Bought a Minisforum UM790 Pro barebones for £369 UKP. The 7940HS cpu is a monster. Adding 32GB DDR5 and a Gen 4 NVMe only cost me £70 plus £35. Value and top performance in one package.
Thanks for the Top 5 video Rob. You're doing top work and I'm really pleased it sounds like there's increasing audience and support to help you keep on keeping on. Cheers!
Good video. Finally seeing lower priced mini PCs with oculink. Gives an extra incentive to buy them, especially the Intel based ones. I know we will never see one, but I do wonder what eGPU an Intel N100 would be able to support without bottlenecking.
The one I want is just out of my range, (the SER 9). I am surprised it didn't include USB4 and/or Oculink. I enjoy your video's, and at some point my disposable will cross paths with 1 of your recomendations.
I was kind of surprised to see the Minisforum UM890 Pro not even get an honorable mention for this list. Why not? It's (relatively) new but... so? It checks most all of the boxes at a solid price too so I'm a little surprised by this.
I'm surprised you completely glossed over the biggest downside of the SER9: the fact that the RAM is soldered so if you have any intent of bumping that you can't. That's the reason I chose a different mini over it (a barebones UM890, sure it's an 8945HS vs the HX 370, but I can put 96 GB of ram in it).
I hope 2025 and Strix Halo brings something special to the table! Outperforming a 7945HX in the same form factor? m4 pro level of memory bandwidth? Yes please :D
As for the GEM12 memory OC, it enables you to set the Clock to any JEDEC spec found in the SPD. You CANNOT set a clock higher than SPD spec. So if you have 5600MT/s modules with the 6900HX you can set the memory speed. If the module will be only 4800MT/s you cannot. Also anything marked XMP etc will be ignored. So much for the overclocking.
I ordered the Beelink EQi12 but the ram was a bit low for me (I need to have over 200 browser tabs open for Zoho CRM). I sold it to a friend and ordered the Beelink SER8 with 32GB ram. Its very fast and does what I need. But I have noticed that the EQi12 was quiter than the SER8. I have noticed that the SER8 fan keeps running even when in sleep mode. I have hardly ever seen the cpu working above 20%. Mostly it just runs between 5 and 10% of cpu during my heavy work loads. So it doesn't need to use full power. If i limit the cpu% in the power settings, would it be safe to turn the fan off? Is there a better option in the bios to turn the fan off until it gets too hot?
I prefer better cooling and less fan noise over a cheaper unit, but the K8 Plus is good for the dollars. See which one has the better deal next week during the sales.
Personally, the HX99G would be the better buy over the G7 PT just because you have the 2xUSB4 ports in the back of the unit so if the GPU becomes obsolete then you could still use an eGPU solution and sure that USB4 is a little slower than OCuLink but the thing is when you slap in something like a RX 7900 GRE you would get a lot more performance than the RX 7600M XT and you're be able to do 1440p/4K gaming without issues.
My current setup is a MacBook M1 connected to a monitor, Apple Magic Keyboard, and a Bluetooth mouse. I love it. I work in music production and also use Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop, and it handles everything well. The only thing missing is a gaming console. I’m leaning towards a PS5 because it’s easy to use, but it doesn't have the online capabilities I’m looking for. I don’t want a bulky PC either since I move around a lot. I’ve recently discovered mini PCs. Would you recommend a mini PC for my setup, or is there something else that would work? Ideally, I’d like to plug the mini PC into my monitor alongside the MacBook M1 and switch between them. I’d also use the Magic Keyboard and Bluetooth mouse for both devices. The mini PC would mainly be for gaming, like GTA 5 RP, and I’d like to stream on Twitch from it as well. I’m hoping to find a mini PC that can handle all of this.
PS will rely on the CPU most of the time, but for the AI stuff like Neural Filters it'll use the integrated graphics. Intel's iGPU has been optimised for the Adobe suite, so there's a good choice if that's the main use. Otherwise any mini in the list is plenty powerful for image editing. They all handled my 4K video project in Premiere.
@khaleel_as I have not seen any gaming test on TH-cam or reddit with the 8745HS yet. Beelink tells there is no difference from the 8845HS, but some users have commented on their site that they are having some problems with gaming
Should have an 8745HS mini coming soon (not SER8). Slight clock speed downgrade on the 8745HS. I expect a similar situation to the 6900HX and 7735HS where the difference was small.
