Unleash the Power of AMD Ryzen 5 4500U in the Minisforum Mini PC HM50
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Specifications and Features
- Unboxing and Design
- Internal Components and Upgradability
- BIOS and Advanced Settings
- Operating System and Performance
- Thermal Performance and Fan Noise
- Power Consumption
- Video Editing and Multimedia Performance
- Gaming Performance
- Linux Compatibility
- Pros and Cons
Introduction
🎯 Mini Forums' new Mini PC, the Elite Desk Mini HM50, powered by a Ryzen 5 4500U and equipped with 16GB of RAM, promises exceptional performance in a compact form factor. In this in-depth review, we will examine its specifications, design, internal components, performance, and other features to help you determine if it's the right choice for you. Let's dive in and explore the Elite Desk Mini HM50 together.
Specifications and Features
The Elite Desk Mini HM50 shines with its impressive specifications and features. Powered by the Ryzen 5 4500U processor, this Mini PC offers excellent processing power suitable for various tasks. With the option for 16GB of RAM and dual-Channel configuration, multitasking becomes a breeze. Storage options include fast NVMe SSDs with capacities of either 256GB or 512GB, ensuring rapid data access.
Wireless connectivity is provided by Wi-Fi 6, with the AX 200 card offering faster and more reliable connections. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5 adds versatility to this Mini PC. Additionally, the Elite Desk Mini HM50 features two LAN ports, six USB 3.0 ports, and support for running three displays simultaneously. The ability to install two additional 2.5-inch drives further enhances its storage capacity.
Unboxing and Design
Upon unboxing the Elite Desk Mini HM50, you'll find a user manual, a 65-watt charger, an HDMI cable, an EU power cable, and brackets for mounting the Mini PC on the rear of a monitor or TV. With a sleek design, this Mini PC boasts a power button, status LED, dual-array microphones, and multiple connectivity options at the front. The back panel houses two LAN ports, an HDMI 2.0a port, a DisplayPort 1.4a, power delivery via type-C, a lock slot, and four USB 3.0 ports. The Mini PC's construction consists of an alloy frame and plastic bottom, ensuring durability and effective heat dissipation.
Internal Components and Upgradability
The internal components of the Elite Desk Mini HM50 are easily accessible, making upgrades and maintenance hassle-free. With just four screws, the lid can be removed to reveal the well-organized internals. The Mini PC features a heatsink for the SSD, ensuring optimal storage performance. Impressively, it also includes a heatsink on top of the VRMs, a feature often overlooked by manufacturers. The Mini PC comes with 16GB of Kingston RAM, consisting of two 8GB sticks. It can accommodate up to two 2.5-inch drives, enabling users to expand their storage capacity. The wireless card can be upgraded, although the Mini PC already comes with the Intel AX 200 card, offering reliable wireless connectivity.
BIOS and Advanced Settings
One of the standout features of the Elite Desk Mini HM50 is its completely unlocked BIOS. This allows access to advanced settings and customization options, providing users with full control over their Mini PC. Advanced CPU options, such as memory timings, can be adjusted to enhance performance. The IGPU configuration enables users to optimize gaming performance by allocating a specific amount of RAM. The fan controls, system configuration settings, and various other options make the BIOS highly versatile. However, caution must be exercised when making changes, as improper adjustments may require a BIOS reset.
Operating System and Performance
The Elite Desk Mini HM50 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro (version 20H2), ensuring a smooth and familiar user experience. Windows updates can be easily installed to keep the system up-to-date. The Mini PC performs exceptionally well in light computing tasks such as internet browsing and document editing. Its Snappy performance is ideal for multitasking and everyday productivity. Thanks to the powerful Vega graphics, the Mini PC handles video playback effortlessly, even at 4K resolutions and high bitrates. The dedicated two gigabytes of VRAM allocated to the integrated graphics further enhances gaming performance.
Thermal Performance and Fan Noise
One of the standout features of the Elite Desk Mini HM50 is its remarkable thermal performance. The large fan and heatsink combination effectively dissipate heat, keeping the internal components at acceptable temperatures. The fan noise is barely audible, making the Mini PC near-silent during operation. Even under heavy load, the fan does not ramp up to disruptive levels. The thermals remain excellent, with the CPU and chipset temperatures well within safe limits. The efficient cooling system ensures longevity and stable performance even during prolonged use.
