Nice choice of categories, and the winners seem like good choices. I like that you're comfortable going with older models if they are still competitive.
Glad to see the 5560u. I looked at the n100 for budget and the ones I saw had no better than m.2 Sata drives. The 5560u looks to be a usable budget machine
Having had the Beelink 5560 SER 5 running continuously for a couple of years, I couldn't be happier about the purchase. It's really great for emulation up to PS2. As far as a PC for Roblox, The very inexpensive N100's and N95 models work just fine I have purchased several for my great-grand daughters along with TV's from Goodwill for their wild Roblox matches.😜
Hi Rob. Thank you very much for another video. I bought a Mele Quieter 3Q when I saw your review and it works very well for the way I use it (Excel, Outlook and browsing). Ever since I saw your review of the Beelink 5560U, I was interested in buying one to replace the Mele here at home and using the Mele to be a Roon server in another house. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for this! I'm looking into a mini pc right now, and this is really helpful, mostly also because I'd never stumbled upon some of these brands during my research so far.
Another good, balanced video here. Nice work. Watched part of another TH-camr’s recent “best mini to buy for specific uses” roundup and it struck me, all three entrants were GMKTech. Can’t imagine why….. Hopefully Rob will be able to keep doing what he’s doing already for as long as he wants to continue to do it.
Intel really needs a budget unit to compete with the 5560u, the n100 isn't going to cut it. Thanks for this refresh on the best of the best in the mini PC space.
Weird use case here, but I'm going to put a mini PC in a truck to give me the ability to fold up a VESA mount monitor from the dash and smash out invoices while I'm parked up on the side of the road between drives, as well as youtube and stuff on my rest breaks. What mini PC would you suggest? Trying to decide between: Beelink SER5 Mini PC Ryzen 5 5560U MINIX Z100-Aero The Beelink is about $10 cheaper at the moment
Hi, Rob! Thank you very much for your reviews of the good mini pcs for us to buy! There is a newbie from Beelink - the Beelink SER 8. Could you please review that machine as well?
Just go to the links he provides to each mini pc review. In each review he provides comparisons, lots of comparisons, in every catergory: performance, power use, noise etc....
Outstanding video Rob . . . I have had the Reatan Alloy 9 since April and I can't say enough good things about it. Glad to see it is still at the top of the units you've tested to date (i.e., have you found a unit better than the Alloy yet?). Take care Rob and keep putting out these excellent reviews!
Glad to hear it. As for better since this video, depends what you're looking for. The Beelink SER8 has the lowest noise, Minisforum UM890 Pro best performance and AOOSTAR Gem12 OCulink support. The Alloy9 still holds up really well against all three.
@@Robtech Appreciate the input. Keep doing these annual reviews. It was your Reatan Alloy 9 review that was the catalyst for me considering it, along with a half dozen other mini PCs. By the way, I ran all the tests you did on the Reatan Alloy 9 and it BEAT EVERYONE OF YOUR BENCHMARKS . . . I was very pleased afterwards.
Beelink's SER5 series is definitely their best value. I also don't like the proprietary magnetic connector, which is why I stop with the SER5 product line for Beelink recommendations. Great video Rob!
If it's just for watching video, you can save some cash and get a mini with an Intel N100. Both these videos are still relevant th-cam.com/video/gJyBvZgkw2o/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/hhym_WsQO2w/w-d-xo.html
Speakers: don’t mini-PCs regularly include a speaker, in order to make the whole set more compact/less-wires ? Which one would win the category of best mini PC that includes speaker?? Thank you for your good work sir
If you need a strong Wi-fi connection on a HTPC, then Minix is the only way to go they don't skimp on their Wi-Fi performance as it is one of the strong selling points !
I use my ser5 for emu gaming and just simple TV shows that I had for years yet ...I have t had any troubles but do have to replace my wifi chip on it it or just update the driver ...never use it on wifi tho it's simply my emu gaming ( i play gamcube dream cast and ps1 and 2 and everything below that ) and TV...I use the gpdwin 3 for gaming currently playing fallout 4 on the gpd
Robtech I've watched so many of your reviews already! I think you make great content even for someone who doesn't understand the technical side of computers. That being said can you recommend a good mini for photo editing in Lightroom and Photoshop? I was thinking the beelink ser8 or Minisforum HX99G would be good. I'm leaning more towards the beelink where it's newer; and I'd hate to buy my first mini just for minisforum to release an updated model right after.
SER8 will be plenty as long as you don't mind possible WiFi issues as mentioned in the review. The HX99G would be overkill and is best suited as a gaming box.
I'm getting worried about this "low fan noise" just can't help wondering bout it. My full size pc makes no noise at all so what the hell am I in for? I really hate noise of any kind.
Hi, are you Aussie by anychance? Im Aussie and dont know much about PCs (im a console gamer) but been looking at these mini pcs the last few days because im thinking about getting one just to run emulators and hook it up to my tv. I was originally looking at the beelink ser5 but now considering the beelink ser6. I dont really want to spend more then $800 but everywhere i look they seem to be close to this mark for lesser mini pcs. In the US they seem cheap but not so much here. The reason i asked if your Aussie is if you are, where wouls you recommend i purchase one from to get the cheapest one but not get scammed. Amazon seems really expensive but when i google search Aliexpress comes up, but i dont know if they are legit or not. Also, which one would you recommend if i just want it to play the newest emulators on the highest settings and i onky have $800 AU to spend? Thanks.
Yep, I've bought a few minis from AliExpress. Don't forget the price quoted is before GST, you'll get the final price in the checkout screen or add 10% on top of the price shown. There are different sellers on AliExpress, the best are the ones handled by the company itself labeled "Choice".
