GMKtec has introduced the new Evo X1 Pro mini PC, bringing strong performance in a very small design. Built for gamers, creators, and professionals, the compact system combines AMD’s latest Ryzen AI processor with modern connectivity, including OCuLink support for external graphics cards.

The Evo X1 Pro is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor with 12 cores. It also features built-in Radeon 890M graphics, making it capable of handling gaming, creative work, and everyday tasks without taking up much desk space. For users who need even more graphics power, the mini PC includes an OCuLink port that supports external GPUs with PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth. This offers faster performance than a standard Thunderbolt 4 eGPU connection.

To keep temperatures under control, GMKtec uses a dual-fan cooling system with a vapor chamber. The company says the system can run at up to a 65W performance mode while staying cool. The aluminum body measures only 107 × 111 × 63 mm and weighs around 590 grams, making it easy to carry between home, office, or travel.

The Evo X1 Pro also comes with modern wireless features, including WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Networking is handled by dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, giving users fast and reliable wired connections. Storage can be expanded up to 16TB thanks to a second M.2 SSD slot.

On the front, users get two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a full-featured USB4 port with display output and power delivery, an OCuLink port, a 3.5mm audio jack, a power button, and a reset button. Around the back are two more USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a DC power input, and a Kensington security lock.

The mini PC ships with a 120W power adapter. GMKtec is offering the 64GB RAM and 1TB SSD model for $1,599.99 after a $700 launch discount. Buyers who want 2TB of storage can get that version for $1,769.99, which also includes the same launch discount.

With its small size, fast AMD processor, expandable storage, and OCuLink eGPU support, the GMKtec Evo X1 Pro offers a strong option for users looking for a compact PC that can handle demanding workloads without sacrificing performance.

Today we are taking a look at Lenovo's more spacious mini-PC workstation, the ThinkStation P3 Ultra SFF Gen 2. With multiple PCIe slots, the P3 Ultra seeks to strike a fine balance between size and expandability

The post Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra SFF G2 Review A Bit Bigger and a Bit Better appeared first on ServeTheHome.

Valve offers Windows drivers now for the Steam Machine, Intel feels like they need to join to price rising brigades, Micron is fab, MiniPC's with last gen gear, and Nvidia will lend…

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The continuous improvement of processors meant that these chips could eventually be accommodated in extremely compact casings, taking up a minuscule amount of space while maintaining performance. This progress materialized the mini PC market, and which company knows better about this product line than ACEMAGIC? Even in the age of the DRAM shortage, Amazon has four options you can grab right now. Best of all, you can get up to a mouth-watering 25 percent off on the online retailer. Starting from $269 only, ACEMAGIC’s powerful and compact mini PCs won’t break the bank The best part about this deal is […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/acemagic-mini-pc-four-options-up-to-25-percent-off/

More new mini PCs are being launched with the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, coupled with capacity RAM. Lenovo Launches YOGA AI Mini PC, Featuring 16-Core Ultra X7 358H Processor for Up To 180 TOPS of AI Power Lenovo has quickly adopted Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 3, aka Panther Lake, processors for its devices, and whether you look at its laptop catalog or mini PC arsenal, you will find newer offerings with these chips. The company has now debuted its latest high-end mini PC called YOGA AI Mini PC, which is already available with processors like Core […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/lenovo-launches-yoga-ai-mini-pc-with-core-ultra-x7-358h/

What was meant to be a straightforward review of Geekom's A9 Max (2026) turned into something quite different. On paper it is very similar to the 2025 model we reviewed last September, the main difference being that CPU has been upgraded from the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, to the HX 470. It's a small spec bump, so we were expecting perhaps a 5% boost to performance. Instead, we found things were dramatically worse with the new model, so we had to dig a little deeper and find out what was going on…

