Mini PC Help

[LilSnoop40]

Hello friends, I am looking for a new pc something powerful enough to do the following. Run Windows 11 Pro, QuickBooks, Office Suite, AutoCAD, Adobe Acrobat Pro ,browse the web and be networked between 1 other computer.  I have been looking at these mini pc's and wondering if they would be capable of doing what I am asking.  Seems to have around 16-32 gb of ram, 512-2tb of ssd and either the i9 wit

-GEEKOM XT12 Pro Mini PC, 12th Gen Intel i9-12900H NUC12 Mini Computers(14C/20T,Up to 5GHz), 32GB DDR4 RAM & 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD Mini PC Windows 11 Pro, 8K/Quad Display/USB4.0/WiFi 6E/BT5.2/2.5G LAN

-BOSGAME Gaming Mini PC Ryzen 7 7840HS Windows 11 Pro Mini Computers, Radeon 780M GPU 32B DDR5+1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, Built-in Dual Speakers, USB4 *2, WiFi 6/BT 5.2, Dual 2.5GbE LAN

-GEEKOM Mini PC Mini IT13, 13th Gen Intel i9-13900H NUC13 Mini Computers(14 Cores,20 Threads) 32GB DDR4/2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD Windows 11 Pro Support Wi-Fi 6E/Bluetooth 5.2/USB 4.0/2.5G LAN/8K

-Beelink SER7 Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS(up to 5.1GHz) 8C/16T, Mini Computer 32GB DDR5 RAM 1TB NVMe PCIE 4.0 SSD, Mini Desktop Computer 4K 144Hz Quad Screen Display WiFi6/BT5.2/WOL/W-11 Pro

I was leaning toward these just cause of the size and it seems like the specs could handle what I am asking.  I was trying to avoid your standard tower, I am open to suggestions as to why these wouldn't be a good choice or if there is something better for the same amount of money.  I am open minded so please provide helpful information, I wasn't sure if I could post the links but you could copy the titles into Amazon and find all of the mini pc's I posted above.

Thank you

 

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

I think BeLink's GTR7 would be better for you. Rather than the SER7.

GTR7 has a stronger CPU and more RAM. And you can upgrade the RAM to 64GB.

What price are you looking for? Do you want a eGPU?

[Mockingbird]

AMD wins by a mile in terms of power efficiency, which is important in laptops and mini PCs.

I recommend the Minisforum EliteMini UM780 XTX.

You can get it barebone or configure it with 32 GB DDR5 + 1TB SSD or 64 GB DDR5 + 1 TB SSD

https://store.minisforum.com/products/minisforum-um780-xtx?variant=44208063676661&sscid=51k8_gz8wh&

[LilSnoop40]

On 14/05/2024 at 22:51, Mockingbird said:

AMD wins by a mile in terms of power efficiency, which is important in laptops and mini PCs.

I recommend the Minisforum EliteMini UM780 XTX.

You can get it barebone or configure it with 32 GB DDR5 + 1TB SSD or 64 GB DDR5 + 1 TB SSD

https://store.minisforum.com/products/minisforum-um780-xtx?variant=44208063676661&sscid=51k8_gz8wh&

Hi Mockingbird, so you're saying the attached picture is the way to go and this will have no issues running AutoCAD or doing anything else I have listed above?  After purchasing this I should be set for a few years as it seems to be a nice little setup with power?

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

On 15/05/2024 at 10:33, LilSnoop40 said:

Hi Mockingbird, so you're saying the attached picture is the way to go and this will have no issues running AutoCAD or doing anything else I have listed above?  After purchasing this I should be set for a few years as it seems to be a nice little setup with power?

 

I would assume, yes. These little guys can pack a punch. See ETA Prine's review:

 

[Mockingbird]

On 15/05/2024 at 08:33, LilSnoop40 said:

Hi Mockingbird, so you're saying the attached picture is the way to go and this will have no issues running AutoCAD or doing anything else I have listed above?  After purchasing this I should be set for a few years as it seems to be a nice little setup with power?

It should easily be able to handle those tasks, as of today.

I am not going to speculate about the future.

[LilSnoop40]

On 15/05/2024 at 12:49, Mockingbird said:

It should easily be able to handle those tasks, as of today.

I am not going to speculate about the future.

no worries I appreciate the feedback. the task's I have listed are what the computers would be used for daily.  AutoCAD will only be used once/twice a week based off job requests etc. so mainly one will be used for running QuickBooks daily, using Office Suite and surfing the web.  the other will be using for checking mail via Outlook, surfing the web and they using AutoCAD as need during the week. as long as they can handle this which it sounds like no problem then this is the most they will be doing nothing more resource hogging than AutoCAD at times.  that being said I watched the video and believe this should be the right choice, don't need 1tb of ssd but will take that with the 64 gb of ram and call it a day.  thanks for your help and feedback. if you think of anything else, please let me now.

