Beelink GTR7 7840HS: 30 second review

The Beelink GTR7 7840HS stands out against other mini PC with its high-quality build, quick, hassle-free setup, and superb gaming performance. Inside, the M.2 storage steals the show with transfer speeds that are rare to find on machines at this price point and helps ensure that this machine can hit well above its weight regarding video and gaming performance. 

Most notably, that speed comes into play when used as a 4K video editing solution; despite its size, it provides substantial power to edit 4K Log3 footage with relative ease, effects and all. 

Essentially this is an incredibly well-rounded machine that will appeal as one of the best mini PCs for gaming enthusiasts and creative professionals.

Price and Availablity

The Beelink GTR7 7840HS is available for purchase at the top end of the price scale from this style of Mini PC, but the specifications and performance justify the price. Considering its features and performance, this pricing is relatively budget-friendly, especially as a longer-term investment. 

However, it's important to note that the package includes the PC itself; essential peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse must be purchased separately. 

Additionally, while the system comes with 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD, users looking for more memory and storage can opt for additional upgrades. Despite these considerations, the GTR7 7840HS provides a comprehensive and appealing option for many users.

• Score: 4/5

Design

The Beelink GTR7 7840HS boasts a compact form that hides its powerful internals. The casing, composed of high-quality metal, feels durable and of a premium build, perfect for carting around if you need it, although it does come with a monitor mount in the box.

Alongside the standard 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe, there's a space slot for you to expand the onboard storage. The RAM is also expandable from the standard 32GB to 64GB of DDR5 memory for more intensive tasks, and upgrading is a great idea if you're considering using this for video editing.

On the front is a straight set of standard USB connections with a Type-A and C alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack and power button. The main ports with USB, HDMI and Network options are on the back.

The box is small and well-designed, if slightly unambitious, with easy but secure access to the internals using a screwdriver. In use, the commonly used ports are accessible on the front of the machine, with further ports neatly at the back. The style is tried and tested when it comes to design, and there's no doubt that it all works.

• Design: 4/5

Features

The GTR7 is powered by the AMD Ryzen™ 7 7840HS processor at its heart. With a base frequency of 3.80 GHz and a turbo boost reaching an impressive 5.10 GHz, this CPU delivers swift performance across various tasks, from browsing to video editing. Complementing this is the integrated AMD Radeon™ GPU with 12 cores, clocked at 2700 MHz. This GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks and, through the test, renders high-quality visuals in gaming and creative applications.

As standard, the GTR7 has 32GB DDR5 memory installed across dual SO-DIMM slots. The machine's potential is further enhanced by the possibility of upgrading to a maximum of 64GB.

The mini PC features dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots. The pre-installed 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD boasts transfer speeds of up to 7000MB/s. The storage is expandable up to 4TB in each slot, which is impressive for such small machines. 

Regarding connection ports on the rear, there are USB 2.0 and 3.2 ports, USB4 ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, and dual 2.5G LAN ports. The front features a 3.5mm audio jack, USB 3.2, Type-C and CLR CMOS. 

• Features: 4/5

Performance

In real-world scenarios, the GTR7 impressed. Its powerful AMD Ryzen™ 7 7840HS processor, combined with the capable GPU, enabled multiple applications to run smoothly without issue, video editing was possible, and gaming was smooth. The machine excelled in handling 4K video editing software, swiftly rendering edits and minimising wait times when rendering. 

Gaming performance is the focus of this machine, and it performed superbly. I tested Titles, such as Assasins Creed Valhalla and Red Dead Redemption, and all worked fine with a slight tweak of some of the Graphic settings to enable smooth gameplay. Games like Assassin's Creed Remastered played at 4K, and Red Dead Redemption II, while slightly adjusted in resolution and effects, proved very playable.

Despite the demands of multitasking and gaming, the GTR7 maintained a commendably cool temperature, no doubt helped by the combination of the MSC Technology-Vapor Chamber and System Fan. While you can hear the fans, they're not overly loud. 