Nice video! Never heard of Minisforum AtomMan G7 Pt Mini PC before today. Great competition with Minisforum HX99G. It's gaming performance beats the HX, but the price is very high. $1,500 in the USA vs $720 for the HX99G.
I think All who knows will support that we need high performance in Ryzen 9 series 9000 oculink integrated, affordable. The offered options are overpriced compared to laptops of similar capacities and additives.
Many of the Chinese brands don't make mini PCs. They source it from a manufacturer and put their name on it. The GEM12 was made by Tianbei. Other AOOSTAR minis are made by different manufacturers.
@@Robtech It's interesting what you write. Can you name which other companies are real MiniPc manufacturers? Beelink and Minisforum also outsource the production of their products to other companies?
Ahh it's hilarious to me to call the ser8 'mac mini inspired' when it came out before! Apple should get right on sueing beelink for stealing their look then going back in time to release it first! XD
Lots of reasons he won't do mac I'm sure. Few I can say is they don't game easy (or at all). Crazy overpriced and very limited in what you can do with MacOS.
Amazon fulfills warranty claims. I've returned multiple items during the warranty period. Each mini has at least 1 year. Contact Amazon customer service to do the warranty claim if the seller doesn't respond back with a solution.
Interesting point. Desktop PC easy to repair, just replace defective PSU, hard drive, RAM, motherboard , optical drive etc. Can mini PCs be easily repaired out of warranty?
@@ynyslochtyn i would think so, the power supply is on the outside of mini pc's, they are smaller and cheaper than desktop pc's. the hardrive is usually an nvme ssd which is an easy swap...same with the ram (unless it's sodded in)...optical drive? desktop pc's gave that up like 15 yrs ago so you won't find it on a mini pc....the only thing that might be difficult to repair on a mini pc would be the motherboard and even that would not be impossible.
@Robtech ok i heard that the roblox will lag/ stutter if the mini pc & portable monitor isn't good enough. I appreciate your reply I'll check it out & do u by any chance have a code? I'd really like to show my supervision by using your codes
@@pbrigham then try to upgrade the memory and ssd later on... and like most the good mini pcs' have 10Gbit (GB is something else) USB... and more than 2...
@@LiLBitsDK With 3 thunderbolts ports I can have as much SSD upgrades I want or I even need, as I said the Intel/ AMD mini pc are fine, they are just too expensive compared with the Mac mini M4 offers, none of them are any where near of the performance and the power consumption of the M4.
Mac mini sucks 😝. But really I was considering one for emulation as it was powerful, but its just not very compatible with so many. Even Linux is more compatible
Bought a Minisforum UM790 Pro barebones for £369 UKP. The 7940HS cpu is a monster. Adding 32GB DDR5 and a Gen 4 NVMe only cost me £70 plus £35. Value and top performance in one package.
Thanks for the Top 5 video Rob. You're doing top work and I'm really pleased it sounds like there's increasing audience and support to help you keep on keeping on. Cheers!
I'm looking forward to your review of the top 5 under $200.
Good video.
Finally seeing lower priced mini PCs with oculink. Gives an extra incentive to buy them, especially the Intel based ones.
I know we will never see one, but I do wonder what eGPU an Intel N100 would be able to support without bottlenecking.
The one I want is just out of my range, (the SER 9). I am surprised it didn't include USB4 and/or Oculink. I enjoy your video's, and at some point my disposable will cross paths with 1 of your recomendations.
I was kind of surprised to see the Minisforum UM890 Pro not even get an honorable mention for this list. Why not? It's (relatively) new but... so? It checks most all of the boxes at a solid price too so I'm a little surprised by this.
Thanks, mate! You are my only window to mini pc world.
I'm surprised you completely glossed over the biggest downside of the SER9: the fact that the RAM is soldered so if you have any intent of bumping that you can't. That's the reason I chose a different mini over it (a barebones UM890, sure it's an 8945HS vs the HX 370, but I can put 96 GB of ram in it).
I don't expect anyone to buy a $1,000USD mini off this video without checking the review first that covers everything.
Both fair points. I learned a lot from this exchange.
I hope 2025 and Strix Halo brings something special to the table! Outperforming a 7945HX in the same form factor? m4 pro level of memory bandwidth? Yes please :D
AWESOME CHANNEL, COOL STYLE, EASY TO UNDERSTAND, LOUD AND CLEAR :) A+++
BY THE WAY, WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST MINI FOR VIDEO EDITING???
THANKS A LOT!
