Minisforum Venus NAB9: 30-second review

Minisforum has designed the NAB9 targeting power users as its base, those who need the robust capabilities of a CPU to power through office and creative tasks but without the extensive GPU power that gaming requires, thereby keeping heat generation down.

Equipped with an Intel i9-12900HK and Intel Iris XE graphics, along with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, this mini PC handles most office tasks, Photoshop jobs, and general 4K video editing software with relative ease. It is also well-equipped when it comes to connectivity, offering plenty of USB Type-C and Type-A ports, facilitating a range of accessories, although it's worth noting that one of the USB Type-C ports on the back is for display use only.

With two HDMI and two USB Type-C ports on the back, the machine allows for connecting up to four monitors without issue. The connectivity options are well catered for, with the M.2 2230 Wi-Fi support card ensuring a powerful wireless connection beyond most other mini PCs. For those needing the reliability of a wired connection, there are two RJ45 2.5G LAN ports.

Like many of the best mini PCs we've tested, this machine, while powerful, is all about balance. Handling image and video files is perfectly possible, though it's more suited for entry to mid-level work rather than professional tasks. However, the USB Type-C ports allow for storage expansion through external hard drives, and the data transfer rate for Premiere Pro and Photoshop is sufficient to keep up with workflow demands. The introduction of USB 4 would enhance data transfer and enable the use of eGPUs, but this would add considerably to the cost of this compact machine. Additionally, while 32GB of RAM is the baseline for video editing and is adequate in this system, it uses older DDR4 rather than the latest DDR5, but it handles video and image content well as long as video productions are simple and short.

Switching to gaming, most games run fine, with Portal 2 running smoothly. However, more recent games like Cyberpunk and Red Dead Redemption II require lower graphics quality—this is where USB 4 and DDR5 would have boosted performance, especially with the addition of an eGPU.

Considering the price, this mini PC has plenty to offer, and the i9 CPU, along with the RAM, storage, and generous cooling, ensures that the Minisforum NAB9 runs fast for extended periods. While it may not be the best choice for the latest games, it is a superb machine for everything else.

Minisforum Venus NAB9: Price & availability

The Minisforum Venus NAB9 is widely available and can be purchased directly through the Minisforum website or Amazon.com. It is available in a variety of options; the 32GB, 1TB version reviewed here will set you back $509. Additionally, there is a barebones version available, allowing you to select your own SSD and RAM.

• Score: 4/5

Minisforum Venus NAB9: Design & build

The Minisforum Venus NAB9 sits in the mid-range when it comes to mini PC size, featuring a standard footprint and a slightly taller frame that accommodates the additional cooling required for the powerful Intel i9-12900HK CPU inside. The choice of case design helps keep the machine cool when working at full throttle, and the metal sides with vent slots and silver plastic top all contribute to giving this mini PC a slightly premium look and feel.

There are some nice touches to the design, such as the layout of the rear ports. The LAN ports take center stage, flanked by HDMI and USB ports on either side, USB Type-A on one side, and the power socket on the other. This arrangement makes it extremely easy to set up on a desk, with the ability to neatly arrange the cable layout into monitors, keyboards, mice, and accessories.

Likewise, the small selection of USB and audio ports on the front, along with the small power-on button, make plugging in headphones and other accessories convenient.

As the machine has a variety of configuration options, including barebones, it's nice to see easy access to the inner workings. Accessing the SSD and RAM is simply a case of pushing down on the front of the top plate; it then clicks, releases, and can be removed. Inside, everything is clear and easy to access in case of a component swap-around or upgrade. One of the features that will appeal to anyone wanting to boost the standard 512GB or 1TB storage is that this machine can be upgraded to 2TB. If that's still not enough, the lid of the machine is designed to hold a 2.5" SSD with the screws and cables provided in the box, although the purchase of the SSD is separate. This means if you want to pop in an 8TB SSD, you can, and this connects through the SATA expansion cable. Likewise, the 32GB of RAM in the review machine can also be upgraded to a maximum of 64GB, which could be ideal if you are looking to use the machine for photo or video work.

As a compact business computer, the design is very neat and discreet, with the metal silver finish giving it an understated yet stylish look.

