed to pack plenty of power into its tiny chassis. Available with either an Intel Core Ultra 5-225H or the Intel Core Ultra 9-285H processor, this mini PC can easily handle demanding workloads like photo and video editing, and can even manage 1080p gaming if you stick to older titles or adjust settings in newer ones.

During my time using the IT15 as my daily driver, it had no trouble handling dozens of Chrome tabs or the photo editing I do in GIMP. The only interruption was some fan noise during heavy multitasking, but the machine performed flawlessly.

One small but useful feature is the power flexibility: while it does come with a standard external power adapter, one of the rear USB4 ports supports power, which means you can use a compact 100W GaN charger instead of the bulky stock adapter.

In the test lab, it performed quite well — demonstrating excellent single-core and multi-core performance thanks to the powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor in my review unit. Surprisingly, it even managed to outperform the Geekom A9 Max—which was released two months later—in both Geekbench tests. The Geekom A9 Max pulled ahead in the video encoding test, likely due to its more powerful AMD integrated graphics.

Crucially, Geekom ships this mini PC with 32GB of DDR5 memory as the standard—just like the A6—which is a great starting point for most users. For those who need more, you can easily upgrade to 64GB to extend its lifespan and performance even further.

Upgrades are only a screwdriver away

Accessing the IT15's internals is a simple task that even those who haven't built a computer before will be comfortable with. You simply flip the mini PC over and remove the four screws integrated into its rubber feet.

With that done, you just lift up the bottom of the case to expose the components. One thing that I really like about the IT15 compared to other mini PCs I’ve reviewed is that there isn’t a ribbon cable connecting the two pieces, which can easily become damaged if handled incorrectly.

Since its memory isn’t soldered to the motherboard, you can easily swap out the two included 16GB sticks for two 32GB sticks to upgrade its RAM to the maximum of 64GB. For storage, you get a free, smaller M.2 2242 slot next to the main SSD that supports up to 2TB of additional storage.

With a more expensive mini PC like the IT15, it’s great that Geekom gives you a clear upgrade path. This capability allows you to easily extend the life of this mini PC or give it an immediate performance boost depending on your workload.

Geekom IT15: The downs

The Geekom IT15 definitely delivers in terms of performance and ports but it’s not without its issues with the biggest being the audible noise when multitasking heavily. At the same time, I experienced some Wi-Fi issues and download speeds that were less than ideal.

Intel inside, noisy outside

While the performance of the Intel Core Ultra processor inside the IT15 was exactly what I expected, the audible noise while multitasking was not. As my first review of one of Geekom’s Intel-based "IT" line mini PCs, the noise was its most surprising drawback.

Of the mini PCs I’ve reviewed over the past two years, the IT15 was the second loudest at 54 dB, placing it just behind the Acemagic 2FA (55 dB). The Acemagic also got loud enough to be distracting and featured an Intel Core Ultra chip (albeit one from the previous generation).

Our own testing confirmed that this is an issue specific to Geekom’s implementation of Intel’s mobile processors. The noise behavior is similar to that of the older Geekom IT12, which also had audible fan noise when working under heavy loads. A relatively easy remedy might be using a larger case or changing the fan design for these Intel-based Geekom mini PCs.

The IT15 isn’t a bad mini PC by any means, but if fan noise distracts you, then I recommend going with one of Geekom’s AMD-based devices instead. For instance, I’m writing this review on the A9 Max, and even with dozens of tabs open across multiple windows simultaneously, its fans have barely made a peep this entire time.

Wi-Fi woes (now fixed)

Given the IT15 is the first Geekom mini PC I’ve tested with Wi-Fi 7 on board, I was eager to put its faster wireless speeds to the test. My review unit, however, had an initial problem that drastically reduced its Wi-Fi performance. After troubleshooting and speaking with Geekom, I was eventually able to resolve the issue and get the IT15’s Wi-Fi working correctly.

Even then, the speeds weren’t nearly what they should have been. With a 10 gigabit fiber line and one of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers (the eero Max 7) just eight feet away, I initially saw speeds plateau at around 500 Mbps down, which was concerning given the router's proximity to the IT15.

Since my router was so close, I decided to stop relying on Wi-Fi and instead, I used the 2.5 GbE Ethernet port around the back. Plugged in, I immediately saw much faster and more reliable speeds.

Just recently though, I went back to the IT15 and ran a series of speed tests over Wi-Fi. Much to my surprise, my download speeds jumped to 1,195 Mbps and my upload speeds soared to over 2 Gbps. After my initial Wi-Fi issue with the IT15, I have been diligently installing the latest Wi-Fi drivers updates from Intel. Based on this final round of speed tests, the latest update definitely did the trick, suggesting those slower initial speeds were caused by a software issue.

Although this issue started off as a major down, it effectively fixed itself with a few key driver updates. New buyers should have a much better initial experience than I did but it’s always worth installing the latest drivers and updates for the best wireless performance.

Geekom IT15: Verdict

The Geekom IT15 is a powerful and highly capable mini PC that serves as an excellent choice for users looking to downsize from a bulky desktop. With its Intel Core Ultra 9 (or Ultra 7) processor, generous ports with quad-display support, and easy upgrades, it’s a future-proof machine worth the price.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 provides fast wireless speeds, but the 2.5 GbE port offers even better performance if your router is equipped with multi-gig downstream ports.

While the IT15's performance is stellar, it is essential to consider the noise. The fan noise during heavy loads is noticeable and can be distracting if the PC is placed right on your desktop. Similarly, my initial Wi-Fi issues were eventually solved by simply installing the latest Intel drivers, showing the machine isn't without its initial quirks.

If you are a power user who prioritizes top-tier performance, speed, and expandability in a small chassis, the Geekom IT15 is easy to recommend. However, if silence is paramount and you find audible fan noise distracting, we suggest taking a look at the company’s excellent AMD-based “A” series mini PCs instead.

The Geekom IT12 2025 Edition is a refreshed yet just-as-affordable take on the original IT12, and a good reminder of how capable budget mini PCs can be by leveraging older but still-powerful hardware.

Typical pricing is $499 in the US, £494 in the UK and AU$899 in Australia for the Core i7-1280P, 32GB RAM model reviewed here. There's also an i5-12450H variant that's a bit cheaper, or you can drop back to 16GB of RAM. UK buyers also get access to a more powerful Core i9-12900HK variant for £599.

The compact, understated chassis looks nice on a desk, and you still get a generous array of full-size ports on the front, side and rear, including dual 40Gbps USB4 Type-C connections.

While the original IT12 paired its 12th-gen Intel platform with a Core i7-12650H CPU, the 2025 refresh switches to a Core i7-1280P. The newer chip clocks a little higher and adds more efficiency cores, but it also runs with lower base and turbo power, so day-to-day CPU speed is broadly the same. Intel Iris Xe replaces UHD Graphics and delivers roughly a 20% lift in light games and GPU-assisted tasks. Both processors launched in 2022 as premium mobile options and still feel punchy today.

Upgradability is a key advantage of the Geekom IT12. The bottom panel comes off easily after undoing four screws, and you can add another M.2 SSD or a 2.5-inch drive. And while the IT12 does use older DDR4 memory, it's still readily available to buy, and you can install up to 64GB.

Read on to see whether this compact, budget-friendly desktop fits your workload or if you’re better off spending a little more on the best mini PC.

Geekom Mini IT12 2025 Edition: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? An inexpensive mini desktop built for everyday tasks like web browsing, document creation and a bit of casual gaming.
• Who is it for? Those who want a capable but very affordable Windows mini PC.
• What does it cost? Standard pricing is $499 in the US, £494 in the UK and AU$899 in Australia for the i7 / 32GB / 1TB configuration with Windows 11 Pro.
• What do we like? The understated chassis that looks smart on a desk, a wide selection of front, side and rear ports including a full-size SD Card reader, the easy-to-open and upgrade design, and that it's quiet in everyday use.
• What don’t we like? It uses older 12th-gen silicon and DDR4, has no front USB-C ports, can get audible under sustained load, and the full price isn’t the best value, though it's quite frequently on sale.

Geekom Mini IT12 2025 Edition: Specs

Geekom Mini IT12 2025 Edition: The ups

From its clean, understated look to the decently powerful hardware and generous range of ports on the front, side and back, the Geekom IT12 2025 Edition is an appealing option. What really makes it stand out, though, is the affordable pricing (especially when on sale) that pushes it firmly into great bang-for-buck territory.

Compact build, flexible design

Many mini PCs blur together thanks to the same boxy silhouette, but the footprint here is important, as it's small enough to sit under a monitor stand or beside a keyboard without crowding your workspace. Still, the Geekom IT12 earns a spot on your desk for more than just its (lack of) size.

Port placement is fairly practical. The frequently used USB and 3.5mm jack connections live up front for easy access, with the display and network ports are at the back so cables can run straight off the desk. There’s a full-size card slot on the side for quick photo or video offloads, which is handy if you plug in peripherals only occasionally and don’t want dongles hanging around.

Airflow on the IT12 is set up a little differently. Perforated mesh panels on both the left and right sides pull in fresh air, while a wide vent runs across the rear to push warm air out above the ports. The raised feet give the base some clearance on a desk, which helps it stay quiet in everyday use and keeps temps in check under load.

If you prefer an even cleaner setup, the included VESA mounting plate lets you hide the IT12 behind a monitor. It attaches to the display’s standard VESA holes, then the PC slides or screws onto the bracket for a snug fit. You can mount it high or low to keep ports accessible, and the bracket leaves space for power and display cables to bend without strain. It's a simple little extra that frees up desk space and keeps the mini PC out of sight, but it's still accessible if needed.

All in all, the compact shape, great port selection and the desk or VESA flexibility make the IT12 easy to integrate into your setup.

Ports around every corner

Shrinking down to the IT12 doesn’t mean giving up I/O. Ports are spread across the front, back and side, so you can keep your desk tidy without reaching around every time.

The front panel hosts two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports rated at 10Gbps and a 3.5mm audio jack next to the power button. I’d still love to see a front 40Gbps USB-C port for fast portable SSDs, but given the price point, it’s far from being a dealbreaker.

Around the back are the heavy lifters — two USB4 Type-C ports (with DisplayPort alt mode) for displays or fast peripherals, two HDMI connections for easy multi-monitor setups, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, plus one USB-A 10Gbps and a standard USB-A 2.0 port for basics that don't need high speed.

There’s also a full-size SD Card slot on the right side for quick photo downloads, while the left has a Kensington lock for security.

Affordable doesn't mean slow

Over several weeks I put the Geekom IT12 through a stack of benchmark tests, as well as using it with my workload. That includes a mess of Chrome windows and enough tabs to work the 32GB of RAM, plus Photoshop and other apps, all while driving a three-screen setup. For a budget-friendly machine, it handled the mix with fewer hiccups than I expected.

In stress tests and heavier multi-core workloads I did see the IT12 take a bit longer than more capable mini PCs or laptops, and when the CPU was loaded for sustained periods the fan is fairly audible. It never became intrusive in a quiet room, but you will notice the pitch rise when the IT12 is working hard.

The little mini PC chassis earns points for upgradability. If the included SSD starts to run out of space you can drop in a second M.2 drive and even add a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD for bulk storage, which makes it easy to split fast apps and large media libraries without resorting to external drives.

Despite the compact size, the graphics subsystem can drive a serious productivity setup. The IT12 supports up to four screens, and happily did so in my tests, and the mix of USB-C and HDMI outputs make it easy to connect the latest displays, as well as older models.

For my typical workflow I run two 24-inch monitors over HDMI plus a portable USB-C screen. This layout left the second USB-C port free, which usually had my high-speed external SSD plugged in via a 40Gbps USB-C extension cable. I did also connect an extra USB-C portable monitor to test four displays.

Geekom Mini IT12 2025 Edition: The downs

The Geekom IT12 2025 Edition gets a lot right for the affordable market it's aimed at, with strong everyday performance and a very practical design. Still, there are trade-offs, including its older Intel 12th-gen platform with DDR4, only modest CPU gains over the previous IT12 model and audible fan noise when pushed.

While it's still solid value, Geekom favors an endless cycle of discounts across different mini PC models, so the overall value is annoyingly variable, despite the IT12 often sitting at roughly 20% off. If you’re happy paying full price, it's not a bad deal, but we'd suggest checking out higher-end mini PC models (like the Geekom A6 or even the Apple Mac mini M4) before pulling the trigger, as they are sometimes discounted down closer to IT12 levels. The just as affordable Geekom A5 is also worth checking out.

Performance and benchmarks

Like I mentioned earlier, the IT12 2025 Edition isn’t a brand-new setup — it’s a mild refresh that keeps the same compact chassis and port layout but swaps the CPU from a Core i7-12650H to a Core i7-1280P. The latter chip clocks a little higher and brings more efficiency cores while dialing back base and turbo power, so in day-to-day use performance is actually very similar.

The change you will notice is graphics. In the 2025 IT12, an Intel Iris Xe iGPU replaces the UHD Graphics of the older model and gives a useful boost in GPU-heavy tasks. In my benchmarks, it's roughly a 20% bump in light games and creative apps, which is a nice bonus. Both processors debuted back in 2022 as top-tier mobile parts and still feel punchy today, so you’re not trading down in responsiveness, you’re gaining a bit of visual grunt without adding heat or noise.

I like that Geekom focused the update where it helps everyday workflows rather than chasing a newer CPU. All in all, this 2025 refresh makes the IT12 slightly better value than the older unit, especially if you catch it on sale.

In our benchmark results, you can see the benefit of the Intel Core i7-1280P CPU, which offers snappy single-core performance, while still giving loads of multi-core grunt for heavier workloads. For example, in the Geekbench multi-core benchmark, the A6 is slightly faster than the IT12, but the latter pulls ahead in the single-core test.

This means that if your workload is mostly web use and document creation, the IT12 will feel faster than the A6. Whereas if you do a lot of rendering or multi-core workloads, the A6 is slightly faster.

While the affordable Geekom mini PCs are not built for serious gaming, the A6’s Radeon 680M gives it a clear edge when you do want a bit of casual play. In our Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm test, the IT12’s Iris Xe iGPU managed 33.22 fps, whereas the A6 pushes much closer to that 60 fps sweet spot thanks to the more powerful Radeon 680M integrated GPU.

That extra graphics headroom isn’t just useful for games. You’ll also feel it in day-to-day work that uses the GPU — tools like Adobe Photoshop, photo and video editing and even video-call background blurring. That said, the IT12 iGPU is still decently powerful and perfectly fine for most common tasks.

Another potential reason to pick the A6 over the IT12 is memory speed. The A6 uses newer DDR5, which can move data a lot faster than the IT12’s DDR4. The extra speed helps most when the graphics chip is working hard — things like light gaming, editing video or doing photo edits.

It also keeps multiple displays a little snappier when the machine is under load. Whereas for everyday stuff like web apps, docs and email, you won’t feel much difference.

Geekom Mini IT12 2025 Edition: Verdict

The Geekom IT12 2025 Edition gives great performance for an affordable mini PC. You get a wide array of front, side and rear ports, support for up to four displays, and a case that opens quickly for RAM and storage upgrades. The tiny footprint, VESA mount in the box and practical port layout mean it's easy to fit into your setup without adding clutter.

It’s an easy recommendation for budget-minded buyers if you can snag it at around 20% off. If your workloads lean towards the heavier side, or you want better gaming ability, you might be better served spending a bit more on a higher spec model.

Ditching that laptop you have permanently plugged into a monitor or downsizing from a big, bulky desktop for one of the best mini PCs is something I can’t recommend enough, especially as someone that personally did both. While you might not think a mini PC is powerful enough to handle your workload or to play games on, these ultra small form factor computers have come a long way in the past few years.

Not only are they small enough to easily move between rooms but you can also travel with a mini PC. At the same time, most of them are upgradeable with the ability to add extra storage or even swap out their memory. Though there are mini PCs dedicated to gaming with powerful integrated graphics or even dedicated GPUs, you can also plug in an external graphics card dock if you find yourself missing the full PC gaming experience.

I’ve tried a lot of different mini PCs over the past two years but this week, I finally used an AI-powered one as my daily driver. Even though my daily workload can easily be handled without an NPU, I’ve grown fond of having an AI chatbot at the ready for quick questions or for additional research that would normally involve having a dozen or so Chrome tabs open at once.

Here’s what it’s been like spending a week with the new MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG and why this particular mini PC is one I want to have front and center at my desk instead of off to the side or tucked away behind my monitor.

More power with the same footprint

A few months ago, I finally got to try out the original MSI Cubi NUC 1M after going hands-on with it at Computex the previous year. Just like with the Asus NUC 14 Pro, I really liked how it was available in multiple configurations to suit your or your business’ needs. The Cubi NUC 1M also had a few cool tricks up its sleeve like an external power button which makes it a whole lot easier to turn on when mounted behind your monitor.

The new MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG builds on the original’s very solid foundation but as its name implies, adds AI to the mix. You see, this is one of the first Copilot+ mini PCs. However, unlike the best AI laptops, it’s powered by one of Intel’s Lunar Lake chips as opposed to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series chips. This means that you can still run all your favorite Windows apps and aren’t limited to ARM-based ones.

At 5.34 x 5.22 x 1.97 inches and 1.47 pounds, the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is the exact same size as the Cubi NUC 1M but slightly heavier. While its case is nearly identical, MSI has made a few changes up front to better handle AI-focused workloads and for improved security. For starters, the 2MG has a built-in speaker and microphone so that you can talk directly with your favorite AI chatbot right out of the box. Likewise, there’s also a dedicated Copilot button right on the front but more on that later. On the security side, you get an integrated fingerprint scanner in the 2MG’s power button that you can use for logging into Windows via Windows Hello.

In day-to-day use, these small tweaks make a meaningful difference and I’ve been excited about testing them out at home ever since I first saw the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG at CES 2025 at the start of this year.

Around back, you still have a nice selection of rear ports with two USB-A ones, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, an HDMI 2.1 port with MSI’s Power Link tech on board and a barrel port power connector. There is one glaring omission though and that’s the second HDMI port on the left side that the Cubi NUC 1M had. Still, this is more than enough ports to power a triple monitor setup and to connect a lot of accessories.

While the MSI Cubi NUC 2MG eventually ended up front and center at my desk, I did try it another way first as this is one of this mini PC’s unique selling points.

Made for mounting

Just like with the Cubi NUC 1M and many other mini PCs, the 2MG is designed in such a way that you can easily mount it behind your monitor. In the box, you get a VESA-compatible mounting plate and the screws to attach it to your monitor. However, MSI takes things a step further with its Power Link tech and an external power button.

If you haven’t heard of MSI Power Link before, it’s a proprietary implementation of the HDMI-CEC standard that turns on the 2MG (or the 1M before it) when you power on your monitor. For this to work though, you need an MSI monitor that supports Power Link. If you’re using one of the best monitors from another brand, this is where the 2MG’s external power button comes into play. You just plug it into the side of the 2MG, route the cable around to the front of your monitor and with a tap, it powers on your computer.

As MSI also sent over one of its Pro MP271A E2 business and productivity monitors alongside the 2MG, I got to try out Power Link first hand. It worked like a charm and by pressing its power button, the 2MG mounted behind it sprung to life too. Getting everything setup was really easy as well and if you’re short on desk space, you might want to consider a combo like this yourself.

Given that I review the best standing desks alongside the latest mini PCs, I have plenty of free desk space. So after trying out the 2MG like this, I decided to build a dual-monitor setup around this powerful little mini PC using the Oakywood Standing Desk Pro. Coming from an ultrawide monitor, sure I wanted a bit more screen real estate than just a single 27-inch monitor but I also wanted to put the fingerprint scanner and the dedicated Copilot button on the 2MG to the test.

But even better on your desk

At the start of this year, I ditched my ultrawide monitor for a dual-monitor setup that I absolutely loved. In fact, taking everything down for my next desk setup stung a little bit. That’s why when thinking of a way to put the 2MG’s front buttons to the test, I basically recreated my previous setup, albeit with the Keychron K2 HE keyboard I recently picked up and the Logitech MX Ergo S trackball mouse I’m currently testing out. And to light my new workspace, I’m using a pair of monitor light bars from Quntis as you can control two of them simultaneously using the same puck.

With an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with an Intel Arc integrated GPU, 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and Wi-Fi 7 on board, it’s been a breeze working from the MSI Cubi NUC 2MG all week. This mini PC is fast, quiet and with an Eero Max 7 mesh router on the other side of the room, I’m consistently getting download speeds of 1.3 gigabits per second (Gbps), though I could plug in an Ethernet cable and take that up to 2.5 Gbps in a pinch for larger downloads now that I have faster fiber internet instead of cable.

Given that I use one of the best Android phones and do most of my work in Google Workspace, I’ve slowly started integrating Google Gemini into my workflow. While I’d never have it write for me, I do like to run what I’ve written by Gemini to get its take on my latest stories as I’m putting them together. At the same time, I like to use Google’s AI chatbot to bounce ideas off of like I would with my co-workers, since it too likes to work late at night just like me.

Although I could just pull up a Chrome window and type bard.google.com into my browser’s address bar like I normally do (yeah I still use its original name and URL), I decided to turn to Copilot instead for helpful suggestions and for bouncing ideas off of. I know a lot of people love and use ChatGPT (which powers Copilot) all the time but it hasn’t won me over in the same way. I guess a lot of this comes down to being so fully immersed in Google’s ecosystem but part of testing new devices like the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG is trying new things right?

So with the 2MG front and center between my new dual-monitor setup, every time I’d pull up Gemini, I made a point to physically press its dedicated Copilot button instead. While Copilot’s (and ChatGPT’s) overly enthusiastic and chatty demeanor didn’t win me over, having an AI chatbot at my beck and call with the push of a button absolutely did.