The CrystalDiskMark results translated to impressive real-world speeds. Application launches were swift, and data transfers were nearly instantaneous, thanks to the PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD. Large files, including 4K videos, were transferred with lightning speed, meaning I had to double-check that the files had transferred.

• Performance: 5/5

Should you buy a Beelink GTR7 7840HS

The Beelink GTR7 7840HS design embraces sleek aesthetics and practicality, housing impressive internal technology like dual M.2 NVMe slots boasting speeds of up to 7000MB/s on paper and 5000MB/s in the real world. 

The AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and 12-core GPU ensure exceptional gaming and multitasking. With expandable RAM, storage, quad-display support, and efficient cooling, this mini PC caters to creative professionals and gamers. While the price is competitive, it may not fit every budget, and its robust capabilities could be more than some require. A versatile powerhouse for those demanding more from their compact setup.

Report Card

Value: Priced competitively for its features and performance. (4/5)
Design: Stylish yet functional, with excellent build quality and compact size. (4/5)
Features: Impressive technologies, expandability, and connectivity options. (4.5/5)
Performance: Outstanding benchmark results translate to real-world power. (4.5/5) Total: A high-performing, feature-rich mini PC with good value. (4.5/5)

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Minisforum UM790 Pro: 30 second review

The Minisforum UM790 Pro impresses with its compact size and impressive performance. While its design is simple and somewhat boring, the setup is easy and efficient, and the ports and connectors are all where you would want them to be for pure practicality. 

The machine shines in gaming and 4K video editing tasks, making it an ideal choice for creative professionals. Marketed as a desktop replacement, it delivers exceptional power for its size and will appeal to anyone looking for versatility and performance, so ideal for creators. Despite its slightly mundane design, its capabilities as a compact power PC and its focus on gaming and content creation set it apart as an attractive choice and make it one of our choices for the best mini PCs.

Price and Availablity

The Minisforum UM790 Pro is priced in the midrange for a high-end mini PC, so any way you look, it's one of the best PC purchases out there. Considering its impressive specifications and desktop-level processing power, this price point makes it a budget-friendly option for anyone needing high performance in a compact form. 

While the UM790 Pro offers powerful performance akin to a desktop PC, its limited upgradability should be considered. However, external GPUs and Hard drives can be attached, so it's not a huge issue when considering the RAM and internal storage option upgrades. The midrange price tag and simple design make this a strong and sensible choice. 

• Score: 5/5

Design

The Minisforum UM790 Pro is everything a compact Mini PC should be and offers a simple space-saving solution ideal for desktop and creative setups. While its exterior design appears fairly standard, its true capabilities lie inside. The machine is built with an emphasis on practicality, allowing it to easily mount to the back of a monitor, thereby maximising desk space. Its integrated metal body enhances durability while ensuring that it stays cool under intensive workloads.

While the UM790 Pro might not be as upgradable as traditional desktops, its dual-channel DDR5 memory slots allow for a maximum of 64GB RAM, catering to multitasking needs. Moreover, dual PCIe 4.0 SSD slots empower users to expand storage capacity and enhance data performance through RAID0 and RAID1 configurations.

• Design: 4.5/5

Features

The Minisforum UM790 Pro employs cutting-edge technologies, housing an AMD Ryzen™ 9 7940HS processor with up to 5.2 GHz boost and an AMD Radeon™ 780M GPU, delivering remarkable performance for gaming and intensive tasks.

The UM790 Pro's AMD Ryzen™ 9 7940HS processor boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, while the AMD Radeon™ 780M graphics card ensures smooth visuals and seamless gaming, as well as sufficient for video and image editing tasks.

Backing up the processing is dual-channel DDR5 memory slots and support for frequencies up to 5600MHz; the UM790 Pro offers fast data access, a major consideration for content creators dealing with large files. 

Those large files are perfectly catered for by the M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots, of which there are two, although only one is filled off the shelf.