@@Robtech thanks for that. Hey do you have a stand out one or 2 you can recommend for noobie like me with PC'S? I need something already built and something I dont need to touch but will run the newest emulators on the best possible settings. When I ran the emulators on my Nvidia shield tv, it took me ages to set them up and to get them running well as I always like to up the resolution and the Shield TV wasn't quite powerful enough. I'm looking at the Beelink Ser7 now and maybe even that minisforum Um790 (I think its called) its going to be around $900 AU but im willing to go up a bit more if it will last longer and play the emulators on the best settings. Which ones would you recommend and something that won't overheat and hopefully last? Or do you reckon I should wait for Black Friday to see if there are deals? As im not in too much of a hurry to get one.
Black Friday will have the best deals. You can check the current Prime deals as well. I haven't reviewed the UM790, only the UM890. Beelink SER8 was great, but mine had WiFi issues. Might have been fixed by now. Although you can return it to Amazon if there's a problem.
@@Robtechthanks. I like the look of the Beelink ser7 but seems to have a issue with that magnetic connector. But then the Ser8 seems almost perfect because its so quiet, but then the wifi is bad. Ive looked at a fair few with the Minisforum UM790 and it seems to run emulators better and have a performance increase over the UM890 and its cheaper but runs a little hot. Dam seems so hard to choose one. I wish you reviewed the um790 as I trust your reviews being a fellow Aussie and also I like all the tests you do to compare to other models also. Ive watched lots of TH-cam video reviews and no one else ive seen does this.
What mini PC would you recommend that can be powered by USB-C as well as carrying the display signal to the monitor? I have an Asus monitor that has docking capability and can supply power up to 65w over USB-C. My primary use is to post-process RAW images using Photoshop and Lightroom, in addition to usual browsing and streaming. Would the Beelink Ser7 fit the bill? Or is there something more pocket friendly?
65W isn't enough for the SER7. You'd need a lower powered mini that features the U series processors. A recent example of a mini PC that would run fine on 65W with power and display over USB-C is the U58 th-cam.com/video/enxGUE7PDww/w-d-xo.html. You can also go budget tier and get an Intel N100 mini PC as there are a bunch with that USB-C functionality. It depends how much performance you need.
@@Robtech thank you for the prompt inputs. Much appreciated.
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Beelink ser5 5560u is a tank. It is what a mini pc should be... plenty powerful enough to use it as an every day computer and do casual gaming but not powerful enough to make it a jet engine. I just received a Bosgame H66 with Ryzen 6600h which is a AZW brand and so far so good. Packaging and case quality looks better than Ser 5 and Ser 6 (first gen) Beelink.
I own the ser6 pro and hx99g mainly for gaming and both are great imo but im thoroughly impressed with the hx99g. I can run most AAA games at 1440p max settings with no fsr at 50-60 fps as opposed to 40-60 fps at 1080 medium no fsr on the ser6.
@0:22 Can you explain to me what is the point of showing graphs for barely 1/4 of a second ?!? It is impossible to read them and almost impossible to pause the video at the right time to view them individually ;-( What were you thinking when you did that, not us presumably ;-(
I have a friend who is an IT specialist, and he specifically told me to NEVER buy a mini PC. I showed him your channel, and he just laughed. That's never a good sign, lol.
It's never a good sign having a friend that claims to be an "IT specialist". I laughed. Usually means they know less than nothing about computers. I've owned and rigorously tested more mini PCs than your friend would in a hundred life times.
@@Robtech I actually had one of those and sold it and regret it lol. Did you ever try the Minix z100-aero by chance? I love the z100-0db but it only has 1 ethernet port. Maybe the aero (not fanless) is nice.
Im looking at a mini that can run Command & Conquer Generals online multi-player matches. This is an older game but curious which mini would run it lag/trouble free. Any suggestions?
The cheapest ser5 to find from germany is 290€. This is a bit much in my opinion. Because of that i keep watching the price of the nab9 and ser7. Both dont got wifi6e as far as i know, but i tend to nab9 mostly. Regards from germany
Oh Chinese mini-PC was found to be randomly loaded with trojans, so check the brands and such. My friend tells me Beelink is safe but that was months ago. You'd need a pretty good network system to test if the device is secretly trying to call home.
Question in consideration of Ai.. Do any of these minis have dedicated NPUs.. dedicated Ai engine embedded in the processor and graphics cards with tensor cores?
I'm looking for one of these that's around $250 to put Batocera on and connect to the t.v. for the kids to play games on. Not really concerned with noise level, just turn speakers up to drown it out or I'm sure the kids will get loud enough to drown it out as well.🤣
I got to this Windows forum on the web occasionally and people will ask where they can get a smaller PC. They're always talking about brand names like 'Dell' and 'Asus' and I'm like, dude, there's an entire world of Chinese Minis that dominate. And then I send them your way. I can't believe I just got my wifey the GMTec G3 for so little and it works great.
Im more concerned about WIFI connectivity. I want something for the 40" New Dell Curved monitor hub for trading shares. No Gaming. Im also in Australia....not everything on your VLOG is available in Australia right ????????
Has anyone ever bought a mini pc from aliexpress?I'm just wondering would they be legit ones and not some Chinese knock offs with cheaper parts, because how are they able to sell it for so much cheaper? I don't know much about pcs but looking into one of these minis if I csn find a fairly cheap one that can run up to ps3 games.