While we do a greater analysis in the video, to cut to the chase, it all boils down to the memory configuration. It is not at all made clear on the product page, but despite both the 2025 and 2026 models shipping with 32GB DDR5 5600 SODIMM memory, the 2025 unit has a 2x16GB dual-channel configuration, whereas the 2026 model uses just a single 32GB stick. Be sure to check out the video as we assess what this means for the new A9 Max.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:51 2025 vs 2026 A9 Max models
01:12 The root cause…
02:18 Testing setup
02:59 Benchmarks!
05:12 Gaming performance is hit hard
06:14 CPU clock behaviour
06:50 Discussion around the memory situation
07:54 Geekom responded to us
08:21 One other change (SSD)
09:03 No other design changes
09:25 Closing thoughts

Specification:

• Form factor: 135 x 132 x 46.9 mm
• CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470
• CPU TDP: 54W
• Graphics: AMD Radeon 890M
• Memory: High-speed DDR5, expandable up to 128GB
• Audio: HDA codec
• Storage: 1x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD slot, 1x M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD slot
• I/O ports:
  • 1x rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
  • 1x rear USB 2.0 Type-A
  • 3x front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
  • 1x front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (Always On)
  • 1x rear USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery input
  • 1x rear USB4 Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
  • 1x front 3.5mm stereo headset jack
  • 2x rear RJ45
  • 2x rear HDMI 2.1 FRL
  • 1x rear DC input
  • 1x power button
  • 1x Kensington lock
  • 1x SD 4.0 card reader
• Ethernet: 2x 10/100/1000/2500Mbps RJ45
• Ethernet LED indicators: 10/100Mbps off, 1000Mbps orange, 2500Mbps green
• Wireless: M.2 Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
• Kensington lock: Yes
• Security: Supports dTPM 2.0
• Battery: RTC coin-cell battery
• Power adapter: 120W, 19V power adapter with region-specific IEC C5 AC cord
• PCBA dimensions: 127.6 x 127.2 x 1.6 mm
• Certifications: CE, FCC, CB, CCC, SRRC, RoHS
• Operating system: Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 64-bit
• Modern Standby: Supported
• Accessory: VESA mount, 121.8 x 116.5 x 1.0 mm

The A9 Max is listed for £1545 on Geekom's website, while it is also on Amazon HERE.

Pros

• Broadly unchanged since the 2025 model.
• Still a tiny and sleek chassis.
• Runs cool and quiet in Normal mode.

Cons

• Geekom has switched to single-channel memory, significantly hurting performance out of the box.
• We also noted a QLC-based SSD, rather than the SLC drive in our 2025 unit.
• Although out of Geekom's control, pricing has risen tremendously since we reviewed the 2025 model.
• Still lacks front USB-C or OcuLink.

KitGuru says: Geekom's unfortunate decision to opt for single-channel memory out of the box is a significant backwards step. The underlying hardware is still highly competent, but a lot of users would be better off with the dual-channel 2025 A9 Max.

The post Geekom A9 Max 2026 Mini PC Review (Ryzen AI 9 HX 470) first appeared on KitGuru.

At Computex 2026 Minisforum was showing off their upcoming MS-03 mini-PC, the successor to their popular MS-01 and aiming to bring more of a good thing with Intel's new Panther Lake platform

The post Minisforum’s Upcoming MS-03 SFF PC Brings More of a Good Thing appeared first on ServeTheHome.

Following on from last week's announcement of the low-power Cubi NUC TWG mini PC, MSI has introduced another Cubi NUC system built for more demanding applications, powered by the new Intel Core Ultra 3 CPUs.

The Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and support for up to four simultaneous displays. Networking is handled by two 2.5G Ethernet ports, giving the system redundancy and higher‑bandwidth options for enterprise environments.

