DROIX Proteus 11 Mini PC Review: Unveiling Impressive Gaming and Emulation Capabilities

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the DROIX Proteus 11
3. Specifications
4. Unboxing and First Impressions
5. Internal Components and Build Quality
6. Performance testing: PC Gaming
7. Performance Testing: Retro Game Emulation
8. Multimedia Capabilities and Connectivity
9. Comparison with Other Mini PCs on the Market
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the DROIX Proteus 11, a mini PC that claims to offer impressive gaming and emulation capabilities. We will explore its specifications, unbox and examine its build quality, and thoroughly test its performance for both PC gaming and retro game emulation. Additionally, we will assess its multimedia capabilities and compare it to other mini PCs available in the market. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of whether the DROIX Proteus 11 is worth investing in for your gaming and entertainment needs.

Overview of the DROIX Proteus 11

The DROIX Proteus 11 is a mini PC manufactured by DROIX, a well-known reseller of mini PCs and retro gaming handhelds. This particular model stands out due to its unique Wi-Fi antennas, which promise excellent connectivity even without access to an Ethernet cable. In this review, we will focus on its gaming performance, specifically PC gaming and retro game emulation. We will examine whether the Proteus 11 lives up to its claims and delivers satisfactory performance for the price.

Specifications

The DROIX Proteus 11 is powered by an 11th generation Intel Core i5 1135 G7 CPU, commonly found in laptops. It features integrated Iris Xe graphics and comes with 16GB of RAM, expandable up to 64GB. The Proteus 11 also offers a single M.2 PCIe NVMe storage drive, with configuration options ranging from 256GB to 2TB. In terms of connectivity, it provides six standard USB ports, a USB-C port, dual 4K outputs (HDMI and DisplayPort), Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. These specifications set a solid foundation for a capable mini PC.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon receiving the Proteus 11, we observed that it is a compact and sleek mini PC, measuring around two and a half sticks of Kerrygold butter in size. Its 100% aluminum body gives it a sophisticated look. The front panel features a power button, indicator lights, a headphone/microphone jack, and USB ports. Ventilation is well-designed, with vents positioned above and below the fan for efficient cooling. The back panel houses the power supply input, Ethernet port, USB 3.0 ports, dual 4K video outputs, and a USB Type-C port. Overall, the Proteus 11's build quality appears solid and stable.

Internal Components and Build Quality

Opening up the Proteus 11, we find the RAM chips and Wi-Fi connectors along its edges. The Proteus 11 is equipped with two 8GB DDR4 sticks running at 3200MHz, guaranteeing reliable and high-performance memory. The NVMe solid-state drive (SSD) is from a reputable brand called Kingspec. While the reviewed model has a 256GB capacity, higher storage options are available, including configurations up to 2TB. The Proteus 11's Wi-Fi chip supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard and Bluetooth 5.2. While we did not delve into the fan and heatsink, the overall internal arrangement appeared well-constructed and provided effective cooling.

Performance Testing: PC Gaming

We extensively tested the Proteus 11's performance in PC gaming, focusing on various genres and titles. Starting with less demanding games, such as 2D platformers and indie titles, the Proteus 11 performed flawlessly at 1080p and default settings. Moving on to 3D games and first-person shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, we achieved average frame rates ranging between 75 and 90 frames per Second (FPS). Popular titles like Hades and Resident Evil 3 ran smoothly, albeit with higher temperatures. However, more intensive games like Kill It With Fire struggled to maintain a playable frame rate. Overall, the Proteus 11 handled middle-tier and some higher-end PC games impressively.

Performance Testing: Retro Game Emulation

With retro game emulation, the Proteus 11 shined even brighter. We tested various systems, including PSP, GameCube, Wii, PlayStation 2 (PS2), PlayStation 3 (PS3), Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Wii U. PSP games ran flawlessly at 1080p, showcasing the Proteus 11's ability to handle higher-resolution emulation. GameCube and Wii games also played smoothly at 1080p, providing an excellent retro gaming experience. PS2 emulation on the Proteus 11 achieved full-speed performance for most games, even in higher resolutions. However, PS3 and Nintendo Switch emulation presented some challenges, with performance varying depending on the specific game. Nevertheless, overall retro game emulation on the Proteus 11 was impressive.

Multimedia Capabilities and Connectivity

In addition to gaming, the Proteus 11 offers multimedia capabilities suited for home theater PCs and media servers. It excels at video playback and handles true 4K content without dropping frames. The Proteus 11's Wi-Fi performance was exceptional, delivering reliable speeds comparable to those achieved via Ethernet. This feature makes it ideal for streaming games through services like Xbox Game Streaming. The Proteus 11's connectivity options, including USB ports and dual 4K video outputs, provide flexibility for connecting to various devices and peripherals. Overall, the Proteus 11 offers a well-rounded multimedia experience.

Comparison with Other Mini PCs on the Market

When comparing the Proteus 11 to other mini PCs, it is important to consider factors beyond raw performance. While the Proteus 11 may be slightly pricier than some alternatives, its superior customer support and extensive online resources set it apart. DROIX's commitment to customer satisfaction, evident through their responsive email support, thorough Knowledge Base, and community forum, adds value to the Proteus 11 Package. Additionally, the Proteus 11's high-quality components, sleek design, and impressive gaming and emulation performance make it a worthy contender in the mini PC market.

Conclusion

To conclude, the DROIX Proteus 11 offers a compelling solution for those seeking a mini PC with gaming and emulation capabilities. While its price may be slightly higher than other options, the Proteus 11 provides exceptional performance in both PC gaming and retro game emulation. Its solid build quality, impressive specifications, and multimedia features contribute to an immersive gaming and entertainment experience. Moreover, DROIX's excellent customer support and extensive online resources ensure a satisfying ownership experience. Overall, the Proteus 11 is worth considering for anyone in search of a powerful and reliable mini PC.