@@Robtech ooo super strong contender. Will keep looking for others. But that one is darn near perfect. Any longer term experience with this minis? I am worried about long term viability and warranty support. You can’t just swap out that board …
Greetings from Ukraine, dude! :) Thanks for your reviews - so interesting, short, and “no water” in text. :) Only useful info! Please, advise to me cheap mini-PC with TWO slots for RAM and Type-C for charging for editing video on 1920x1080 from AliExpress. I have own RAM and NVME, so i did need this in mini-PC. We have russian aggression in our country, so I haven't a lot of money, but need mini-PC. Thank you!
It's often cheaper to buy something already with memory and storage. The cheapest option is the Firebat T8 Plus which is regularly around $100 USD and I reviewed favourably. None of the Intel Alder Lake-N CPUs have two memory slots. They only support single channel memory, but still have better graphics capabilities than the previous generation which had two slots. The Intel N100 featured in this mini does pretty well at 1080P video editing.
@@Robtech Oh, man, thanks for quick response and advise. So, maybe you advise me cheap model with RAM 32 Gb (for using VMware soft). I have own 2x16 Gb RAM and NVME if this matter. And i need model with Type-C with charging function (Thunderbold?) for charging from 65W powerbank Baseus (and for big grafic cart using adapter) when we have blackouts because rocket attacks to electric objects from russians? It will be better if this model will be on AliExpress, becouse we have problem with Amazone, becouse war and big price for delivery, but i have friends in Germany and Netherland by the way for delivery for Amazone.
@@botbot-c2j I really liked this one s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dk1rTtH (Reviewed as the GOODTICO T9), but you'll need to buy a single 32GB DDR4 stick for it if you need 32GB. It can also be powered by USB-C. It's coming up for me $122USD for the barebones when the sale starts in a few hours.
@@Robtech THANKS! :) But this model really have Type-C with charging function? Or just Type-C for file transfer? I see on AliExpress this model wit Type-C 2.0.
I've never heard of USB Type C 2.0. These spec sheets are often wrong. If it's this unit (which it looks to be) th-cam.com/video/os9L7L1_IWU/w-d-xo.html, then it can be powered by either USB-C Port
So agree on the value one Ser5 with the 5560U, I have it and it's just SO fast, you don't see any difference IMO between regular desktops and this one.
luv the clickbait title.......i noticed you purposely left off the word "my" at the beginning.......this is by no means even close to the top mini pcs for this yr if the highest price you have is a bit over 800. These are the best minis for you only.
If we ignore that every best list is subjective and no one can review every mini PC out there, which makes your point completely fail to land, I'm sure you know what's best having reviewed or properly tested 0 of them.
Please dont take offense, but ETA Prime got his hands on a mini pc with the RTX 4070 GPU that smokes every mini pc you tested. th-cam.com/video/6TeG9cxrcUo/w-d-xo.html. Rob going forward you should address the chance spyware might be preloaded by Chinese vendors, as in the recent case of Ace Magician. Might want to promote barebones models instead. Good luck buddy.
Not sure how much you get paid by these companies, but i already bought three mini PCs with different issues in the first month. So none of your reviews are based on durability overtime and even genuine.
That's the main problem with all mini pc's they all have a problem it's just picking the one that has less problems. Eventually mini PC will get to laptop and desktop quality and not fall apart or overheat but right now their running pretty great just don't expect it to be on par with the best desktops.
You'd have to provide more detail than just "different issues". What machines? What are you using them for, how are you using them? What issues? What time frame have you used these 3 different machines?
@@David-uc3cl If you must know: I bought a beelink and windows key was being use by another PC, so i had to return. Bought a GMKtec and the fan was very loud, which meant the PC was overheating. Last i bought a Geekom and the front USB stopped working after two/three weeks and the back two USB followed suit. I'm still in the process of returning that Geekom pc. Anyway I am going back to regular desktops, if an American brand ever create a mini pc that size of one of those off brand ones I'll buy it because i know they're be better. For now i know these type of reviews are a bunch of bluff and lies. I get the companies want to make money and advertise but they will not go far with lies.
@@brads2041 How am i using them? this are PCs they should be used like any other PC right? just like those companies claim right? I used them for streaming, play 2d games. I'm not creating animations or using them for coding or anything like.
Let us baseline what we are viewing. These machines are laptops minus the keyboard, mouse and keyboard. They are not gaming machines unless Pong, Checkers, and Chess are what you mean by games. The majority of them lack a viable cooling solution and if you opt to insert an SSD forget about cooling. You can confirm what I am saying by researching how the GTR6 and GTR7 as they got warranty replacements with bases that now comes with vent holes for the fan. To my knowledge to get these machines to "game" you have to edit the BIOS to up the voltage. On that note many of these machines require powered USB expansion units as they cant power it all. For sure the power supply they provide doesn't allow much overhead. Lastly, when someone says there is low fan noise what that means is the fan is tiny an will go out faster as they are not designed for long term use.
@@Robtech point out the CPU in the group that can be upgraded. point out the CPU that can be bought and put into a desktop. point out the case that has vent holes for the fan. point out the CPU that runs between 60-70 C. point out where the owners of these machines can buy a replacement fan. point out how the fan works when you cover it with an SSD. point out where one will buy the new propritary Beelink adapter, besides Beelink. point out the FPS and settings have been lowered to "play" the game. 99% GPU, 55 FPS at 720P which is not a great gaming experience. how have you missed a Beelink GTR7 that has holes for a fan and published less than 70 C temps and 38dB on actual live game play?
@@clipperbob960 if you want an upgradable CPU these are not the systems for you, just buy a normal PC. These are for people who want a small integrated solution on a budget, or to run a home lab or portable workstation. And cooling is fine on the ones with lower TDP processors, you don’t need much cooling for 15W. For the more powerful processors you’ll have more fan noise, sure.