In the table below, you can see the full specifications for the system:

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG PC Specifications
Operating System	Windows 11 Home MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business
CPU	Intel® Core Ultra 9 386H Intel® Core Ultra 7 355 Intel® Core Ultra 5 322
Chipset	Intel® SoC
Storage	1x M.2 2280 SSD (NVMe PCIe)
Memory	2x DDR5 SO‑DIMMs
Graphics	Intel® Graphics (Integrated)
Security	Support for dTPM & Kensington Lock
LAN	2x Intel® I226V (2.5G)
Wireless LAN	MTK RZ717 Wi‑Fi 7
Bluetooth	5.4 (RZ717)
I/O (Front)	1x USB 10Gbps Type‑C 1x USB 10Gbps Type‑A 1x USB 2.0 Type‑A 1x Power Button with Fingerprint Security
I/O (Rear)	2x Thunderbolt 4 (DP 1.4 Alt‑Mode up to 4K@60Hz / PD‑out 15W / one supports PD‑in up to 98W) 2x RJ45 (2.5G) 2x HDMI out (4K@60Hz, HDMI 2.1 — one supports MSI Power Link) 1x DC Jack
I/O (Side)	1x Kensington Lock 1x External Power Switch Pin Header
AC Adapter	120W
Volume	0.51 litres (1.08 pint)
Dimensions (W × D × H)	119.60 × 115.20 × 37.50 mm (4.71 × 4.54 × 1.48 inches)
VESA Mount	Supports 75 × 75 mm and 100 × 100 mm

MSI has focused on ease of installation and maintenance, adding a fingerprint‑recognition power button for secure authentication and a tool‑free chassis for quick access to internal components for upgrades, repairs or maintenance.

The MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG will be available in May, with prices starting at $569 for barebone models and up to $1,669 for fully configured systems, including a three‑year Advance Replacement Warranty.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: With a Core Ultra 9 386H packed in, one of these systems could do a lot more than standard office work. 

The post MSI adds Intel Core Ultra 3-powered NUC mini PCs to Cubi line-up first appeared on KitGuru.

The Geekom A5 Pro (2026) is a £520 mini PC designed for everyday desktop computing, housed in an all-aluminium chassis. But sometimes hardware testing doesn't go exactly to plan – so this time around, when my primary home network server suddenly died, this compact machine was drafted into emergency service to act as a VPN server, OPNsense router / firewall. On paper this seemed like a tough challenge, but a month later has it been a success?

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:33 How this happened
03:12 The Geekom A5 Pro – Hardware
05:12 The I/O and WAN / LAN
07:52 Proxmox Install and Configuration
09:37 Real World Performance
11:42 Thoughts?

Specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7530U (6 Cores, 12 Threads, 16MB Cache, up to 4.5GHz).
• Memory: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 SODIMM (Expandable up to 64GB).
• Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD (Supports 1x 2280 PCIe & 1x 2242 SATA III).
• Networking: 1x 2.5GbE LAN (Realtek Controller), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
• I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0, 2x HDMI 2.0, SD Card Reader, 3.5mm Audio.
• Chassis & Dimensions: All-Aluminium Unibody / 112.4 × 112.4 × 37 mm (0.47L).
• Power Consumption: ~14W idle / ~40W peak.
• Target Price: ~£520.

Closing Thoughts

The Geekom A5 Pro is a machine that massively exceeded our expectations, primarily because we threw it into a scenario it was never designed for. Rather than light web browsing, we tasked it with running Proxmox, an OPNsense router/firewall, Home Assistant, and multiple other Docker containers to replace a dead server. The Ryzen 5 7530U is incredibly capable; even when routing traffic for an entire home network, CPU utilization never crossed the 40% mark. Cooling was also very impressive given it also remained whisper-quiet, with temperatures hovering in the high 50s while drawing as little as 14 watts.

That said, repurposing a standard mini PC as a network server was an emergency plan and not really an ideal solution. Having only a single Ethernet port requires significant networking gymnastics (like using a managed switch and VLAN tagging) to route both WAN and LAN traffic over one cable. Furthermore, the Realtek network controller is less ideal than an Intel equivalent for virtualised routing, requiring hardware offloading to be disabled to maintain stability. We also noted that the RAM and SSD in our unit came from a relatively unknown brand called Wodposit, though the SSD speeds (7.2GB/s read) were good during large file transfers.