Minisforum UH125 Pro for video editing. Number 3
As for the GEM12 memory OC, it enables you to set the Clock to any JEDEC spec found in the SPD. You CANNOT set a clock higher than SPD spec. So if you have 5600MT/s modules with the 6900HX you can set the memory speed. If the module will be only 4800MT/s you cannot. Also anything marked XMP etc will be ignored. So much for the overclocking.
I ordered the Beelink EQi12 but the ram was a bit low for me (I need to have over 200 browser tabs open for Zoho CRM). I sold it to a friend and ordered the Beelink SER8 with 32GB ram. Its very fast and does what I need. But I have noticed that the EQi12 was quiter than the SER8. I have noticed that the SER8 fan keeps running even when in sleep mode. I have hardly ever seen the cpu working above 20%. Mostly it just runs between 5 and 10% of cpu during my heavy work loads. So it doesn't need to use full power. If i limit the cpu% in the power settings, would it be safe to turn the fan off? Is there a better option in the bios to turn the fan off until it gets too hot?
I swear that you were going to pick the gmktec k8 Plus ...
Aoostar Gem12 8845hs or Gmktec k8 plus?
I want to buy one next week....
Cheers
I prefer better cooling and less fan noise over a cheaper unit, but the K8 Plus is good for the dollars. See which one has the better deal next week during the sales.
@Robtech when the sale starts?
@ thanks mate. The SER8 would be a no brainer if it had oculink.. :)
Black Friday is 29th of November, but usually the sales start earlier. Yep, the GEM12 is closer to the SER8 than the K8 Plus.
@@Robtech Thanks for all the hard work mate. Your reviews are top !
Personally, the HX99G would be the better buy over the G7 PT just because you have the 2xUSB4 ports in the back of the unit so if the GPU becomes obsolete then you could still use an eGPU solution and sure that USB4 is a little slower than OCuLink but the thing is when you slap in something like a RX 7900 GRE you would get a lot more performance than the RX 7600M XT and you're be able to do 1440p/4K gaming without issues.
My current setup is a MacBook M1 connected to a monitor, Apple Magic Keyboard, and a Bluetooth mouse. I love it. I work in music production and also use Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop, and it handles everything well.
The only thing missing is a gaming console. I’m leaning towards a PS5 because it’s easy to use, but it doesn't have the online capabilities I’m looking for. I don’t want a bulky PC either since I move around a lot.
I’ve recently discovered mini PCs.
Would you recommend a mini PC for my setup, or is there something else that would work? Ideally, I’d like to plug the mini PC into my monitor alongside the MacBook M1 and switch between them. I’d also use the Magic Keyboard and Bluetooth mouse for both devices. The mini PC would mainly be for gaming, like GTA 5 RP, and I’d like to stream on Twitch from it as well.
I’m hoping to find a mini PC that can handle all of this.
The Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT might be what you're looking for.
I'll wait until the beelink SER7 price goes down to $300 to buy 1 🙂
Hi. so you prefer the GEM12 than the K8 Plus?
I was about to buy the K8P and I saw your video. Thanks for such an amazing video
If they're around the same price, the GEM12 has better cooling and lower fan noise.
@ the difference is around 50 bucks
Great Top 5 video! any recommendations on a mini PC for Adobe PS/AI?
PS will rely on the CPU most of the time, but for the AI stuff like Neural Filters it'll use the integrated graphics. Intel's iGPU has been optimised for the Adobe suite, so there's a good choice if that's the main use. Otherwise any mini in the list is plenty powerful for image editing. They all handled my 4K video project in Premiere.
About the elephant in the room…how do any of these compare to a base (or base + 512GB) M4 MAC??
Favorably, as they don’t run OSX
Has anyone done a gaming test with 8745hs version of ser8?
its the exact same as 8845HS. There is no performance difference between the two. I have SER8 the 8845HS and I game on it.
@khaleel_as I have not seen any gaming test on TH-cam or reddit with the 8745HS yet. Beelink tells there is no difference from the 8845HS, but some users have commented on their site that they are having some problems with gaming
Should have an 8745HS mini coming soon (not SER8). Slight clock speed downgrade on the 8745HS. I expect a similar situation to the 6900HX and 7735HS where the difference was small.
Nice video! Never heard of Minisforum AtomMan G7 Pt Mini PC before today. Great competition with Minisforum HX99G. It's gaming performance beats the HX, but the price is very high. $1,500 in the USA vs $720 for the HX99G.