@@paradoxmo So I am misinformed and hyperbole but you CAN NOT answer 1 direct question. Got it. All of the CPU’s are laptop ones and you cant tell the viewers the truth for what ever reason. 17 of 27 models in your chart are over 90 C. I never asked for wattage as it is irrelevant. A $500 dollar laptop will run its CPU around 70 C. “Portable workstation” really so you expect people to carry a monitor, keyboard, mouse, Mini PC and all the cables and that to you is portable. To you a laptop is not a portable and an integrated solution. On that note please expand on what exactly a mini PC has that is “integrated” that a laptop doesn’t already have. Budget: your range is $240-$1,019 and you feel that is a $1,000 mini pc is a budget pc. You can get $500 dollar laptops all day long that run cooler, are portable, are integrated, have replacement parts. None of the Mini-PCs you picked have a viable way to dissipate heat nor do the have a standard fan that you can use to replace it when it goes out which they will. Please explain why a manufacturer cannot provide vent holes for a fan and that you are not stating so in your review? Please show me the one you picked below that has 15 Watts, that in your opinion doesn’t need cooling, as they are according to your chart 80-102 C. Oh and these are your best class list. For some reason you failed to look at the Beelink GTR 7 or GTR7 Pro that actually solves the answer for the users looking at these machines or even mention a laptop. Questions is motivation. Minisformun NAB9 $469 max power draw from the wall 109 Watts, best cooling Beelink SER5 $240 max power draw from the wall 80 Watts no fan intake Beelink SER7 $579 max power draw from the wall 97 Watts no fan intake, proprietary AC cable Reatan Alloy 9 $730 max power draw from the wall 102 Watts. Minisformun HX99G, $1,019 equivalent Laptop $1,100 not listed in your charts ?
These roundup videos are really helpful. Given how frequently new mini PCs are coming out, you should post these regularly!
Yeah, instead of once a year, I'll be updating four times going forward. This one is a month late.
Nice choice of categories, and the winners seem like good choices. I like that you're comfortable going with older models if they are still competitive.
Agreed. Latest isn't always the best.
Glad to see the 5560u. I looked at the n100 for budget and the ones I saw had no better than m.2 Sata drives. The 5560u looks to be a usable budget machine
Unless you want 4K60hz, which it will not provide without unforgivable blackouts. I guess if you don't need 4K60HZ it could fit your usecase.
Having had the Beelink 5560 SER 5 running continuously for a couple of years, I couldn't be happier about the purchase. It's really great for emulation up to PS2. As far as a PC for Roblox,
The very inexpensive N100's and N95 models work just fine
I have purchased several for my great-grand daughters along with TV's from Goodwill for their wild Roblox matches.😜
Im still running the NAB7 13700H still running strong since it first come out.
I read its the same as nab9 except the processor?
Hi Rob. Thank you very much for another video. I bought a Mele Quieter 3Q when I saw your review and it works very well for the way I use it (Excel, Outlook and browsing).
Ever since I saw your review of the Beelink 5560U, I was interested in buying one to replace the Mele here at home and using the Mele to be a Roon server in another house.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you for this! I'm looking into a mini pc right now, and this is really helpful, mostly also because I'd never stumbled upon some of these brands during my research so far.
BeeLink SER7 is my favorite from this list. 780M iGPU, an excellent Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU, and good ports.
Skip the NAB9 and get the MINISFORUM NPB6, 13th gen same chassis, USB4 and similar price.
I want to continue seeing your reviews
Thank you very much.
Another good, balanced video here. Nice work. Watched part of another TH-camr’s recent “best mini to buy for specific uses” roundup and it struck me, all three entrants were GMKTech. Can’t imagine why….. Hopefully Rob will be able to keep doing what he’s doing already for as long as he wants to continue to do it.
Definitely not bad, but current Amazon US pricing plus high fan noise makes them miss out.
@@RobtechYeah. Excessive fan noise is a no go for me as is the whiff of “paid to show”.
Thank you for all the work you do! You are awesome!
Can't wait for Qualcomm Mini PCs!
Intel really needs a budget unit to compete with the 5560u, the n100 isn't going to cut it.
Thanks for this refresh on the best of the best in the mini PC space.
Yeah, the N305 was so horribly priced it seems to have dropped out of the mini PC market.
Weird use case here, but I'm going to put a mini PC in a truck to give me the ability to fold up a VESA mount monitor from the dash and smash out invoices while I'm parked up on the side of the road between drives, as well as youtube and stuff on my rest breaks.
What mini PC would you suggest? Trying to decide between:
Beelink SER5 Mini PC Ryzen 5 5560U
MINIX Z100-Aero
The Beelink is about $10 cheaper at the moment
I guess it depends what's more important, performance (5560U) or power consumption (N100).
Hi, Rob! Thank you very much for your reviews of the good mini pcs for us to buy! There is a newbie from Beelink - the Beelink SER 8. Could you please review that machine as well?
Will be the next review once I get some of the Computex stuff out.
Thanks for the really great review. just wondering how the "minisforum AtomMan X7 Ti" would stack up to this mix? hmmmm....
I'm reviewing the AtomMan G7 PT next
My son is looking for something to play BeamNG Drive. Since he is still in his early teens is there something you recommend that wont break the bank?
Really like to see actual comparisons between these to really determine these sorts of things instead of opinion pieces :)
Just go to the links he provides to each mini pc review. In each review he provides comparisons, lots of comparisons, in every catergory: performance, power use, noise etc....