Ultimately, while running a home network on a single-port mini PC is an impractical long-term solution, this month-long experiment proves just how capable these small machines are. If you are looking to dip your toes into the world of self-hosting and home labs without driving up your energy bill, the Geekom A5 Pro is definitely a versatile piece of hardware.

Geekom also sent over the following retail links and discount code, but please note these are not affiliate links and we do not profit from any sales:

• 7% Coupon: KITGURUA5PRO, expires May 31.
• Amazon UK
• Official UK
• Amazon US
• Official US

Pros:

• Excellent CPU performance handles multitasking and virtualization with ease.
• Power efficient, drawing between 14W and 40W.
• Quiet operation and great thermal management.
• Premium all-aluminum unibody chassis with generous I/O.
• Fast NVMe SSD speeds despite the unknown manufacturer.

Cons:

• Realtek networking controller requires software tweaking in Proxmox.
• Uses lesser-known component brands for memory and storage.
• Single Ethernet port.

KitGuru says: The Geekom A5 Pro might target the average user, but its power efficiency, metal chassis, and highly capable Ryzen processor make it a fantastic, affordable gateway into the world of self-hosting and home labs.

The post Geekom A5 Pro Mini PC Review first appeared on KitGuru.

We test the Acemagic M1A Pro+ a neat looking AI-focused mini PC with the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 128GB of LPDDR5X memory

The post Acemagic M1A PRO+ Review An AMD-Powered 128GB AI Mini PC appeared first on ServeTheHome.

MSI has announced the Cubi NUC TWG Series, a new compact mini‑PC range powered by Intel’s N Series processors and housed in an ultra-compact 0.55‑litre chassis.

The Cubi NUC TWG supports up to three displays, including output over USB‑C, and includes dual‑LAN connectivity with 2.5G and 1G ports. MSI’s cable organiser is included to prevent accidental disconnections, and the system supports MSI Power Link so compatible MSI monitors can power the PC on or off directly. The mini‑PC is VESA‑mountable, and a fanless Cubi NUC TWG S variant is available for silent operation.

In the table below, you can see the full specifications for the new CUBI NUC TWG:

Cubi NUC TWG Series Desktop PC Specifications
Operating System	Windows 11 / Windows 11 Pro
CPU	Intel® Processor N250 Intel® Processor N150
Chipset	Intel® SoC
Storage	1x M.2 2280 SSD (NVMe PCIe)
Memory	1x DDR5 SO‑DIMM
Graphics	Intel® Graphics (Integrated)
Security	Support for fTPM & Kensington Lock
LAN	Realtek® RTL8111H (1G) Realtek® RTL8125D (2.5G)
Wireless LAN	Intel Wi‑Fi 6E AX211 / AzureWave AW‑CB515NF Wi‑Fi 5
Bluetooth	5.3 (AX211) / 5.0 (AW‑CB515NF)
I/O (Front)	2x USB 10Gbps Type‑A 2x USB 2.0 Type‑A 1x Mic‑in / Headphone‑out combo
I/O (Rear)	1x USB 10Gbps Type‑C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode) 2x USB 2.0 Type‑A 2x RJ45 (2.5G & 1G LAN) 2x HDMI out (4K@60Hz, HDMI 2.1 — one supports MSI Power Link) 1x DC Jack
I/O (Side)	1x Kensington Lock Slot 1x External Power Switch Pin Header
AC Adapter	65W
Volume	0.55 litres (1.16 pts)
Dimensions (W x D x H)	135.6 × 112.6 × 40.1 mm (5.34 × 4.43 × 1.58 inches)
Cooling System	Fan Cooler (Cubi NUC TWG) Fanless Design (Cubi NUC TWG S)
VESA Mount	Supports 75 × 75 mm and 100 × 100 mm

The system also includes MSI’s AI Engine, which automatically adjusts system behaviour based on workload. It will also fit nicely into corporate green initiatives thanks to its use of PCR-recycled plastics and FSC-certified packaging.

KitGuru Says: Have you used a NUC mini PC before? 