One thing that I really like about this implementation is that the Copilot button on the 2MG opens a separate floating window that doesn’t require me to open a new tab in my browser. I also really like that when I’m done with Copilot, a push of that same button almost instantly removes this floating window from my screen.

For the most part, I’ve just been typing, copying and pasting or uploading images with both Gemini and now Copilot. However, as you can actually use ChatGPT’s voice functionality on Windows (looking at you Gemini), I decided to give that a try too.

Using Copilot Voice with the built-in microphone and speaker on the Cubi NUC 2MG was about as plug and play as it gets. However, I wish there was a way to go directly into voice mode to save me an extra click. Maybe something as simple as a double press of the mini PC’s Copilot button to go directly into voice mode. Still, everything worked well and for broader questions about the weather before I headed out to shoot photos or even with questions about the 2MG, Copilot Voice was a fun and welcome change from just entering text and reading back responses.

One other thing that I did try at first before deciding to go all in on Copilot was remapping the dedicated button on the front of the 2MG. There is an option to change what app it opens in the settings menu of Windows 11 but on my review unit, I had a choice between Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot. I know you can easily remap the Copilot button using Microsoft’s PowerToys utility but given that I will have to wipe this mini PC and send it back, I pivoted to just trying out Copilot on its own for a week.

Although I won’t be ditching Gemini for Copilot anytime soon, it was a fun little experiment and I absolutely loved having an AI chatbot directly integrated into my operating system. However, it was pressing the physical button on the 2MG and seeing it spring to life that really impressed me the most.

Physical buttons are due for a comeback

With one of the best gaming PCs, a business-focused desktop or even a more powerful workstation, you usually have your computer off to the side of your desk and for good reason. However, with a mini PC like the 2MG or even the Mac mini M4, having your computer front and center is a lot more practical and something you might actually do if you want to use its front ports. For instance, the microSD card reader on the 2MG has been a godsend for quickly getting photos (like the ones in this article) off my camera.

I’ve tried other mini PCs like the AtomMan G7 PT or the G7 TI that also have physical buttons on the front. However, instead of launching apps like a chatbot, their buttons are used to quickly switch between performance modes when pivoting from work to gaming after a long day. While I do like this approach too, having that dedicated Copilot button on the front of the 2MG has really rekindled my love for physical buttons and I want to see more of them.

Remember when Apple added its customizable Action button to the iPhone? Well, what if MSI or any of the other mini PCs makers out there did the same thing. Or how about if they added a button like the Essential Key on newer versions of the Nothing Phone to give you quick access to a personalized vault to store your screenshots, notes and more. That would be pretty useful too. The possibilities are almost endless and despite their smaller size, there’s still plenty of extra space on the front of most mini PCs.

A dedicated Copilot key on newer laptops running Windows 11 always felt a bit off to me, especially as someone who prefers a desktop setup with one of the best mechanical keyboards. However, on a mini PC like the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG, it just feels right.

Stay tuned for my full MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG review but in the meantime, let me know in the comments below what you’d use an extra customizable button for on the front of your PC.

More from Tom's Guide

• I ditched my laptop for a pocketable mini PC and a pair of AR glasses — here’s what happened
• I put 3 stacked monitor setups to the test and this is the one I’m sticking with
• I took the Framework Desktop out to my living room and I can’t believe I’m actually gaming in 4K on an iGPU

A new report from AppleInsider claims Apple is working on an upgraded Mac mini that would feature an M5 or M5 Pro chipset. The latest leak is a follow-up to a July rumor that revealed the entire forthcoming Mac lineup through 2026.

The roadmap revealed a Mac mini codenamed J837s, set to release next year. However, this new leak suggests the upgraded tiny computer might launch before the end of 2025, likely in October when Apple typically debuts its next-generation Macs.

The currently available M4 Pro Mac mini had the codename J773s, with the M4 Mac Mini dubbed J773g, which lends credence to the assumption that the J837s is the M5 Pro Mac Mini.

The Mac mini M4 introduced a huge redesign with plenty of ports on both the front and back of the device, more memory and a smaller footprint compared to the 2023 M2 Mac mini. It’s our pick for the best mini PC, especially if you prefer Apple’s OS over Windows.

Coupled with the M4 chipset, it's a powerhouse, even with its controversial power button placement. That glaring flaw is fixable with some fun and clever solutions.

According to AppleInsiders, the M5 mini likely won’t get any design changes at the level of the M4 Mac Mini. Instead, all of the upgrades will be internal, though beyond the new chip, we’re not sure what other upgrades the device is slated to receive.

More from Tom's Guide

• The Rise of Samsung: Why Apple Is Losing Ground in the Smartphone War
• Apple is building a secret new operating system — and it's not for your iPhone or Mac
• Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K: Which streaming device wins?

From cheaper games to tweaking your settings to get them exactly how you want them, there’s a lot of perks to being a PC gamer. However, being stuck at your desk when your console-wielding counterparts are sprawled out on the couch in front of their massive TVs isn’t one of them.

Sure, if you have one of the best gaming PCs with a powerful GPU, you could bring your rig out to the living room for some couch gaming — that is if you live by yourself. I used to do just this back when I was on my own but now with a family and a little one at home, having a big bulky gaming desktop under my TV just isn’t feasible.

Not only would doing so put my gaming PC at risk of getting knocked over or damaged, but it would definitely throw off the aesthetics of the living room I’ve spent the last two weekends remodeling. While you can probably convince your significant other that your game console definitely deserves a place in the living room, doing so with your gaming PC is a much harder sell.

As I’ve spent the past few years testing and reviewing the best mini PCs, I’ve also moved away from building and using larger, desktop gaming PCs, especially as graphics card and component prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Much to my surprise though, I’ve been able to play quite a few of the best PC games on some of the mini PCs I’ve tested. However, it wasn’t until I reviewed the Framework Desktop that I told myself this might be the perfect mini PC for a more discrete, yet still quite powerful living room PC.

Here’s what it’s been like using and gaming on the Framework Desktop on a 65-inch TV from the comfort of my couch for the past week and why a mini PC like this one could easily earn a permanent spot in my entertainment center.

PC building, miniaturized

Best known for its repairable and upgradeable laptops, Framework is a company I’ve been following since the release of the first Framework Laptop back in 2021. It wasn’t until the start of this year when the company announced that it would be making a mini PC, though, that my interest was truly piqued.

You see, unlike the rest of the mini PCs I’ve checked out in the past, this one would be modular with upgradeable parts as well as highly customizable.

With multiple side panel options available and a unique front panel with slots for 21 different tiles, you can really make the Framework Desktop your own. On the front of its case, there are two slots where you can add whatever ports you want from your standard USB-A and USB-C to SD and microSD card readers. thanks to the company’s Expansion Cards which also come in a number of different colors and finishes.

With most mini PCs, I unbox them and then go right to incorporating them into one of my desk setups. With the Framework Desktop though, I had to build it first. Besides being a lot of fun and taking me back to my PC building days, this was also incredibly easy.

Framework takes all of the guesswork out of building a PC by pre-installing the motherboard, CPU and RAM. All you need to do on your end is to install your storage and the CPU fan, close everything up and you’re ready to go.

You do need to install your own operating system with both Windows and Linux supported right out of the box. As I’m not quite ready to delve back into the world of Linux distros, I went with Windows 11, though for a living room gaming PC, I’m sure something like Bazzite would work like a charm on the Framework Desktop.

The last thing besides its more compact form factor that makes the Framework Desktop perfect for moving between rooms or even taking it with you on the go is the optional carrying handle. This one is still in the works and will likely be finalized soon but Framework sent over a prototype with my review unit for me to test out.

Back to the couch in style

With a completely empty room, it’s very easy to see all the potential possibilities before you start bringing your furniture back in. I originally picked up this entertainment center due to the fact that there was enough space on either side to fit a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

After dealing with overheating issues from my own Xbox Series X not having enough room for good ventilation though, I started thinking about putting a mini PC there instead. As it turns out, there’s more than enough space for the Framework Desktop there and airflow isn’t an issue at all, since all of the hot air from my review unit’s AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 CPU is expelled out of the side instead of from the top.

Another thing that I really like about the Framework Desktop is that it uses a standard PC power cable. They’re readily available and, best of all, very inexpensive so picking up an extra one won’t be an issue at all. As I have a few on hand from various PCs I built over the years, I could leave one plugged in here and have another at my desk to easily move the Framework Desktop from my office out to the living room in a pinch.

With a living room PC setup, you’re definitely going to need one of the best keyboards and a wireless mouse for downloading updates, opening games and browsing the web. While I always used to have a Logitech K400 and later a Logitech K400 Plus wireless keyboard with built-in trackpad at the ready for using my PC in the living room, this time around I wanted to do things differently.

Given the more refined look we’re going for with our remodeled living room, I decided to use the Keychron K2 HE wireless mechanical keyboard with magnetic Hall Effect switches I recently picked up, as I love its rosewood side panels. Given that I wanted to play games on the Framework Desktop with one of the best PC game controllers, I’m using a mini trackball mouse from Elecom alongside it.

After changing the Framework Desktop’s resolution to match that of my TV, it was time to put it to the test with a few more demanding games that I’ve struggled to run well on some of the other mini PCs. Fortunately though, thanks to AMD’s Radeon Super Resolution feature and its game-boosting FSR tech, things worked out even better than I had expected they would.

Playing is believing

With AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 or an Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and from 32GB to 128GB of LPDDR5x memory, the Framework Desktop is a petite powerhouse capable of handling a variety of workloads from everyday web browsing and office tasks to photo/video editing and even running AI models locally.

While testing it for my review, I was quite impressed with its performance as I used it for work during the day. However, it wasn’t until I dimmed the lights and fired up a few of my favorite games at night that I was blown away.

Unlike some other gaming-focused mini PCs I’ve tested in the past such as the Asus ROG NUC 970 or the AtomMan G7 Ti, the Framework Desktop doesn’t have a discrete GPU. Instead, everything from work to gaming is handled by its APU which combines a CPU and a GPU on a single chip. This helps cut down on costs while also freeing up room inside its case, all while using less power in the process.

Normally with integrated graphics on a mini PC, you’re quite limited as to what sorts of games you can run and what resolutions you can play them at. Typically while playing games on mini PCs, I’ve opted for a lower resolution 1080p monitor over a 4K display like the one in my living room TV. However, after testing some games in my office on the MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED 4K gaming monitor, I knew the Framework Desktop was up to the task of playing games on my TV.

I know some PC gamers might scoff at the idea of using Nvidia’s DLSS or in this case, AMD’s FSR performance and framerate-boosting tech but in this case, it’s the perfect solution. I never would have been able to run more demanding games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart on PC without it.

In both of these titles, I saw smooth and steady frame rates of 60 fps with either it or AMD’s Radeon Super Resolution enabled. And since I was sitting a lot farther back from the screen on my couch, I wasn’t pixel peeping and going over every imperfection. Instead, I was able to kick back and play some PC games almost as effortlessly as I would have on a game console.

The best of both

In terms of your initial investment, gaming on a console will always beat a PC. However, with a full-fledged computer, anything’s possible. I’ve worked on the Framework Desktop, edited photos, played games and almost as importantly, I had a really fun time building and customizing it.

As this is a review unit after all, it’s not going to remain a permanent fixture in my living room but even if this was my own PC, I still don’t think it would. Instead, I like the flexibility of using it in my office for work or gaming and then when everyone’s out of the house or asleep for the night, I can easily bring it out to the living room for some big screen gaming.

Likewise, with a starting price of $1,099, the Framework Desktop isn’t exactly a budget mini PC like the Geekom A5 I just reviewed. It’s actually more of a crossover between a standard mini PC and a small form factor (SFF) desktop. While you could likely put together a comparable little gaming PC for around the same price or even less, I really like how Framework has simplified the process of PC building for those who might be hesitant to try doing so out for themselves.

It’s not really that hard after all but with the Framework Desktop, you also get the customization the company is known for and once this mini PC finally becomes readily available (you can preorder one now), I guarantee there will be even more custom tiles, side panels and maybe even alternate carrying handles so that you can truly make it your own.

When I first reached out to Framework about reviewing its first desktop computer, I thought I was just going to see what the company’s modular devices were all about. However, I ended up seeing the full potential of AMD’s latest integrated graphics and given how far they’ve come so far, I really feel like the sky is the limit for what you can pull off without a dedicated GPU.

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• The 5 things I'm glad I knew before buying a mini PC
• I didn’t expect this mini PC that looks like a PS5 to be this powerful or customizable — and now I can’t wait to try it out

The Framework Desktop is a powerful and highly customizable mini PC that’s equally well-suited for work, gaming and local AI workloads. But we are talking about Framework, so it's much more than that.

Just like with Framework’s laptops, it’s incredibly easy to build and repair thanks to its replaceable parts. However, unlike with other mini PCs, it’s also very customizable since you can use the company’s Expansion Cards to configure its front ports to your liking and its magnetic front panel can be personalized using a number of different swappable tiles.

The only components you can’t swap out are its AMD Ryzen AI Max processor and LPDDR5x memory, which is soldered to the motherboard due to this chip’s limitations. You do get to pick from three CPU and memory configurations when putting together your Framework Desktop though. Likewise, you can either pay extra for storage and the computer’s operating system at checkout or you can bring your own to save a bit of cash.

My Framework Desktop review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for your needs and workflow or if you’d be better off with something smaller, cheaper and less customizable. For me though, this computer is the small form factor desktop I’ve always wanted. Here’s why.

Framework Desktop: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A mini PC or small form factor desktop computer with powerful internals that’s highly customizable and you build yourself.
• Who is it for? PC hobbyists, gamers and AI developers that want a lot of power in a small yet customizable form factor.
• What does it cost? The Framework desktop starts at $1,099 and goes up to $1,999 depending on the processor and RAM you choose. Keep in mind though, you will need to pay extra for a CPU fan, storage, Expansion Cards, tiles for the front panel and a Windows license.
• What do we like? It’s unique form factor, how portable it is, the well-designed case, the various customization and expansion options and its powerful AMD Ryzen AI Max processor.
• What don’t we like? That the RAM isn’t upgradeable due to limitations with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max chips and how the higher-end configurations can get expensive, especially when you need to buy storage and a Windows license separately.

Framework Desktop: Specs

Framework Desktop: The ups

The Framework Desktop builds on the company’s experience with customizable and easily repairable laptops but in a mini PC form factor. Everything about this mini PC from its unique case and customization options, to the fact that you have to build it yourself make it stand on its own. However, it’s the extra power under the hood from that AMD Ryzen AI Max processor that makes the Framework Desktop such a versatile desktop or laptop replacement.

PC building simplified

If you’ve ever built a PC before, you’re in for a familiar but much simpler experience with the Framework Desktop. This is because its motherboard, CPU, RAM and power supply come pre-installed. In fact, you don’t even have to plug in any cables either.

Putting the Framework Desktop together starts with opening its case. From there, you need to install your M.2 SSD and the CPU fan before closing everything up and loading either Windows or Linux onto your new PC.

In total, it took me around 15 minutes to put everything together, though I did stop and take pictures and videos along the way. I found the whole process to be quite refreshing compared to building a traditional PC where simple mistakes can not only be time consuming but also quite expensive.

I did have to download Windows 11 and install the operating system from scratch but this way, you don’t have to worry about any of the bloatware you find on other pre-built PCs or laptops.

Custom look, custom ports

When configuring your Framework Desktop, the parts you pick can give this mini PC quite a different look once everything’s put together.

For instance, I went with a sleek, all-black design with more of a business-focused look to it. However, I could have easily chose a CPU fan with RGB lighting and a translucent side panel for something that looks more like one of the best gaming PCs than a sleeper build.

At the time of writing, there are actually three CPU fan options to choose from but you can also get a fan mounting kit and use your own fan instead. Given the all-black look I was going for, I went with the Cooler Master Mobius 120 fan, though Framework also sent over one for Noctua for me to check out as well. Given that the Framework Desktop’s side panel slides right off, swapping out one fan for another later on would be quite easy to do.

What excited me most about the Framework Desktop when it was first announced was its customizable front panel. It has 21 slots for plastic tiles that you can easily snap in with your thumb. You can mix and match colors, or choose tiles with logos like Framework or AMD. Framework even sent one with the Tom’s Guide logo, and I expect more custom options will come as the system grows.

Behind the front panel, there are two open slots for Framework’s Expansion Cards, which let you choose what ports you want on the front of the mini PC. These cards come in different colors and finishes to match the look of your setup. For my review unit, I chose a USB-A and an SD card reader, but I also really liked the translucent pink USB-C card.

Small, mighty and portable

At 3.81 × 8.09 × 8.9 inches, the Framework Desktop is definitely on the large size for a mini PC. I’d say it straddles the line between a more cube-shaped mini PC like the Geekom A6 and a true small form factor desktop PC case due to its size. Still, it’s small enough to slip into a backpack and the optional carrying handle makes it very easy to move this computer from one room to another.

Even though it’s compact, the Framework Desktop is powerful thanks to its Ryzen AI Max chip. There are two CPU options — one with 8 cores and 32 graphics cores, and another with 16 cores and 40 graphics cores. You can also choose between 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of memory.

I tested the mid-range setup with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 64GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. With 16 cores and 32 threads, it was more than I needed for my usual tasks, which mostly involve running several Chrome windows with lots of tabs and doing some photo editing in GIMP.

Although there aren’t any extra Expansion Card slots around back, you still get a nice selection of rear ports which include two USB-A, two USB 4, an HDMI 2.1 port, dual DisplayPort 2.1 connections, a 5 GbE Ethernet port and a headphone jack.

While I wish there were a few more USB-A ports for my older devices, one thing I really appreciate about the Framework Desktop is that as it has an internal power supply, you can use a standard PC power cable. Of the mini PCs I’ve tested only the Mac mini M4 has an internal power supply while the rest use bulkier external ones.

I’d say the base version of the Framework Desktop will be more than enough for most people but you could upgrade to the version with 64GB of RAM for future proofing or for playing games (more on that later). Meanwhile, the 128GB version of this mini PC is best suited for those that want to run AI models like Llama locally.

Another thing that really surprised me about the Framework Desktop was just how fast my download speeds were when using it with one of the best Wi-Fi 7 routers. It comes equipped with both Wi-Fi 7 and a 5 GbE Ethernet port for fast wireless and wired connectivity.

For instance, when running a speed test over Wi-Fi, I saw download speeds of 1.52 gigabits per second (Gbps). Then when I plugged it into my Eero Max 7 mesh router using an Ethernet cable, I was able to take almost full advantage of the bandwidth offered by my 10 gigabit fiber connection. All in all, the Framework Desktop delivers and then some both on the performance and the connectivity front.

Not just for work

As I mentioned before, the Framework Desktop is a very versatile mini PC and as such, it can be whatever kind of computer you need it to be at the moment. While I spent a lot of time using it as a work machine during the day, at night, it effortlessly transformed into a gaming PC.

Based on the gaming benchmarks ran in our testing lab, you’d think that the Framework Desktop is best suited for 1080p or even 1440p gaming. However, in my testing on the MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED 4K gaming monitor at home, I walked away quite impressed after playing several more demanding PC games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

While the latest entry in the FF7 remake series doesn’t support AMD’s FSR tech, I still managed to get a smooth frame rate of 60 fps when I enabled Radeon Super Resolution in the pre-installed AMD Software: Adrenaline Edition app. The same was true in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart which does come with support for FSR 3.1

Obviously upscaling and frame-gen tech aren’t for everyone and in that case, you’ll get excellent results at 1440p and especially at 1080p with it turned off on the Framework Desktop. Still, being able to play newer and more demanding titles in 4K using an integrated GPU is quite impressive. Likewise, with two USB 4 ports around back, you could always plug in an external graphics card too.

It’s also worth noting that if you opt for a Framework Desktop with more memory, you can allocate extra RAM to this mini PC’s Ryzen AI Max chip for improved graphics performance. For instance, in AMD’s app, I was able to split my review unit’s memory in half with 32GB going to the system and the other 32GB going to its graphics.

Framework Desktop: The downs

The Framework Desktop is an impressive debut into the world of mini PCs by a company known for its repairable and upgradeable laptops. However, it does have its downsides too which include this PC’s higher price as you are buying into an ecosystem after all and the fact that you can’t upgrade its RAM or processor.

Not quite a barebones build

The Framework Desktop makes building a PC easier, but it’s not as flexible as a true barebones setup. You only get two CPU options and a few RAM configurations. The Ryzen AI Max is a strong processor, so it makes sense for Framework’s first desktop — but the downside is that the RAM is soldered in and can’t be upgraded later if your needs change.

You also don’t save much money compared to other pre-built PCs, since the price doesn’t include a CPU fan, storage, Expansion Cards, or a Windows license if you don’t want to use Linux.

Overall, I really like the Framework Desktop and have had a wonderful experience building and using it for the past two weeks. Your money could go further with a full-size desktop PC especially when you factor in sales on components.

However, that would defeat the purpose of the Framework Desktop. At the same time, as someone who has built small form factor PCs in the past, you’re always going to pay a premium for smaller parts like mini ITX motherboards, SFX or SFX-L power supplies and of course, low-profile graphics cards.

As such, if you’re thinking about buying your own Framework Desktop, then you’re definitely going to want to think long and hard about your needs and workflow before committing to a specific configuration. While the base configuration will likely meet the needs of most people, opting for the middle of the road one like my review unit or even the fully equipped configuration if you have the budget for it might make more sense for futureproofing.

Framework Desktop: Verdict

The Framework Desktop stands out from typical mini PCs, and that’s one of its biggest strengths. Instead of a fully pre-built design, it lets you customize the look and features with its tiled front panel and Expansion Cards. You can also choose different side panels and CPU fans — or even use your own — making it a much more personal and flexible experience than most other mini PCs.

While the soldered RAM and being limited to two variations of one processor might not be for everyone, this decision is what allows the Framework Desktop to be readily mass produced instead of a more niche, boutique-style mini PC. Likewise, some PC gamers might scoff at the idea of gaming on an integrated GPU but the Ryzen AI Max’s Radeon 8050S or 8060S graphics get the job done while allowing you to play a wide variety of both newer and older games.

