[Deal du jour] Si vous cherchez un grand écran pour jouer dans de bonnes conditions et profiter d'une immersion maximale, cet Odyssey OLED G6 de Samsung est tout trouvé, surtout en promotion.
En avril 2025, il y aura de quoi faire, que vous soyez un adepte de PC, Xbox ou PS5. Entre nouveaux titres et arrivées de jeux vidéo sur certaines consoles, voici toutes les sorties à suivre pour ce mois-ci.
Geekom propose une remise de 15% sur son mini PC ultra-puissant : GT1 Mega équipé d'un Intel Core Ultra 9. Voici ce que vous devez savoir sur cette vente flash.
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a compact high-performance mini PC designed for users who require a balance of processing power, AI capabilities, and expandability. Featuring the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, it integrates 12 cores, 24 threads, and an AI NPU capable of up to 80 TOPS, making it suitable for AI-assisted workloads, virtualization, and content creation. The inclusion of AMD Radeon 890M integrated graphics allows for moderate gaming and GPU-accelerated tasks, while OcuLink support provides the option to attach an external GPU for additional performance. The system features three M.2 NVMe slots, dual USB4 ports, and dual 2.5GbE Ethernet, offering flexible storage and connectivity options. With a 140W internal power supply, the AI X1 eliminates the need for an external power brick, reducing cable clutter. Cooling and power efficiency have been addressed, with idle power consumption averaging between 19W and 23W and higher workloads drawing around 60W at 50% – does this sound like a min PC hybrid to a desktop solution? Let’s discuss the X1’s hardware, performance, AI capabilities, and expansion potential, assessing how well it meets the needs of AI developers, content creators, and general users seeking a high-performance compact system.
Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Quick Conclusion
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro offers a strong balance of performance, expandability, and AI acceleration in a compact form factor. It is suitable for AI-driven workloads, mid-range gaming, video processing, and professional applications. The integrated Radeon 890M GPU provides acceptable performance for gaming and AI-assisted tasks, but for more demanding graphical workloads, the inclusion of OcuLink allows users to connect an external GPU for greater flexibility. While the system includes high-speed storage options and multiple connectivity features, the lack of 10GbE networking may limit its usefulness in high-bandwidth data transfer scenarios. However, users can leverage Wi-Fi 7 or OcuLink adapters to expand networking capabilities if necessary. Overall, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a versatile mini PC with a focus on AI performance, storage expandability, and modular GPU upgrades. It is best suited for users who require a compact but powerful system for workstation tasks, AI processing, and moderate gaming, with the potential for external GPU scaling if additional performance is needed.
BUILD QUALITY - 9/10
HARDWARE - 10/10
PERFORMANCE - 10/10
PRICE - 7/10
VALUE - 8/10
8.8
PROS
Powerful CPU especially for a mini PC– The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is fast and handles demanding tasks well. AI Acceleration – Built-in AI processor speeds up tasks like image recognition and automation. Expandable Storage – Three M.2 SSD slots for fast and flexible storage upgrades. External GPU Support – OCuLink allows for a full-sized GPU to boost graphics performance. Fast USB4 Ports – Two high-speed USB4 ports for fast storage and external devices. Good Cooling System – Dual fans and metal heatsinks keep temperatures in check. Strong Connectivity – Wi-Fi 7 and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast networking. No External Power Brick – Built-in 140W power supply keeps cables minimal. Comes with Windows 11 – Ready to use out of the box. VESA Mount Included – Can be attached to the back of a monitor or wall for space-saving.
CONS
Only Features Microsoft Co-Pilot out the box – Hard/impossible to easily switch to ChatGPT or DeepSeek etc Limited OCuLink Compatibility – External GPU and storage upgrades require specific hardware. Weird PSU Placement – The power supply sits above the SSD slots, which might affect cooling. Price - Pricing is a little mixed at launch store-to-store
The initial specifications of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro Mini PC will differ slightly depending on where you buy and the configuration you choose (i.e the base level memory and storage). Additionally, the system will always arrive with Windows 11 (officially licenced) preinstalled on an SSD in one of the M.2 NVMe Gen 4×4 slots.
