BTW, just wanted to share that there are alternative grip attachments that use MAGNETS and clip on as well. This is definitely the kind of design I think makes a lot more sense for the Win Mini. I'll have to try it out and see how I like it. Magnetic grip: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdotHDr Clip-on: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFr46iz
This gpd win mini is a great example of why someone needs make a none apple competition to the M processors. X86 are just not able to keep up with ARM in terms of power management and generated heat.
In a perfect world, sure that would be great, but arm processors just won't be powerful enough to run the types of games the mini can, x86 is needed for AAA games and higher end emulators
Insane that a few years ago i was struggling to emulate ps3 on desktop and here it is on a mobile console. Technology is incredible. If nintendo wanted to run a next gen amd chipset on switch 2 it would be unstoppable for awhile. Crazy to think how far everything has come
Just wanted to thank you so much for the battery life tests at various watts i have been looking for this information for a few weeks. This is my far the most informative review and i really enjoyed it.
@@retrotechdad Battery life tests are always helpful! When buying a handheld, you just have to know how long it's going to last: both playing newer AAA stuff at 15w or a SNES emulator at 4w. Watching you squeeze almost five and a half hours out of this machine is something I haven't seen other reviewers accomplish, and is definitely something people need to know for long car or train rides. Thank you for being thorough.
I will be honest after getting a Mini, I don’t have that urge to upgrade as I have in the past. I went from AYANEO 2021 Pro, to GPD Win 3, to AYANEO Air, to Steam Deck (sold it due to it being so buggy), to AOKZOE A1, to ROG Ally, Steam Deck OLED (which i find to big now) and lastly the Win Mini. I also have a Anbernic Win600 but I don’t have to explain why that wasn’t going to be my long term machine.
You can adjust the fan curves with motion assistant which is probably the easiest way to do it. Unfortunately, there is a limitation to the compact design and you definitely want the heat moving out of the device as much as possible. 🙏
Such a weird comment. It's 7 inch. You can just get the 10 inch one which barely can hold a full sized keys because 10 inch is almost to small for that. 😅 It's like me commenting on a 13 inch macbook, that I wish it had a 15-16 inch screen?? Ehhh get the version that's bigger then
@@droo3010 Less function keys, a 60 even 65% keyboard would allow for bigger keys. Lot can still be done. If the astroslide 5G, with a 6inch screen, can fit a real keyboard, a GPD device smaller than 10inch can too.
@@droo3010 First, not edge to edge. There are spaces on the side and around it. Also, look at the Astroslide 5G if you want an example of such a keyboard ("real" keys but still compact).
Dear retro tech dad if you could make an update video on how it is maybe after a month of use and maybe a deep look into the heat while holding the device and fan noise and battery?
Hopefully the "major hardware upgrade" that was announced for the Win Mini refresh improves thermals even further. Also hope it gets an OLED and/or VRR display
@@retrotechdad yea, that would've been interesting. I was thinking of picking up that model since I already own a 7840U Win Max 2 to handle the heavier AAA titles
Thank you so much for the reply. I have been watching all of your videos and I love that you cover every aspect of a handheld. I will be waiting for the 2024 win mini hopefully i it get better because I love the size.
Thanks for the review. I've ordered the 8840u variant to replace my 7840u win 4. I love the Win 4, but my the screen is just too small for my old eyes! So a similar form factor and a larger screen is a win for me. I also have the win max 2, but this is a nice companion device when on the go... and especially when you installed SteamOS (SteamFork or Bazzite) on it.
hi, When we play the pc game, it play with a platform like steam or epicgame? I want to know if GPD is more like a true little pc window connect with a wired gamepad, so it is compactible with more game, compared with steamdeck or asus rog ally.
The Win Mini is a full blown Windows PC, so it will handle everything that the platform offers including Steam and Epic Games. It's basically like a very small Windows laptop!
I'm glad the heat issue seems to have been fixed mostly. I love this form factor although I wish the screen were a bit larger, at least 8". The 10.1" of the Max is just too big. Need one somewhere in the middle. Great review as always!