The in depth reviews cover that, this is more of a round up so you don't have to watch all the individual reviews.
All the reviews are linked. Compare away.
I dont see the comparison links, where is it exactly
Can you do a top 5 friendly budget mini pc that's good for gaming?
Outstanding video Rob . . . I have had the Reatan Alloy 9 since April and I can't say enough good things about it. Glad to see it is still at the top of the units you've tested to date (i.e., have you found a unit better than the Alloy yet?). Take care Rob and keep putting out these excellent reviews!
Glad to hear it. As for better since this video, depends what you're looking for. The Beelink SER8 has the lowest noise, Minisforum UM890 Pro best performance and AOOSTAR Gem12 OCulink support. The Alloy9 still holds up really well against all three.
@@Robtech Appreciate the input. Keep doing these annual reviews. It was your Reatan Alloy 9 review that was the catalyst for me considering it, along with a half dozen other mini PCs. By the way, I ran all the tests you did on the Reatan Alloy 9 and it BEAT EVERYONE OF YOUR BENCHMARKS . . . I was very pleased afterwards.
Beelink's SER5 series is definitely their best value. I also don't like the proprietary magnetic connector, which is why I stop with the SER5 product line for Beelink recommendations. Great video Rob!
I hate the lottery when buying a Ser5. Sometimes you get branded parts, others you get generic parts that are not as good.
i just bought a ser6
I'm looking to get a mini for some 4k movie watching on a TV, want a mini since there isn't a space for a desktop. Any recommendations?
If it's just for watching video, you can save some cash and get a mini with an Intel N100. Both these videos are still relevant th-cam.com/video/gJyBvZgkw2o/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/hhym_WsQO2w/w-d-xo.html
@@Robtech Thanks a bunch pal. Subbed!
appreciate y'all
Speakers: don’t mini-PCs regularly include a speaker, in order to make the whole set more compact/less-wires ?
Which one would win the category of best mini PC that includes speaker??
Thank you for your good work sir
None that I review have speakers. They provide HDMI audio out if your display has speakers.
If you need a strong Wi-fi connection on a HTPC, then Minix is the only way to go they don't skimp on their Wi-Fi performance as it is one of the strong selling points !
I have read that are quality control issues with the Beelink SER5 5560U, something about the motherboard and it has been withdrawn. Any information?
About a year ago now.
So, this PC should be avoided now? They are still on Amazon and Ali Express.
The current one is the fixed V2 version.
I use my ser5 for emu gaming and just simple TV shows that I had for years yet ...I have t had any troubles but do have to replace my wifi chip on it it or just update the driver ...never use it on wifi tho it's simply my emu gaming ( i play gamcube dream cast and ps1 and 2 and everything below that ) and TV...I use the gpdwin 3 for gaming currently playing fallout 4 on the gpd
Robtech I've watched so many of your reviews already! I think you make great content even for someone who doesn't understand the technical side of computers. That being said can you recommend a good mini for photo editing in Lightroom and Photoshop? I was thinking the beelink ser8 or Minisforum HX99G would be good. I'm leaning more towards the beelink where it's newer; and I'd hate to buy my first mini just for minisforum to release an updated model right after.
SER8 will be plenty as long as you don't mind possible WiFi issues as mentioned in the review. The HX99G would be overkill and is best suited as a gaming box.
What would you recommend (mini) for a stock trader? I would appreciate your input. Thanks
Not sure how many monitors you're using, but the Minisforum NAB9 should do the job fine.
@@Robtech 3
I tested it with 4, so no problem there.
I'm getting worried about this "low fan noise" just can't help wondering bout it. My full size pc makes no noise at all so what the hell am I in for? I really hate noise of any kind.
Hi, are you Aussie by anychance? Im Aussie and dont know much about PCs (im a console gamer) but been looking at these mini pcs the last few days because im thinking about getting one just to run emulators and hook it up to my tv. I was originally looking at the beelink ser5 but now considering the beelink ser6. I dont really want to spend more then $800 but everywhere i look they seem to be close to this mark for lesser mini pcs. In the US they seem cheap but not so much here.
The reason i asked if your Aussie is if you are, where wouls you recommend i purchase one from to get the cheapest one but not get scammed. Amazon seems really expensive but when i google search Aliexpress comes up, but i dont know if they are legit or not. Also, which one would you recommend if i just want it to play the newest emulators on the highest settings and i onky have $800 AU to spend? Thanks.
Yep, I've bought a few minis from AliExpress. Don't forget the price quoted is before GST, you'll get the final price in the checkout screen or add 10% on top of the price shown. There are different sellers on AliExpress, the best are the ones handled by the company itself labeled "Choice".
@@Robtech thanks for that. Hey do you have a stand out one or 2 you can recommend for noobie like me with PC'S? I need something already built and something I dont need to touch but will run the newest emulators on the best possible settings. When I ran the emulators on my Nvidia shield tv, it took me ages to set them up and to get them running well as I always like to up the resolution and the Shield TV wasn't quite powerful enough.
I'm looking at the Beelink Ser7 now and maybe even that minisforum Um790 (I think its called) its going to be around $900 AU but im willing to go up a bit more if it will last longer and play the emulators on the best settings. Which ones would you recommend and something that won't overheat and hopefully last?
Or do you reckon I should wait for Black Friday to see if there are deals? As im not in too much of a hurry to get one.
Black Friday will have the best deals. You can check the current Prime deals as well. I haven't reviewed the UM790, only the UM890. Beelink SER8 was great, but mine had WiFi issues. Might have been fixed by now. Although you can return it to Amazon if there's a problem.