Ensuring connection options, there's a good range of ports, including USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A and USB4 ports and supporting high-resolution displays, there's HDMI 2.1 and USB4 video outputs.

Measuring 130mm x 126mm x 52.3mm, the UM790 Pro's compact size makes it suitable for limited desk spaces, and it's compatible with VESA mounting, which is a nice touch, especially in studios where you want the surface to be clear of cables and machines. 

Regarding the network connections, there's a 2.5G Ethernet port and Killer™ AX1675 Wi-Fi 6E network card; in the test, this all seemed more than fast and reliable enough for most workshop and studio tasks and gaming. 

• Features: 4.5/5

Performance

The Minisforum UM790 Pro proves to be a solid performer through our series of benchmark tests, translating into outstanding real-world performance when used with Premiere Pro and Photoshop. Its AMD Ryzen™ 9 7940HS processor, coupled with the AMD Radeon™ 780M GPU handled games, images and video with relative ease. 

In 3DMark Wild Life, the UM790 Pro achieved a Graphics Score of 15402, reflecting the gaming performance. Fire Strike yielded a Graphics Score of 7351, with additional scores highlighting its CPU and combined performance.

Time Spy recorded a Graphics Score of 2674 and a CPU Score of 10862, illustrating its multifaceted capabilities. In Cinebench R23, the machine showcased a Multi-Core Score of 15874, affirming its computational strength and this was again reflected in the video editing.

GeekBench 5 reflected the other results with a Multi-Core and Single-Core Scores of 12387 and 2714, respectively. CrystalDiskMark revealed read and write speeds of 3905.29 MB/s and 1970.44 MB/s, demonstrating a decent but not remarkable transfer speed. 

PCMark 10 returned a Score of 7110, reinforcing the well-rounded performance which was topped off with a Windows Experience Index with a score of 8.2.

• Performance: 4.5/5

Should you buy a Minisforum UM790 Pro

The Minisforum UM790 Pro presents a powerful solution in a compact form. With exceptional performance that outshines its peers in this price range, it proves itself as a reliable and mini PC and desktop replacememnt. Its unassuming design might lack flair, but it's a testament to functionality, easily fitting into any professional environment. 

From solid gaming capabilities to smooth video editing, the UM790 Pro delivers on multiple fronts. While it might not be the choice for those seeking a design that pops or offers a multi coloured light show, its performance-focused approach and simplicity make it a great option.

Value: Priced affordably for its capabilities, providing desktop-level power. (5/5)
Design: Simple and practical, but lacking visual flair. (3/5)
Features: Cutting-edge technologies, versatile CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage options. (4.5/5)
Performance: Impressive benchmark scores translate to exceptional real-world performance. (4.5/5)
Total: A solid mini PC with powerful performance and practical design, suited for various tasks. (4/5)

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T-Bao MiniPC + NAS R3: 30 second review

The T-BAO MiniPC + NAS R3 stands out from many of the best mini PCs by being an extremely versatile option that has been tailored for the needs of day-to-day use. Less boxy and more Air Purifier by design T-Bao has deliberately focused on seamless integration into home aesthetics, as well as computing functionality.

Crafted to cater to everyday computing demands, the T-BAO MiniPC + NAS R3 presents a cheap and easy-to-use solution for anyone wanting something other than pure gaming performance. Its compact form and stylish if slightly plasticy design means it looks equally in place on your desk or living room.

The big selling point of the T-BAO MiniPC + NAS R3 is its integrated NAS system. This integration isn't an afterthought but a fundamental design of the machine. It's only an entry-level NAS but still, in a machine of this size, it's impressive with the capacity for two 3.5-inch HDDs. Essentially with two drives installed, this machine transforms a compact daily computer into a hub for all your multimedia and files which is why we consider it one of the top mini PCs in its class. 

Powering the system is an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor which is an excellent balance between price and performance for this style of machine. 