Despite being produced by a Chinese company, there is no Chinese tech review agency that has provided a detailed review video. Thank you for your video, nice work. ♥
note that i'm only halfway through the vid but id really like to have seen a comparison to the win 2. there's a huge number of ppl where nothing since that has scratched the right itch until this and i think an in depth comparison between the two would be awesome to see!
I have the Win Mini conected via oculink to my RTX4090 FE which outputs to a 49" Ultra wide running at 5k resolution. Its sn amazing set-up which can run any game at max settings as the GPU does most of the work at 5k, the cpu barley gets above 30 percent in task manager!
pretty sure your just runniing the 4090 at sub 4070 levels of performance. 3090 causes studders and has massive loss of performance due to the limited bandwidth of pcie 4.0 x4 but if you got the money to blow why not?. me personally i went with the 2024 model and will be going thunderbolt 3/4 egpu with my spare rtx a2000 for the included VRR display on the win mini. even then im losing out on performance but i actually want a tiny egpu setup that wont require a massive power brick or attatched ATX/SFX psu.
@@retrotechdadon this vein if you do any follow up videos on this device could you also possibly do a photoshop or Lightroom test? I’m curious as to how well this device handles those programs for some light photo editing on the go. Great video by the way!! Subscribed now
I own the GPD mini and I like it. The only thing I got disappointed is that after a while playing PalWorld hands get very warm and feel a bit uncomfortable. The only way to solve is using grips but you lose a bit on portability
It gets a bit warm, but I don't mind. Try rendering at 540p instead and using fsr or rsr to upscale to 1080p, it looks great and plays better while staying cooler.
![[TH] FS vs BME - VCT Ascension Pacific - Lower Bracket Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wnygqsR2Fig/mqdefault.jpg)
BTW, just wanted to share that there are alternative grip attachments that use MAGNETS and clip on as well. This is definitely the kind of design I think makes a lot more sense for the Win Mini. I'll have to try it out and see how I like it.
Magnetic grip: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdotHDr
Clip-on: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFr46iz
any update on the magnetic grips? I heard reports of them interfering with the hall effect thumbsticks
This gpd win mini is a great example of why someone needs make a none apple competition to the M processors. X86 are just not able to keep up with ARM in terms of power management and generated heat.
100% Agree, x86 will always have the issue with thermals and battery life.
BTW, I love your username. 😅
In a perfect world, sure that would be great, but arm processors just won't be powerful enough to run the types of games the mini can, x86 is needed for AAA games and higher end emulators
@@silvacrest11arm is fine, the issue is software support
RIP Yuzu, #fucknintendo
Long live Ryujinx.
who is yuzu?
outstanding work! I'll buy one today
Insane that a few years ago i was struggling to emulate ps3 on desktop and here it is on a mobile console. Technology is incredible. If nintendo wanted to run a next gen amd chipset on switch 2 it would be unstoppable for awhile. Crazy to think how far everything has come
Just wanted to thank you so much for the battery life tests at various watts i have been looking for this information for a few weeks. This is my far the most informative review and i really enjoyed it.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad the battery life tests were useful, I'm never sure if it's helpful to anyone. 🙏
@@retrotechdad
Battery life tests are always helpful! When buying a handheld, you just have to know how long it's going to last: both playing newer AAA stuff at 15w or a SNES emulator at 4w. Watching you squeeze almost five and a half hours out of this machine is something I haven't seen other reviewers accomplish, and is definitely something people need to know for long car or train rides.
Thank you for being thorough.
you're killing it with these reviews man! Great job!
Thank you so much! 🤗 Comments like this definitely keep me going. 🙏
I will be honest after getting a Mini, I don’t have that urge to upgrade as I have in the past. I went from AYANEO 2021 Pro, to GPD Win 3, to AYANEO Air, to Steam Deck (sold it due to it being so buggy), to AOKZOE A1, to ROG Ally, Steam Deck OLED (which i find to big now) and lastly the Win Mini. I also have a Anbernic Win600 but I don’t have to explain why that wasn’t going to be my long term machine.