The post MSI launches new Cubi NUC TWG mini PCs first appeared on KitGuru.

ARCTIC has launched the Senza AI 370, a fully fanless under‑desk PC built around the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and certified as a Copilot+ PC. The system targets silent productivity and local AI workloads, offering a sizeable performance jump over the previous Senza model while maintaining zero‑noise operation through a large passive aluminium heatsink and heatpipe assembly.

The unit mounts beneath the desk using an included bracket, clearing surface space while keeping key controls within reach. A detachable front panel brings the power button and high‑speed ports to the table edge, and the compact chassis routes all other I/O to the rear. Connectivity includes USB4, USB‑A, HDMI 2.1, 2.5GbE, Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, giving the system workstation‑class flexibility despite its small footprint.

Internally, the Senza AI 370 uses the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. As a Copilot+ PC, it runs AI tasks such as summarisation, image generation and on‑device assistance locally via the integrated NPU, reducing reliance on cloud processing and keeping data on the machine. ARCTIC ships the system fully pre‑assembled with Windows 11 Home Copilot+ edition installed, but it is also Linux compatible.

The Senza AI 370 is available now through ARCTIC’s webshop with a Payback discount, bringing the price down to €1,029.99 from its €1,119.99 MSRP. The system is also available through Amazon, eBay and selected retail partners.

KitGuru Says: Would you like to see more desk-mounted mini PCs on the market?

The post Arctic launches Ryzen powered Senza AI 370 mini PC first appeared on KitGuru.

In our Minisforum MS-02 Ultra review, we see what this crazy system offers including 25GbE, many SSDs, ECC memory, and PCIe expansion slots

The post Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review the New Home Lab King appeared first on ServeTheHome.

NZXT has introduced the H2 Flow Mini‑ITX case and the C850 SFX power supply, two compact components aimed at small form factor builders who want high‑end hardware support without moving to a larger chassis. On top of that, the company is also releasing a high-end limited‑run H2 Mini PC, although it will only be available in the US for now.

The H2 Flow is a 20.7L vertical Mini‑ITX chassis designed to maximise airflow while keeping the desk footprint small. Its layout supports up to 280mm AIO liquid coolers and graphics cards up to 331mm long, giving it headroom for modern CPUs and GPUs despite the compact size. Tool‑less fine‑mesh panels on all sides maintain cooling performance while helping with dust control, and NZXT includes a PCIe 5.0 riser cable for vertical GPU mounting alongside two pre‑installed F120Q fans.

The C850 SFX power supply is built for current and next‑generation GPUs, offering ATX 3.1 certification, 80 Plus Gold and Cybenetics Platinum efficiency ratings, and a 600W 12V‑2×6 connector. It uses a fully modular design with embossed cabling, a 92mm fan with a zero‑RPM mode for silent operation at low power loads, and Japanese capacitors rated for 105°C. NZXT backs the unit with a 10‑year warranty.

For buyers who prefer a ready‑made system, the H2 Mini PC brings the H2 Flow design to a prebuilt configuration assembled and tested by NZXT. It ships with either an AMD Ryzen 9800X3D or Intel Core Ultra 285K processor, a Gigabyte Mini‑ITX motherboard, an RTX 5080 graphics card, 32GB of DDR5 memory, 2TB of M.2 storage, a Kraken Elite 240mm AIO cooler, an 850W PSU, and Windows 11 Home. NZXT positions it as a way to access high‑performance SFF gaming without the complexity of building in a smaller enclosure.

All three products are launching this week. The H2 Flow Mini‑ITX case is priced at $149.99 / €149.99 / £129.99, while the C850 SFX PSU costs $199.99 / €159.99 / £139.99. The H2 Mini PC will be available exclusively in the US for $3499.

KitGuru Says: What do you think of the latest trio of products from NZXT? Would you like to see the Mini PC available in more countries? 

The post NZXT expands its SFF lineup with new H2 Flow case, C850 SFX PSU and Mini PC first appeared on KitGuru.