[Mockingbird]

On 15/05/2024 at 09:58, LilSnoop40 said:

no worries I appreciate the feedback. the task's I have listed are what the computers would be used for daily.  AutoCAD will only be used once/twice a week based off job requests etc. so mainly one will be used for running QuickBooks daily, using Office Suite and surfing the web.  the other will be using for checking mail via Outlook, surfing the web and they using AutoCAD as need during the week. as long as they can handle this which it sounds like no problem then this is the most they will be doing nothing more resource hogging than AutoCAD at times.  that being said I watched the video and believe this should be the right choice, don't need 1tb of ssd but will take that with the 64 gb of ram and call it a day.  thanks for your help and feedback. if you think of anything else, please let me now.

Radeon 780M has about the most powerful graphics that that you are going to find in a mini PC.

Looking at AutoCAD's system requirements, a video card is recommended, but you are not going to find that in a mini PC.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

On 15/05/2024 at 19:29, Mockingbird said:

Radeon 780M has about the most powerful graphics that that you are going to find in a mini PC.

Looking at AutoCAD's system requirements, a video card is recommended, but you are not going to find that in a mini PC.

Actually, some Mini-PCs, actually do.. They either have a PCI-e port, or (whatever that new port is called)

[LilSnoop40]

Hmmm ok, should I contact AutoCAD to see if it is compatible with this mini pc. Seem based off specs alone should be but rather know before I buy if possible.

[LilSnoop40]

I did a chat with AutoCAD asking them to confirm the mini pc specs are compatible and they directed me to there specifications chart.  I need them to verify it will work, it’s the only unknown holding me back from buying the mini pc. I feel like it has to work but need to be sure.

[Mockingbird]

These have discrete graphics and would definitely work.

I didn't realize that these exist or I would have recommended them earlier.

https://store.minisforum.com/products/elitemini-hx90g?variant=43587611001077

https://store.minisforum.com/products/elitemini-hx90g?variant=44489936666869

Edited May 16, 2024 by Mockingbird

[Mockingbird]

MinisForum HX100G Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 32GB-RAM 1TB-SSD Radeon RX 6650M

$849.99 + free shipping

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186426444023

I would get this.

[Mockingbird]

MinisForum HX100G Mini PC is like the Minisforum EliteMini UM780 XTX that we were talking about but with the addition of a Radeon RX 6650M discrete graphics

It meets all the system requirements for AutoCAD 2025

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2025-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html

Edited May 16, 2024 by Mockingbird

[LilSnoop40]

On 15/05/2024 at 22:22, Mockingbird said:

MinisForum HX100G Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 32GB-RAM 1TB-SSD Radeon RX 6650M

$849.99 + free shipping

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186426444023

I would get this.

ok, I checked this one out but would want a new one not used and I need 2 and they only have one.

On 15/05/2024 at 22:15, Mockingbird said:

These have discrete graphics and would definitely work.

I didn't realize that these exist or I would have recommended them earlier.

https://store.minisforum.com/products/elitemini-hx90g?variant=43587611001077

https://store.minisforum.com/products/elitemini-hx90g?variant=44489936666869

question, about these is it over kill to go with 64gb of ram or is 32gb of ram plenty. to confirm this model is the one I want that should run AutoCAD and the rest with no issues. can the model you recommend here be bought on Amazon?

[LilSnoop40]

this looks to be the only model available on the company website. unless I get barebone one then I would need to find the memory kit and 1tb ssd, think I could price them cheaper if I bought without?  sorry if these questions are too much I greatly appreciate your help and time.

[LilSnoop40]

Looks like Amazon, has the same model I think for $879 for the 64gb/1tb ssd and $799 for the 32gb/1tb ssd.  the prices are cheaper once you login, seem to be the same as what is on the Minisforum website.

 

 

[Mockingbird]

On 15/05/2024 at 20:16, LilSnoop40 said:

Looks like Amazon, has the same model I think for $879 for the 64gb/1tb ssd and $799 for the 32gb/1tb ssd.  the prices are cheaper once you login, seem to be the same as what is on the Minisforum website.

 

 

That one has the Radeon RX 6600M, which is slightly slower than the Radeon RX 6650M on Minisforum website, but it unlikely to make a big difference.