The Win Mini is such a fantastic device, I'm glad that you're enjoying it! 🤗
Best review I've ever seen on this device
Ordering the 2tb on friday!
Your reviews are amazing. This is, by far, the most complete review of this device I have found. Great work! I hope your subscriber count skyrockets.
Thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it and the support! 🙏🤗
Can you share your tips on how to reduce fan noise?
You can adjust the fan curves with motion assistant which is probably the easiest way to do it. Unfortunately, there is a limitation to the compact design and you definitely want the heat moving out of the device as much as possible. 🙏
Nice review, cool device
Which website did you buy your mini from? Did you get the famous GPD worm/malware? It’s happened to me before. Just curious
I really like this video, do you know of a graphical program for Linux that is equivalent to Windows task scheduler?
What about Zelda breath of the wild and tears of the kingdom?????😢...what is about their performance????
It is too expensive like 1,000 and over. I would like to get it but it is over my budget.
indegogo your welcome
Such a shame it doesn't have full sized keys.
Such a weird comment. It's 7 inch. You can just get the 10 inch one which barely can hold a full sized keys because 10 inch is almost to small for that. 😅 It's like me commenting on a 13 inch macbook, that I wish it had a 15-16 inch screen?? Ehhh get the version that's bigger then
@@droo3010 Less function keys, a 60 even 65% keyboard would allow for bigger keys. Lot can still be done. If the astroslide 5G, with a 6inch screen, can fit a real keyboard, a GPD device smaller than 10inch can too.
@@thibaldus3 it already has a keyboard from edge to edge so what are you talking about.
@@droo3010 First, not edge to edge. There are spaces on the side and around it.
Also, look at the Astroslide 5G if you want an example of such a keyboard ("real" keys but still compact).
@@droo3010 The first GPD Win max had already a smallerr form factor than the Max 2 and still put a good keyboard with real keys in.
Dear retro tech dad if you could make an update video on how it is maybe after a month of use and maybe a deep look into the heat while holding the device and fan noise and battery?
Amazing in depth review, subscribed!
Thank you so much, that's greatly appreciated! 🙏
Hopefully the "major hardware upgrade" that was announced for the Win Mini refresh improves thermals even further. Also hope it gets an OLED and/or VRR display
I kinda wish I had the 7640U model just to see how thermals compare to the 7840U one.
@@retrotechdad yea, that would've been interesting. I was thinking of picking up that model since I already own a 7840U Win Max 2 to handle the heavier AAA titles
When was it annonced ? I wish ordre a win mini but the heat issues and fan noise is something i cant accept.
I believe they started shipping them out last month and now is available directly from Aliexpress and other vendors.
Thank you so much for the reply. I have been watching all of your videos and I love that you cover every aspect of a handheld. I will be waiting for the 2024 win mini hopefully i it get better because I love the size.
This definitely feels like a Max Win if you ask me.
We need those excel tests next time!
I have to give the people what they want! 😅🙏
Thanks for the review. I've ordered the 8840u variant to replace my 7840u win 4. I love the Win 4, but my the screen is just too small for my old eyes! So a similar form factor and a larger screen is a win for me. I also have the win max 2, but this is a nice companion device when on the go... and especially when you installed SteamOS (SteamFork or Bazzite) on it.
I LOVE MY MINI
I have the 7840U 64GB Ram version 😅
Niiiiice! Enjoy it! 🙏
how they crammed that into that is nuts
hi,
When we play the pc game, it play with a platform like steam or epicgame? I want to know if GPD is more like a true little pc window connect with a wired gamepad, so it is compactible with more game, compared with steamdeck or asus rog ally.
The Win Mini is a full blown Windows PC, so it will handle everything that the platform offers including Steam and Epic Games. It's basically like a very small Windows laptop!
I'm glad the heat issue seems to have been fixed mostly. I love this form factor although I wish the screen were a bit larger, at least 8". The 10.1" of the Max is just too big. Need one somewhere in the middle. Great review as always!