@@Robtechthanks. I like the look of the Beelink ser7 but seems to have a issue with that magnetic connector. But then the Ser8 seems almost perfect because its so quiet, but then the wifi is bad. Ive looked at a fair few with the Minisforum UM790 and it seems to run emulators better and have a performance increase over the UM890 and its cheaper but runs a little hot.
Dam seems so hard to choose one. I wish you reviewed the um790 as I trust your reviews being a fellow Aussie and also I like all the tests you do to compare to other models also. Ive watched lots of TH-cam video reviews and no one else ive seen does this.
Why does Your link to the Canadian Amazon charge $400 more than when I search for it by myself?
For which item?
Is the BlackView MP80 good or not?
Yes, might take a spot in the upcoming "Best Minis Under $250" video
YES. NEXT VIDEO BLACKVIEW MP80 VS GMKTEC G5. BOTH N97
Are mini pcs good for stock trading use?
Yes, they have plenty of power for it and can handle multiple displays. Something like the NAB9 would be a good fit.
What mini PC would you recommend that can be powered by USB-C as well as carrying the display signal to the monitor? I have an Asus monitor that has docking capability and can supply power up to 65w over USB-C. My primary use is to post-process RAW images using Photoshop and Lightroom, in addition to usual browsing and streaming. Would the Beelink Ser7 fit the bill? Or is there something more pocket friendly?
65W isn't enough for the SER7. You'd need a lower powered mini that features the U series processors. A recent example of a mini PC that would run fine on 65W with power and display over USB-C is the U58 th-cam.com/video/enxGUE7PDww/w-d-xo.html. You can also go budget tier and get an Intel N100 mini PC as there are a bunch with that USB-C functionality. It depends how much performance you need.
@@Robtech thank you for the prompt inputs. Much appreciated.
Beelink ser5 5560u is a tank. It is what a mini pc should be... plenty powerful enough to use it as an every day computer and do casual gaming but not powerful enough to make it a jet engine. I just received a Bosgame H66 with Ryzen 6600h which is a AZW brand and so far so good. Packaging and case quality looks better than Ser 5 and Ser 6 (first gen) Beelink.
Except for the lack of properly working 4K60hz I will agree. I hated sending it back, but it was unusable to me, because of this issue.
I own the ser6 pro and hx99g mainly for gaming and both are great imo but im thoroughly impressed with the hx99g. I can run most AAA games at 1440p max settings with no fsr at 50-60 fps as opposed to 40-60 fps at 1080 medium no fsr on the ser6.
Do uou have a mini PC you recommend to use for using 3d programs like Blender?
8 cores is recommended by Blender. That would be any except the SER5.
Why Minisforum Um780 XTX is not in your top rank? In my opinion it is the most complete and balanced with the price. What you don't like of It?
"I only make recommendations based on minis I've actually reviewed"
@@Robtech ah, sorry. It's right. Hope you will test that model soon . I trust in your opinion about miniPC a lot
I wonder if there's CPU differences for testing Steaming capabilities, in a fixed scenario like across the internet from one location to another.
@0:22 Can you explain to me what is the point of showing graphs for barely 1/4 of a second ?!? It is impossible to read them and almost impossible to pause the video at the right time to view them individually ;-( What were you thinking when you did that, not us presumably ;-(
To show an example of the work that was done. Obviously the graphs are in the individual review videos of each. This is a summary.
Thank you, sir, I just found your channel and I have subscribed. I'm looking for a mini home Linux server. Again, thanks, and, God bless,
I only 4k video watch but I wanted to multitask on google since I have 4 monitors what do you think is the best for that?
2 or 4 monitors? Second comment says 2
I have a friend who is an IT specialist, and he specifically told me to NEVER buy a mini PC.
I showed him your channel, and he just laughed.
That's never a good sign, lol.
It's never a good sign having a friend that claims to be an "IT specialist". I laughed. Usually means they know less than nothing about computers. I've owned and rigorously tested more mini PCs than your friend would in a hundred life times.
What’s the quietest n100 or similar model you like with at least 2 2.5Gbe ethernet ports?
Beelink EQ12
@@Robtech I actually had one of those and sold it and regret it lol. Did you ever try the Minix z100-aero by chance? I love the z100-0db but it only has 1 ethernet port. Maybe the aero (not fanless) is nice.
Aero review th-cam.com/video/Eo22NmmGbKg/w-d-xo.html
@@Robtech Yup found it. Seems like just as good of an option as the EQ12 unless I'm missing something.
Yep, just cost more at the time.
Im looking at a mini that can run Command & Conquer Generals online multi-player matches. This is an older game but curious which mini would run it lag/trouble free. Any suggestions?
If it's at 1080P even the SER5 should be able to handle the game fine.
The cheapest ser5 to find from germany is 290€. This is a bit much in my opinion. Because of that i keep watching the price of the nab9 and ser7. Both dont got wifi6e as far as i know, but i tend to nab9 mostly. Regards from germany
SER7 has WiFi 6. NAB9 has WiFi 6E
@@Robtechno chance to get the alloy in germany unfortunately
I believe you can through the official website.
@@Robtech ser 6 and ser 5 have wifi6e, why not the 7. Stupid
Big ups to the metal slug T-shirt 💯💯💯
Thanks!
Thank you very much good sir!
Oh Chinese mini-PC was found to be randomly loaded with trojans, so check the brands and such. My friend tells me Beelink is safe but that was months ago. You'd need a pretty good network system to test if the device is secretly trying to call home.