$1200 on Amazon.com (after coupon) with the one I linked and same price on the Minisforum website.
I bought HX100G and am happy with it so far. It has USB4 ports, so I plan to connect it to the Kuycon G27-X 5k 27 inch monitor (not much into gaming).
I think All who knows will support that we need high performance in Ryzen 9 series 9000 oculink integrated, affordable. The offered options are overpriced compared to laptops of similar capacities and additives.
what about aoostar as a brand? good bad or meh?
Many of the Chinese brands don't make mini PCs. They source it from a manufacturer and put their name on it. The GEM12 was made by Tianbei. Other AOOSTAR minis are made by different manufacturers.
@@Robtech It's interesting what you write. Can you name which other companies are real MiniPc manufacturers? Beelink and Minisforum also outsource the production of their products to other companies?
I am a valuable person so I choose best value
Can't believe they put a colour button on the box. Why would you why!?
if you were to add the gmktec k8 plus to the list it would be #2😋
the last pc is a real minger.
All of them have faces for radio
Ahh it's hilarious to me to call the ser8 'mac mini inspired' when it came out before! Apple should get right on sueing beelink for stealing their look then going back in time to release it first! XD
The original silver design with rounded edges and logo on top. Not the shape, which is NUC inspired.
Most of these could do with a bit nicer styling
9:27 That's what she said.
Mac mini 4???
Lots of reasons he won't do mac I'm sure. Few I can say is they don't game easy (or at all). Crazy overpriced and very limited in what you can do with MacOS.
The 8745hs lose 200mhz to the cpu clock and 100mhz to the iGPU
At worst will lose a few percent for a $100 or so reduction in price. I'll know more when I test the 8745HS. Should be a mini coming with one soon.
@@Robtech Probaby between 5 and 10%.
We will see.
Thanks Rob.
They're good until you have to return them to China for repair under warranty
Buy through Amazon, return through Amazon.
@@Robtech
Only good for the first 30 days
After a few months what then
Amazon fulfills warranty claims. I've returned multiple items during the warranty period. Each mini has at least 1 year. Contact Amazon customer service to do the warranty claim if the seller doesn't respond back with a solution.
Interesting point. Desktop PC easy to repair, just replace defective PSU, hard drive, RAM, motherboard , optical drive etc. Can mini PCs be easily repaired out of warranty?
@@ynyslochtyn i would think so, the power supply is on the outside of mini pc's, they are smaller and cheaper than desktop pc's. the hardrive is usually an nvme ssd which is an easy swap...same with the ram (unless it's sodded in)...optical drive? desktop pc's gave that up like 15 yrs ago so you won't find it on a mini pc....the only thing that might be difficult to repair on a mini pc would be the motherboard and even that would not be impossible.
😢😢😢PLEASE HELP😅😢 WHICH IS BEST FOR ROBLOX⁉️⁉️⁉️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
No need to spend this much for Roblox. Something like the SER5 Pro will be plenty for Roblox amzn.to/3Byz7PC
@Robtech ok i heard that the roblox will lag/ stutter if the mini pc & portable monitor isn't good enough. I appreciate your reply I'll check it out & do u by any chance have a code? I'd really like to show my supervision by using your codes
@Robtech Tbh I'm new to finding mini pc & have no clue what's going on but it seems nice😅
I don't have a coupon sorry. But the link I gave is my affiliate link
The new Mac mini just exterminated most of these, yeah these prices need to go way down.
oculink, upgradeability etc. not even worth considering unless a basespec mac mini is enough (it's not)
@@LiLBitsDK I can say the same, tree thunderbolt ports plus 2 USB 10GB, show me a PC mini that has this ? NONE.
@@pbrigham then try to upgrade the memory and ssd later on... and like most the good mini pcs' have 10Gbit (GB is something else) USB... and more than 2...
@@LiLBitsDK With 3 thunderbolts ports I can have as much SSD upgrades I want or I even need, as I said the Intel/ AMD mini pc are fine, they are just too expensive compared with the Mac mini M4 offers, none of them are any where near of the performance and the power consumption of the M4.
Other than for people like me who would pay a premium to not have an Apple product
No M4 Mac mini in this list is a crime
Mac mini sucks 😝. But really I was considering one for emulation as it was powerful, but its just not very compatible with so many. Even Linux is more compatible
Not upgradable.
How much is a M4 Mac Mini with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD?
@@TrusteftTech1200$
@@TrusteftTech1400$