Yea, it's definitely a big improvement at the bottom with the new plastic "c shell".
This. A little bigger to allow for full sized keys would be great.
a very thorough and detailed review. Most people avoids the keyboard and the repairability. Thank you for this wonderful video.
I’m stuck at 20w for some reason on the mini 7840u. Performing worse than the win4 due to this. Any way to unlock 30watts? Thanks!
How much time does the battery lasts in sleep mode?
Win minis heat frightens me. It does seem pretty great though
Win 3 update, give it 6” screen please
Despite being produced by a Chinese company, there is no Chinese tech review agency that has provided a detailed review video.
Thank you for your video, nice work. ♥
I appreciate that, thank you! 🙏
What do you mean, there are a bunch on GPD's youtube channel and on bilibili.
I like the 3d printed stand you used 😀
There is a new version of it out.
Oooo, time to check it out! 🙏🤗
Amazing review 👍 definitely made up my mind now 😂
Thank you, I appreciate it! 🙏
note that i'm only halfway through the vid but id really like to have seen a comparison to the win 2. there's a huge number of ppl where nothing since that has scratched the right itch until this and i think an in depth comparison between the two would be awesome to see!
Seriously the best device I've ever used especially when paired with the onexgpu or gpd g1
is it better in your opinion than Steam Deck Oled?
@@Pla_nic steam deck runs Linux so that's one in its own kind. But if I had to compare hell yeah gpd win mini is by far better
@@lennxeath3293 i have SD Oled now. My Win mini is comming next week. And how is fan noise compare to deck?
@@Pla_nichow is the fan noise ?
@@DulioCat little bit louder than my SD Oled, but thumbsticks are terrible for playing in my opinion so i decided to return my Win Mini.....
Thanks for the reivew. Can you share the setting you use in motion assistant for low tdp like 7W and 4W?
Can you play while charging , does it bypass the battery when plugged and fully charged ?
I have the Win Mini conected via oculink to my RTX4090 FE which outputs to a 49" Ultra wide running at 5k resolution. Its sn amazing set-up which can run any game at max settings as the GPU does most of the work at 5k, the cpu barley gets above 30 percent in task manager!
pretty sure your just runniing the 4090 at sub 4070 levels of performance. 3090 causes studders and has massive loss of performance due to the limited bandwidth of pcie 4.0 x4 but if you got the money to blow why not?.
me personally i went with the 2024 model and will be going thunderbolt 3/4 egpu with my spare rtx a2000 for the included VRR display on the win mini. even then im losing out on performance but i actually want a tiny egpu setup that wont require a massive power brick or attatched ATX/SFX psu.
I'd honestly love this design over my ally or better the win 4 design would be perfect for me
This will definitely get the Velcro treatment.
The best review i found for this device. Thank you!
🤤logo in the intro
I can't help it, I love the way it reflects with the lights. 🤤🤤🔥
@@retrotechdad the gpd thirst trap 😩📈📈📈
😅😅
Have webcam?
No webcam, unfortunately.
connect your phone to it and use the phone as the Webcam. That's what I do.
The Win Mini 2024 dropped the oculink for a USB A port.
terrible decision. Oculink makes this tiny device a full fledged gaming beast
No excel test? I need to know how quickly it can do a vlookup
🤣🤣 My next Windows handheld review will have an Excel test now. 🙏😉
@@retrotechdadon this vein if you do any follow up videos on this device could you also possibly do a photoshop or Lightroom test? I’m curious as to how well this device handles those programs for some light photo editing on the go. Great video by the way!! Subscribed now
I own the GPD mini and I like it. The only thing I got disappointed is that after a while playing PalWorld hands get very warm and feel a bit uncomfortable. The only way to solve is using grips but you lose a bit on portability
Exactly how I feel. It's definitely noticeable after playing for a bit.
It gets a bit warm, but I don't mind. Try rendering at 540p instead and using fsr or rsr to upscale to 1080p, it looks great and plays better while staying cooler.