Chuwi RZBOX Review: Powerful Mini PC with Ryzen 7 5800H

Chuwi RZBOX Review: Powerful Mini PC with Ryzen 7 5800H

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About the RZ Box
3. Specifications of the RZ Box
   1. CPU
   2. Graphics
   3. Storage and Memory
   4. Connectivity
4. Unboxing and Design
   1. Contents of the Box
   2. Design and Build Quality
   3. Port Selection
5. Performance testing
   1. PC Gaming Tests
   2. Emulation Testing
      1. Retro Systems
      2. 3D Systems
6. Thermals and Cooling
   1. Thermal Profile of the RZ Box
   2. Impact on Performance
7. Audio and Video Playback
   1. Media Consumption Capabilities
   2. Web Browsing and Day-to-Day Use
8. Pros and Cons of the RZ Box
   1. Pros
   2. Cons
9. Comparison with Other Mini PCs
10. Conclusion

🔍 Introduction

In this review, we will take a closer look at the RZ Box, a mini PC from Chewie. The RZ Box is the latest release in their line of mini PCs and boasts upgraded specifications, including a powerful CPU and notable features. Priced at $640, the RZ Box offers versatility in its orientation, allowing it to be placed either horizontally or vertically. We will thoroughly test the performance of this mini PC, focusing on PC gaming and emulation, to determine if it justifies its price tag. So, without further ado, let's delve into the world of the RZ Box.

📦 Unboxing and Design

Upon unboxing the RZ Box, we are presented with three different models to choose from. We will be reviewing the 5800H model, which comes with a user manual, product registration, and a 90-watt power supply. The RZ Box itself has a sturdy build, with aluminum panels on the top and bottom, while the sides are made of plastic. Its industrial design gives it a unique and boxy look, similar to a modem. The front panel features USB 2.0, USB C, headphone and microphone jacks, and a power button. The back panel houses various ports, including DisplayPort, HDMI, and RGB, as well as dual gigabit Ethernet and USB ports. The overall size of the RZ Box is larger than most mini PCs, making it stand out on your desk. However, it can be placed vertically, which saves space and enhances its appearance.

⚙️ Specifications of the RZ Box

The RZ Box is equipped with a Ryzen 7 5800H processor, which provides substantial processing power. It features integrated Radeon graphics, making it capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks. With 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the RZ Box offers ample memory and storage space. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity. These specifications make the RZ Box suitable for PC gaming, media consumption, and everyday computing tasks.

🎮 Performance Testing

In terms of PC gaming performance, we conducted various tests to determine the capabilities of the RZ Box. Starting with lightweight games, we progressed to more graphically demanding titles. For lightweight games, such as Minecraft and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the RZ Box performed adequately, delivering smooth gameplay at respectable frame rates. Moving on to 3D-based games, we tested titles like Ori and the Will of the Wisps and Tunic, which exhibited satisfactory performance at lower settings. However, some games, including Hades and Street Fighter 5, experienced frame rate drops and stutters, detracting from the overall gaming experience. Despite its higher price tag, the RZ Box fell short in terms of PC gaming performance, considering the expectations set by its specifications.

🕹️ Emulation Testing

The RZ Box also underwent extensive testing for emulation purposes. We tested a range of retro systems, such as Nintendo, Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Game Boy Advance, which performed flawlessly on the RZ Box. These systems experienced no issues during gameplay, allowing us to utilize more demanding emulators and enjoy a seamless gaming experience. Moving on to 3D-based systems, we tested platforms such as PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Wii U. While most games played without significant issues, some titles, like Breath of the Wild on Wii U, suffered from poor performance, making them unplayable. Overall, the RZ Box delivered satisfactory performance for retro gaming and 3D-based emulation, but fell short when faced with demanding titles.

🌡️ Thermals and Cooling

The thermal performance of the RZ Box was a cause for concern during our testing. Under load, the CPU temperature reached an alarming 97 degrees Celsius, resulting in thermal throttling. Surprisingly, despite its aluminum build, the RZ Box failed to effectively dissipate heat due to its inadequate thermal design. The lack of sufficient contact between the CPU heat sink and the surrounding metal contributed to the high operating temperatures. This ultimately impacted the overall performance of the mini PC, making it susceptible to thermal throttling. It is important to note that attempting to modify the TDP (Thermal Design Power) could lead to further complications, as the cooling system is already struggling to keep the temperatures in check.

🔊 Audio and 📺 Video Playback

The RZ Box showcased impressive capabilities when it came to audio and video playback. Playing videos at 4K unscaled, we observed smooth playback with minimal frame drops. Based on our findings, the RZ Box can serve as an excellent media consumption device, suitable for tasks such as movie streaming, web browsing, and day-to-day use. Its 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing users to seamlessly switch between applications without experiencing performance issues. For those looking to set up a media server or utilize platforms like Plex, the RZ Box offers ample power and storage capacity to support such activities.

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