The Framework Desktop could be a new way forward for mini PCs as well as small form factor desktop overall. Only time will tell but so far, it has rightfully earned its place among the best mini PCs you can get today.

The Geekom A5 2025 Edition is a refreshed but more affordable version of the original A5 that shows just how capable budget mini PCs have become.

Often available for less than $300, this rose gold-colored mini PC doesn’t skimp on style or ports. The chrome edge along the top and the lined airflow cutouts give the Geekom A5 2025 Edition a more premium look, and you’ll find full-sized ports around every corner of this mini PC.

While this refreshed version of the A5 has a slightly less powerful processor than its predecessor, it more than makes up for that in upgradability. The case opens easily, allowing you to add more storage in the extra M.2 SSD slot or even the 2.5-inch drive bay. Likewise, while it uses older DDR4 memory, you can easily swap out the included 16GB of RAM and go all the way up to 64GB.

My Geekom A5 2025 Edition review will help you decide if this small, budget-friendly desktop computer is the best mini PC for you or if it’s worth spending slightly more for something more powerful.

Geekom A5 2025 Edition: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A small, budget-friendly mini PC that’s well suited for browsing the web, office work and even some very light gaming.
• Who is it for? Those who want a capable but very affordable mini PC to replace an old desktop or laptop.
• What does it cost? The Geekom A5 2025 Edition has a starting price of $399, but is frequently on sale for much less. Right now, you can get it for just $299 on Geekom’s site or for $319 on Amazon(where Tom's Guide readers can get 8% off using the code TOMSGA52025), but it has dropped as low as $265 during big sales events.
• What do we like? It’s unique, rose gold chassis, the wide selection of front and rear ports, that it’s easy to open and upgrade, and that it isn’t overly loud during normal usage.
• What don’t we like? The new processor in the A5 2025 Edition has fewer cores than the one in the original A5, and it uses USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports instead of faster USB4 or Thunderbolt 4.

Geekom A5 2025 Edition: Specs

Geekom A5 2025 Edition: The ups

From its unique colorway to its wide selection of front and rear ports, the Geekom A5 2025 Edition certainly has a lot going for it. However, this refreshed model’s more affordable price is what makes it truly shine.

Sleek, shiny and rosy

Compared to other mini PCs, which typically come in silver or black, the Geekom A5 2025 Edition is a breath of fresh air with its rose gold case. This unique colorway adds just a pop of color that isn’t overly distracting or garish.

Geekom took things a step further with this mini PC’s design by using a pattern of lined cutouts for ventilation on its sides, along with a reflective chrome edge around the top. Likewise, the sides have a matte feeling to them, while the top of the A5 2025 Edition is smooth to the touch.

All in all, this makes for a mini PC you'll want to display prominently on your desk instead of tucking it away. For those who prefer a cleaner look, Geekom also provides a VESA mounting plate to hide it behind a monitor.

The A5’s rose gold colored case certainly won’t be for everyone, but it’s nice to see a mini PC maker mix things up for a change.

Ports around every corner

Downsizing to a mini PC often means sacrificing ports, but that definitely isn’t the case here. Like its more powerful sibling, the Geekom A6, the A5 2025 Edition features ports at the front, back and even on the sides.

Up front, you get two USB-A ports and a headphone jack next to the power button. While I would have liked to see at least one USB-C port here, this isn’t a dealbreaker, especially at this price.

Around back, the A5 2025 Edition has more ports than you’ll find on most other mini PCs. In addition to two more USB-A ports, you get two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ones, which are capable of video out, two HDMI 2.0 ports and surprisingly, a 2.5 gigabit per second (Gbps) Ethernet port.

One of the most useful additions to the A5 2025 Edition is the SD card reader slot on the left side. It’s great for quickly getting photos off my camera, and its placement made it very easy to reach with this mini PC on my desk.

Budget means business

I spent about a month using the Geekom A5 2025 Edition as my daily driver. Despite its budget price, it held up surprisingly well against my demanding workload, which typically consists of having three Chrome windows with multiple tabs open across two monitors.

I did notice the occasional slowdown if I had too many tabs open at once. However, given how easy Geekom made it to open this mini PC’s case to add more RAM, this is the type of problem that could be easily rectified. Likewise, if the included 512GB SSD isn’t enough, you can also add another M.2 SSD as well as a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD.

Although you might think you need a larger computer or a powerful graphics card for a multiple monitor setup, the A5 2025 Edition is actually capable of driving four monitors simultaneously.

During the majority of my testing, I had it connected to my ultrawide monitor up top via HDMI and to a portable monitor underneath it using one of the USB-C ports at the back. The flexibility of having dual HDMI ports is a huge plus, as not every display has a USB-C connection but all of the best monitors have at least one HDMI port.

Geekom A5 2025 Edition: The downs

The Geekom A5 2025 Edition gets a lot right, especially at this price. However, it’s not without its downsides, which include a slightly weaker processor compared to the one in the original A5 and the fact that the A6 isn’t that much more expensive if you don’t pick this mini PC up on sale.

Refreshed but not a full revamp

As I mentioned earlier, the Geekom A5 2025 Edition isn’t a brand-new mini PC. Instead, it’s a refreshed version of the original A5 that uses the same case and has an identical port array. The big difference between the two is that while the A5 came with either an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or Ryzen 7 5825U CPU, the A5 2025 Edition sports an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor.

Newer isn’t always better, and that’s the case here. While this new processor is more power efficient, it has fewer CPU cores (6 vs 8) and fewer threads (12 vs 16). Both processors are built on the same Zen 3 architecture, but for multi-threaded workloads like heavy multitasking or video rendering, the original A5 is the better bet.

Still, this refreshed model is slightly cheaper than the original, and it frequently goes on sale, which makes it even more affordable.

An easy step up

While you can often find the Geekom A5 2025 Edition for $300 or less, its full retail price is actually $399. If you’re paying full price, you might want to consider going up a tier to the Geekom A6, which is slightly smaller and significantly faster.

In our lab test results, you can see the benefit of doing so, especially for more demanding workloads. For instance, in Geekbench’s multi-core benchmark, the A5 2025 Edition had a score of 6,492 while the A6 scored a lot higher at 10,547.

While the A5 and A6 aren’t gaming-focused mini PCs, the extra power in the A6’s AMD Ryzen 7 6800Hprocessor with Radeon 680M graphics provided a big boost in the one game we tested across both devices. While the A5 2025 Edition managed to hit just over 26 fps in Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, the A6 was a lot closer to the sweet spot of 60 fps.

The other main reason you might want to opt for the A6 over the A5 is due to the fact that the former uses faster DDR5 RAM. It also comes with 32GB of memory pre-installed, while the A5 only has 16GB.

Sure, you can upgrade the RAM on either model and DDR4 memory has really come down in price, but if you don’t want to mess around with opening up your new mini PC and prefer a more standard silver colorway over rose gold, then the A6 could be the better option. That is, if you don’t find the A5 on sale.

Geekom A5 2025 Edition: Verdict

The Geekom A5 2025 Edition definitely punches above its weight for a budget-friendly mini PC. It comes with a full array of front and rear ports, with quad-monitor support, and it’s very easy to upgrade. The rose gold color may not be for everyone, but the other tweaks Geekom has made to its case definitely give this mini PC a more premium look and feel overall.

If you can find the A5 2025 Edition on sale at $300 or even lower, this mini PC is an absolute steal and easy to recommend to those on a budget. However, if you want to tackle more demanding workloads, it’s worth paying a bit more for the A6.

Mini PCs have been a mainstay in my home for well over a decade now and for good reason: they’re affordable, they don’t take up much space, and they pack a surprising amount of power in a compact package.

That makes them an excellent choice for most people, whether you’re a first-time computer owner or looking to upgrade your office. For years, the Mac mini has been my go-to recommendation for the best mini PC, but as a long-time user, I’ve found cracks in my pick.

For starters, Apple doesn’t allow you to upgrade your Mac mini’s storage down the line, so unless you’re willing to pay close to $1,000 up front, you will stumble into space issues later.

In addition, the absence of USB-A on the latest model is puzzling, as though the majority of devices and appliances have embraced USB-C, there are still a couple at my work desk that feature the traditional port—like my monitor’s light bar and my webcam.

Blackview’s new MP60 mini PC offers a compelling alternative. For about $300, the M60 comes equipped with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD that’s easily expandable, plenty of ports, including a pair of HDMIs for a dual-monitor setup, and a four-core Intel N150 chip.

Best of all, though, is that the MP60 can fit in the palm of a (large) hand or even a loose pant pocket and weighs under a pound. I’ve been putting the MP60 through its paces for a few weeks now—does it have the potential to be the next default mini PC?

Pulling the MP60 out of its box reveals an all-black, mostly plastic and unassuming shell. However, don’t let it fool you: it hides a bunch of practical, exciting elements.

The MP60’s five-inch square footprint places it in the same league as the new Mac mini, but half of its two-inch height comprises a detachable storage extension. Unlock the pair of switches on its base, and a USB-C-powered expansion bay comes loose, leaving behind a mini PC that’s just a hair over an inch tall.

The one element of the MP60’s design that does stand out right away is the gap running along the case’s perimeter. It houses an open copper heat sink that allows the internal fan to dissipate heat and keep the PC from overheating at all times.

That’s not all: the gap lights up and gives an otherwise functional design an eye-catching trim. It beams blue when the PC’s awake and turns red when you put it to sleep. What’s more practical is the bundled VESA mount you can use to attach the MP60, say, to the back of your monitor or even under your desk out of sight.

The MP60 also makes the most out of whatever compact real estate it’s working with. There are a total of eight ports around it: a pair of USB-A 2.0 and USB-A 3.0 each, two HDMI slots, a standard headphone jack and another for gigabit Ethernet. I also found it handy that three of those USB ports are on its side rather than the back.

The MP60 model I tested runs on an Intel N150 processor, an entry-level chipset with four efficiency cores. In day-to-day activities, however, I hardly felt the absence of any performance cores. The Windows 11 Pro OS it ships with flies on it, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it boots up from sleep. Essential tasks, like multitasking between numerous browser windows and work apps like Slack and Zoom, were smooth as well, and rarely did I notice it heat up.

Another highlight of the MP60 is the detachable expansion module. All you need is a run-of-the-mill screwdriver, and you can slot in a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD to boost its storage to up to 2TB. I do wish, though, that the USB-C port the module uses could be repurposed for other jobs, since the PC doesn’t have other USB-C slots.

While it supports Bluetooth connections, Blackview has omitted speakers entirely to keep the price low. Though not unusual for mini PCs, it would have been nice to have at least a set of basic speakers for notification sounds.

Of course, the MP60’s N150 is no match for its premium counterparts packing Apple silicon. On Geekbench, for example, it scored just 1151 in the single-core tests and 2279 in the multi-core one. Though I didn’t face any stutters in most of my workflows, its performance struggles to keep up in more resource-intensive operations, such as editing an HD video. Similarly, the built-in Intel GPU isn’t meant for gaming at all, and titles like Counter-Strike 2 failed to launch altogether.

That said, for most people, the Blackview MP60 is a value-for-money mini PC, particularly thanks to its ultra-compact design and user-friendly storage expansion abilities. As long as your use is chiefly limited to office tasks and web browsing, the $300 MP60 is hard to beat.

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If you’ve been holding out on picking up a Mac mini M4, now is the perfect time to finally pull the trigger as not only is Apple’s smallest Mac yet on sale for Prime Day, so too are my must-have accessories to get the most out of it.

Right now, you can get the Mac mini M4 for just $499 at Amazon. That’s $100 off its normal price after you clip an additional coupon before adding it to your cart. However, if you need even more power, the Mac mini M4 Pro is $140 off and comes with 24GB of memory (instead of 16GB) and even more storage.

The Mac mini M4 is without a doubt one of the best mini PCs you can buy today, especially if you prefer macOS to Windows. Likewise, it’s a great starter Mac desktop for those looking to make the switch to macOS as well as for people that are just tired of having to charge one of the best MacBooks each night.

Compared to its predecessor, the Mac mini M4 is a big step up. Not only does it feature Apple’s M4 chips but the case has been redesigned from the ground up to be smaller and more compact at just 5 x 5 x 2 inches.

At the same time, you now get two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front, which means you don’t have to reach around back to plug in a pair of wired headphones or to connect accessories to your Mac mini M4.

Around back, you now get three Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port and a gigabit Ethernet port. It’s worth noting that while the standard Mac mini M4 has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, the pro version features even faster Thunderbolt 5 ports instead.

Unfortunately though, the Mac mini M4 isn’t perfect. Apple still charges an arm and a leg for additional storage and you won’t be able to power on or off the device without lifting it up on its desk. Thankfully, my favorite Mac mini M4 accessory fixes my biggest gripes with Apple’s latest mini PC.

Docked and loaded

Compared to the Mac mini M2, the new Mac mini M4 is a much more capable mini PC thanks to its boosted RAM and faster M4 chip. However, by upgrading, you do miss out on USB-A ports as the latest Mac mini doesn’t have any at all. That’s where a hub like this one from Satechi can help.

Thanks to Prime Day savings, you can pick up a Satechi Mac Mini M4 Hub & Stand for just $79 at Amazon. This is $50 off its normal price and while still somewhat on the expensive side, I consider this hub an absolute must for the Mac mini M4.

Besides all those extra ports up front and the built-in SD card reader, when you flip the Satechi mac Mini M4 Hub & Stand over, there’s a small compartment where you can add an internal SSD. Apple still charges $200 each time you move up a tier from the Mac mini M4’s 256GB SSD. Want to add a 1TB SSD to your Mac mini M4? That will cost you an extra $400 on top of what you’re already paying.

With Satechi’s hub though, you can add any M.2 NVMe SSD to expand your Mac mini M4’s storage by up to 4TB. It’s worth noting that multiple SSD sizes including 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 are supported, so you don’t have to look for a particular size if you do decide to add more storage to your Mac mini M4.

Satechi seems to have thought of everything though as around back, there’s a cutout on the left side of the hub. With your Mac mini M4 docked in it, you can reach the device’s power button without having to lift it up off your desk.

Made for Mac but mechanical

Apple’s Magic Keyboards are certainly popular but they pale in comparison to the experience you get when typing on one of the best mechanical keyboards. Instead of feeling a rubber membrane beneath your keyboard’s keys, each key features its only mechanical switch for a more accurate and comfortable typing experience.

Once again, thanks to Prime Day, you can get the Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Keyboard for just $83 at Amazon right now. This full-sized keyboard features low-profile switches and comes in either a light gray/white or dark gray/gray color scheme to match the rest of your desk setup. It also has a sturdy aluminum case, so you don’t feel any flexing or bending while typing.

As for connectivity, Satechi’s SM3 mechanical keyboard can connect to your Mac mini M4 over Bluetooth, with the included 2.4 GHz USB dongle or with a USB cable plugged into the USB-C port around back. There you’ll also find a handy on/off switch which is great if you want to save battery life. However, with its built-in 2,500 mAh battery, you can get about 20 days worth of usage or 15 days with its backlight on. Oh yeah, did I mention it has white LED backlighting and shine-through keycaps?

There are 14 LED backlit patterns to choose from and you can turn down the SM3’s backlighting using the F5 and F6 keys right from the keyboard itself. This is also a very comfortable keyboard to use due to its flat keycaps and low-profile design which helps reduce fatigue while typing.

It’s worth noting that unlike with other mechanical keyboards, you don’t have a lot of options when it comes to which mechanical switches you want to use with the SM3.

The keyboard only comes with low-profile brown switches which I personally love. They aren’t clicky like blue switches and they don’t go straight down like red ones. Instead, brown switches have a nice tactile bump to let you know when a key is actuated. They’re great for both a home or office environment too as they aren’t loud unless you have a tendency to bottom out while typing.

If brown switches aren’t for you though, you’re going to want to look elsewhere as the SM3 isn’t a hot-swappable keyboard where you can change out its switches whenever you want. This is because its mechanical switches are soldered to the keyboard’s motherboard. You could still technically swap them out but that would require desoldering the brown ones, adding new switches and then soldering them.

I’ve been using Satechi’s SM3 mechanical keyboard with my Mac mini M4 since it was released and I haven’t had any issues yet. It’s a very comfortable keyboard and I like how I have all of the macOS-specific keys right at my fingertips. However, it does work on Windows and even on Chromebooks too.

A tiny powerhouse

With the extra ports and storage from Satechi’s hub and its SM3 keyboard connected, the Mac mini M4 instantly transforms from a great mini PC to a near perfect one. Even with the base model, I found it could handle my workload which involves having dozens of Chrome tabs open simultaneously while writing and editing.

If you’re thinking about picking up a Mac mini M4, I highly recommend getting these accessories with it. You’ll also need a mouse or, if you’re like me, a trackball mouse and one of the best monitors to complete your desk setup.

While it makes sense to choose a monitor with built-in speakers so you don’t have to buy a pair of the best computer speakers too, it’s worth noting that the Mac mini M4 does have a single speaker inside which should work in a pinch for listening to music, watching content online or even taking video calls.

I’ve wanted to switch back to using a Mac for years now but it wasn’t until the release of the Mac mini m4 that I finally did. The experience was almost perfect and I’m very impressed with Apple’s smallest Mac yet. However, once I added Satechi’s hub and keyboard to the mix, I was finally able to ditch my Windows PC for good.

It’s not every day that a new mini PC comes along that wasn’t even on my radar. However, that’s exactly what happened with the upcoming Minisforum G1 / G1 Pro, which, with its white and black design and vertical orientation, sure looks a lot like a PS5 at first glance.

After being spotted at the Japan IT Week Spring event in April, I finally got a chance to see it for myself in person at Computex 2025. In fact, it was sitting right next to the AtomMan G7 Ti I reviewed last year.

Like the G7 Ti, the G1 Pro is also meant to be used in a vertical orientation and is designed for playing the best PC games. However, while the G7 Ti is incredibly thin and almost looks like one of the best gaming laptops without a screen or keyboard, the G1 Pro is a bit thicker with a more console-like appearance. Minisforum is putting that extra space to good use, though, and this mini PC has a trick up its sleeve I haven’t seen anywhere else yet.

While I’ll definitely need to get a G1 Pro in for testing to see if it really is one of the best mini PCs when it comes out this summer, I already have high hopes for this one. That’s because along with its sleek, eye–catching design, Minisforum has deviated from its usual formula by making this mini PC surprisingly upgradeable.

The power of a gaming PC in console size

At 12.4 x 8.5 x 2.3 inches, the Minisforum G1 Pro isn’t nearly as tall or as thin as the AtomMan G7 Ti, and you’ll definitely have an easier time fitting this in an entertainment center. Since it’s designed with 1440p gaming in mind, it’s more likely that you’ll have it on your desk instead. However, with DLSS 4 enabled, you should be able to play games in 4K with some upscaling and frame generation on your TV.

To make its white side panels stand out, Minisforum has added some grooves to both the one on the right and left sides of the G1 Pro. The latter also has ventilation holes cut out in the shape of a triangle, and there’s one at the bottom and top of this side panel. While the G1 Pro comes with a plastic vertical stand included, since there are no cutouts for ventilation on the one side, you’ll likely be able to use this mini PC vertically or horizontally, which you couldn’t do with the G7 Ti.

On the front of the G1 Pro, there’s a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a headphone/microphone combo jack and the power button. All of these front ports are located in the middle of the device and there are RGB strips above and below them with a small Minisforum logo at the base of this mini PC.

While I wish there was an SD card reader like on the G7 Ti, it makes sense that Minisforum omitted one as this is a mini PC designed for gaming after all. I do like how the RGB lighting is a bit more minimalistic this time around compared to the strip of downward-facing arrows on the G7 Ti.

On the back of the G1 Pro, there’s a single USB-C port, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port and a 5 gigabit Ethernet port. It’s worth noting that both the front and back USB-C ports are capable of outputting video as well as data, so you don’t just have to rely on that HDMI 2.1 port.

Compared to the G7 Ti, you’re getting an extra USB-C port on the front, an extra USB-A port on the back and, most importantly, you won’t need to lug around a bulky power brick to lug around since the G1 Pro has an internal 350W power supply instead. This way, you can use a Universal Power Cord like the ones found on other desktop computers and the best gaming PCs.

The G1 Pro has another upgrade that I haven’t seen on a mini PC since I reviewed the AtomMan G7 PT. This time around, though, it’s even better.

A big and unexpected upgrade

If you look at the G1 Pro from above, you notice that there are additional vents on the top. Instead of cooling the PC itself, these are actually for its discrete graphics card. That’s right, the G1 Pro comes with an Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU while the G1 comes with a slightly less powerful though cheaper RTX 4060 GPU.

Normally, on mini PCs, you’re working with a laptop version of a particular graphics card. However, that isn’t the case here. Instead, you’re getting a full desktop graphics card in a very compact package.

With either an RTX 4060 or RTX 5060, you get two HDMI 2.1 ports and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports. This allows you to power four displays with either graphics card. When combined with the ports on the G1 Pro’s motherboard, you could technically power six displays from this mini PC. However, this will depend on how Minisforum has configured the system’s BIOS and motherboard. Even then, though, powering four displays from the G1 Pro is still impressive.

What makes the G1 Pro even better is the fact that its graphics card is upgradeable. Not only does this give you an upgrade path down the line, it also means that you could go with the cheaper G1 to save money in the short term and then upgrade its graphics card from an RTX 4060 to an RTX 5060 when you’ve saved up enough money.

A new way forward for mini PCs

Even though they’re much smaller than your standard desktop, most mini PCs provide you with some upgradeability. Usually, this includes the option to add a second M.2 SSD or even a 2.5-inch SSD or HDD along with being able to add more memory. With the G1 and G1 Pro, Minisforum is doing things a bit differently by also giving you the option to upgrade its graphics card.