Price and Availablity

The T-BAO MiniPC + NAS R3 arrives at an affordable price and is designed to cater to a wide range of users. The machine is positioned for day-to-day use with a specification and design that will cater to most word processing, web browsing, multimedia and the occasional use for games. 

One of the most enticing aspects of the T-BAO MiniPC + NAS R3 is its budget-friendly price point. If you're looking for a cost-effective option, this machine really does pack in quite a bit for the price and with features such as the NAS and Network hub that aren't that common at this level. 

While the machine primarily focuses on day-to-day tasks, its design seamlessly slots into your home design with a far more aesthetic look than the small box design of most other mini PCs. Its compact dimensions ensure it doesn't occupy too much space.

The T-Bao MiniPC + NAS is available for a reasonable amount and the versatile design and the inclusion of a simplified NAS system make it a compelling option if you're looking for an all-in-one solution that caters to day-to-day computing, multimedia enjoyment, and mass storage.

• Score: 4/5

Design

The T-BAO MiniPC + NAS R3 impresses with a design that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics. Its small footprint makes it an unobtrusive addition to any workspace. The standout feature for this small machine is the provision for two 3.5-inch HDDs, enabling easy storage expansion without compromising on elegance. In this test I popped in two inexpensive 500GB WD Green Drives effectively quadrupling the storage size in a little under two minutes without the need for any tools. 

The through-type cooling design, supported by a generously-sized base fan, ensures excellent heat dissipation for consistent performance while maintaining nice quiet operation even when some of the task such as basic video editing push the resources of the machine. 

The MiniPC + NAS R3 also excels in connectivity, offering a range of connection options including USB, HDMI, DP, and more, making peripheral integration simple. The distinctive design is reminiscent of an air purifier which may appeal to some people, it also makes it more at home when trying to blend it into a living area rather than a home office.

While the overall design is good the quality of the materials does let it down and some flexing of the outer case was initially required to align all ports correctly. The other issue is the caddy loading system for the two 3.5-inch HDDs, while a great idea the caddies are a little fiddly and cheap feeling, however, they;re simple to use.

• Design: 3/5

Features

The T-bao R3 Mini PC brings together a collection of features that elevate both performance and convenience. At its core, the device is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor and AMD Radeon Graphics 7. This combination ensures solid performance for most day-to-day tasks, including multimedia.

The standout feature is its built-in NAS functionality, which transforms the Mini PC into a centralized storage hub. The NAS system is designed to accommodate two 3.5-inch hard drives, allowing you to quickly expand your storage beyond the basic 512GB that comes preinstalled.

This makes the machine an ideal solution if you're seeking to store an extensive collection of media libraries, files, and more. What truly stands out is its ease of use; even someone with no prior experience can navigate this simple NAS functionality, especially with the support of the Windows Storage Spaces application.

The T-bao R3 Mini PC boasts fast network connectivity, powered by WiFi 6 and two 2.5G Ethernet ports. In terms of other connections, a bank of connectors adorns the rear, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, DP, and Type-C ports.

• Features: 4/5

Performance

The T-Bao MiniPC + NAS R3 strikes a balance between performance and practicality. While it might not be a powerhouse, it proves itself as a versatile day-to-day performer.

In 3DMark Wild Life, the graphics score of 6903 showcases the machine's capability to handle multimedia tasks and casual gaming without any issue. It comfortably accommodates everyday graphic demands and even ventures into light gaming territory with decent visuals.

The Fire Strike benchmark yielded a graphics score of 3491, with the physics score hitting 14818 and the combined score reaching 1131. These scores underline the machine's ability to handle various tasks, from graphics-heavy applications to multitasking, albeit within reasonable boundaries.

The Time Spy benchmark presented a graphics score of 1006 and a CPU score of 4519, reflecting the MiniPC + NAS R3's aptitude for multimedia playback, productivity, and light content creation. It performs well in various scenarios, such as photo and video editing, offering smooth multitasking capabilities.

