For many purposes, a large desktop computer is not necessary. Mini PCs offer sufficient performance that is comparable with large desktop PCs. Although they are not as expandable, they have advantages in terms of space requirements and power consumption.
I myself like to use such computers as servers or self-build NASs. Today we will take a look at the MiniPC from NiPoGi. It has a very solid hardware configuration and should be sufficient for most applications without any problems.
The price is currently 600 euros, but the manufacturer is currently offering a voucher code. The code 9DEZTFYD reduces the price by 210 euros + a further 10%. This brings the price down to just under 330 euros, at Amazon.
Technical data
Let’s first take a look at the sober technical data of the small part:
- Intel Core i5-12450H
- Intel UHD Graphics OnBoard
- 16 GB RAM DD4, maximum 64 GB
- 512 GB M.2 SSD, maximum 2 TB
- 2 x HDMI, 1 x VGA
- 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
- 4 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C
- Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6
- Windows 11 Pro pre-installed
So the technical data doesn’t read too bad.
Scope of delivery, workmanship
Let’s move on to the scope of delivery. In addition to the computer, there is a power supply unit, HDMI cable, VESA mount and a user manual.
The PC is quite compact. Its dimensions are 13.7 cm x 12.6 cm x 5 cm, and it weighs just half a kilo. The compact design is primarily achieved by the external power supply unit. This has the size
Superb in terms of workmanship. The housing is compact, stable and has a high-quality finish.
Hardware, interfaces
The processor has 8 cores, including 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. As with the smartphone, the cores are regulated according to the load. With hyperthreading, we get 12 cores.
16 GB RAM and 512 GB are sufficient for fluid work. Windows 11 Pro is also fine.
On the front we find audio port, 2 x USB, 1 x USB and the power button. On the back we find the Ethernet port, two more USB ports and two HDMI interfaces. On the side we also find a VGA port. So the thing can still be connected to old beamers and monitors.
The graphics card is on-board, an Intel UHD graphics. It is sufficient for normal work and drives screens up to 4K. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6, wireless connectivity is also provided. The WLAN reception is good and the speed in the 5 Ghz WLAN is quite fast. No difference to my notebook.
Thanks to the VESA mount, the PC can also be mounted on a suitable monitor to save space.
In practice
In practice, the thing doesn’t show any weaknesses. The processor is decently fast and even a tad faster than my 8-core Ryzen. It’s easily enough for standard tasks like internet, office and other stuff. Even video editing is no problem. The fan starts up here, but remains very quiet overall.
Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled, not bad for the price. It starts quickly from the SSD and the 16 GB RAM is also sufficient for all tasks.
Benchmark
Of course I didn’t miss the chance to run a few benchmarks, here are the results.
Gaming Performance
The weak point is the integrated graphics. Games are only possible to a limited extent with it. Older titles run smoothly, but newer games are not possible. If you want to play an old game now and then, it works, but modern titles degenerate into an orgy of jerks. But well, you don’t buy such a mini part for that.
Power consumption
Of course, the power consumption is also exciting. The values are as follows:
- 0.4 watts switched off, power supply unit on
- 12 – 14 watts normal operation without heavy CPU load
- 60 watts, full load, e.g. during video encoding
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So the power consumption is within a good range. When power is needed, it draws a little more current, otherwise it consumes significantly less than a large desktop computer in normal operation.
Conclusion
A nifty little piece of kit. If you’re looking for a compact, powerful computer, you’ll find it here. The CPU is very powerful when it counts. Otherwise power-saving, then the new Intel chip design and different CPU cores. Windows 11 Pro, 16 GB RAM and the 512 GB SSD round things off.
It’s definitely enough for Office, simple video editing, internet, YouTube and watching films. There are also enough interfaces and with the VGA connection, the thing can also function as a player for old beamers.
With the voucher code “9DEZTFYD” the PC costs just 330 euros on Amazon, making it a real bargain.
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