At Computex 2025, Minisforum told me that the G1 Pro should be ready to ship this summer. However, pricing for both the G1 and G1 Pro hasn’t been revealed yet. Given that the AtomMan G7 Ti had a list price of $1,600, I’d expect this new mini PC to go for slightly more. Still though, the G1 Pro will likely be cheaper than the more powerful version of the Asus ROG NUC 970 I reviewed last year or the new ROG NUC (2025).

I absolutely plan on getting a G1 Pro in for review, so stay tuned. With its white and black design, it could be the perfect mini PC for the same colored desk setup I’m currently putting together for another review.

The Minisforum G1 / G1 Pro shows that just because a mini PC is small, that doesn’t mean it can’t be mighty too and I’m really excited to test one out for myself.

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Bored of the standard metallic or plastic box mini PCs adorning your desk? It seems like once the M4 Mac mini came out, every company has been given tacit permission to offer some pretty bog-standard aesthetics.

Enter the AceMagic F3A, and we have an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370-armed mini PC with a touch of flair thanks to that small, cheeky line of RGB lighting that gently pulses around the system like a halo.

This all comes together nicely with the impressively powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 under the hood to make this a great system addition for your day-to-day and even some gaming. Performance-wise, this is pretty zippy, and with that FSR frame generation support that comes from AMD, you can even pull off some 1080p gaming at medium settings!

That’s not to say it comes without problems, though, and these come down to some of the decisions made by AceMagic here. It starts with the choice of RAM sticks, which the F3A opts for SO-DIMM sticks over your more traditional LPDDR5X memory you’d find next to a laptop chip. This is the reason why it's slightly slower than the similarly-specced-but-more-expensive Minisforum EliteMini.

Maybe it was done for cost-cutting purposes? But this does mean some small moments of hitching — given that these cheaper sticks are around 30% slower on average. And the second is the port selection. Given how good the integrated graphics are in this system for doing creative work on Photoshop, I would’ve loved an SD card slot, but no such luck here.

On top of that, compared to some of the more port-generous PCs I’ve dabbled with, this is on the lower end in terms of variety.

So, where does this leave the F3A? For what you get at $809, it’s a great little system that will last you a while, whether as a living room PC or a small addition to the desk (or even sneakily attaching it to the back of your monitor via the VESA mounting plate).

To many, this is a solid shout for one of the best mini PCs you can get.

AceMagic F3A mini PC: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? This compact desktop powerhouse features the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, making it a standout in the wave of Copilot+ Mini PCs.
• Who is it for? Ideal for those who want to skip the bulky tower without sacrificing speed, this sleek system delivers strong performance in a compact form — perfect for a tidy home office or a stylish living room setup.
• What does it cost? Technically, the MSRP is $1,099. But for the entire time it’s been out, the price has stayed rigid at $809. So my assumption is that that’s the actual cost.
• What do we like? The aesthetic breathes some new life into the traditional cubic structures of mini PCs, thanks to that flash of RGB color. On top of that, the latest AMD silicon does make it surprisingly good at both creative pro work and even some 1080p gaming — all without that fan kicking up a storm because of some solid thermal management.
• What don’t we like? The use of SO-DIMM RAM sticks over your more standard LPDDR5X memory does lead to a slight slowdown in some multitasking, and the port selection is a little limited in capability.

AceMagic F3A mini PC: Specs

AceMagic F3A mini PC: The ups

Firing it up and popping it next to my TV for the whole living room PC setup, I started to fall in love with some ot the best qualities of the AceMagic F3A.

An actually stylish mini PC

Like I said, one of the more frustrating elements of mini PCs to me is that they all look the same. Either you’re getting a basic plastic cube or a basic aluminum cube, which is what makes the F3A a breath of fresh air.

Yes, the build quality is plasticky, and if you are to feel it, it does have a little bit of a cheapness to it. But people don’t touch their PCs that much, and this does indeed exude a premium aesthetic that takes pride of place next to your TV or atop your desk.

And if you’re looking to hide it effectively into your setup, you can absolutely do so with the included VESA mounting accessories. But I’d recommend not doing so as the smooth pulse of that subtle RGB lighting gives it a nice playful nature, too! And speaking of playful…

A solid performer

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chip inside here is a solid performer across CPU and GPU-intensive tasks. Effective thermal management both keeps the fan volume low while ensuring a good sustained speed across the SSD loading speeds and the chipsets power.

When firing up Photoshop and Premiere Pro, it was capable of handling pretty intense RAW photo edits and neural filters, while maintaining strong render speeds during complex 4K edits. Pretty good for the price.

Then when you turn your attention to gaming, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you can pull off.

Of course, without a dedicated GPU, you’re not going to get anything outstandingly special here. But the integrated graphics combined with AMD’s FidelityFX tech (FSR) is able to play AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 at low-to-medium settings 1080p with over 60 FPS of frame rate speeds.

In fact, this amount of power inside a small box like this gives me serious Steam Box vibes — the tiny Valve console I always wanted… But more to come on that little experiment.

AceMagic F3A mini PC: The downs

But it is a bit of a mixed bag for a couple of reasons here, which namely create a couple of frustrations surrounding the ways you would want to use this system.

Odd port selection

To clarify — this isn’t that there aren't plenty of ports here. Rather, it’s just a strange selection. Most people at home don’t need a second Ethernet port.

It’s ideal for connecting to a local server in a business, but if you’re using this as a home PC, chances are you’ll never touch either of these and use the Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.

So what is actually missing? Well, while I appreciate the two USB4 slots on here, where’s the SD card slot? The AMD chip is great for photo edits and encoding footage, so why aren’t they making it super easy to transfer the footage?

The RAM is wrong

Normally, when you see laptops that use the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, they’ll use LPDDR5X RAM — smaller mobile sticks of the OG RAM you’ll find in desktops that pack plenty of speed.

However, for cost reasons (I assume), AceMagic has opted for SO-DIMM cards — an older standard of RAM that has got a DDR5 upgrade, but is still 30% slower on average than your LPDDR5X variant. The end result is that you can come across some hitches in multitasking performance.

If you have Chrome open with 20+ tabs, Photoshop open and running a Neural filter and try to fire up Apple Music at the same time, you can start to feel it under pressure with some sluggish window transitions.

AceMagic F3A mini PC: Verdict

When I saw the lighting fire up, I wanted this to be phenomenal. What you get instead in the AceMagic F3A is a solid mini PC at a price that provides decent value for money.

The integrated graphics’ gaming performance gives this a good all-purpose proposition, while the CPU speeds and encoding capabilities provide solid strength in most productivity cases.

But just don’t put too much stress on that slower RAM, and make sure you evaluate what ports you need first before buying.

The MSI Cubi NUC 1M is as quiet as it is sleek with its all-black matte finish and rounded corners. Despite its small size, MSI has packed this mini PC with powerful components, including an Intel Raptor Lake chip and DDR5 RAM, though there are a multitude of different configurations to choose from. You can opt for a fully equipped device with all the bells and whistles or put together your ideal build piece by piece if you go with a barebones configuration, where you’ll need to provide your own memory, storage and operating system.

Whichever route you decide to take, the Cubi NUC 1M is very easy to upgrade. There’s a spare M.2 SSD slot for adding extra storage, and this mini PC can even accommodate a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD. My favorite thing about the Cubi NUC 1M, though, is that MSI provides everything you need to mount it behind your monitor to free up even more space on your desk. It can even turn on simultaneously when paired with certain MSI monitors, but you also get an external wired power button you can use with any monitor, so you don’t have to reach behind your display to turn it on.

The Cubi NUC 1M is capable of driving up to four displays at the same time, thanks to its dual HDMI and Thunderbolt 4 ports. One of these Thunderbolt 4 ports can provide power to an external display like a portable monitor, while the other can actually be used to power the computer itself. While the Cubi NUC 1M’s 120W power supply is on the smaller side, you don’t have to use it at all if your monitor has a USB-C port with power delivery. All of these features are available on every configuration of this mini PC, but if you opt for a faster processor along with more memory and storage, things can get quite expensive.

My MSI Cubi NUC 1M review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for your needs and workflow, or if you’d be better off with something less customizable but more affordable.

MSI Cubi NUC 1M: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? An all-black mini PC with plenty of ports that can be easily upgraded.
• Who is it for? Business users or professionals who want a small and quiet mini PC that can handle office and productivity-focused tasks well.
• What does it cost? The MSI Cubi NUC 1M starts as low as $419 if you get the barebone version, but can go all the way up to $1,0299 depending on how you configure it.
• What do we like? The wide selection of front and back ports, that there are multiple configuration options, how it runs almost silent and the extra accessories MSI includes to make it easier to mount this mini PC behind a monitor.
• What don’t we like? That its case has a tendency to collect fingerprints and how the more expensive configurations can cost a hefty sum.

MSI Cubi NUC 1M: Specs

MSI Cubi NUC 1M: The Ups

The MSI Cubi NUC 1M is an impressive little desktop replacement through and through. It’s nearly quiet in operation, has a generous selection of front and rear ports and MSI includes some useful extras for space-conscious users and businesses that want to mount this mini PC behind a display.

Sleek and fully equipped

Just like with the Asus NUC 14 Pro, the Cubi NUC 1M comes with a smaller external power supply, a VESA mounting bracket and some extra cables that can be plugged into its motherboard to extend its capabilities further. There’s a SATA cable if you want to add a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD inside this mini PC, along with an external power button, but more on that later.

At 5.34 x 5.22 x 1.97 inches, the Cubi NUC 1M takes up very little desk space. While you can easily mount it behind your monitor, you might not want to since it has quite a few handy ports on the front. Besides two USB-A ports rated at 10Gbps, you also get a microSD card reader and a combo headphone/microphone jack for use with wired headsets.

Around back, you get even more ports. These include two additional USB-A ones, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports (one with power delivery support and one with power output support), two 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports and an AC port for plugging in its external power supply. With dual HDMI and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Cubi NUC 1M can drive up to four of the best monitors simultaneously.

The dual 2.5 GbE ports let you connect this mini PC to your router with one, and you can hook up a NAS (network attached storage) device to the other to back up your files quickly. However, the Cubi NUC 1M also comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, which means you can take advantage of the faster 6GHz band on one of the best Wi-Fi 6E routers. I wish this mini PC offered Wi-Fi 7 support, but the upcoming Cubi NUC 2M likely will.

Though the Cubi NUC 1M isn’t overly flashy like the Acemagic F2A and some other mini PCs I’ve reviewed in the past, its all-black design makes it look sleek on your desk but not out of place in an office environment.

Fast but silent

MSI certainly gives you a lot of choices when it comes to how you want to configure the Cubi NUC 1M. For starters, you can pick between three different Intel Raptor Lake mobile processors in the form of a Core 3 100U, Core 5 120U and a Core 7 150U. You can also outfit the Cubi NUC 1M with 8GB of DDR5 RAM all the way up to 64GB.

While this mini PC isn’t designed with gaming in mind, it can play some older and less demanding titles fairly well. For instance, at our testing lab, we were able to play Civilization VII at 27 fps on medium settings at 1080p even though it came out earlier this year. Still, it’s more aimed at business and professional users and in the three weeks I spent using it as my daily driver, it handled my workload. This consists of a dizzying amount of Chrome tabs open along with some light photo editing in GIMP.

What surprised me the most about the Cubi NUC 1M is just how quiet it was during use. Sure, I heard its internal fan spin up from time to time during heavier workloads, but it wasn’t distracting at all. Instead, it sounded like a nice quiet hum from a device on the other side of my office, not one on my desk.

When I tested it with my sound level meter, it stayed at around 30db for the most part and went as high as just under 45db when its fan did kick in. In testing, it was slightly quieter than the Asus NUC 14 Pro at 50db and significantly less noisy than the Acemagic F2A, which got as loud as 55db. At the same time, the Cubi NUC 1M’s case remained cool to the touch even after having it powered on all day and using it extensively.

Pressed for power

If you decide to pair the Cubi NUC 1M with one of the company’s business monitors with MSI Power Link support, you can connect the two using the HDMI port near this mini PC’s AC power input port. That way, when you turn on your monitor, your computer will automatically power on with it.

This is very useful for those who decide to mount this mini PC on the back of their monitor to free up even more desk space. However, MSI gives you another option to easily power on the Cubi NUC 1M when it’s mounted to a monitor without Power Link support.

In the box, you get an external wired power button that can help you achieve the same thing. While I initially thought you had to open the Cubi NUC 1M’s case and plug this two-pin connector in the old-fashioned way, like when building a PC from scratch, getting it set up is actually a lot easier.

On the right side of the case, there’s a rubber cover you can remove to access an external power switch slot where you can plug in this external power button without having to remove the four screws on its underside to access its motherboard. This plug-and-play solution is a nice touch, and I’m glad that you aren’t required to buy a compatible MSI monitor to more easily reach the device’s power button when it's mounted on the back of a monitor.

Speaking of power, you aren’t limited to using the 120W external power supply either. If you have a monitor that has USB-C with power delivery or even a GAN charger with enough wattage, you can use either to power the MSI Cubi NUC 1M, granted you have to use the Thunderbolt 4 port on the back right side of the computer to do so. I tried this out with the LG DualUp monitor on the other side of my office, and it worked like a charm. Mini PCs that you can power over their USB-C or Thunderbolt ports are few and far between, and up until now, the only one I’ve reviewed with this feature is the Khadas Mind.

MSI Cubi NUC 1M: The downs

The MSI Cubi NUC 1M ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a mini PC aimed at productivity that can serve as a desktop replacement. However, I did run into one slight issue during testing (that I ended up finding a solution for), and compared to other mini PCs from less-established brands, you are paying a premium for higher-end configurations.

Dual-display hiccups

During my time testing out the Cubi NUC 1M, I used it at my main desk setup where I have an ultrawide monitor up top with a smaller portable monitor underneath it. I typically connect the larger monitor via HDMI and use a USB-C cable for the portable monitor. I’ve reviewed quite a few mini PCs at this exact same desk setup, including the Kamrui E3B and the AtomMan G7 Ti.

After getting the Cubi NUC 1M all plugged in at the side of my desk, I noticed that every time I shut the computer down and turned it back on, I would get video out on my ultrawide monitor but not on the portable monitor underneath it. I experienced something similar with the Asus NUC 14 Pro, which also has Thunderbolt 4 instead of USB 4 ports, so I thought the issue had something to do with the connector type.

I got used to this minor annoyance and figured unplugging and then plugging back in the USB-C cable for my portable monitor was just something I’d have to live with. However, after I tested powering the Cubi NUC 1M via a USB-C cable at my other desk, I realized I had been using the wrong Thunderbolt 4 port with my portable monitor.

Remember how one Thunderbolt 4 can deliver power to a connected device and the other can be used to power this mini PC? Well, I had my portable monitor plugged into the one that delivers power to the Cubi NUC 1M. Once I switched Thunderbolt 4 ports, both my main monitor and my portable monitor turned on at startup without any issues whatsoever.

I know this is a very subjective problem I dealt with, but as using an ultrawide monitor with a portable monitor has become more popular in recent years, I figured I’d explain the problem I ran into during testing to help you avoid it if you do decide to pick up a Cubi NUC 1M yourself.

Paying a business premium

While you can get a barebones version of the Cubi NUC 1M with an Intel Core Ultra 3 processor for just $419, there are plenty of fully equipped mini PCs you can get for this same price. Once you add a Windows license, memory and storage, the cost of this mini PC jumps up significantly, though it is basically in line with how the Asus NUC 14 Pro is priced. There’s a reason behind the higher prices of both of these mini PCs, though, and it really makes sense when you take into consideration that they’re both aimed at business users.

Many of the Cubi NUC 1M configurations you find at online retailers include either a 1-year or a 3-year warranty. If something goes wrong, you can reach out to MSI and they can help you troubleshoot an issue or replace any faulty parts, or maybe even your whole mini PC if something is really off. With other companies in the mini PC business, you don’t even get a warranty with your purchase, and getting in touch with technical support is much more difficult.

The Cubi NUC 1M’s higher price could be seen as a con for some or as a pro for others. It just really depends on the level of after-sales service you need or are expecting when you buy a new computer. For more tech-savvy users, you might rather have a cheaper initial price, while those who aren’t as experienced with mini PCs (or computers in general) won’t mind paying extra to know they can easily reach out to customer support or get a faulty device replaced. Which camp you fall into is something you’ll need to decide for yourself.

MSI Cubi NUC 1M: Verdict

The MSI Cubi NUC 1M is an excellent mini PC that can easily serve as a more modern (and more powerful) replacement for an aging desktop. It comes equipped with loads of useful ports and despite its smaller size, this mini PC is very quiet and cool while in use.

I really like how MSI throws in some useful accessories to make mounting the Cubi NUC 1M behind your monitor easier, too. Other mini PC makers will often include a VESA mounting plate, but MSI is the first company I’ve seen that gives its users a more convenient way to power on this computer when it is tucked away behind a monitor. It’s also nice that you aren’t limited to using one of the company’s monitors with Power Link support either, thanks to the included external power button.

The MSI Cubi NUC 1M may be more expensive than some of the other mini PCs I’ve tested. However, the useful add-ons like the microSD card reader up front, the fact that it can drive four external displays and how you can power the device using one of its Thunderbolt 4 ports help justify its higher cost. As does MSI’s after-service and longer 3-year warranty. If you’re looking for a small but fast mini PC for getting work done, this Cubi NUC 1M should definitely be on your short list.

I work best seated at my desk setup with multiple screens in front of me However, when I travel or just need to get out of the house for a bit, I can’t bring my setup with me—or at least I thought I couldn’t.

Now I know what you’re thinking. Why don’t I just go with one of the best laptops instead? Well, I’ve tried and while my trusty ThinkPad hasn’t let me down yet, I still end up using it with extra peripherals and oftentimes, a portable monitor too, which kind of defeats the purpose of using a laptop in the first place.

Over the past few years, I’ve also downsized from a full desktop and I now do the majority of my work from one of the best mini PCs. I like the experience of using a mini PC over a desktop or a laptop so much that I even took a mini PC with me to Taiwan last summer.

Of all the mini PCs I’ve tested and reviewed, one in particular has stuck with me and that’s due to how portable it is and the fact that it uses a USB-C port for power instead of a barrel port connector. After trying out a pair of AR glasses for the first time when I spent two weeks with the iPad mini, I decided why not combine the two together and throw one of the best power banks into the mix for good measure. Then, I could truly work from anywhere just like I do from the comfort of my home office.

I’ve been using a pocketable mini PC, a pair of AR glasses and a massive 25,000 mAh power bank together for the past two weeks and it’s completely transformed the way I work. Here’s how I came up with this novel approach to on-the-go computing to better fit my unique workflow.

Pocketable meets private

Last year, I got to try out the Khadas Mind and even now, there’s no mini PC quite like it. Instead of being rectangular or having a cube-like shape, the Mind looks a lot more like one of the best external hard drives. Not only is it powerful, it’s also pocketable thanks to its tiny 5.75 x 4.13 x 0.79-inch frame.

Another thing that sets the Khadas Mind apart from other mini PCs is that Khadas has created a whole ecosystem of accessories around it. There’s the standard Mind Dock which adds more ports, dual-monitor support, a fingerprint reader and even a volume knob on the side, as well as the premium Mind Graphics dock which adds even more ports as well as a full-size Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti desktop graphics card.

Khadas is also working on a portable display with a keyboard that magnetically attaches to this mini PC like both of these docks do if you prefer a more laptop-like experience.

The main reason I chose the Khadas Mind for this project is because of its ports and portability though. Like I said before, it uses a USB-C port for power (on the far left) but it also has a second, full-featured USB-C port for video out in addition to two USB-A ports and an HDMI port. With one USB-C port for power and another for video, the Khadas Mind turned out to be the perfect fit for this one-of-a-kind mobile setup.

After I reviewed the original Mind last year, Khadas unveiled the Mind 2S at CES back in January as a more powerful followup to the Mind 2. I had already sent the Mind 1 back, so I reached out to Khadas directly and they sent over this new more powerful mini PC for this project, though I am working on a review of it too.

While the Mind 1 handled everything I threw at quite well, the Mind 2S is an absolute powerhouse with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 2TB SSD. Khadas also upgraded its two USB-C ports to Thunderbolt 4 ones for faster data transfer speeds and enhanced display capabilities.

As I haven’t had a chance to try out a pair of the best smart glasses yet, I had my colleague Jason England recommend a pair for this project. He suggested the Xreal One AR glasses as they have Xreal’s X1 spatial computing chip built-in. This chip gives you full control over the glasses’ 3 Degrees of Freedom tracking and also lets you go from a standard 16:9 display to an ultrawide one at the push of a button.

Another thing that I really like about the Xreal One glasses is that unlike the Meta Quest 3 or even the Apple Vision Pro, they don’t have a built-in battery. Not only does this make them lighter and more comfortable to wear, you don’t have to worry about charging which would make my mini PC/AR glasses setup more difficult to use at a moment’s notice. Instead, they draw their power from the device they’re connected to.

After unboxing the Xreal Ones that Xreal sent over to help me turn this dream into reality, I was very impressed by how they worked immediately when plugged into the iPad mini. I didn’t have to configure anything and they were truly plug and play.

If you’re thinking about trying out a pair of AR glasses yourself, just make sure that your smartphone, tablet or whatever device you want to use them with comes equipped with DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. Otherwise, you’re going to need an adapter, which adds a bit of bulk and makes using them slightly more complicated.

Powered and portable

With the Khadas Mind 2S and the Xreal One AR glasses in hand, I just needed one more thing: a way to power them. At home or at a hotel, I was able to power this whole setup using a GaN charger but I wanted a way to use it during those times when there wasn’t an outlet nearby.