• Design: 5/5

Minisforum Venus NAB9: Features

The MINISFORUM Venus Series NAB9 Mini PC is designed for business use, blending high performance with a sleek, compact form factor. If you wanted a portable business laptop alternative, this will adequately fulfil that role. At its core, the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor features a hybrid architecture with 14 cores and 20 threads, capable of speeds up to 5.0GHz. Combined with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, this setup provides ample processing power for office, multimedia, creative tasks, and moderate gaming needs.

Connectivity is a major feature of the NAB9, with dual 2.5G Ethernet ports enabling a variety of networking options such as ultra-secure firewalls and file storage servers. For convenience in wireless connectivity, the NAB9 includes dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 on a replaceable M.2 2230 card, which not only ensures a robust wireless connection but also future-proofs the unit to some extent for upgrades.

Monitor connection is another area where the NAB9 provides plenty of options. It supports up to four displays at 4K resolution and 60Hz, made possible by two HDMI and two USB-C ports.

Our review unit arrived pre-equipped with 32GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory (max 64GB) and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD (max 2TB), both of which can be upgraded easily thanks to a user-friendly pop-up design of the top. There's also the option to secure a larger capacity 2.5" SATA drive into the lid to expand storage.

Cooling is critical and can often be an issue with the mini PC format; the NAB9 addresses this with an innovative cooling system that includes dual heat pipes, dual air vents, and a new active solid-state heat sink complemented by side cooling openings. Unlike some other mini PCs, the NAB9 does not include boosted graphics, so while it is powerful and capable of moderate gaming performance, the focus here is on the processing power for other uses. 

• Features: 4/5

Minisforum Venus NAB9: Performance

The Minisforum Venus Series NAB9 Mini PC's performance is impressive, especially considering its compact size. This is primarily due to the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, which provides substantial processing power for a range of applications, from office productivity to creative media work. Minisforum has carefully considered the components used in this small machine, focusing on the essentials needed for a fast office machine rather than gaming. This does mean there is a compromise, with no DDR5 RAM, USB 4 ports, or higher-end graphics.

Starting with everyday tasks, the NAB9 handles Microsoft Office applications with ease, ensuring smooth operation across all Office apps without any noticeable slowdown. This performance is reflected in its PC Mark score of 5872, indicating strong general productivity capabilities with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

When it comes to creative software, the NAB9 manages processor-intensive tasks well, with Adobe Photoshop tasks like image manipulation and enhancement being handled efficiently. However, the absence of a dedicated GPU means it faces challenges with high-resolution graphic data in Adobe Bridge, a common compromise in mini PCs. Its performance in Adobe Premiere Pro is decent enough; editing 1080p footage is smooth, and even 4K footage remains manageable unless you push the machine to edit log3 quality footage, at which point it begins to falter.

This machine is ideal for businesses where some image and video enhancement is needed. Its power and cooling mean it can handle those demanding tasks with relative ease. It's suited for footage captured on phones or using standard quality settings for images and stills before switching to RAW or Log formats.

For gaming, the NAB9's limitations become apparent when dealing with graphically intensive titles like Red Dead Redemption II and Cyberpunk 2077 at native 4K resolution. While the device struggles at higher settings and resolutions, lowering the resolution to 1080p allows for a much better gaming experience, albeit at the cost of visual fidelity. This is corroborated by its 3D benchmark scores, with Fire Strike and Time Spy graphics scores of 5350 and 1577, respectively, indicating that while capable, it's not intended for high-end gaming.

The device's storage performance is fast, with Crystal Disk scores of 4805.93 MB/s read and 3900.54 MB/s write. This ensures that data transfer and loading times are exceptionally quick, which is beneficial for applications requiring frequent access to large files.

Benchmark scores in other areas further reflect the NAB9's strengths and weaknesses. Its GeekBench scores show a strong single-core performance at 10689 but a lower multi-core score of 2300, suggesting it handles single-threaded tasks well but may lag in more intensive multi-threaded operations. Similarly, CineBench scores highlight good performance, especially in multi-core tests, which is crucial for tasks like video rendering and software compilation.

Overall, the Minisforum Venus Series NAB9 mini PC is a solid business-focused mini PC ideal for those whose work involves office applications, moderate use of the best video editing software and photo editors, and occasional gaming at adjusted settings. Its performance benchmarks in real-world applications highlight that the NAB9 balances compactness with capability, making it a great option for a variety of uses.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Minisforum Venus NAB9?