Cinebench R23 showcased a multi-core score of 3270 and a single-core score of 1152, reaffirming the machine's suitability for handling multiple tasks simultaneously and its efficiency in single-threaded processes. Editing video in Premiere Pro showed it sailed through 1080p edits but started to stuggle with more demanding 4K.

GeekBench 5 revealed a multi-core score of 5820 and a single-core score of 1479 again a middle-of-the-road score.

CrystalDiskMark demonstrated a read speed of 2078.72MB/s and a write speed of 1665.39MB/s, showing the device's storage speed, which aligns well with its intended use as a day-to-day computing solution. While this speed is slower than some, for almost all tasks this is still an impressive result. 

Finally with a PCMark 10 score of 4948 and a Windows Experience Index score of 8.1 this all comes together to further emphasise the device's practicality for everyday work, multimedia and a bit of gaming. 

Should you buy a T-Bao MiniPC + NAS R3

The T-Bao MiniPC + NAS R3 offers a great blend of convenience and functionality. Designed with day-to-day users in mind, its sleek form seamlessly integrates into home setups with a design that's more air purifier than PC. 

The MiniPC + NAS R3 is a versatile multimedia hub, thanks to its AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, ample RAM, and expandable storage. The built-in NAS functionality, while simple, is the standout feature, streamlining file storage. However, the device may not suffice for demanding gamers or graphics-intensive tasks. Affordably priced, this mini PC presents an attractive solution if you're looking for a compact, stylish computing solution with storage versatility.

Value: A versatile hybrid at an attractive price point. (4/5)
Design: Compact and efficient, but average build quality. (3/5)
Features: Impressive NAS integration and storage potential. (4/5)
Performance: Moderate processing and graphics capabilities. (3/5)
Total: A well-rounded choice for multitaskers and storage enthusiasts. (4/5)

Why you should buy

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AceMagician AM08 Pro AMD Ryzen 9: 30-second review

The AceMagician AM08 Pro offers a compact size with impressive connectivity and expandability options. Its straightforward setup and effective cooling system make it user-friendly. The design is instantly eye catching and reflecting the gaming market that it's intended for there's an array of coloured lights that adorn the front.

While excelling in intensive day-to-day tasks and offering mid-range gaming performance, some games with all effects at high resolutions will stutter. However, the system's excellent cooling ensures stable operation during all intensive tasks and gaming sessions. 

The small machine also offers triple 4K display support further enhancing its appeal as one of the best mini PCs for gamers and creatives. Though not the most affordable option, it's a decent and fun choice.

Price and Availablity

The AceMagician AM08 Pro AMD Ryzen 9 comes at a slightly higher price point than some of its competitors, but it brings with it a distinct gamer-style design, efficient cooling solutions, and convenient memory and storage upgradability. 

This added investment affords users the benefit of a machine that not only handles day-to-day tasks efficiently but also offers enhanced capabilities for more intensive gaming and creative applications like using 4K video editing software. While it might require a bit more financial commitment, the AM08 Pro stands out for its cooling efficiency, design aesthetics, and user-friendly upgrade options, making it a solid choice for those seeking both performance and flexibility.

• Score 3.5/5

Design

The design of the mini PC is a blend of elements that might not be universally appealing, yet manages to cater to a specific audience. Personally, the design didn't strike a chord with me, feeling slightly quirky with its triangular shape and prominent power button at the top the unit. However, the dynamic RGB lights and upright stance give it a distinct gamer aesthetic that can undoubtedly attract enthusiasts.

What truly stands out about the design is its practicality. The placement of main ports on both the front and back enables easy connectivity, while the unique triangular form provides stability and enables that effective cooling. This layout makes accessing ports easier, ensuring that plugging in peripherals or monitors is a hassle-free. 