To that end, I decided to pick up the 25,000 mAh version of the Ugreen Nexode Power Bank. I’ve always had a great experience with Ugreen’s chargers, cables and other products in the past, so I wanted to see how well its largest power bank performed. Another reason that I picked this particular power bank is that it’s flight approved but more on that later.

With two USB-C ports at the top with one capable of putting out 100 watts and the other able to deliver 140 watts of power, I had more than enough power on hand for both the Khadas Mind 2S and the Xreal One AR glasses. I paired the two devices with my favorite budget mechanical keyboard ($40, Amazon) and a mini trackball mouse from Elecom.

Much to my surprise, it didn’t take long at all to get used to working while wearing AR glasses. Maybe it was because this was the same mechanical keyboard/trackball mouse combo I always bring with me while traveling but I settled in to using this setup in no time at all.

Now though, it was time to take it out into the world and see whether it was really better for me than using a laptop.

A whole new way to work

As silly as I felt taking this picture at my local coffee shop, I actually didn’t get any odd looks from the other patrons there. After connecting to the Wi-Fi, I got to work editing reviews and writing stories just like if I was back home.

One thing that I really liked about wearing the Xreal One glasses is that you can change their transparency. For instance, at home, I really enjoyed using the completely black theater mode while watching content online. However, while at the coffee shop, I switched them to clear mode so I was still aware of my surroundings.

You can’t take native screenshots directly from within the Xreal One glasses but what you see inside them is a sight to behold. With ultrawide mode enabled, I was able to have two full-size Chrome windows side by side just like on the dual-monitor setup I put together last month. However, clear mode took the whole experience up a notch as it made it feel like I was using a transparent monitor straight out of Minority Report.

Sitting at the window, I was able to watch the cars go by while I worked as if my desk was right up next to a window with a great view. I used to work in coffee shops a whole lot more back before I set up a home office in my house. With this setup though, I could easily see myself getting back out of the house and doing so again.

When it was time to head out, packing everything up into my bag was a cinch and only took me a minute or so. Surprisingly, the Ugreen Nexode Power Bank is the heaviest item in this setup at just over 500 grams while the Khadas Mind 2S weighs 435 grams and the Xreal One glasses weigh 84 grams.

Not just for coffee shops

Now for the kicker. I actually brought this mini PC/AR glasses setup with me to New York last week when I went to try out the Nintendo Switch 2.

As the tray table on an airplane is known for being notoriously small, I decided to break out all my gear and try to set it up there too. It was cramped getting everything out of my bag but once I had it all set up, I was able to get the full desktop experience while cruising at over 30,000 feet up in the air.

After checking into my hotel, I broke out everything again and got to work. In fact, I wrote my entire hands-on review of the Switch 2 using this setup over the course of a few hours. Even though I was far from my desk, I felt right at home typing away with a pair of AR specs on my head. I even gave my guide on the best office chairs a big update while using this mobile setup and that too went surprisingly well.

I know that even if you made it this far, you still might be wondering why I don’t just work from a laptop instead. The big reason for me is that I love the feel of one of the best mechanical keyboards under my fingertips while typing along with the level of control and customizable buttons that I get with a trackball mouse. Another thing that has always turned me off from laptops is that you can’t easily swap out a broken keyboard or upgrade their components, that is unless you get one from Framework. Likewise, I’ve yet to see a laptop with an ultrawide display and I doubt I will anytime soon.

This setup has been kicking around in my head for months now but thanks to Khadas and Xreal’s help, I got to make it a reality. And after using it for the past two weeks, I can honestly say it’s even better than I expected it would be.

So what about you? Could you see yourself spending a full day working with smart glasses instead of using a monitor? Likewise, would you try this setup out if you had the chance? Let me know in the comments!

More from Tom's Guide

• I put 3 stacked monitor setups to the test and this is the one I’m sticking with
• Xreal One vs Viture Pro: Which AR glasses should you buy?
• I spent just $30 on a mechanical keyboard to prove you don’t need to waste your money

The Geekom A6 is a tiny yet powerful mini PC with an all-aluminum design that packs plenty of ports and powerful components. Even though it might look similar to the Mac mini M4 at first glance, it’s actually smaller.

While it may be an ultra-compact mini PC, the Geekom A6 comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor with built-in Radeon 680M graphics, a 1TB SSD, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and not one but two USB4 ports. You can also open it up to add more storage, extra RAM and even a new wireless card.

During normal use, the Geekom A6 remains relatively quiet. However, its fan gets slightly noisy during heavy multitasking and light gaming. Even then, this sleek mini PC stays cool to the touch thanks to Geekom’s IceBlast tech. If the extra noise bothers you, you can always mount it behind your monitor using the included VESA mount.

My Geekom A6 review will help you decide if this tiny computer is the best mini PC for you or if it’s worth looking for something slightly larger with better gaming performance.

Geekom A6: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A tiny, mid-range mini PC designed for web browsing, office work and even some light gaming.
• Who is it for? Those who want a reasonably priced mini PC with a very small footprint and a similar look to the Mac mini M4.
• What does it cost? The Geekom A6 costs $449 on Amazon but you can also purchase it directly from Geekom’s website where you can get an additional 5% off using the code TOMSGKA6 until April 1st.
• What do we like? Its small size, wide selection of rear ports, powerful components, support for up to four 4K displays and upgradeable RAM and storage.
• What don’t we like? The Geekom A6 can get slightly noisy under load and its gaming performance leaves something to be desired.

Geekom A6: Specs

Geekom A6: The ups

The Geekom A6 not only looks great with its full aluminum design but doesn’t take up much space on your desk. It also has a great variety of rear ports and is no slouch when it comes to performance, especially at this price.

Small as can be

At 4.4 x 4.4 x 1.34 inches, the Geekom A6 is noticeably smaller than the Mac mini M4. However, it’s slightly smaller than the slim version of the Asus NUC 14 Pro. It’s also the first mini PC I’ve tested that’s under one pound.

Unlike the Mac mini M4, it uses an external 120W power supply instead of an internal one. Fortunately, it’s smaller than the one that ships with the NUC 14 Pro which makes the A6 an ideal mini PC for traveling even if it’s not as pocketable as the Khadas Mind.

Ports aplenty

The Geekom A6 has far more ports than you’d expect to find on a mini PC of its size. Around the front, you get two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports (one which supports power delivery) and a 3.5mm headphone jack next to its power button. I like having full-sized ports where I can reach them to plug in one of the best USB flash drives, and not having to reach around back to plug in wired headphones is always a plus too.

Now around the back is where the magic happens. Not only do you get two HDMI 2.0 ports, but you also get two USB 4 ports which allows the A6 to support up to four 4K displays. I didn’t go that far during testing though, and spent most of my time using this mini PC in a dual-monitor setup. You also get two USB-A ports and a 2.5G Ethernet port which is great for multi-gig internet or transferring files to a NAS device.

Oddly enough, the A6 has almost the exact same rear port configuration as the much more expensive NUC 14 Pro. However, the difference between these two mini PCs is that Asus’ machine has two Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of USB4.

A pint-sized punch

Instead of making you choose between multiple configurations with different processors like Asus does, Geekom only sells one version of the A6 and unlike the very budget-friendly Kamrui E3B mini PC I reviewed, this one is fully equipped for most workloads.

The A6 packs an AMD Ryzen 6800H processor with onboard Radeon 680M graphics, 32GB of DDR5 memory and 1TB of NVMe SSD for storage. As you can see in our performance benchmarks above, it performed well ahead of the Kamrui E3B in Geekbench’s multi-core tests and its Kingston SSD is a lot faster than the Netac one in that machine.

The A6 fell behind the Minisforum EliteMini AI370 in multi-core performance and encoding in Handbrake, but that mini PC costs more than twice as much and features one of AMD’s newer Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chips.

To put the A6 through its paces, I used Geekom’s tiny mini PC as my main machine for two weeks. While I initially tested it at my dedicated gaming desk, I ended up building a new desk setup around it in my office with a 1080p gaming monitor on the left and a 4K one on the right. This allowed me to take advantage of its dual HDMI ports but it also helped show just how small the A6 really is.

As for my workflow, I’m a Chrome power user and I do most of my writing and editing in my browser with dozens of tabs and multiple windows open simultaneously. The A6 held up well here and never froze up or let me down while working. I also do a lot of photo editing in GIMP and Geekom’s tiny mini PC handled that well too.

The Geekom A6 isn’t marketed as a mini PC built for gaming by any means. However, it can play older games fairly well at 1080p and can even run some newer titles if you’re willing to drop down your graphics settings to low and your resolution to 720p which isn’t ideal.

As you can see in the results from our testing lab, we put the A6 through a few more gaming benchmarks than we did with the Kamrui E3B or the Acemagic F2A which aren’t gaming-focused mini PCs either. It did fairly well in Civilization VI but had a hard time getting above 30 fps in other more graphically demanding games.

In my own testing, I played the skateboarding sim Session and a bit of Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart on the A6. I managed to get 60 fps in Session with Epic graphics settings enabled thanks to AMD FSR 3. However, the framerate dipped down to 50 and then 40 fps in that game during a lengthy playthrough. In Ratchet & Clank, the A6 managed to stay around 30 fps at 1080p on high and jumped up by 10 or so frames when I turned it down to medium.

Tiny but still expandable

The Geekom A6 has one feature that I haven’t seen on a mini PC of its size yet: an SD card reader. Sure it’s tucked out of sight on the left side, but this card reader is great for quickly getting photos off your camera and you could use it to add extra storage space in a pinch.

If you flip the A6 over, there are four rubber feet you can remove and easily pop back into place without having to worry about their adhesive losing their stick. They cover four screws you need to remove to get inside the case.

The A6 isn’t the most easily upgradable mini PC I’ve tried (that award goes to the Acemagic Tank 03), but with some patience and a careful hand, you can take off its bottom case and the heatsink under it. This gives you access to its RAM and storage if you want to swap them out. With a mini PC this small, I was pleasantly surprised that I could open the A6 up at all.

Geekom A6: The downs

Even though the Geekom A6 gets quite a lot right, it’s not perfect. Its two biggest issues are that it doesn't have one particularly useful port on the front and its fans spin up rather loudly at times.

No front USB-C port

I’m a bit torn on this one and let me explain why. Having a USB-C port at the front would be really useful for connecting one of the best external hard drives or even a flash drive with a USB-C connector. However, I like the approach that Geekom has taken with A6 where you have two USB-A ports as opposed to the Mac mini M4 which just has two USB-C ones.

One thing I’ve noticed with some of the mini PCs I’ve reviewed like the AceMagic F2A and the Kamrui E3B is that while they both have USB-C on the front, the port is capable of video out. This is great if you want to quickly connect a portable monitor but less so when you’re using a mini PC in a more permanent setup since you now have a cable running across the front of your desk. With the A6, both of its USB4 ports are at the back which is more useful in this situation.

Cool but not always quiet

Just like with the more powerful Geekom A8, the A6 features the company’s IceBlast cooling technology. There are tiny holes on either side where cool air is pulled in and directed at different layers of this mini PC before it’s eventually expelled through the back of the case. I was really impressed by how well this worked, and even after a long gaming session, the top of the case wasn’t warm to the touch.

Since the A6 isn’t fanless, you can hear its fan spin up and it can get slightly noisy. For instance, when I measured it with my sound level meter, it was at 55 db under heavy load and got as loud as 60 db after gaming for over an hour. The A6’s noise level was noticeable but not nearly as bad as the Acemagic F2A under the same conditions. However, with the included VESA mount, you can always put the A6 behind your monitor instead of on your desk if the noise really bothers you.

Geekom A6: Verdict

Geekom didn’t cut corners with the A6, and it shows in this mini PC’s performance. Instead of 16GB of memory with the option to upgrade, the company went all out with 32GB and paired this with a relatively fast AMD Ryzen 7 processor equipped with surprisingly capable onboard graphics. At the same time, you also get two USB4 ports, a 2.5G Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds.

Although I would have liked to have a single USB-C port on the front, this isn’t a dealbreaker by any means and USB-C video out ports on the back are much more useful in a desk setup. If you’re after a mini PC with a very small footprint and want one with a premium look, the Geekom A6 is very easy to recommend, especially at this price.

The Kamrui E3B is a compact mini PC with a sleek, all-black design and a great selection of front and rear ports. Despite its more premium look, though, this is a budget mini PC that cuts a few corners to keep its price low.

Even at $400, the Kamrui E3B is well-equipped for browsing the web, office work and even some light gaming. Under the hood, it sports an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU with integrated Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics. While it’s only available with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, you can add up to 64GB of RAM and up to 4TB of storage thanks to the extra M.2 slot. The Karmui E3B is also VESA-mountable and with the included adapter, you can mount it behind your monitor.

Nearly silent in operation, this mini PC features a large fan at the top of its case with vents for expelling hot air and bringing in cold air on either side. It may not be the fastest, but the Kamrui E3B is more than good enough to get the job done. With support for up to three displays, you can easily add it to a multi-monitor setup and its small size is perfect for cramped desks.

My Kamrui E3B review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for those on a budget or if it’s worth spending a bit more on something more powerful.

Kamrui E3B: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A budget mini PC designed for web browsing, office work and some light gaming.
• Who is it for? Those looking for an affordable mini PC with a great price-to-performance ratio.
• What does it cost? The Kamrui E3B mini PC costs $419 on the company’s site, $399 on Amazon and has dropped to as low as $269 when on sale.
• What do we like? Its all-black design, that it’s nearly silent while in use, the cooling vents throughout and the large fan, the variety of front and rear ports, that it supports up to three displays and how you can upgrade its RAM and storage.
• What don’t we like? The Kamrui E3B performs well for the price, but there were some slowdowns during multitasking as well when reading and writing files to its built-in SSD.

Kamrui E3B: Specs

Kamrui E3B: The ups

The Kamrui E3B checks almost all the boxes when it comes to a mini PC for getting things done. It’s compact, quiet, very affordable and has plenty of front and rear ports for connecting multiple displays and the rest of your wired devices.

Small, sleek and nearly silent

At just 5.2 x 5.2 x 1.97 inches, the Kamrui E3B is just a hair bigger than Apple’s new Mac mini M4. This is great if you have a crowded desk or want to slip this mini PC under a desk shelf. Likewise, it’s compact enough to bring with you on a trip and unlike some of the other mini PCs I’ve tested in the past, its AC adapter is also quite small.

By going with an all-black design and not plastering its logo all over the case, Kamrui has helped set the E3B apart from the competition. There’s just the company’s logo (without the name) on its lid and for some reason, the words “Excellent Performance” in all caps written on the side.

Under the lid, there’s a large fan that pushes cold air through vents on either side and under them, a row of perforations to bring cool air in. During the month or so I’ve used the Kamrui E3B as my daily driver, it’s been almost completely silent. If I listen really closely, I can hear the fan but it isn’t anything like the much louder one on the Acemagic F2A.

On the underside of the E3B, there’s a medium-sized hole to bring in cool air, smaller holes for the VESA mount adapter and rubber feet on the corners. To open the case, you need to carefully pry off the rubber feet and unscrew the screws under them. This allows you to upgrade the E3B’s memory or storage.

Ports where you need them

The Kamrui E3B has a good selection of ports at both the front and rear of the device. On the front, there are two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm audio jack and the power button. Since this is a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, you can also use it for video-out and on my desk setup, I’m using it to power a touchscreen portable monitor under my main ultrawide display.

Around back, there are four USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, a DisplayPort 1.4, a gigabit Ethernet port and a DC-in port for its barrel connector power jack. I would have liked a 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port instead for multi-gig internet, but at this price point, it’s hard to complain. Likewise, having the USB-C port on the back would make a bit more sense, but even the more expensive Acemagic F2A has one in the same place. If you need USB-C ports for video-out on the back of your mini PC, check out the Asus NUC 14 Pro.

Plenty of power on a budget

Back when I first got into mini PCs, I tried out a few very budget-friendly options that were easy on my wallet but left me wanting more when it came to their performance. This isn’t the case with the Kamrui E3B, which instead of one of Intel’s cheaper N-series processors, uses an Ryzen 7 PRO 5875U CPU with 8 cores, 16 threads, 16MB of L3 cache and can reach as high as 4.5GHz.

Since this is a Ryzen 7 processor after all, you also get integrated Radeon RX Vega 8 Graphics, which can use up to 2GB of this mini PC’s 16GB of DDR4 RAM. When it comes to gaming, this means you should be able to run older games fairly well or newer ones alright with the graphics and resolution turned down. Even then, in our test lab when running Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, the Kamrui E3B was only able to reach 19 fps at 1080p (10 fps at 4K). Your results may vary depending on the game, resolution and settings you use, but this mini PC wasn’t designed for gaming. For that, you’re going to spend a lot more on something like the AtomMan G7 PT or the Asus ROG NUC 970, which both have discrete instead of integrated GPUs.

Now when it comes to browsing the web, watching videos and doing office work, the Kamrui E3B is more than capable. This little mini PC starts up fast and can handle running multiple apps simultaneously well for the price. I also used it for some light photo editing with GIMP, though I mainly had several Chrome windows with multiple tabs open (more on that later) while working.

Kamrui E3B: The downs

The Kamrui E3B gets a lot right, especially at this price. However, there are a few downsides to be aware of. For instance, the built-in 512GB M.2 SSD isn’t the fastest and I did notice some slowdowns when I had an unhealthy amount of Chrome tabs open at the same time.

Held back by its built-in storage

In a similar vein to the base model of the Mac mini M2, the Kamrui E3B is also equipped with an SSD that has less than preferable read/write speeds. The included 512GB Netac G537N M.2 SSD has a max sequential read speed of 560 MBps and a max sequential write speed of 520 MBps. In our 25GB file copy test conducted in our lab, the E3B’s had a write speed of 449 MBps.

To put this into perspective, the slowest M.2 SSD on our list of the best PS5 internal SSDs had a read speed of 5,561 MBps during testing. Granted, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (2TB) goes for $200 or half of the total price of the E3B.

If you plan on reading or writing a lot of files with the Kamrui E3B and want to cut down on the time it takes to do so, you can always add a second, faster SSD thanks to its extra M.2. Likewise, you could clone the contents of the SSD it ships with onto a faster drive for speedier performance overall.

Not quite a multitasking powerhouse

Instead of building a brand new desk setup around the Kamrui E3B, I decided to use it at my main desk where I have an ultrawide monitor as my main display with a portable monitor underneath it. I used the HDMI 2.0 port to connect the mini PC to my ultrawide monitor and the USB-C port at the front to connect it to my portable monitor, which acts as a second display.

With a Ryzen 7 CPU and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, I figured it would be able to keep up with my workflow and it almost did. I’m a Chrome power user if there ever was one and as I write this, I have three browser windows open (two side by side on the ultrawide and one on the portable monitor) with a total of 27 tabs.

I’m currently using 11.7GB of the 15.4GB of available system memory and I’m having flashbacks to when I spent a week with the Mac mini M2 ahead of the release of the Mac mini M4. If I limit the number of open tabs, the E3B runs fine, but when I go down a rabbit hole researching something, I notice some slowdowns and momentary hang-ups.

The good news is that unlike with a Mac mini, I can easily open the E3B up and double its memory for around $50 for 32GB or max it out for a little over $100 for 64GB. Sure, this is a budget mini PC, but there’s room to expand if it doesn’t quite meet the needs of your workflow performance-wise in terms of memory and storage.

Kamrui E3B: Verdict

The Kamrui E3B is a sleek, compact and quiet mini PC with a good selection of front and rear ports. It performed better than I expected for the price and if you manage to snag it on sale for almost $100 off, it’s a steal of a deal at less than $300.

At the end of the day, the E3B is a budget mini PC that punches well above other similarly priced yet less well-equipped models. The Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD will be more than enough for most people looking to replace an old laptop or desktop without breaking the bank. If the E3B does fall short for you performance-wise, you always have the option to easily swap in a new M.2 SSD or add more memory.

After the announcement of its Snapdragon X processors for budget PCs at CES 2025, Lenovo has offically unveiled the first desktop AI PCs powered by Snapdragon X Series CPUs — and they're both mini PCs.

Lenovo is bringing Snapdragon power to two new desktops, including the Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50q QC and Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x (1L, 10) Desktop PC. Both will sport a Snapdragon X Plus chip, and as we've tested in other Copilot+ PCs, you can expect impressive results with AI onboard.

This falls in line with Qualcomm's aim to bring the world’s first mini desktop PCs powered by Snapdragon X chips, with over 100 other products, including laptops, from different manufacturers expected to roll out throughout 2025.

Here's a breakdown of both PCs.

Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50q QC

The Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50q QC will sport Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Platforms, offering up to 45 TOPS of NPU power. That means AI is integrated in processing, offering Copilot+ features in a fairly compact design.

It offers plenty of ports, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2, and up to 16GB of DDR5 RAM. Although, we'd prefer to see Wi-Fi 7 over its Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Luckily, this is what the IdeaCentre is for.

The ThinkCentre is set to be available from February 2025, with prices starting at $849. Considering AI PCs are generally priced around $1,000, this is a more affordable way to jump on the Snapdragon AI bandwagon.

Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x (1L, 10) Desktop PC

As for the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x (1L, 10) Desktop PC, Lenovo claims it's ideal for professionals and creatives, with the mini PC being powered by desktop PC Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X CPUs.

This mini PC sports Wi-Fi 7, a host of ports including USB 4.0. It can pack some heat, with up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB for storage. Along with its small size and weight, this Copilot+ desktop PC is set to be a small powerhouse.

The IdeaCentre Mini x (1L, 10) will be available starting April 2025, and interesintgly, with an expected starting price of $659.

Mini PCs are just the start for Snapdragon X power

Now that Snapdragon X CPUs are bringing AI and Copilot features to more affordable laptops, desktops and mini PCs, we're sure to see more products for professionals and consumers from Lenovo, Dell, Acer and Asus deliver AI capabilities.

"Mini-PCs powered by Snapdragon are set to revolutionize the way we think about desktops, offering an unrivaled experience that is more powerful," Qualcomm states.