Power Consumption
The Elite Desk Mini HM50 offers commendable power efficiency, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Under idle conditions, the Mini PC consumes only 5.7 to 6.5 watts. With light browsing and multitasking, the power consumption hovers around 14 watts. Under load, such as during a Cinebench test, the power consumption reaches 45 watts. These low power consumption numbers make the Elite Desk Mini HM50 an economical and energy-efficient option.
Video Editing and Multimedia Performance
The Elite Desk Mini HM50 showcases its capabilities in video editing and multimedia tasks. Running Adobe Premiere Pro, the Mini PC handles 4K video editing smoothly, offering a seamless editing experience. With the dedicated Vega graphics and the option for 32GB of RAM, video editing becomes even more efficient. Exporting a minute-long 4K video takes approximately 52 seconds, showcasing the Mini PC's processing power. The Mini PC's performance in multimedia playback is exceptional, effortlessly handling 4K video playback without any dropped frames.
Gaming Performance
Despite its compact size, the Elite Desk Mini HM50 impresses with its gaming performance. Popular titles like The Witcher 3 and GTA V run smoothly at 720p resolution and low graphics settings, with average frame rates of around 50-60 frames per Second. Even more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 can be played at lower settings, providing an average of 30 frames per second. While it may not match the performance of dedicated gaming PCs, the Elite Desk Mini HM50 offers a viable gaming experience for casual gamers. The Vega graphics deliver impressive visuals without compromising on frame rates.
Linux Compatibility
The Elite Desk Mini HM50 is compatible with Linux, offering a reliable platform for Linux enthusiasts. During testing, the latest version of Linux Mint proved to be fully compatible with the Mini PC, including support for the Wi-Fi 6 AX200 card and audio. Installing Linux on the Elite Desk Mini HM50 presents no major compatibility issues, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer open-source operating systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Ryzen 5 4500U processor
- Expandable storage options
- Unlocked BIOS for advanced customization
- Excellent thermal performance and low fan noise
- Power-efficient operation
- Smooth video editing and multimedia performance
- Capable of running demanding games at lower settings
- Linux compatibility
Cons:
- Priced on the higher side compared to similar Mini PCs
Highlights
- The Elite Desk Mini HM50 combines powerful hardware with a compact form factor, making it a versatile and capable Mini PC.
- With its unlocked BIOS and advanced customization options, users have full control over their system's performance.
- The Mini PC delivers excellent thermal performance, maintaining low temperatures even under heavy load.
- Its power-efficient operation and low fan noise make it an ideal choice for both home and office environments.
- From video editing to gaming, the Elite Desk Mini HM50 offers impressive performance and smooth multitasking capabilities.
- Linux compatibility ensures a reliable and versatile operating system choice for users seeking an open-source platform.
FAQ
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM in the Elite Desk Mini HM50?
A: Yes, the Elite Desk Mini HM50 supports up to 16GB of RAM. The Mini PC comes with two 8GB sticks, but it can accommodate higher capacity RAM modules if desired.
Q: Can I install additional storage in the Elite Desk Mini HM50?
A: Absolutely! The Mini PC can accommodate two additional 2.5-inch drives, allowing for expansion of the storage capacity. This flexibility makes it easy to meet your storage needs.
Q: Does the Elite Desk Mini HM50 come with a pre-installed operating system?
A: Yes, the Elite Desk Mini HM50 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro (version 20H2), providing a familiar and user-friendly operating system out of the box.
Q: What are the gaming capabilities of the Elite Desk Mini HM50?
A: While the Elite Desk Mini HM50 is not a gaming powerhouse, it performs admirably in running popular games at lower settings. Games like The Witcher 3 and GTA V can be played smoothly with decent frame rates.
Q: Is the Elite Desk Mini HM50 compatible with Linux?
A: Yes, the Elite Desk Mini HM50 is compatible with Linux. Users can install their preferred Linux distribution without encountering major compatibility issues.
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