The MINISFORUM Venus Series NAB9 Mini PC excels as a business and creativity-focused system, powered by a robust Intel i9 processor and ample connectivity options. While it efficiently handles office tasks and moderates creative and video work, its gaming capabilities and the absence of the latest ports like USB 4.0 and DDR5 RAM might deter more tech-savvy users seeking cutting-edge specifications. Nevertheless, for professional environments and typical productivity tasks, it offers great value, ensuring high performance without the risk of overheating, thanks to its efficient design and cooling system.

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Geekom A7 mini PC: 30-second review

The Geekom A7 mini PC represents the upper echelon of Mini PCs, with its all-metal casing exuding a premium look and feel. Upon examination, it's clear this is not just another compact, space-saving device. 

Unlike many of the best mini PCs we've tested, it boasts a high-quality build complemented by a wide array of ports on the back, convenient quick-access ports on the front, and an SD card slot on the side, indicating Geekom's targeting of creatives, gamers, and high-end users.

The machine, preloaded with Windows 11 Pro, impresses with its quick boot time and effortless handling of demanding applications including some of the best video editing software and photo editing apps. Gaming performance is notable, though some adjustments to quality settings are necessary for smooth gameplay. For instance, Tekken 8 benchmarks at a score of 287 are suitable for mid-range settings, while Cyberpunk, when set to Medium graphics at 4K, is playable despite occasional glitches. However, lowering the resolution to 1080p while boosting graphics settings allows for smoother gameplay.

In everyday use, the A7 showcases its prowess by efficiently running all Office applications and breezing through tasks. Creative professionals will appreciate the ultra-fast USB Type-C ports for quick data transfer to and from large-capacity storage devices. Additionally, the dual HDMI ports facilitate an easy dual monitor setup, with the option for further expansion through USB ports.

Our review unit came equipped with 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD M.2 storage, serving as a solid base for various work types. With the option to expand the RAM up to 64GB, this compact machine demonstrates significant potential for serious users.

Geekom A7 mini PC: Price & availability

The Geekom A7 is readily available in several configurable options. The model reviewed features an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS with Radeon Graphics, while a slightly more affordable version comes with the Ryzen 7 7840HS, also equipped with AMD 780M graphics. Both variants can be customized with either 32GB or 64GB of RAM and a choice of 1TB or 2TB of SSD storage. These configurations can be purchased through Amazon.com, the Geekom website, and numerous other retailers.

• Score: 4/5

Geekom A7 mini PC: Design & build

The first thing you notice about the A7's build quality is its premium metal casing, contrasted with a standard plastic base. This design not only creates a strong and durable machine suitable for both home and workshop use but also makes it conveniently portable for those needing to transport their computer between home and work without opting for a laptop.

A notable feature of the design is the abundance of ports on the back, facilitating easy connections to a wide array of devices via HDMI, USB Type-A and C, along with a direct network connection. This feature is particularly beneficial for creative users like photographers and videographers, thanks to the built-in SD card reader on the side for quick downloading of image and video files post-shoot.

The ample ports and connections also mean the system can be attached to numerous accessories without overloading it or draining its power, which is crucial for those requiring fast transfers for large storage and control desks.

While the mini PC comes with a range of hardware options for RAM and SSD at the time of purchase, both can be upgraded as budget allows. Access to the hardware is straightforward, requiring the removal of the small rubber feet and unscrewing four small screws to detach the plastic base. Beneath this, a metal plate adds an extra layer of protection to the electronics and assists with cooling. This plate, held in place by another four screws, can be removed to access the SSD and RAM directly.

A large fan is situated at the top of the machine, integral to the cooling system that allows the powerful CPU and GPU to maintain smooth operation. Similar to other high-performance mini PCs recently observed, this fan is designed to be large yet run quietly, ensuring it does not distract from multimedia activities, gaming, or work conducted on the machine.

• Design: 5/5

Geekom A7 mini PC: Features

The Geekom A7 ushers in a new era of Mini PCs, elevating performance and demonstrating that this compact form factor is more than just a space-saving solution. It houses powerful Ryzen processors and offers a wide range of connectivity options, catering to professionals, creators, and everyday users.

Key features include the Ryzen 7000 Series CPU, known for its exceptional performance with a thermal design power (TDP) of up to 45W. This balance between performance and power consumption means users relying on intensive applications for video editing, graphic design, or software development will find the processing power they need for complex tasks.

Complementing the CPU is the AMD Radeon Graphics 780M, a mobile GPU with an impressive track record. While it may not match the power of a dedicated external GPU, it provides a balanced solution for content creators and casual gamers who need competent graphics performance for video editing, graphic design, and gaming.