Component
Specification
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12 Cores / 24 Threads, Zen 5 + Zen 5c)
Base Clock
2.0 GHz (Zen 5), 2.0 GHz (Zen 5c)
Boost Clock
Up to 5.1 GHz (Zen 5), Up to 3.3 GHz (Zen 5c)
TDP
28W (Configurable 15-54W)
L2 Cache
12 MB
L3 Cache
24 MB
Memory
Dual-channel DDR5 (Up to 96GB at 5600MHz, 2 SODIMM Slots)
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro features a compact, square-shaped chassis, slightly more symmetrical than other models in its category. The metal and high-quality plastic construction provides a balance of durability and heat dissipation. Ventilation grilles are positioned along the sides and top to facilitate airflow. The system also includes a built-in 140W power supply unit (PSU), eliminating the need for an external power brick, reducing cable clutter, and making it easier to mount or position on a desk.
The front panel houses a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor, allowing for biometric authentication. There is also a USB4 port, a USB 3.2 port, an audio jack, and an SD card slot for additional storage. The rear panel features multiple USB ports, dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, an HDMI output, a DisplayPort output, an OcuLink port, and a USB 2.0 port. These connectivity options provide compatibility with a range of peripherals, storage solutions, and external displays.
A key feature of the design is its internal 140W PSU, an uncommon inclusion in mini PCs. This allows for direct AC power input using a standard two-pin connector. While the PSU is custom-designed and not easily replaceable with off-the-shelf alternatives, it contributes to the unit’s compact and cable-free design.
The cooling system is designed to manage heat efficiently, with airflow distributed across the chassis. The fan noise varies based on workload, but the thermal management system keeps temperatures under control, even under sustained usage.
Power consumption varies depending on workload. In idle conditions, the system draws between 19W and 23W, which is higher than most entry-level mini PCs due to its high-performance hardware. Under moderate load, including CPU and GPU utilization, power usage rises to 59W to 63W. While this consumption is significant for a compact system, it aligns with the performance level it delivers. The internal PSU ensures stable power delivery without requiring an external adapter.
During extended testing, thermal performance remained stable. Heat distribution was well-managed, with no significant thermal spikes even under stress. When measured with a thermal camera, the heat output was lower than other nearby high-performance networking devices in the test environment. The fan system adjusts dynamically based on workload, ensuring consistent operation without excessive noise.
The retail package includes the Minisforum AI X1 Pro unit, a power cable, a VESA mounting bracket, and documentation. The VESA mount allows users to attach the system to the back of a monitor or a wall for space efficiency. The package does not include a keyboard, mouse, or pre-installed operating system, meaning users will need to supply their own peripherals and software. The combination of a built-in PSU, multiple I/O options, and compact design makes it a practical option for users seeking a high-performance mini PC with minimal cable clutter.
Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Ports and Connections
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro includes multiple high-speed and legacy connectivity options across its front and rear panels, catering to a variety of use cases. The system supports USB4, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, an SD card slot, and OcuLink, making it a versatile device for professional workloads, gaming, and AI-assisted tasks. These ports enable peripheral expansion, high-speed data transfers, networking, and external GPU connectivity, providing a range of possibilities for users who require flexible hardware configurations. The placement of these connections ensures easy access to frequently used ports on the front, while the rear panel accommodates more permanent connections for external monitors, networking, and high-bandwidth storage solutions.
The dual USB4 ports, located on the front and rear, are among the most notable features, delivering up to 40Gbps of bandwidth. This allows for high-speed external storage, video output, and docking station compatibility. During testing, a USB4 external SSD achieved over 3GB/s in read speeds, confirming that the system fully supports the high-bandwidth capabilities of USB4. Write speeds were more dependent on the SSD’s own specifications, averaging around 1.8GB/s, aligning with expected performance for a drive of that type. The USB4 ports also allow for eGPU expansion, enabling the connection of an external graphics card via an OcuLink-to-USB4 adapter, though performance in this configuration may not match that of a direct OcuLink connection.