Since CES 2025 kicked off, we've seen everything from AMD’s Ryzen AI Max, Intel Core Ultra 200H and HX Series chips and even an electric spoon that makes food taste saltier. You can bet there will be plenty more big announcements to come.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just saw the coolest phone at CES 2025 that changes from e-ink to full color with the flick of a switch
• CES 2025 day 1 — 9 new gadgets you need to see
• I just went hands-on with these breakthrough smart glasses with an invisible display — and I’m shocked

I have a problem. I love gaming, especially on one of the best gaming PCs. There's nothing quite like the unbridled freedom PC gaming allows. Unfortunately, my PC isn't situated close to my main entertainment setup — and who wants to sit at their desk to game after several hours of working at that very spot?

That's why I paired the Geekom GT1 Mega (was $1,299 now $899 on Amazon) with Samsung's S90D 4K OLED TV. I wanted not only to test the viability of using a Mini PC with a 4K TV but to also see if using a PC with a TV has certain benefits over something like a streaming device. We tend to get lost in the confusion of so many varied connected devices it's often hard to choose which is the right one for us, which is where the wide-sweeping potential of a Mini PC steps into frame.

Of course, it won't be a foolproof system. When it comes to 4K resolution, even some of the best PCs bar none can't perform well in triple A gaming or multitasking let alone a Mini PC with half or even less the performance offered on a conventional desktop. You'd be hard-pressed to find a Mini PC capable of gaming at higher frames in 4K, as even the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 struggles in certain scenarios.

But I'm not here to push PC gaming to new heights on 4K TVs. I wanted to see if it was feasible to replace a conventional desktop PC with a smaller, more compact option and denote some key findings in using such hardware with a 4K display. The experience isn't foolproof and more than most will undoubtedly want to stick with their current-gen console, but there's something to be said about the viability of pairing a Mini PC with a 4K TV — and it all comes down to the endless potential.

PC gaming on the big screen

As already mentioned, the biggest draw for me in using a Mini PC with a 4K TV was unbridled gaming. The PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X/S all max out at 4K/120Hz via VRR, but a Mini PC has no limits. That means, so long as the internals are up to par, the Mini PC could theoretically play games maxed at 4K at 144Hz, but that would be overkill and probably would run very poorly.

This is why I recommend dropping the base resolution down from 4K to something like 1440p or even 1080p. You don't necessarily have to do this, but I'd be willing to bet your Mini PC won't be able to handle games in 4K. You could always keep the base resolution at 4K and individually change the resolution in each game, but that becomes rather tedious and you might have better performance in 1440p depending on the title.

You'll also want to play around with the graphics settings in most games. Depending on your Mini PC and the game in question, even 1080p at max settings might not be in the cards. I mostly played modded FromSoftware titles in Dark Souls 3, Armored Core 6, and Elden Ring, plus I also gave the more graphically-intensive Sand Land a run for its money, as well.

I ran into no issues in my gaming exploits. What made the Mini PC particularly intriguing for me was its handling of modded games in 4K, which to be expected didn't go too well. Older games ran at okay speeds, but more modern experiences like Elden Ring and Armored Core proved to chug tremendously in higher resolutions. That's not too much of an issue, as the S90D OLED TV I'm using will upscale the content to 4K anyway, but you will want to be aware of your PC's base resolution output and adjust this accordingly.

What's nice about PCs is you can play with perspective. Whether you're running Windows in 1080p or 4K, you can fine tune the scale so you're never squinting at your work. This is what made all the difference when I tried video editing workloads on the 4K S90D and it certainly chugged. Mini PCs aren't built for such high-intensive workloads, especially in 4K resolution, but the GT1 handled it pretty well and, despite looking rather odd on a 65-inch display, PC-based video editing never was so crisp and gorgeous.

Of course, in terms of everyday content streaming you won't have any major concerns there. The Geekom GT1 Max, along with many other options among the best Mini PCs and beyond, can handle 4K streaming without breaking a sweat. Plus, the more streamlined and enhanced networking capabilities found on a Mini PC make it that much easier to tweak your experience where necessary.

Yet, despite my ample fun playing such awesome mods as Elden Ring The Convergence and Armored Core 6 Armoury, using a Mini PC with a 4K TV isn't a foolproof system by any means.

The big kickers

If you're considering getting a Mini PC over one of the best streaming devices, you might want to stick with the latter. While I've generally enjoyed my experience using the GT1 Mega, not everyone has nearly $1,000 to spend on a 4K-ready Mini PC. And even if you were, there are several drawbacks you'll have to consider when using such a device or even a desktop PC paired with a 4K TV.

One of the biggest downsides of going this route mirrors a major gripe of mine after I replaced my PC monitor with the LG C4 OLED — no CEC, otherwise known as Consumer Electronics Control. Essentially, this means I can't turn the Mini PC on when booting up the TV or vice versa, a common feature found on several streaming devices and major gaming consoles.

There are some workarounds for this issue, namely CEC-compliant HDMI adapters. These aren't foolproof, though, and could have unintentional setbacks on image quality, gaming performance, or any number of assorted issues not bound to the Mini PC in particular. And if that wasn't enough, you also have to contend with traditional PC navigation, necessitating the need to always have a mouse and keyboard by your home entertainment setup.

These are fundamental issues with user experience and usability, but then you also open up the can of worms that is HDR compatibility. Your Mini PC most likely won't come equipped with specific HDR support — and worse still, no Dolby Atmos either.

These are just some of the ways using a Mini PC might not be in your best interest. But if you're willing to live with these setbacks and want a change of pace, pairing your 4K TV with a Mini PC could do wonders.

More from Tom's Guide

• New Apple TV expected in 2025 — all the rumors so far
• Google TV and Roku need to steal this one feature from Samsung’s Tizen OS
• LG's amazing transparent OLED TV is now on sale — and I hope you're sitting down for the price

Taking the Minisforum EliteMini AI370 out of the box, I thought “oh great, another silver box of a mini PC.” But little did I know that it was going to be a fantastic powerhouse that can step toe-to-toe with the best mini PCs right now — the M4 Mac mini.

The obvious reason is what is being rocked under the hood with that AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which brings strong performance and impressive graphical prowess, alongside that giant NPU for on-board AI tasks. But really, the AI isn’t really the superpower here, as that combo of optimized processing cores and integrated graphics does mean it can put up a respectable fight with the M4.

On top of that, versatility is at the core of this system — a ton of ports for all your connectivity, a small, lightweight size and a VESA mounting bracket included to hide it round the back of your TV.

But there are a couple issues here. The all-plastic body can feel a little cheap to the touch, all the active cooling to keep everything at 100% does mean the fans can kick up a little loud, and that $1,399 price does put it into some dangerous territory.

By dangerous, I mean the exact same price as the M4 Pro Mac mini. You’re basically getting just a touch more power than standard M4 but at the same price as its superior model that does beat the AI370 in every performance-based metric.

So let me break it down like this. If you are a fully-invested Windows user and you want a great Mac mini lookalike with the horsepower to boot, this is the one to buy. But just be 100% sure about that choice, as I don’t want you to get buyer’s remorse for not going Apple’s way.

Minisforum AI370: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? This is a Copilot+ Mini PC — a small desktop packing the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.
• Who is it for? This is for the crowd who don’t want a giant tower on their desk but don’t wanna give up that zippy performance with something too dinky. Perfect either in a small home office or as a living room PC.
• What does it cost? You can snag one for $1,399 (currently on offer at the more reasonably-priced $1,099).
• What do we like? In a desktop PC, AMD’s new AI chip performs some mini wonders when it comes to productivity and casual gaming performance, the wealth of ports means you’re not left wanting when it comes to connectivity, and the design is built with versatility in mind to hide away in any setup.
• What don’t we like? Fans can kick up a bit of a storm, the plastic casing feels a little cheap to the touch, and at $1,399, this is more than double the price of its main competition in the M4 Mac mini.

Minisforum EliteMini AI370: Specs

Minisforum EliteMini AI370: The ups

The Minisforum EliteMini AI370 certainly has a lot going for it as the Windows equivalent to the M4 Mac mini.

Mini but mighty

When I got my first time with AMD’s new chip in the Asus Zenbook S 16, I was impressed by its performance (particularly that it's a graphical powerhouse). But its x86 processing did take away some of its brownie points in power efficiency.

However, packed into a small desktop machine like the AI370, that’s no longer a problem, and I can truly appreciate what it's capable of. In fact, in some ways, this is a little faster than the current king in the M4 Mac mini.

No matter what I threw at it, this system capably held its own through with blistering speed when multitasking, throwing a complex RAW photo edit at it, even playing games. Integrated graphics were just for the casual gamer in the past. But provided you hone the settings, you can get respectable 1080p performance out of several AAA titles (for example, Forza Horizon 5 can run at a smooth 60 FPS).

Make no mistake about it. For my day-to-day (which can get pretty intensive) this is the fastest mini PC I’ve personally tested.

A fountain of ports

No stinginess can be found with the selection of ports on the Minisforum AI370 — effectively placed for decent cable management on a desk. Multi-monitor support is a cinch with HDMI 2.1 and DP 2.0 round back, and if you want to go for the triple array, the USB4 up front can give you that with the greatest of ease.

It makes this desktop impressively versatile for whatever use case you have. Whether it’s using the HDMI to wire this up to one of the best TVs for a living room PC, or popping this into your home office setup for peak productivity.

One tweak I’d probably ask for is that while having two dual ethernet ports is great for office settings that require higher levels of network security. But it wouldn’t go amiss for the majority if one of these was replaced with an SD card slot.

Versatility as standard

And that adaptability doesn’t just start and stop at the ports. Its simple, utilitarian design does more than you think — packing a lot of use cases within its squared off shape.

On a desk, it’s minimal enough to just sink away unnoticed. But you also get a full VESA mounting bracket with screws in the box. This means that if you wanted to hide it even better, you can absolutely do so by screwing it onto the back of your monitor. It’s almost like a DIY all-in-one PC!

Minisforum EliteMini AI370: The downs

One of these problems is seemingly unavoidable, whereas the other two just seem to be odd choices that Minisforum has made.

A bit noisy

On one hand, this is good news. With the active SSD cooling and giant fan pushing cold air through the machine, you can be rest assured that the sustained performance is guaranteed. But to do so, under heavy loads, you’ll notice a loud, high pitched fan whine as it spins away. In particularly quiet moments of whatever you may be binge watching, this could get a little annoying.

Of course, if you’ve got the knowhow, you can take a look at altering the fan curve without impacting the performance of the machine. But out-the-box, expect to turn your speakers up to block out the fans.

Plastic fantastic

That utilitarian aesthetic may look nice and minimal to the eye, but the lightweight build has a lot to do with the fact that there isn’t a single bit of metal to the frame. There’s no two ways around it — the plastic shell encasing all these internals feels cheap to the touch with that telltale scratchiness and hollowness to its texture.

It should come as no surprise that I would have much preferred an aluminum case here to give it a more upmarket feel. Especially when you take into account the price of this system.

The price is (not so) right

So if this was priced a little closer to the $599 cost of the M4 Mac mini, I would be a little more favorable here. Given it has double the RAM and almost 4x the amount of SSD storage (alongside a ton more ports), I would’ve understood anything up to $999 as an acceptable price.

But $1,399? That’s dicey territory, because it’s the same price as the M4 Pro Mac mini — a far superior chip in key performance metrics. By that point, the decision of whether to buy this machine comes down to preference of OS.

It seems weird that I’m talking about computers and saying that Apple of all companies offers better value for money.

Minisforum EliteMini AI370: Verdict

Deciding whether or not to buy the Mainsforum EliteMini AI370 is a tricky one to make in the shadow of Apple’s Mac mini. But if you do go down the Windows route, this is one of the best you can get.

With AMD’s horsepower running through its veins, this is a speedy machine with plenty of connectivity to work its way into any setup you see fit. It’s great for hiding into a desk setup with its VESA-adaptability, and its minimalist design makes it fit well under any TV as a living room PC too.

You’ve just got to choose between this and the macOS mini PC. Let me try and figure this out:

• If you have a lot of Windows apps and games: Get this one. It’s the better choice in the long run.
• If you have room for flexibility: Consider the Mac mini. The $599 model is only a little slower in certain areas.

The AtomMan G7 Ti is a powerful mini PC with discrete graphics in a very unusual form factor. While most other mini PCs are cube-shaped or rectangular, this one looks more like one of the best gaming laptops stood up on its side without a screen. The AtomMan G7 Ti’s slim design means it won’t take up that much space on your desk.

Under the hood, the AtomMan G7 Ti features either an Intel Core i9 or Core i7 processor with a Nvidia RTX 4070 laptop GPU, which is great for 1080p or 1440p gaming but not quite ready for 4K. You also get Wi-Fi 7 support and there’s a spare M.2 SSD slot to add extra storage. Available as either a fully-configured PC or a barebones one where you need to purchase RAM, storage and a Windows license separately, you have a few options to choose from at checkout.

The AtomMan G7 Ti is a fast, powerful and relatively cool and quiet mini PC thanks to its dual fans, with ventilation holes on the back and air ducts at both the top and bottom. Its unique design won’t be for everyone, though, as you can’t lay this mini PC on its side since it's meant to be used in a vertical orientation.

My AtomMan G7 Ti review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for you or if you’d be better off going with a similarly specced model with a more traditional design.

AtomMan G7 Ti: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A slim and tall mini PC that won’t take up much space on your desk as it’s designed to only be used in a vertical orientation.
• Who is it for? People who want a slim yet powerful mini PC with dedicated graphics for work, content creation or even playing games at 1080p or 1440p.
• What does it cost? The AtomMan G7 Ti costs $1,799 with RAM and an SSD pre-installed or $1,279 for the barebones version, while the AtomMan G7 Ti SE costs $1,599 with RAM and an SSD. However, there’s a slightly cheaper barebones version available, too. Keep in mind though, these cheaper prices are only available when buying this mini PC directly from AtomMan. Expect to pay more on Amazon.
• What do we like? Its unique space-saving design, how cool and quiet it is, the mode switch button on the front, Wi-Fi 7 support, the spare M.2 SSD slot, the SD card reader on the front and the Nvidia RTX 4070 laptop GPU.
• What don’t we like? That its slim design limits the number of available ports, that you can’t use it in a horizontal orientation and that it can get loud during heavy gaming.

AtomMan G7 Ti: Specs

AtomMan G7 Ti: The ups

The AtomMan G7 Ti takes up only a sliver of space on your desk while delivering powerful performance thanks to its Core Ultra processor and dedicated Nvidia graphics. However, you can also lower its power consumption and fan speed at the push of a button when you want to work undisturbed.

Thin as can be

At 15.57 inches tall (14 inches without the included stand), 9.31 inches deep and just 1.28 inches wide, the AtomMan G7 Ti isn’t your typical mini PC. Instead, it really looks more like a headless gaming laptop standing on its side. This design choice won’t be for everyone. However, if you want significantly better performance than other smaller mini PCs in a very thin form factor that doesn’t take up that much space, it could be just what you’re looking for.

While there is plastic used throughout, the AtomMan G7 Ti’s sides are made from aluminum. This gives the device a unique blue-grey look instead of the typical black you find on other mini PCs. The front side is completely smooth while the back is covered in small holes to help with cooling and heat dissipation. Likewise, there are air ducts on the top and bottom, too.

At 5.4 pounds, the AtomMan G7 Ti isn’t that much heavier than mini PCs with a more traditional design like the Acemagic F2A, which weighs 4.58 pounds. However, since it’s so thin, you could easily slip it into the pouch in one of the best laptop bags without the need for a separate case. For instance, I brought that mini PC with me on a trip and the case I used to keep it safe while in transit took up quite a lot of space in my backpack.

An absolute workhorse

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the brand AtomMan, you might have heard of Minisforum as it has been making more traditional mini PCs for over a decade. AtomMan is actually a sub-brand of Minisforum, specializing in high-end, high-performance mini PCs, often with a focus on gaming. As such, the AtomMan G7 Ti sports the latest Intel Core Ultra i9 or i7 processors and comes equipped with a Nvidia RTX 4070 laptop GPU.

In addition to a powerful processor with AI capabilities and dedicated graphics, this slim mini PC also ships with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1TB M.2 SSD and Wi-Fi 7 on board. Performance-wise, it was only slightly slower than the much thicker and AMD-equipped AtomMan G7 PT in our benchmark tests.

I used the AtomMan G7 Ti as my main work PC for a few weeks and even with dozens of open Chrome tabs and GIMP running in the background, it never faltered or showed signs of slowing down. At the same time, it also remained quiet and cool throughout as I mainly used it in Office Mode while working, but more on that later.

The port selection does leave something to be desired, but I absolutely loved having an SD card reader at the front of the AtomMan G7 Ti since I didn’t have to use an external one when uploading photos from my camera.

Once I was done working, I played some of the best PC games on the AtomMan G7 Ti and gaming performance was on par or even slightly better than with the Asus ROG NUC 970, which also comes with an RTX 4070 if you opt for the high-end configuration. With a few tweaks here and there, I was able to run Cyberpunk 2077 at medium settings on my 1080p ultrawide monitor. Older and less demanding games like Rocket League and the skateboarding SIM Session ran great, too, even at this wider resolution.

As for the gaming benchmarks we ran in our lab, the AtomMan G7 Ti excelled at 1080p but struggled with some titles at 4K. We saw 103 fps in Assassin’s Creed Mirage and 91 fps in Metro Exodus at 1080p. Meanwhile, Black Myth: Wukong managed to hit 73 fps at medium settings in 1080p. In 4K though, it ran at a less-than-ideal 25 fps.

Don’t expect the AtomMan G7 Ti to replace one of the best gaming PCs when it comes to sheer power, but if you’re playing at 1080p or even 1440p, you should be able to play many newer titles at over 60 fps with medium settings. After all, this mini PC is more of a workstation than a gaming PC.

More power at the push of a button

Just like with the AtomMan G7 PT, one of my favorite things about the AtomMan G7 Ti is that there’s a dedicated button on the front to switch between performance modes. In Office Mode, this mini PC draws 140W of power and its fans spin at 2,700 rpm. Tapping on the mode switch button enables Game Mode, which ups the power to 180W and increases the rate at which its fans spin to 4,400 rpm.

Noisy fans can be very distracting while working and I loved having the option to turn them down or up given the task at hand. With its fans spinning faster and using more power, the AtomMan G7 Ti did get somewhat loud and I really noticed this while playing Cyberpunk 2077. However, there is a headphone jack on the front in case you want to plug in one of the best gaming headsets to drown out this extra noise.

AtomMan G7 Ti: The downs

The AtomMan G7 Ti has a lot going for it, from its unique look to its powerful internals. However, the slimness of this mini PC means its port selection is closer to a laptop’s and its design limits how you can position it on your desk.

Short on ports

Now don’t get me wrong, the AtomMan G7 Ti has all the essential ports you need and then some. However, due to the fact that it’s just 1.28 inches thick, it can’t have double-stacked ports like on other mini PCs like the Asus Nuc 14 Pro.

On the front, there are two USB Type-A ports, a headphone/microphone combo audio jack and an SD card reader. There’s also a strip of RGB LEDs you can configure using AtomMan’s Control Center app, a mode switch button and the power button at the top.

Around back, you have a barrel port connector for the AtomMan G7 Ti’s 280W power adapter, a USB4 port, an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB Type-A port and a gigabit Ethernet port. One thing that I didn’t like about the device’s rear ports is that they are all located in the center to make room for the air ducts above and below them. I had to use a few extension cables to add this mini PC to my main desk setup and a USB hub when I wanted to plug in the Obsbot Meet 2 webcam for video calls. The limited port selection is par for the course with a device this thin but I would have liked to see an extra USB Type-A port at the back and another USB 4 port on the front.

Vertical orientation only

Unlike with the Asus ROG NUC 970, the included stand isn’t optional with the AtomMan G7 Ti. Instead, you have to install it to get the device to stand up at all since there are nubs on the bottom of this mini PC that slot into it. That said, installation was quick and easy. You just need to install two screws to have the stand firmly attached to the bottom of the AtomMan G7 Ti.

While a vertical-oriented mini PC is great for getting back some precious desk space, I wish you had the option to use the AtomMan G7 Ti horizontally, too. It’s almost like AtomMan did the opposite of what Sony did with the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro since you get a vertical stand but not a horizontal one in the box. I feel like some slide-on feet would let you use the AtomMan G7 Ti horizontally with enough room for the vents at the back to expel hot air from inside its chassis.

If you want a shorter yet still powerful mini PC you can use vertically or horizontally, you might be better off with the AtomMan G7 PT or the Asus ROG NUC 970 instead. Keep in mind that the G7 PT uses an AMD processor and GPU while the ROG NUC 970 has a similar Intel/Nvidia combo like the G7 Ti does.

AtomMan G7 Ti: Verdict

The AtomMan G7 Ti is certainly a powerful and capable mini PC with enough power for photo and video editing as well as playing the latest games, albeit at 1080p or 1440p. It runs cool and stays quiet during less demanding tasks with the option to boost its power and cooling at the push of a button. The AtomMan G7 Ti is also a very futureproof mini PC with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, a dedicated Nvidia RTX 4070 laptop GPU and Wi-Fi 7 on board.

Its design won’t be for everyone, but if you want a powerful PC and are short on desk space, it could be a great choice. Likewise, its slim body means you can bring it with you like a laptop without a bulky case. I would have liked a few more front and back ports but there’s more than enough for most people, especially if you’re using Bluetooth accessories instead of wired ones.

The AtomMan G7 Ti is one of the most unique mini PCs I’ve tested this year, second only to the pocketable Khadas Mind. If you’re after a powerful mini PC that’s a bit different from your standard Mac mini M4-shaped chassis, you won’t be disappointed with this one’s performance.