• Design: 3/5

Features

The AM08 Pro packs in features that make this machine suitable for both gamers and creatives. Featuring a relatively compact form factor of 149 x 77 x 188.47mm, it fits neatly on the desk. Inside is a relatively powerful AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX processor, boasting 8 cores and 16 threads, while not at the top end it does provide decent multitasking capabilities and robust performance across applications.

Backing the CPU is the AMD Radeon™ 680M GPU, again this will ensure decent graphics rendering for both gaming and creative tasks. backing up the processing is 16GB DDR5 RAM, with an option to upgrade to 64GB, this amount of RAM would be ideal for gaming, but I would recommend a boost to 32GB for smoother gaming. 

Storage options are equally impressive, offering a 512GB M.2 PCIe NVME SSD with expandability up to a generous 2TB. The fitting of both RAM and storage upgrade is simple in both cases. 

The AM08 Pro also features a good array of connectivity options with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, enabling the wireless communication. Furthermore, USB 3.2 Type-A ports and other interfaces, including HDMI and Type-C, enhance the machine's adaptability for various peripherals as well display options.

The machine comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, the AM08 Pro which is a nice touch, although the boot times are slightly longer than machine running the home edition. 

• Features: 4/5

Performance

The AMD Ryzen 9-powered machine proved itself as a capable workhorse with solid performance across various benchmarks and real-world usage scenarios. Its specifications and benchmark results offer insight into its efficiency and suitability for different tasks.

In 3DMark Wild Life, the graphics score reached a commendable 15500, showing the machine's graphics abilities. This result indicates its capability to handle graphically demanding tasks, making it suitable for gaming and multimedia.

In the Fire Strike benchmark, the graphics score settled at 6523, while the physics score impressively hit 7057, and the combined score reached an impressive 25045. These results further demonstrate the AM08 Pro's well-rounded performance, particularly in graphics-intensive applications and multitasking scenarios.

Moving to Time Spy, the graphics score reached 2435, and the CPU score achieved a solid 9448, highlighting the machine's versatility for both graphics processing and computational tasks.

Cinebench R23 unveiled a multi-core score of 12478, showcasing the AM08 Pro's proficiency in handling multitasking and resource-intensive applications. The single-core score came in at 1602.

In GeekBench 5, the multi-core score impressed at 10532, while the single-core score reached 2184. Again these results are good putting the machine in the midrange for this level of machine. 

CrystalDiskMark demonstrated impressive read and write speeds, with a read speed of 2800.72 MB/s and a write speed of 2423.33 MB/s. These speeds are again mid-range, fast but by means the fastest for this size and price of the machine.

The all-important PCMark 10 benchmark test showed that the AM08 Pro produced a score of 6740, again on the midrange for this machine level.

Finally, the Windows Experience Index score of 8.2 reflects an overall solid but mid-range result for the machine. 

• Performance: 3.5/5

Should you buy a AceMagician AM08 Pro AMD Ryzen 9

The AceMagician AM08 Pro AMD Ryzen 9 is a great option for gamers and users doing more intensive day-to-day tasks such as video editing who are looking for a quirky yet efficient mini PC. Its gaming aesthetics, including LED lights and an upright stance, immerse you in the gaming culture. The machine's expandability is well thought through, allowing easy memory and storage upgrades for future-proofing. 

Despite being slightly pricier and lacking the sturdiness of metal-cased alternatives, the AM08 Pro offers robust build quality. While its performance is solid but not cutting-edge, the cooling system and abundant connectivity options make it an excellent choice for versatile day-to-day use and multimedia enjoyment.

Report Card

• Value: A bit pricier than some, but offers gaming aesthetics and expandability. (3.5/5)
• Design: Unique design with gaming flair, easy access, and versatile connectivity. (4/5)
• Features: Comprehensive features, triple displays, WiFi 6E, and easy upgrade options. (4/5)
• Performance: Good performance, though middle-of-the-road; enhanced cooling and connectivity. (3.5/5)
• Total: A solid mini PC choice with balanced features and performance. (3.5/5)

Why you should buy

Don't buy it if