Question in consideration of Ai.. Do any of these minis have dedicated NPUs.. dedicated Ai engine embedded in the processor and graphics cards with tensor cores?
No, that'll be 8000 series AMD and Intel 14th Gen. Haven't reviewed either yet, both on the way likely this month.
I'm looking for one of these that's around $250 to put Batocera on and connect to the t.v. for the kids to play games on. Not really concerned with noise level, just turn speakers up to drown it out or I'm sure the kids will get loud enough to drown it out as well.🤣
The SER5 will do the job.
what would you recommend for server that 22h a day only hosts websites and 2h also minecraft?
Server hardware
Thank you!
Heavy Machine gun!
OK!
Oh big!
I need something that will run 2000s games.
The bee link I keep 12 tabs open for 8joirs a day for work plus teams and slack
can you review the nimo mini pc??
I got to this Windows forum on the web occasionally and people will ask where they can get a smaller PC. They're always talking about brand names like 'Dell' and 'Asus' and I'm like, dude, there's an entire world of Chinese Minis that dominate. And then I send them your way. I can't believe I just got my wifey the GMTec G3 for so little and it works great.
Yaaay a tech review by an actual human, and one with a beautiful accent.
No A7 nor IT13?
Both have cooling/performance issues.
What about Asrock Deskmeet ?
Beelink doesn't include Windows 11? How can I use Windows Office on it?
It does include Windows
I prefer "completely satisfactory" over "the best."
Im more concerned about WIFI connectivity.
I want something for the 40" New Dell Curved monitor hub for trading shares.
No Gaming.
Im also in Australia....not everything on your VLOG is available in Australia right ????????
Beelink and Minisforum are mostly available on Amazon.com.au
Has anyone ever bought a mini pc from aliexpress?I'm just wondering would they be legit ones and not some Chinese knock offs with cheaper parts, because how are they able to sell it for so much cheaper? I don't know much about pcs but looking into one of these minis if I csn find a fairly cheap one that can run up to ps3 games.
Silly question, would they be able to run photoshop smoothly?
Yes, they sure will.
Rate top 10 intel mini PCs because lots of people only know i3 i5 i7 and i9
Really! No MS-01!? Why?
Not bad, not bad
Why the price in US dollars? Are you in the USA like all the sellers.
Anyone else see the bug go in the fan at 5:45?
It's not a bug. It's just a reflection from the shiny plastic part.
More oculink minis please.
th-cam.com/video/P6EINIalPa0/w-d-xo.html and the next review also.
@@Robtech ooo super strong contender. Will keep looking for others. But that one is darn near perfect.
Any longer term experience with this minis? I am worried about long term viability and warranty support. You can’t just swap out that board …
Greetings from Ukraine, dude! :) Thanks for your reviews - so interesting, short, and “no water” in text. :) Only useful info! Please, advise to me cheap mini-PC with TWO slots for RAM and Type-C for charging for editing video on 1920x1080 from AliExpress. I have own RAM and NVME, so i did need this in mini-PC. We have russian aggression in our country, so I haven't a lot of money, but need mini-PC. Thank you!
It's often cheaper to buy something already with memory and storage. The cheapest option is the Firebat T8 Plus which is regularly around $100 USD and I reviewed favourably. None of the Intel Alder Lake-N CPUs have two memory slots. They only support single channel memory, but still have better graphics capabilities than the previous generation which had two slots. The Intel N100 featured in this mini does pretty well at 1080P video editing.
@@Robtech Oh, man, thanks for quick response and advise. So, maybe you advise me cheap model with RAM 32 Gb (for using VMware soft). I have own 2x16 Gb RAM and NVME if this matter. And i need model with Type-C with charging function (Thunderbold?) for charging from 65W powerbank Baseus (and for big grafic cart using adapter) when we have blackouts because rocket attacks to electric objects from russians? It will be better if this model will be on AliExpress, becouse we have problem with Amazone, becouse war and big price for delivery, but i have friends in Germany and Netherland by the way for delivery for Amazone.
@@botbot-c2j I really liked this one s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dk1rTtH (Reviewed as the GOODTICO T9), but you'll need to buy a single 32GB DDR4 stick for it if you need 32GB. It can also be powered by USB-C. It's coming up for me $122USD for the barebones when the sale starts in a few hours.
@@Robtech THANKS! :) But this model really have Type-C with charging function? Or just Type-C for file transfer? I see on AliExpress this model wit Type-C 2.0.
I've never heard of USB Type C 2.0. These spec sheets are often wrong. If it's this unit (which it looks to be) th-cam.com/video/os9L7L1_IWU/w-d-xo.html, then it can be powered by either USB-C Port
So agree on the value one Ser5 with the 5560U, I have it and it's just SO fast, you don't see any difference IMO between regular desktops and this one.
luv the clickbait title.......i noticed you purposely left off the word "my" at the beginning.......this is by no means even close to the top mini pcs for this yr if the highest price you have is a bit over 800. These are the best minis for you only.
If we ignore that every best list is subjective and no one can review every mini PC out there, which makes your point completely fail to land, I'm sure you know what's best having reviewed or properly tested 0 of them.
Epic video, thank you
Most of your links are dead.
Thanks for letting me know. I'm updating this exact video next so this one will be less relevant. But I'll fix the links for it later.
I have a MinisForum that died in 18 months and a Beelink that died in 3 months. Neither one will power on. These things are garbage.
Both under warranty. Get a replacement.
Please dont take offense, but ETA Prime got his hands on a mini pc with the RTX 4070 GPU that smokes every mini pc you tested. th-cam.com/video/6TeG9cxrcUo/w-d-xo.html. Rob going forward you should address the chance spyware might be preloaded by Chinese vendors, as in the recent case of Ace Magician. Might want to promote barebones models instead. Good luck buddy.