The Asus NUC 14 Pro is one of the most customizable mini PCs I’ve tested yet, with loads of different configuration options to meet a variety of workflows. You can choose between a slim or a tall case and it’s also available in a barebones configuration, along with a standard one where you don’t have to buy your memory and storage separately. Regardless of which route you go, you then have five different Intel-based processor options to pick from.

Despite the NUC 14 Pro’s absolutely tiny size (it’s even smaller than the Mac mini M4), Asus has managed to cram this mini PC full of ports, though it is missing one particularly useful one. It’s also one of the few mini PCs with not one, but two Thunderbolt 4 ports and if you go with the tall case, you can get third-party expansion brackets to add even more ports around back. Depending on how you configure the NUC 14 Pro though, things can get expensive quickly. Likewise, its fan can be a bit on the noisy side when the system is under heavy load.

My Asus NUC 14 Pro review will help you decide if this is the best mini PC for you or if you’d be better off buying something less customizable but more affordable.

Asus NUC 14 Pro: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A customizable mini PC that’s available in a short or tall chassis.
• Who is it for? Business users or professionals that want a powerful yet small workstation that they can configure to their workflow.
• What does it cost? The Asus NUC 14 Pro can cost as little as $400 in a barebones configuration without memory and storage, but it can go all the way up to $1,000 depending on which processor you choose.
• What do we like? The port configuration, the extra M.2 or 2.5-inch drive bay, the wide range of processor options, and its very small size.
• What don’t we like? There’s no 3.5mm audio jack, its fan can get noisy under load, and depending on how you configure your system, this mini PC can be very expensive.

Asus NUC 14 Pro: Specs

Asus NUC 14 Pro: The ups

The Asus NUC 14 Pro can easily be tailored for most workflows thanks to the numerous configuration options available with multiple processors to choose from. Despite its small size, it also packs plenty of ports, along with a spare M.2 slot and even a 2.5-inch bay for a hard drive or SSD. There’s also a rear expansion slot to add even more ports if you opt for the tall chassis.

Configurations galore

Normally with most mini PCs, you have a few processor options to choose from, along with two options for your RAM (16GB or 32GB) and storage (512GB or 1TB). With the Asus NUC 14 Pro, not only can you pick from five different Intel processors (one Core 3, four Core Ultra), you also get to choose between a slim or a tall chassis. Alternatively, you can buy a barebones version of this mini PC in either size and buy your memory and storage separately. If you’re upgrading from an older Intel NUC, you’ll surely appreciate all of these options. However, if this is your first mini PC, you might be a tad intimidated by all the choices it offers.

The configuration of the NUC 14 Pro from Asus that I tested has a tall chassis, an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor with Intel Arc Graphics, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Even with just 16GB of RAM, I’ve been able to have dozens of Chrome tabs open in multiple windows and quickly edit photos in GIMP. In fact, I used it as my main computer while covering Black Friday and it never missed a beat.

As the Asus NUC 14 Pro is more geared toward productivity and designed for business users, the integrated Intel Arc Graphics aren’t really for gaming. Still, in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, it managed to hit 36 fps at 1080p. You might be able to play some older titles on the NUC 14 Pro, but if you want a mini PC from Asus primarily for gaming, the ROG NUC 970 is a much better, though more expensive choice.

A tiny multi-monitor workstation

Even though the NUC 14 Pro is actually smaller than Apple’s new Mac mini M4, Asus didn’t skimp out on ports. On the front, you get two USB Type-A ports along with a USB Type-C port. The Mac mini M4 does have one port on the front that you won’t find on the NUC 14 Pro, but more on that later.

Around back, there are two USB Type-A ports, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 2.5G Ethernet port, and a power port for the NUC 14 Pro’s barrel jack power connector. It’s worth noting that you get the exact same port selection regardless of whether you go with the slim or tall chassis.

With dual HDMI and dual Thunderbolt ports, you can actually run four of the best monitors off of this tiny little mini PC. That’s one more than on the Mac mini M4, and since you have HDMI as well as Thunderbolt, you won’t need any special adapters or a more expensive monitor with USB-C input to easily power a dual monitor setup.

While I normally use an ultrawide monitor as my main display with a portable monitor underneath it, I decided to do something different with the NUC 14 Pro to utilize both HDMI ports. To the right of my ultrawide, I set up the LG DualUp monitor so that I can have a vertical display next to my main one to see full-size webpages and documents without having to scroll.

Expandable storage and even ports

One of my favorite things about the ROG NUC 970 is that it has two spare M.2 slots. Despite being much smaller, Asus has done something similar with the NUC 14 Pro. However, the tall chassis is the better option if you plan on adding multiple drives.

With the NUC 14 Pro’s slim chassis, you only get one extra M.2 slot (2242). However, with the extra space in the tall chassis, you can also add a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD on the bottom along with an extra M.2 SSD.

Opening the NUC 14 Pro can be tricky the first time, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fairly easy to do. You just need to be careful with the ribbon cable that connects the 2.5-inch bay to the motherboard. Asus claims the NUC 14 Pro has a tool-free design, but I found I needed to use a coin or better yet, a flat-head screwdriver to get the case open.

Another interesting thing about Asus’ NUC line of mini PCs is that there’s a whole third-party ecosystem of accessories for them. For instance, I found a company called GORITE that sells expansion brackets and lid replacements that can be used to add extra USB ports or even antennas to the NUC 14 Pro with a tall chassis. This probably won’t be for everyone, but it could be very useful if you want to configure this mini PC for more specialized workflows after the fact.

Asus NUC 14 Pro: The downs

The Asus NUC 14 Pro almost has every port you’d need on the front and the back, but it’s missing one port in particular that comes standard on every other mini PC. Likewise, its internal fan can get noisy when the system is under heavy load.

No audio jack

After trying out the Mac mini M2 and then the Mac mini M4 right after it, I really came to appreciate its front ports. Besides the two USB-C ports at the front, you also get a 3.5mm audio jack for quickly connecting wired headphones. It took me a while to notice as I either use my monitor’s built-in speakers or a pair of the best computer speakers connected via USB, but on the NUC 14 Pro, there’s no 3.5mm audio jack on the back either.

While this won’t be a deal breaker for most people, it’s a shame that Asus decided to not add a headphone jack to the NUC 14 Pro. There’s a bit of space next to the USB-C port on the front or above the power port on the back where a 3.5mm audio jack would fit perfectly. This can easily be fixed with a USB-to-3.5mm adapter, but one of the reasons to get a Windows-based mini PC over one from Apple is so that you don’t have to deal with dongles.

Noisy under load

During the weeks I’ve spent testing the NUC 14 Pro, it’s been very quiet for the most part. However, when I had a lot of programs open at once or a very RAM-hungry Chrome tab, I did hear the fan spin up occasionally. It’s loud enough that it can be distracting, but once again, this isn’t a deal breaker by any means.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative and don’t mind the extra noise, the Acemagic F2A also comes equipped with an Intel Core Ultra processor. Unfortunately, its dual fans spin almost constantly, and during testing, they got as loud as 55db. Meanwhile, the NUC 14 Pro’s single fan reached a max noise level of 50db when under load.

Asus NUC 14 Pro: Verdict

The Asus NUC 14 Pro is a highly customizable little workstation that delivers where it counts. This mini PC is fast, comes equipped with plenty of ports, and you can even add more storage if need be. I really like the fact that it’s available with either a slim or tall chassis and even the larger one isn’t all that big at just 4.61 x 4.41 x 2.13 inches.

Depending on how you can configure the NUC 14 Pro, it can cost up to $1,000 or as little as $400 if you go with the barebones option and a less powerful CPU. Still, it’s nice to have options, especially if you want to purchase multiple NUC 14 Pros for a business or an office. The third-party bracket and lid customization options are also nice to have, even if the stock configuration is good enough for most people.

If you want a powerful and expandable mini PC from a more well-known brand for work and don’t want to switch to macOS, the NUC 14 Pro is a great choice. However, if this is your first mini PC, all of the options might be a tad overwhelming.

Next spring, Microsoft plans to release a new mini PC built around the company's Windows 365 cloud service. The Windows 365 Link is a $349 miniature PC that connects to the cloud to stream Windows 11.

Cloud PC computing, which links to Windows 365, has existed since 2021. Windows 365 is a service that enables businesses to connect employees to virtual machines via the cloud and stream to multiple devices. Microsoft said in its announcement that as more businesses and organizations have adopted Windows 365, it was felt that enterprises needed a device that "improves user productivity, enhance security, increase IT efficiency, and advance sustainability."

The Link mini PC is a compact, fanless device meant to be an easy-to-use cloud PC that connects to your monitors and peripherals. It could be one of the best mini PCs, assuming it even makes its way to consumers.

"The combination of cloud-powered performance and local processing makes Windows 365 Link an ideal solution for IT professionals seeking to enhance productivity for desk-based workers in their organization," Anthony Smith wrote in Microsoft's blog post.

The device is designed to be secure and won't run anything local on-device other than the operating system, which is meant to get you on the Windows cloud quickly.

While the PC is meant explicitly for businesses and organizations, it does hint at a more cloud-based computing future. Cloud computing has existed in some form since at least 2005 with early versions of AWS.

Unlike sudden leap technology like the smartphone (iPhone first released in 2005) or the sudden need for AI in everything, cloud technology has slowly developed over the last 30 years. There have been attempts at more consumer-ready cloud products, especially on the gaming side, such as the failed Google Stadia.

The Link hints at Microsoft giving cloud computing a real try on the business side, where the systems are already built up and insulated, before bringing out a version to consumers down the road.

In an interview with The Verge, Microsoft execs revealed that the Link will be a Copilot PC with AI capabilities and will open up the cloud PC category to OEM partners. It feels like a business product that could be a good test bed for future consumer mini PCs.

It's a compact PC measuring 4.72-inches x 4.72-inches x 1.18-inches. The device features three USB-A 3.2 ports, one USB-C 3.2 port, a single DisplayPort and HDMI port and an ethernet jack. It also features Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

Microsoft says that a preview of the Windows 365 Link is available now, but you won't be able to purchase the mini PC until April 2025 in "select markets." Presumably, that will include the U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, where the preview is available.

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The Mac mini M4 is finally here and besides featuring an all-new design, this tiny computer is even smaller and more compact than its predecessor. It’s now even faster too thanks to Apple’s M4 chip and comes with 16GB of memory as the new standard on the base model. These and other upgrades make the Mac mini M4 one of the best mini PCs you can buy today, especially if you prefer using macOS over Windows. 

Still, not everyone will be happy with all of the changes Apple has made to the new Mac mini. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading from the Mac mini M2 or you’re considering buying your very first Mac or mini PC, here’s everything you need to know about the Mac mini M4 along with four reasons why you might want to pick one up for yourself and three reasons why it might make more sense to skip Apple’s latest Mac and get something else instead.

Mac mini M4: Reasons to buy

The smallest Mac yet

At just 5 x 5 x 2 inches, the Mac mini M4 is the smallest Mac yet, but don’t let its tiny size fool you. This is a very powerful and capable computer. 

Unlike the previous model which was wider as well as shorter at 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches, this new Mac mini is narrower as well as slightly taller. This along with another big change to its design make the Mac mini M4 look almost like a miniature version of the Mac Studio.

In practical terms though, the Mac mini M4’s smaller size means that it will now take up less space on your desk. Likewise, if you’re the type of person that likes to bring a mini PC with you while traveling or even when going back and forth between the office and home, this new Mac mini is going to be a lot easier to slip into a backpack. It still has an internal power supply too, so you can just bring the power cable without having to worry about lugging around a bulky power adapter.

Excellent performance all around

Since Apple completely skipped over its M3 chip and went right from M2 to M4 with the Mac mini, owners of the previous model will immediately notice a significant performance boost if they do decide to upgrade. For instance, I spent a week using the Mac mini M2 as my daily driver before its launch and once I had this new model set up, I was blown away by just how much faster it was.

From opening apps to browsing the web to just navigating around macOS Sequoia, everything felt a whole lot snappier on the latest Mac mini. Apple has also given the base model of the Mac mini M4 another upgrade besides its new M4 chip by bumping up its memory from 8GB to 16GB of RAM. With the base model of the Mac mini M2, opening Activity Monitor always made me nervous, as I was always a browser tab or two away from using all of its available memory. That’s no longer the case with Mac mini M4 as that extra RAM gives you a bit more breathing room. 

As you can see in the table above, the new Mac mini equipped with Apple’s M4 chip performed significantly better in both single-core and multi-core performance tests using the Geekbench 6 benchmark. However, if you want even more power, extra RAM and a larger SSD, you could always upgrade to the base model of the Mac mini M4 Pro instead.

It finally has front ports

Besides its smaller size, Apple made another major change to the Mac mini M4 as part of its redesign: it now has front ports. Up until now, only the Mac Studio had front ports and the Mac mini just had rear ports. This meant that you had to reach around the back to plug in one of the best iPhones or even a pair of wired headphones.

At the front of the Mac mini M4, there are two USB-C ports, a headphone jack and a small white power LED next to it. While you can’t use these front ports to connect an external display, they’re perfect for those times when you need to charge your keyboard, mouse or any other peripherals. Having an audio jack at the front makes sense for headphones but not for the best computer speakers. Fortunately, many monitors come with built-in speakers as does Apple’s much more expensive Studio Display.

Perfect for multitasking

Around the back of the Mac mini M4, there’s a gigabit Ethernet port, an HDMI port and not two but three Thunderbolt 4 ports. The number of ports and their layout is identical on the Mac mini M4 Pro but instead of Thunderbolt 4, you get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports. Regardless of which version of this new Mac mini you get, you can connect up to three displays simultaneously.

I set up my review unit with Apple’s Studio Display first before I added a touchscreen portable monitor underneath it. From there, I added a dual-screen portable monitor next to it and after downloading and installing a DisplayLink driver, I effectively had four displays to work from. It’s also worth noting that both of these portable monitors weren’t plugged into a power outlet and instead, they were powered entirely by the Mac mini M4.

Depending on the resolution and frame rate of your monitors, you might only be able to run two at the same time from the Mac mini M4. However, this only applies to high 6K or 8K monitors. If you’re using 4K or lower displays, you’ll be able to run three of them at the same time without any issues.

Mac mini M4: Reasons to skip

Awkward power button placement

Previous versions of the Mac mini had a power button on the back right side of the device but that’s no longer the case with this new model. Instead, Apple has put the power button on the underside of the Mac mini M4. While there is a slight gap between the bottom of its case and the cooling fan underneath it, it’s not nearly big enough to slide a finger under. This means that you’re going to have to lift up the Mac mini M4 every time you want to turn it on.

This is quite strange on Apple’s part but apparently it was done this way due to the Mac mini M4’s smaller size. If you turn your computer off at the end of the day, you’re going to have to get used to putting it to sleep for the night instead. Personally, it took me a while but after about a week, I’ve gotten used to this change. 

If the Mac mini M4’s power button placement is a deal breaker for you, don’t worry as workarounds are already being developed. For instance, the 3D printing community has created a prototype that lets you turn the device on without lifting it up and I’m sure that Mac accessory makers are already working on their own solutions for this problem as well.

Upgrades don’t come cheap

With the Mac mini M4, you do get 16GB instead of 8GB of RAM with the base model. However, it still comes with a smaller 256GB SSD and not a 512GB SSD like on the Mac mini M4 Pro. You can use an external SSD to get around these storage limitations and there’s always iCloud cloud storage as well.

Apple hasn’t changed how it prices upgrades for both RAM and storage and with the Mac mini M4, it costs $200 to move up to the next tier for both. Meanwhile, with the Mac mini M4 Pro, upgrades are even more expensive as the increase in RAM and storage is more significant with each tier. It costs $100 to upgrade either model’s gigabit Ethernet port with a 10 gigabit one though.

Since Apple has bumped up the minimum amount of RAM in the base Mac mini M4, most people won’t likely feel the need to upgrade as strongly as they might have with the previous model. Still, you want to consider your workload and how demanding it is before configuring your Mac mini M4 or Mac mini M4 Pro.

Far from a gaming PC

Apple has really touted the gaming performance of its M4 chips but I’d recommend you temper your expectations when it comes to gaming on either the Mac mini M4 or the Mac mini M4 Pro. While you can play lots of different games on either machine, in our testing, we noticed that older games fared best but even some of them didn’t run at a steady 60 fps at 1080p.

For instance, on the Mac mini M4 with an upgraded 512GB SSD, Shadow of the Tomb Raider ran at 40 fps and Civilization VI managed to hit 52 fps. On the Mac mini M4 Pro though, it was a different story with both games running at more than 80 fps. In recent years, Mac gaming has made significant headway, but if gaming is your main focus, you’ll be better off with one of the best gaming PCs instead.

It’s also worth noting that Xbox Game Pass and other cloud gaming services work on Mac and with Wi-Fi 6E support on both the standard and pro Mac mini M4, you should have a lag free experience, granted you’re using one of the best Wi-Fi routers or one of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems.

Mac mini M4: Outlook

The Mac mini M4 is a huge upgrade over its predecessor thanks to Apple’s M4 chips and the fact that the base model now comes with double the memory. It’s also one of the best looking Macs yet and takes up even less space on your desk. The new front ports are a nice touch as well and make the Mac mini M4 more convenient to use, even if you have to lift it up off your desk to turn it on.

If you’re coming from a Mac mini M2 or even an older Mac mini M1, switching to this new model will be a big upgrade in terms of performance. Alternatively, if you were thinking of picking up the previous version at a discount now that the Mac mini M4 is here, I’d say it’s worth spending a bit extra on this newer model.

Now that the Mac mini has gotten a major upgrade and a complete redesign, it will be interesting to see what Apple decides to do with the Mac Studio. If you use your desktop Mac for photo editing, video editing or other more demanding workloads, it’s probably worth waiting for the next Mac Studio instead of picking up a Mac mini M4.

For most people though, the Mac mini M4 is one of the best mini PCs you can get right now if you want to keep using macOS instead of switching to Windows.

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The Mac mini M4 is a big step up from its predecessor with a faster chip, more memory and plenty of ports on both the front and back of the device. Its smaller size and new design are the most apparent differences at first glance, but it's the power of the M4 chip under its hood and the fact that the base model comes equipped with more RAM that really makes a difference.

Like the Mac mini M1 back in 2020, this new model revolutionizes Apple’s smallest Mac yet. There’s quite a lot to like about the Mac mini M4 but like all products, its not without its flaws. The biggest of which is Apple’s decision to put the power button underneath the device as opposed to at the rear like on previous models. If you turn your computer off every night, this will take some getting used to but having used the Mac mini M4 as my daily driver, I was able to adjust to putting it to sleep instead of shutting it down.

I think this is the best mini PC for most people that prefer macOS over Windows, and my Mac mini M4 review will help you decide if it’s right for you— or if it’s worth paying slightly over two times as much for the more powerful M4 Pro model.

Mac mini M4: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? Apple’s smallest desktop computer yet.
• Who is it for? People who want their first Mac or to upgrade to a new one without paying extra for a laptop they only plan on using at their desk.
• What does it cost? The Mac mini M4 starts at $599 while the Mac mini M4 Pro starts at $1,399 and both systems can be upgraded with additional RAM, storage and 10 gigabit Ethernet.
• What do we like? The smaller design, the three Thunderbolt 4 ports at the rear, the USB-C ports and headphone jack at the front and how the base model now comes with 16GB of RAM.
• What don’t we like? The awkwardly placed power button on the bottom of the device, that it ships with a 256GB SSD instead of something bigger and how upgrading its RAM and storage is still quite expensive.

Mac mini M4: Specs

Mac mini M4: The ups

The Mac mini M4 improves upon what was already a great mini PC with excellent performance, extra ports on both the front and back and a much more capable base model. Its smaller size also makes it a more compelling upgrade that takes up less space on your desk.

A truly tiny Mac

At just 5 x 5 x 2 inches, the Mac mini M4 is absolutely tiny and it easily fits in your hand. While the Mac mini M2 was wider and shorter at 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches, this completely redesigned model takes up even less space on your desk than before. Likewise, it still has a built-in power supply, so you don’t need to worry about lugging around a bulky power adapter like you do with the Acemagic F2A and almost every other Windows-based mini PC.

Besides its smaller size and slightly taller profile, which make it look more like the Mac Studio, the new Mac mini ships with Apple’s M4 chips. The base model has an M4 chip with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence and other AI-related tasks while the upgraded version ships with an M4 Pro chip. The biggest upgrade though, is that 16GB of memory is the new standard for the Mac mini M4 even though it retains the same 256GB SSD for storage.

I recently spent a week with the Mac mini M2 ahead of the launch of this new model and I immediately noticed the difference moving from 8GB to 16GB of RAM. Instead of constantly worrying that I had too many browser tabs or apps opened simultaneously, the Mac mini M4 was easily able to hold up to my workflow, which mostly involves writing in Chrome and editing photos in GIMP.

At the same time, I didn’t notice any slowdown when opening apps or folders or changing settings thanks to Apple’s more powerful M4 chip, though macOS Sequoia likely helped here too. Everything just works and works well, which is the kind of experience one expects from a Mac.

Ports where you need them

I thought Apple might do something similar to the Mac mini M2 with this new model when it came to ports. However, both the Mac mini M4 and the Mac mini M4 Pro have the same number of ports. The big difference is that the base model comes equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports while the pro model has Thunderbolt 5 ports.

While previous iterations of the Mac mini didn’t have any front ports whatsoever, the Mac mini M4 now has two USB-C ports and a headphone jack where you can easily reach them. There isn’t an SD card reader like on the front of the Mac Studio, but the Mac mini is more of a general use computer after all.

On the back of the Mac mini M4, there isn’t a single USB-A port to be found. Instead, you get three Thunderbolt 4 ports along with an HDMI port and a gigabit Ethernet port (which can be upgraded to 10 gigabit). This more streamlined approach to ports is a welcome change since all of Apple’s devices now use the same connector. I would have liked one or two USB-A ports for third-party accessories but I’m a bit of an outlier here.

