Powerful Mini PC with Ryzen 5900HX: Unboxing and Performance Benchmarks

Powerful Mini PC with Ryzen 5900HX: Unboxing and Performance Benchmarks

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing and First Impressions
3. Performance Benchmarks 3.1 Cinebench R23 Scores 3.2 Cinebench R20 Scores 3.3 Thermal Performance
4. Internal Components and Upgradability 4.1 Swapping NVMe SSD and Adding 2.5-inch Drives 4.2 RAM Slots
5. Gaming Performance 5.1 Grand Theft Auto 5 5.2 PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds 5.3 Minecraft 5.4 Comparison with DMA F5's Vega 8 Graphics
6. Conclusion
7. Resources

Unboxing and First Impressions

🎁 The Minis Forum HX90 is a powerful mini computer featuring an eight-core 16-thread Ryzen 5900 HX processor. In this article, we will unbox and review this small but mighty device.

Upon opening the box, we are greeted with a well-packaged unit. The build quality is solid, and the HX90 feels weighty in HAND. The air intake side is adorned with small Mercedes logos, giving it a sleek look. The front port selection is generous, with all USB ports being gen 1 3.0. At the rear, we have four additional USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet connectivity, and four display outputs capable of 4K at 60Hz simultaneously.

Included in the Package is an instruction booklet, the mini computer itself securely held in place by foam, a power lead, a 120-watt laptop-style power brick, a small stand, an HDMI cable, a VESA mount, and screws. The retail packaging ensures the unit arrives safely, although there was a minor typo on the box that added a humorous touch.

💡 Highlights:

• The Minis Forum HX90 is a powerful mini computer with an eight-core 16-thread Ryzen 5900 HX processor.
• The build quality is solid and the design features small Mercedes logos on the air intake side.
• The front and rear port selections offer generous connectivity options.
• The package includes essential accessories such as a power lead, HDMI cable, and VESA mount.

Performance Benchmarks

📊 In this section, we will delve into the performance benchmarks of the Minis Forum HX90 mini computer. Let's see how this compact device fares in terms of CPU power and thermal performance.

3.1 Cinebench R23 Scores

The HX90 impresses with its multi-core score of 12,087 and a single-core score of 1,504 in Cinebench R23. These scores reflect the device's strong processing capabilities, making it suitable for demanding tasks.

3.2 Cinebench R20 Scores

In a different CPU benchmark, Cinebench R20, we obtained an excellent score of 5,027. This is a significant improvement compared to the DMA F5's CPU performance reviewed last year, showcasing the HX90's enhanced power.

3.3 Thermal Performance

Thermal performance is crucial to ensure stable operation, especially in compact systems. The HX90 impresses by never exceeding 90 degrees Celsius, even under 100% load with all cores running at around 3.8 GHz. Prolonged stress testing using Cinebench R20 back-to-back did not show any significant temperature spikes, confirming the device's robust thermal management.

☑️ Pros:

• Impressive multi-core and single-core scores in Cinebench R23.
• Excellent thermal performance with temperatures kept below 90 degrees Celsius even under heavy load.

❗ Cons:

• None identified.

Internal Components and Upgradability

🔧 The Minis Forum HX90 offers expandability and flexibility when it comes to internal components. In this section, we will explore how easy it is to upgrade and customize the mini computer.

4.1 Swapping NVMe SSD and Adding 2.5-inch Drives

The HX90 comes with an NVMe solid-state drive (SSD) that can be easily swapped or upgraded. By removing the four Torx T16 screws on the back and the cover, accessing the NVMe SSD and adding up to two additional 2.5-inch SATA drives becomes a hassle-free process. Users can choose to increase storage capacity or optimize their storage setup according to their needs.

4.2 RAM Slots

The HX90 features two RAM slots, although they are slightly harder to access compared to other components. By removing the Torx T15 screws, as done previously, and some additional disassembly, the RAM slots become accessible. However, it is essential to note that the pre-installed RAM sticks have certain limitations in terms of performance, such as higher CL timings. Upgrading to higher-quality RAM may further enhance the CPU's performance.

💡 Highlights:

• The Minis Forum HX90 offers easy upgradability and customization.
• Swapping the NVMe SSD and adding 2.5-inch drives can be done effortlessly.
• The HX90 has two RAM slots that can be upgraded, although the pre-installed RAM sticks have limitations.

Gaming Performance

🎮 In this section, we will explore the gaming performance of the Minis Forum HX90 mini computer. How does the integrated Vega 8 graphics processor handle popular games?

5.1 Grand Theft Auto 5

Running Grand Theft Auto 5 at normal settings, the HX90 maintains a steady 60 frames per Second (FPS). Although occasional dips to around 50 FPS may occur, the gameplay remains enjoyable, especially considering the use of integrated graphics.

5.2 PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a GPU-intensive Game. With all settings turned down to achieve 60 FPS at 1080p, the gameplay remains smooth and visually appealing. The HX90 handles PUBG well, with minimal drops below 55 FPS.

5.3 Minecraft

Minecraft, known for its accessibility and flexibility, runs flawlessly on the HX90. Joining a Minecraft server on this mini computer results in frame rates ranging from 150 to 250 FPS with fancy graphics settings. The Vega 8 APU demonstrates its capability in handling this game with ease.

5.4 Comparison with DMA F5's Vega 8 Graphics

Compared to the DMA F5's Vega 8 graphics, the HX90 outperforms its predecessor by approximately 400 points in the Unigine Heaven benchmark and over 1,000 points in the 3DMark Firestrike benchmark. The HX90's higher clocked Vega 8 APU, along with its robust CPU performance, contributes to this improvement. However, it is important to consider that the HX90's performance would be even better with higher-quality RAM.

☑️ Pros:

• Maintains stable 60 FPS in Grand Theft Auto 5 at normal settings.
• Smooth performance with minimal frame rate drops in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.
• High frame rates and excellent performance in Minecraft.
• Superior graphics performance compared to the DMA F5's Vega 8 graphics.

❗ Cons:

• Integrated graphics limitations require lower graphical settings for optimal performance.

Conclusion

🔍 The Minis Forum HX90 mini computer excels in both CPU power and thermal performance, making it a solid choice for users seeking a compact system without compromising on capabilities. The unboxing experience reveals a well-designed and sturdy device, while the performance benchmarks showcase its impressive processing abilities and thermal efficiency.

Internal components are easily upgradable, allowing users to customize storage configurations and potentially enhance the system's performance with higher-quality RAM. In terms of gaming performance, the HX90 handles popular titles such as Grand Theft Auto 5, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, and Minecraft with ease, although the limitations of integrated graphics should be noted.

For users requiring substantial CPU power and seeking a versatile mini computer that can handle demanding tasks, the Minis Forum HX90 is a reliable option. Its retail units shipping with liquid metal thermal paste further enhance thermal management. With a starting price of $649 for the bare bones kit, the HX90 offers exceptional value for money.

⭐ Highlights:

• The Minis Forum HX90 offers a compelling combination of CPU power and thermal performance.
• Internal components are easily upgradable, allowing for customization according to user preferences.
• The HX90 performs well in popular games such as Grand Theft Auto 5, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, and Minecraft.
• The price point of $649 for the bare bones kit provides excellent value for money.

🔗 Resources:

• Minis Forum HX90
• AGM H3 Rugged Smartphone