Virus/malware testing of each OS during the review process was introduced with the GEEKOM A7 on March 2nd.
Of course that smokes all of these, it’s got a 20 core CPU and is way out of the price range of this video ($1200+)…
LOL. And then there's the $5,000 tower smokes the RTX so no it's not that good. Now back to what this video is about. DERP.
Not sure how much you get paid by these companies, but i already bought three mini PCs with different issues in the first month. So none of your reviews are based on durability overtime and even genuine.
What are you talking about? His reviews are basically the best mini pc reviews.
Which mini did you buy?
That's the main problem with all mini pc's they all have a problem it's just picking the one that has less problems.
Eventually mini PC will get to laptop and desktop quality and not fall apart or overheat but right now their running pretty great just don't expect it to be on par with the best desktops.
You'd have to provide more detail than just "different issues". What machines? What are you using them for, how are you using them? What issues? What time frame have you used these 3 different machines?
@@David-uc3cl If you must know: I bought a beelink and windows key was being use by another PC, so i had to return. Bought a GMKtec and the fan was very loud, which meant the PC was overheating. Last i bought a Geekom and the front USB stopped working after two/three weeks and the back two USB followed suit. I'm still in the process of returning that Geekom pc.
Anyway I am going back to regular desktops, if an American brand ever create a mini pc that size of one of those off brand ones I'll buy it because i know they're be better. For now i know these type of reviews are a bunch of bluff and lies. I get the companies want to make money and advertise but they will not go far with lies.
@@brads2041 How am i using them? this are PCs they should be used like any other PC right? just like those companies claim right? I used them for streaming, play 2d games. I'm not creating animations or using them for coding or anything like.
like 😁
Let us baseline what we are viewing. These machines are laptops minus the keyboard, mouse and keyboard. They are not gaming machines unless Pong, Checkers, and Chess are what you mean by games. The majority of them lack a viable cooling solution and if you opt to insert an SSD forget about cooling. You can confirm what I am saying by researching how the GTR6 and GTR7 as they got warranty replacements with bases that now comes with vent holes for the fan. To my knowledge to get these machines to "game" you have to edit the BIOS to up the voltage. On that note many of these machines require powered USB expansion units as they cant power it all. For sure the power supply they provide doesn't allow much overhead. Lastly, when someone says there is low fan noise what that means is the fan is tiny an will go out faster as they are not designed for long term use.
Wow so much misinformation and hyperbole in one comment. Well done.
@@Robtech point out the CPU in the group that can be upgraded.
point out the CPU that can be bought and put into a desktop.
point out the case that has vent holes for the fan.
point out the CPU that runs between 60-70 C.
point out where the owners of these machines can buy a replacement fan.
point out how the fan works when you cover it with an SSD.
point out where one will buy the new propritary Beelink adapter, besides Beelink.
point out the FPS and settings have been lowered to "play" the game. 99% GPU, 55 FPS at 720P which is not a great gaming experience.
how have you missed a Beelink GTR7 that has holes for a fan and published less than 70 C temps and 38dB on actual live game play?
@@clipperbob960 if you want an upgradable CPU these are not the systems for you, just buy a normal PC. These are for people who want a small integrated solution on a budget, or to run a home lab or portable workstation. And cooling is fine on the ones with lower TDP processors, you don’t need much cooling for 15W. For the more powerful processors you’ll have more fan noise, sure.
@@paradoxmo So I am misinformed and hyperbole but you CAN NOT answer 1 direct question. Got it. All of the CPU’s are laptop ones and you cant tell the viewers the truth for what ever reason.
17 of 27 models in your chart are over 90 C. I never asked for wattage as it is irrelevant. A $500 dollar laptop will run its CPU around 70 C.
“Portable workstation” really so you expect people to carry a monitor, keyboard, mouse, Mini PC and all the cables and that to you is portable. To you a laptop is not a portable and an integrated solution. On that note please expand on what exactly a mini PC has that is “integrated” that a laptop doesn’t already have.
Budget: your range is $240-$1,019 and you feel that is a $1,000 mini pc is a budget pc. You can get $500 dollar laptops all day long that run cooler, are portable, are integrated, have replacement parts.
None of the Mini-PCs you picked have a viable way to dissipate heat nor do the have a standard fan that you can use to replace it when it goes out which they will. Please explain why a manufacturer cannot provide vent holes for a fan and that you are not stating so in your review? Please show me the one you picked below that has 15 Watts, that in your opinion doesn’t need cooling, as they are according to your chart 80-102 C. Oh and these are your best class list.
For some reason you failed to look at the Beelink GTR 7 or GTR7 Pro that actually solves the answer for the users looking at these machines or even mention a laptop. Questions is motivation.
Minisformun NAB9 $469 max power draw from the wall 109 Watts, best cooling
Beelink SER5 $240 max power draw from the wall 80 Watts no fan intake
Beelink SER7 $579 max power draw from the wall 97 Watts no fan intake, proprietary AC cable
Reatan Alloy 9 $730 max power draw from the wall 102 Watts.
Minisformun HX99G, $1,019 equivalent Laptop $1,100 not listed in your charts ?
@clipperbob960 bro you replied to someone who isn't the channel as if they were. Take a deep breath. You seem too personally wound up by this.
Thumbs down for the intro. Just get straight to the point, if your content is worthy, I will subscribe and buy through your link.
Maybe consider "GMKtec M7 Pro"
Already reviewed and will be considered for the end of year update.