A multitasker’s delight

Just like with the port selection, Apple has standardized how many external displays you can use with the Mac mini M4 and Mac mini M4 Pro. Both machines support up to three external displays, but the resolutions you can run them at are different — more on that in a bit.

In my own testing, I had the Mac mini M4 connected over Thunderbolt 4 to the Studio Display that Apple sent over with it. Since I prefer a multi-monitor setup, I added a portable monitor with a touchscreen underneath it which really helped when multitasking. To see what the Mac mini M4 was really capable of though, I added a dual-screen portable monitor next to it. I did have to download a DisplayLink driver to get both of its screens working but when I did, I had four displays at my disposal instead of the standard three. Both of these portable monitors were also powered by the Mac mini M4 and I didn’t need to plug them into an external power adapter.

With the Mac mini M4, you can run two 6K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate using Thunderbolt and a third 4k display at 60Hz over HDMI. You can also run a dual monitor setup with one 5K display and one 8K display at 60Hz over Thunderbolt or swap one out for a 4k display with a higher 240Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the Mac mini M4 Pro can run three 6K displays at 60Hz or one 6K display with either an 8K display at 60Hz or a 4K display at 240Hz in a dual monitor setup. Professionals with higher resolution monitors will appreciate all of these options, but they are more likely to go with the Mac Studio or Mac Pro over the Mac mini anyways.

Clearing your gaming backlog (mostly)

If you want to play the latest games at great framerates, you’re still better off buying one of the best gaming PCs over the Mac mini M4 or another more powerful Mac. Still though, Apple has made a lot of headway when it comes to gaming on a Mac in recent years.

While you certainly won’t be able to play everything, a number of older games performed quite well in our test lab. For instance, Shadow of the Tomb Raider ran at 40 fps while Civilization VI nearly reached 60 fps on the base Mac mini in our tests. Performance was even better on the Mac mini M4 Pro with both of these games running at over 80 fps.

As I often test out gaming-focused mini PCs like the Asus ROG NUC 970 and the AtomMan G7 PT for work, I have a large library of the best PC games on Steam. After downloading Steam onto the Mac mini M4, I opened my library to find that most of my games that do work on Mac are a bit older.

To test out its gaming performance, I downloaded a few games and after experiencing issues with several of the best PC game controllers, I decided to use my trackball mouse and a keyboard to play through the remastered version of 2007’s Bioshock. It ran well on the Mac mini M4 and if, like me, you have a big backlog of PC games, you’ll likely be able to play through many of them on the base Mac mini. Don’t forget that Xbox GamePass and other cloud gaming services work on Mac too though.

Mac mini M4: The downs

The Mac mini M4 is certainly an improvement over its predecessor but it’s not without its downsides. Namely, its oddly placed power button and the fact that optional RAM and storage upgrades still cost significantly more compared to the competition.

Hard pressed for power

If you rarely shut off your computer, then the Mac mini M4 could be the perfect upgrade over the Mac mini M2. You see, unlike with its predecessor where the power button was on the back right side, Apple decided to put the power button on the bottom of this new Mac mini.

Both are less than ideal but at least with the Mac mini M2, its placement was justified since the power button is out of the way — yet still reachable — and less likely to be pressed accidentally.

With the Mac mini M4 though, you run into a different problem entirely as its power button is completely unreachable without lifting the computer up off your desk. There is a cooling vent underneath the computer that lifts its aluminum unibody case up slightly. However, the gap between it and your desk is too small to stick a finger underneath to press the power button.

Fortunately, the 3D printing community is already developing workarounds for the power button’s awkward placement and I can almost guarantee that Mac mini accessory makers will devise their own clever ways to solve this problem.

It’s a shame though because if the Mac mini M4’s cooling vent was just slightly taller, reaching the power button wouldn’t be an issue at all. The M4 chip that powers the device is designed to use less power though, especially in sleep mode, so leaving your Mac mini on all the time shouldn’t use that much energy. It just takes some getting used to.

Upgrades don’t come easy

Although the Mac mini M4 now comes equipped with 16GB of RAM by default, Apple hasn’t changed how it prices RAM and storage upgrades at all. It still costs an extra $200 (£200, AU$300) to move up to the next tier with either.

Once you upgrade the Mac mini M4 with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, you're looking at a $999 (£999, AU$1,599) purchase. At that point, you might as well spend a bit extra and go with the base model of the Mac mini M4 Pro at $1,399 (£1,399, AU$2,199) which gets you these upgrades as well as the faster M4 Pro chip with a 12-core CPU and a 16-core GPU.

Like with most other Apple products these days, you can’t upgrade them on your own or after you’ve purchased them. This means you’re stuck with what you bought originally. Thankfully, the Mac mini M4 comes with enough RAM that unless you’re doing a lot of video or photo editing or running complex AI models locally, you won’t need to upgrade to a higher tier or go with the Mac mini M4 Pro.

Mac mini M4: Verdict

The Mac mini M4 is a beautifully designed mini PC and its smaller size will likely be a welcome addition on most desks. Not only do you now get ports in the front as well as in the back, they all use the same connector. The base model of the Mac mini M4 also now comes with 16GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most users.

Having a power button on the back of the device instead of the bottom would have made a lot more sense. Still, I’ve been using the Mac mini M4 as my daily driver for almost a week now and as someone who turns off their desktop computer every night, I’ve managed to acclimate to this change. Cheaper RAM and storage upgrades would have been nice too, but Apple redesigned the Mac mini, not how it prices upgrades.

The Mac mini M4 is an excellent mini PC and besides being the smallest, it’s also the most powerful one Apple has released yet. Now I’m looking forward to seeing what the company does with the next version of the Mac Studio.

The Khadas Mind is an extremely portable and modular mini PC that looks more like an external hard drive than a computer. It sports a sleek anodized aluminum finish and still comes with full-sized ports despite its tiny size. The Khadas Mind is a capable mini PC on its own but you can add more ports, extra functionality and even a desktop-style graphics card with either of the company’s docks.

I was intrigued by the Khadas Mind when it was first announced but after testing the device for the past few months, it really feels like the future. Not only can you dock it but you can also slip it into your pocket, plug it in somewhere else and get right back to what you were doing thanks to its built-in 5.5Wh battery that’s advertised to last for up to 25 hours when the device is in sleep mode.

My Khadas Mind review will help you decide if this novel approach to computing is just a gimmick or if this pocketable computer is one of the best mini PCs you can get today.

Khadas Mind: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A tiny, rectangular-shaped mini PC that’s small enough to fit in your pocket.
• Who is it for? People looking for a very portable mini PC they can bring with them and use at home as well as in the office.
• What does it cost? The standard Khadas Mind costs $649 while the premium version costs $899.
• What do we like? Its sleek, space-age design, how small it is, the built-in battery for hot-swapping, the spare M.2 SSD slot on the bottom and how you can add more ports as well as bolster its capabilities using either the standard or the graphics dock.
• What don’t we like? It’s priced slightly higher than other mini PCs due to its design and portability and the optional accessories carry a premium price tag as well.

Khadas Mind: Specs

Khadas Mind: The ups

From its sleek and modular design to the fact that it’s powered by USB-C instead of a barrel-port connector, there’s quite a lot to like about the Khadas Mind on its own. However, this mini PC becomes even more capable when magnetically attached to Khadas’ Mind Dock or Mind Graphics dock.

Slim enough for your pocket

At just 5.74 x 4.13 x 0.79 inches, the Khadas Mind is an absolutely tiny mini PC that manages to pack in plenty of power and full-sized ports. In fact, it’s even smaller — though just slightly wider — than Apple’s new Mac mini M4. Likewise, while the latest Mac mini still uses a standard AC plug for power, the Khadas Mind is powered via USB-C. It comes with a 65W power adapter but in my testing, I found that a GaN charger works just as well.

Even though the Khadas Mind is literally small enough to slip into your pocket, it comes equipped with two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports (one for power) and an HDMI 2.0 port. Surprisingly, when you flip it over, there’s even a free M.2 NVMe 2230 SSD slot in case you want to add extra storage. While the Standard model comes with a 512GB SSD, the Premium version has a 1TB SSD.

The Khadas Mind comes equipped with either an Intel Core i5-1340P or Intel Core i7-1360P processor depending on which version you get. I tested the Premium model and in the benchmarks above, you can see it was able to hold its own (for the most part) against the more powerful Acemagic F2A mini PC which has a newer Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor and a larger chassis at 5.79 x 5.79 x 2.05 inches.

A truly portable mini PC

The Khadas Mind is small enough to bring with you, and it has another trick up its sleeve that might make you consider doing so. Even though this is a mini PC and not one of the best laptops, it still has a built-in 5.5Wh battery. The Khadas Mind can be used with a portable monitor to work for 20 minutes or so but this isn’t why it has a battery. Instead, the built-in battery is designed for when the device is in sleep mode.

Although I work from home, I have several desk setups spread throughout my house since in addition to mini PCs, I also test and review the best standing desks. With the Khadas Mind, I was able to work on something in my office, disconnect it and then plug it into my Samsung M5 monitor in another room and quickly pick up right where I left off. I was also able to do all this with a single cable too since that monitor delivers 65W of power over USB-C.

From there, I set up Khadas’ two docks at different desks and did the exact same thing by magnetically docking and undocking the Mind. If your job lets you bring your own computer or you move between houses or apartments throughout the week, this feature alone could make the Khadas Mind a better choice over other mini PCs.

Docked and loaded

Although you can absolutely use the Khadas Mind on its own, this mini PC is even better when docked. Now I’m not talking about using it with your run-of-the-mill laptop dock or even a multi-purpose dock like the Anker 675 USB-C charging station.

Khadas has two different docks you can magnetically attach it to: the standard Mind Dock with more ports, a fingerprint reader, an SD card reader, a volume knob and support for multiple displays, or the much beefier Mind Graphics Dock that adds a Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti graphics card, built-in speakers and a slew of additional ports at the back.

The Mind Dock adds an extra USB-A port, an SD card reader and a 3.5mm audio jack up front along with a fingerprint reader on the left for Windows Hello and even a volume knob on the right. On the back, you get another USB-C port (for power), two USB-A ports, two HDMI ports and an Ethernet port. Besides the extra ports and support for multiple displays, I really liked the fingerprint reader and the volume knob on the Mind Dock as they both make interacting with your mini PC a bit easier.

If you want to turbocharge the Khadas Mind though, then the Mind Graphics dock is what you need. It features a Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti desktop GPU — with either 8GB or 16GB of VRAM — and even more ports than the much smaller Mind Dock.

On the front, there’s a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB-C port and an SD card reader along with a splash of customizable RGB lighting right above the logo. On the right side, there’s also a fingerprint reader and volume controls for its built-in, dual speaker system. It also has a built-in far-field microphone array for those times when you’d rather talk to your computer instead of typing.

With the Khadas Mind magnetically attached to the Mind Graphics dock, the gaming performance boost is immediately apparent. In Civilization VI: Gathering Storm where the mini PC managed just 23 fps on its own, the frame rate jumped up to 141 fps when docked. Borderlands 3, Shadow of the Tomb Raider and slightly older titles ran well above 100 fps.

Even if you don’t plan on playing games, the Mind Graphics dock could be a worthwhile accessory if you plan on editing photos or video or doing other more demanding tasks that require a discrete GPU. You also get more ports on the front and back and additional power since unlike the Mind Dock, it uses a standard AC plug for power.

Khadas Mind: The downs

The Khadas Mind is the most unique mini PC I’ve tested yet. However, it’s not without drawbacks, like its higher price compared to other similarly specced mini PCs and the fact that the Mind Dock and Mind Graphics dock use Khadas’ proprietary Mind Link connector which means you’re buying into an ecosystem.

Paying a premium for portability

At $649 for the standard model and $899 for the premium one, the Khadas Mind is more expensive than similarly specced mini PCs. This makes sense though as it’s a much smaller device and sourcing components for it is likely more difficult too. At the same time, the Khadas Mind also has a more premium anodized aluminum finish while many other mini PCs use plastic for their cases.

If portability and modularity aren’t your top priorities, you may want to consider the Acemagic F2A or even the Mac mini if you prefer macOS over Windows. Likewise, if you have the budget for the Khadas Mind and the Mind Graphics Dock, you could get either the AtomMan G7 PT or the Asus ROG NUC 970 for slightly more.

It’s also worth noting that Khadas is preparing to launch the Mind 2 after revealing it earlier this year. This new version of the company’s pocketable PC features Intel’s Core Ultra CPUs and in addition to a standard and premium version, there’s also a configuration that pairs an Intel Core Ultra 7 with a whopping 64GB of RAM.

Buying into an ecosystem

If you buy a standard laptop dock like the Plugable TBT4-UD5 or the Ugreen Revodok Max 313, you’ll be able to use it with any laptop or mini PC. However, the same can’t be said about Khadas’ docking stations. While you can use the Mind Graphics dock with any laptop or PC via Thunderbolt, the same can’t be said for the Mind Dock. This is because it uses Khadas’ proprietary Mind Link connector and not USB-C.

So far, Khadas is still going strong after launching in 2016 which means the company won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. However, if it does and you invested heavily into the Mind Family ecosystem, you might be stuck with peripherals that don’t work with any of your other devices. Likewise, you could put together something similar performance-wise to the Mind Graphics dock on your own but it won’t look nearly as good. In the end, the choice is yours but it’s still something to consider.

Khadas Mind: Verdict

The Khadas Mind is truly a unique mini PC and in a way, it reminds me of the Framework Laptop. While it’s a capable little computer on its own, it’s even more useful when paired with either the Mind Dock or Mind Graphics Dock. Khadas is also working on a tablet dock you can slip the Mind into and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a laptop version down the line. If you’re looking for the most portable mini PC possible and want the option to expand its capabilities after the fact, the Khadas Mind is a great option and the Mind 2 looks to be an even better — though more expensive one — when it launches this year.

If portability or size aren’t that important to you though, you can get a more powerful mini PC for less. However, you’d be hard pressed to find one that looks as good as the Khadas Mind and uses USB-C for power instead of a bulky barrel-port connector.

The Asus ROG NUC 970 is a powerful, gaming-focused mini PC in a unique chassis that allows it to be used in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. There’s a nice selection of rear ports with support for up to four 4K monitors, and you can easily add more storage thanks to the two free M.2 slots or upgrade its RAM.

After acquiring the rights to Intel’s Next Unit of Compute (NUC) line of mini PCs last year, Asus is now making its own NUC devices. The ROG NUC 970 is its first NUC mini PC for gaming and it comes equipped with an Intel Core Ultra processor and a Nvidia laptop GPU due to size limitations. Even with a tiny 2.5-liter chassis though, it packs a punch performance-wise while remaining both cool and quiet.

The ROG NUC 970 does come at a premium price compared to other mini PCs. However, this is because it sports a unique design, has Asus’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) branding and of course, its discrete GPU. Our Asus ROG NUC 970 review will help you decide if the extra cost is worth it and whether or not this is the best mini PC for your needs.

Asus ROG NUC 970: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A gaming-focused mini PC with an Intel CPU and a discrete laptop GPU from Nvidia.
• Who is it for? Gamers who are short on space that need a powerful gaming PC but don’t want to build their own.
• What does it cost? The base model of the ROG NUC 970 costs $1,629 while the more powerful version with a better CPU and GPU costs $2,199.
• What do we like? Its small size, that it can be used in a vertical or horizontal orientation, the included stand, the front and rear port selection, the extra M.2 SSD slots and its 1440p gaming performance.
• What don’t we like? The premium price is too high for what you get specs-wise, and it comes with Wi-Fi 6E and not Wi-Fi 7.

Asus ROG NUC 970: Specs

Asus ROG NUC 970: The ups

The Asus ROG NUC 970 is one of the most powerful mini PCs I’ve tested yet and its performance is on par with the best gaming laptops. Its unique design and customizable RGB backlit panel help it stand out from the crowd and while you can’t upgrade its CPU or GPU, you can add more storage or swap out its RAM.

A portable powerhouse 

At 10.62 x 7.09 x 2.36 inches, the ROG NUC 970 is on the larger side for a mini PC but much smaller than a gaming desktop. Size-wise, it’s quite similar to the Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT but instead of using an AMD CPU and GPU, it ships with an Intel Core Ultra processor and either a Nvidia RTX 4060 or 4070 laptop GPU. These are paired with 16GB or 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB or 1TB SSD.

On the front of the ROG NUC 970, there are two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack and an SD card reader but no USB-C port. Around back though, there are four USB Type-A ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port with DisplayPort 2.1, an HDMI 2.1 port, two DisplayPort 1.4a connections, a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and a power connector. The ROG NUC 970 can drive four of the best monitors at a 4K resolution, which makes it a great choice for creatives as well as gamers.

Although this mini PC was designed with gaming in mind, it offers exceptional performance for work-related tasks too. I was able to have dozens of Chrome tabs open simultaneously and multitasking on the ROG NUC 970 felt quite snappy in Windows 11. There also wasn’t a lot of pre-installed software either.

When it came to gaming on the ROG NUC 970, frame rates at 1080p with all the settings turned up were around 100 fps in older titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Borderlands 3. Meanwhile, more demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 hit a solid 60 fps with medium settings at 1080p. You can easily push the ROG NUC 970 to 1440p too, though we tested it at 1080p and 4k. 

The device remained cool and quiet throughout my play sessions but unlike with the AceMagic F2A mini PC, you can control fan speed using Asus’ Armory Crate software.
 

Ready for any setup

The ROG NUC 970 comes with a stand to use it in a vertical orientation, which is ideal if you have a desk setup without a lot of space. This also lets you show off the backlit RGB Republic of Gamers logo. You can customize its color and lighting effects in Armory Crate but Asus also includes additional plastic inserts so that you can swap in your own logo too.

If you have the space or want to put the ROG NUC 970 under your monitor like I ended up doing, you can lay the device on its side in a horizontal orientation. There are rubber feet on the bottom to ensure it gets enough airflow to keep its internals cool, and the ROG logo on the front is more prominent this way.

Small but still expandable

Before I added the ROG NUC 970 to my desk setup, I opened it up to take a look at the components inside. There’s a locking mechanism at the back that lets you slide its case off, and when open a single cable for the RGB backlight holds the two pieces together.

Opening the ROG NUC 970 lets you swap in a new plastic insert for the RGB backlit panel but you can also upgrade its RAM or add more storage. I was surprised when I found not one but two spare M.2 SSD slots. By adding two extra SSDs, you’ll have more than enough storage space for all of the best Steam games.

Asus ROG NUC 970: The downs

The Asus ROG NUC 970 sets itself apart from other mini PCs with its powerful internals and unique design. However there are some downsides you need to be aware of, including its premium price and 4K gaming performance.

Not quite 4K ready

With the higher specced version of the ROG NUC 970 that features a Nvidia RTX 4070 laptop GPU, you’re not going to have any problems running modern titles at 1080p or 1440p with all of the settings turned up. However, if you were hoping for a pint-sized, 4K-capable mini gaming PC, you might need to lower your expectations.

Instead of a solid 60 fps, in our benchmark testing we found that many games run at a lower but still playable 30 fps. For instance, Shadow of the Tomb Raider ran at 34 fps and Total War: Warhammer III ran at 30 fps in 4K. 

As the ROG NUC 970 is using one of the latest Nvidia laptop GPUs though, you do have the option to use upscaling tech like DLSS to eke out a few more frames here and there though. In my experience, this mini PC is great for playing games at your desk on a 1080p or 1440p monitor but isn’t quite powerful enough that you can hook it up to one of the best 4K TVs in your living room. 

Paying a premium for portability

When compared to a gaming laptop or building your own PC, paying over $2,000 for the higher end configuration of the ROG NUC 970 may seem silly to some. However, in this case, you’re paying more for portability and aesthetics. The ROG NUC 970 is small enough to fit in a backpack at 5.7 pounds and when paired with a portable monitor, it could be the perfect mini PC for gaming on the go.

The ROG branding and gamer-centric design is another reason for this mini PC’s higher price. I do like how it looks on my desk a bit more than the Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT which features a similar RGB backlit panel. However, you can’t control its lighting and instead of a Minisform or an AtomMan logo, it features an anime-inspired graphic.

Asus ROG NUC 970: Verdict

Just like with other mini PCs, the ROG NUC 970 won’t be for everyone. However, if you’re looking for a gaming-focused mini PC that can be used vertically or horizontally and are short on space, it just might be for you. While a USB-C port on the front would have been nice, the rear I/O more than makes up for this, especially if you plan on using it with multiple monitors. There’s also some upgradability and you can add more storage or swap out its RAM.

The ROG NUC 970 is priced like a gaming laptop without the screen and keyboard but for mini PC enthusiasts like myself, this is exactly the kind of device we’ve been waiting for. 

The UPERFECT Delta is a dual-screen portable monitor that folds up like a laptop to protect both of its 15.6-inch, FHD displays when in transit. There’s a built-in kickstand, rubber feet on the sides and bottom to hold it in place as well as VESA mounting holes so you can add it to your desk setup. 

At just under four pounds, the UPERFECT Delta weighs about as much as one of the best laptops. When closed, it’s only half an inch thick. It’s easy to slip into a backpack and its folding design means you won’t have to worry about a case. A single USB-C cable can power and drive both displays simultaneously when connected to a laptop,, but there are also two mini HDMI ports for your other devices. You can use the screens independently with two devices at the same time or even fold the UPERFECT Delta in half if you want to share a screen with a friend or coworker. 

You are paying a premium for the UPERFECT Delta compared to purchasing two portable monitors separately. However, the convenience is worth the added cost for those that want a portable multi-monitor setup powered by a single cable. Our UPERFECT Delta review will help you decide if this is the ultimate accessory for working from anywhere.

UPERFECT Delta: Cheat Sheet