There is also this barebone one with the Radeon RX 6650M.

https://www.amazon.com/MINISFORUM-Neptune-6900HX-Barebone-Radeon/dp/B0D1JD2NLY

[Mockingbird]

On 15/05/2024 at 20:01, LilSnoop40 said:

question, about these is it over kill to go with 64gb of ram or is 32gb of ram plenty. to confirm this model is the one I want that should run AutoCAD and the rest with no issues. can the model you recommend here be bought on Amazon?

It meets all of the system requirements for AutoCAD 2025, so it should run without any issues.

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2025-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html

32 GB memory is recommended for AutoCAD 2025. I doubt that more memory would help, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.

[Mockingbird]

You can go with the barebone and add memory + SSD or buy them pre-installed.

The plus with going barebone is that you get to choose your own memory and SSD (and they might also be cheaper).

Difference SSD, in particular, can make a huge difference in performance.

The minus is that, should an issue arise, you would have to spend time diagnosing whether the issue is with the base PC, the memory, or the SSD.

If you buy the entire PC and it has an issue, you can have the entire PC replaced and don't need to diagnose the issue yourself.

[Steven P. Administrators]

On 16/05/2024 at 05:16, LilSnoop40 said:

Looks like Amazon, has the same model I think for $879 for the 64gb/1tb ssd and $799 for the 32gb/1tb ssd.  the prices are cheaper once you login, seem to be the same as what is on the Minisforum website.

 

 

If you have a budget of $1,000 why wouldn't you consider one with a new processor like the Core Ultra that also has an NPU like this for example https://www.acemagic.com/products/acemagic-f2a-intel-core-ultra-5-7-125h-155h-ai-mini-pc?variant=47924989493554 (can be upgraded to 64GB)

AMD also has some mobile NPU chips (I believe the 7940HS) but the features aren't "turned on" in the Windows 11 drivers yet.

Anyway, my point is that if you're spending $1,000 at least get a Mini PC that has the latest CPU with the NPU / AI capabilities, as I am sure it will be of great help with programs like AutoCAD.

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

Be careful with MinisForum. I had the HX99G and the gpu died. It took 3 months for them to even respond correctly and sort the issue with a refund. They aren’t a bad company, just that they have scaled up beyond their ability.

[Mockingbird]

On 16/05/2024 at 02:04, Steven P. said:

If you have a budget of $1,000 why wouldn't you consider one with a new processor like the Core Ultra that also has an NPU like this for example https://www.acemagic.com/products/acemagic-f2a-intel-core-ultra-5-7-125h-155h-ai-mini-pc?variant=47924989493554 (can be upgraded to 64GB)

AMD also has some mobile NPU chips (I believe the 7940HS) but the features aren't "turned on" in the Windows 11 drivers yet.

Anyway, my point is that if you're spending $1,000 at least get a Mini PC that has the latest CPU with the NPU / AI capabilities, as I am sure it will be of great help with programs like AutoCAD.

It doesn't have discrete graphics.

Discrete graphics with 8GB VRAM are needed to meet the system requirements for AutoCAD.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Intel processors run hot enough as is in desktops, now imagine laptops and mini PCs.

Also, AceMagic has been pre-shipping its PCs with malware. In fact, I believe Neowin repoted about it a few months ago.

Edited May 16, 2024 by Mockingbird

[Mockingbird]

On 16/05/2024 at 02:15, Dick Montage said:

Be careful with MinisForum. I had the HX99G and the gpu died. It took 3 months for them to even respond correctly and sort the issue with a refund. They aren’t a bad company, just that they have scaled up beyond their ability.

I mean, there are not exactly many alternatives from other companies.

MinisForum has been filling in niches that other companies wouldn't.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Amazon offers a 2 year protection plan for $54.99 and a 3 year protection plan for $69.99

(These prices are for the barebone MinisForum Neptune HX99G.)

https://www.amazon.com/MINISFORUM-Neptune-6900HX-Barebone-Radeon/dp/B0D1JD2NLY

Edited May 16, 2024 by Mockingbird

[+Nik Louch Subscriber²]

On 16/05/2024 at 13:16, Mockingbird said:

I mean, there are not exactly many alternatives from other companies.

MinisForum has been filling in niches that other companies wouldn't.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Amazon offers a 2 year protection plan for $54.99 and a 3 year protection plan for $69.99

(These prices are for the barebone MinisForum Neptune HX99G.)

https://www.amazon.com/MINISFORUM-Neptune-6900HX-Barebone-Radeon/dp/B0D1JD2NLY

I would strongly suggest buying via Amazon, and also on a credit card. Look, mistakes happen during manufacturing, parts themselves can be faulty too - but I experienced not only a hardware fault but also HORRENDOUS customer service that was on the verge of being rude. So if you can protect your purchase and better your aftercare options - then sure, do that.