Experience Silent Computing with the Retan TR5 Mini PC!

Experience Silent Computing with the Retan TR5 Mini PC!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing and Design
3. Performance and Benchmarks
4. Gaming Performance
5. Emulation
6. Power Consumption and Cooling
7. Pros and Cons
8. Conclusion
9. FAQs

Introduction

In recent times, there has been a surge in the popularity of Mini PCs that offer impressive performance while being power-efficient. One such contender in the market is the newly launched TR5 Mini PC by Retan. This mid-range Mini PC boasts a compact size and features the powerful Ryzen 5 5600U processor. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the Retan TR5, from its unboxing experience to its performance, gaming capabilities, power consumption, and cooling. So, let's get started and find out if the Retan TR5 is worth considering for your computing needs.

Unboxing and Design

Upon receiving the Retan TR5, we were greeted with a well-packaged box that included the essentials. The box contained a small power supply, a monitor mount, screws, a user guide, a long and short HDMI cable, and the Mini PC itself. The design of the TR5 is commendable, with the top half of the case made out of metal, providing a premium feel and enhanced durability. It also features Rubber feet for stability. The Mini PC comes with pre-configured options and offers three different flavors to choose from. Let's proceed to the next section and explore its performance capabilities.

Performance and Benchmarks

The Retan TR5 Mini PC sets a high standard in terms of performance. Equipped with a Ryzen 5 5600U processor, it outperforms its predecessor, the I5 Nook, by a significant margin. In single-core Cinebench tests, the TR5 is 2.5 times faster than the I5 Nook and just 3% behind the UM 560 Mini PC. When it comes to multi-core performance, the TR5 surpasses the I5 Nook by 8% and trails the UM 560 by only 4%. These impressive benchmark scores clearly highlight the TR5's computing prowess.

Moving on to the encoding capabilities, the TR5 Mini PC excels here as well. It outperforms the I5 Nook by 8% and is just 2.5% behind the UM 560. The included NVMe drive offers good performance with a balanced read and write speed, ensuring smooth data transfer. It's worth noting that 3D Mark, a popular benchmarking tool, may not provide accurate results when comparing Intel and AMD graphics. However, when compared to other products from the same brand, the TR5 performs exceptionally well.

Gaming Performance

Gamers will be pleased to know that the Retan TR5 Mini PC delivers impressive gaming performance across various titles. In Forza Horizon 5, the TR5 outperforms the I5 Nook by approximately 10%. While the I5 Nook takes the lead in the DX12 benchmark, the TR5 manages to hold its ground, thanks to better driver and game support. In Hades, the I5 Nook has a slight advantage, but both the TR5 and UM 560 outshine it. This clearly demonstrates the TR5's ability to handle esports titles like Valorant with ease. However, when it comes to more demanding games like God of War, the TR5 lags behind the other two Mini PCs.

Emulation

The Retan TR5 proves to be a capable emulation machine, providing smooth performance for a range of games. With the ability to run Gran Turismo 4 at full speed, it ensures a seamless gaming experience for most PlayStation 2 titles. Additionally, many Wii U games can be played at 60fps using the Cemu emulator. While there may be some occasional frame rate drops in games like Splatoon, the overall performance is commendable. As for PlayStation 3 emulation, the TR5 surpasses expectations, with some games running at full speed, though more demanding titles may struggle.

Power Consumption and Cooling

One of the standout features of the Retan TR5 Mini PC is its power efficiency. While it exhibits slightly higher idle power draw, the maximum power usage is significantly lower than that of Intel's 12th-gen units. The performance per watt on the TR5, powered by the Ryzen 5 5600U, is truly impressive. Furthermore, the cooling system of the TR5 is top-notch. It boasts the lowest maximum CPU temperature among comparable Mini PCs, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. The unit operates quietly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Impressive processor performance
• Good build quality with premium materials
• Reliable branded components
• Low power consumption
• Efficient cooling system
• Silent operation

Cons:

• Limited availability in the market
• Some games may experience slower frame rates
• Lack of screws for additional storage drive

Conclusion

The Retan TR5 Mini PC emerges as a strong contender in the mid-range segment, offering a combination of power, efficiency, and reliability. With its impressive performance, compact design, and quiet operation, the TR5 provides an excellent computing experience. The inclusion of branded components and a versatile cooling system further adds to its appeal. While it may not excel in all gaming scenarios, the TR5 proves to be a capable machine for both casual and esports gamers. If you are in the market for a Mini PC that balances performance, power efficiency, and a silent operation, the Retan TR5 is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

Q: Can the Retan TR5 Mini PC be upgraded with additional storage? A: Yes, the TR5 Mini PC has space for a 2.5-inch SATA drive, allowing for additional storage. However, screws for mounting the drive are not provided in the package.

Q: How does the Retan TR5 Mini PC compare to Intel's 12th-gen units? A: The Retan TR5 boasts lower power consumption and efficient cooling compared to Intel's 12th-gen Mini PCs, providing a better performance per watt ratio.

Q: Is the Retan TR5 Mini PC suitable for PlayStation 3 emulation? A: The Retan TR5 Mini PC performs better than expected in PlayStation 3 emulation, with some games running at full speed. However, more demanding titles may not perform as well.

Q: Does the Retan TR5 Mini PC support popular gaming titles like Valorant? A: Yes, the Retan TR5 performs exceptionally well in esports titles like Valorant, providing a smooth gaming experience.

Q: How does the Retan TR5 Mini PC handle power consumption? A: The Retan TR5 Mini PC exhibits slightly higher idle power draw but consumes significantly less power at maximum usage compared to Intel's 12th-gen units.