This mini PC supports high-speed DDR5 memory in a dual-channel DDR5 5600MHz SODIMM configuration, expandable up to 64GB, ensuring smooth multitasking across applications. It also offers versatile storage options, supporting an M.2 2280 SSD for PCIe Gen4*4 (up to 2TB) or a more economical SATAIII SSD (up to 1TB), catering to the needs of creatives and gamers with faster transfer speeds, as well as general users.

A significant feature appealing to professional users is the extensive array of I/O ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A/C, HDMI 2.0, and more. Alongside Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support, it ensures versatile connectivity. Its compact size (112.4 x 112.4 x 37 mm) and lightweight (420g) make it ideal for space-constrained environments, offering a discreet, minimalist design that doesn't stand out, whether in homes or workshops. Its durable metal case and small footprint also facilitate easy wall mounting or placement away from potential hazards.

Despite its compact size, which could pose challenges for heat management, the A7 is equipped with the Geekom 4.0 cooling system, featuring a large top-mounted fan and side venting to ensure the system remains cool. The necessity of an external power adapter supporting a 120W power draw facilitates higher processing performance, compensating for the lack of USB-C power delivery. 

The Geekom mini PC is preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro and ready to go after the usual initial setup process. 

• Features: 4.5/5

Geekom A7 mini PC: Performance

The A7 demonstrates formidable performance across a diverse range of applications, evidenced by its impressive test scores. For creative tasks, such as working in Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro, its GeekBench Multi score of 13,296 and a CineBench CPU Multi score of 19,835 indicate its capability to manage complex, CPU-demanding tasks. Practically, this translates to smooth and responsive performance when editing high-resolution images from the Canon EOS R5 in Photoshop or handling 4K video editing in Premiere Pro, facilitated by high-speed DDR5 RAM for seamless layer manipulation and real-time footage preview.

In DaVinci Resolve, the GeekBench Compute score of 33,438 and Fire Strike Graphics score of 8,512 showcase the mini PC's proficiency in colour grading and 4K video rendering—a testament to its sufficient GPU power for demanding video editing tasks, ensuring fine 4K video editing with smooth playback and quick render times. If you've been on the look-out for a compact alternative to the best video editing PCs or even the best video editing laptops, this could be the mini PC for you. 

In fact, content creation across the board is good. The A7 comfortably handles Adobe Audition performance for track mixing and effect applications. Its HDA CODEC ensures high-quality audio output, indicating its well-rounded capabilities in handling audio editing tasks without hitches.

Although not primarily a gaming rig, the A7's performance in creative applications hinted at respectable gaming capabilities. With a Time Spy Graphics score of 2,886, it supports casual to moderate gaming experiences. Games such as "Tekken 8" and "Cyberpunk" can be played in mid-range settings, requiring adjustments for smooth gameplay at higher resolutions.

The A7 excels in everyday productivity tasks as well, including Microsoft Office applications. A PC Mark score of 7,289 signifies that it can effortlessly manage word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and other office-related tasks, corroborated by actual use. The fast SSD, with Crystal Disk Read and Write speeds of 4908.63MB/s and 4720.80MB/s, respectively, ensures rapid application launches and almost instantaneous file access, enhancing efficiency, especially when transferring image and video files via the SD card slot. This combination of high-speed memory, robust processing power, and fast storage highlights the mini PC as a powerful, versatile computer capable of meeting a wide array of user needs, from creative to everyday productivity and casual gaming.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Geekom A7 mini PC?

The A7 from Geekom is ideal for creatives, professionals, and users seeking a compact, powerful computer. Its robust processing and graphics capabilities make it perfect for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and multitasking with ease. Casual gamers and those valuing a space-saving design without sacrificing performance will also find it appealing. 

However, hardcore gamers and users requiring the utmost in graphical performance may not find it meets their needs due to its limitations compared to dedicated gaming PCs. Additionally, those on a tight budget might consider the price point and explore more cost-effective options.

Value: Solid performance at a reasonable price. 4/5
Design: Compact, efficient, unobtrusive design. 5/5
Features: Versatile, with comprehensive connectivity and expansion options. 4.5/5
Performance: Strong in multitasking, moderate in gaming. 4/5
Total: Well-rounded, efficient for professionals and casual users. 4/5

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