For wired networking, the system includes dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, offering a step up from standard 1GbE connections. This provides improved network throughput, lower latency for online applications, and better support for local file transfers and virtualized environments.
Testing in a peer-to-peer direct connection resulted in speeds averaging 2.35Gbps, demonstrating reliable real-world performance. While 2.5GbE is sufficient for most users, it may not be ideal for those requiring higher bandwidth network-attached storage (NAS) solutions or extensive multi-user workloads.
Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 7, which supports the 6GHz spectrum and 320MHz channel width, providing increased speeds and reduced interference compared to previous wireless standards. When paired with a compatible Wi-Fi 7 router, the system achieved peak throughput of over 2Gbps, depending on environmental factors such as network congestion and signal strength.
Wi-Fi 7 allows for low-latency wireless networking, making it a viable option for high-speed transfers in environments where wired networking is impractical. Wireless performance remained stable across multiple test scenarios, demonstrating consistent connectivity and minimal packet loss.
The video output options include HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1, allowing for multi-monitor setups with support for up to four simultaneous displays. The system can handle 4K at 240Hz, 1440p at 480Hz, and 8K at 60Hz, ensuring compatibility with high-refresh-rate monitors and high-resolution displays. Adaptive Sync and HDR support improve overall display performance, reducing screen tearing and improving color accuracy. During testing, dual monitor configurations using DisplayPort and HDMI simultaneously worked without issue, delivering consistent video output with no visible latency.
A key expansion feature is the OcuLink port, which provides direct PCIe-based external device connectivity, offering low-latency, high-bandwidth expansion options. In testing, an OcuLink NVMe SSD enclosure was detected immediately, allowing for storage expansion without compromising performance. The system also supported an external GPU connected via OcuLink, which significantly improved gaming performance, particularly in titles utilizing ray tracing.
The external GPU used in testing was the Minisforum MGA1, an eGPU enclosure featuring a NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, PCIe Gen 4 connectivity, and dedicated cooling for high-performance graphics processing. With the MGA1 connected, games that previously struggled with ray tracing saw substantial performance improvements, demonstrating the viability of OcuLink as a direct GPU expansion solution.
The USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 2.0 ports serve as additional expansion options, providing 10Gbps and 480Mbps transfer speeds, respectively. While USB 3.2 Gen 2 offers sufficient bandwidth for external drives and accessories, the USB 2.0 port is more suited to lower-priority peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and older external devices that do not require high-speed connectivity. Testing showed that USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports delivered consistent performance when used with high-speed external storage, achieving expected speeds for 10Gbps-rated SSDs.
Overall, the port selection provides a balance between modern and legacy interfaces, ensuring compatibility with a range of peripherals and expansion options. The inclusion of USB4, OcuLink, dual Ethernet, and multiple display outputs allows for high-speed data transfer, wired and wireless networking, and scalable performance upgrades. The lack of 10GbE may be a limitation for certain users, but the OcuLink port compensates by allowing direct PCIe expansion. With reliable wired and wireless networking, flexible video output options, and full USB4 bandwidth support, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro provides strong connectivity for a range of professional and consumer use cases.
Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Internal Hardware
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro features a compact yet high-performance internal hardware configuration, designed to balance processing power, cooling efficiency, and storage scalability within a small form factor.
At its core, the system is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a 12-core, 24-thread processor with a hybrid 4x Zen 5 and 8x Zen 5c architecture.
This CPU supports clock speeds up to 5.1GHz, with a default TDP of 28W and a configurable range of 15W to 54W, allowing users to adjust power consumption based on workload requirements. Integrated into the processor is the AMD Radeon 890M GPU, which operates at 2.9GHz and supports modern gaming, AI workloads, and media processing.
The system memory consists of two SODIMM slots, allowing for expandable RAM configurations. The reviewed model included 64GB of DDR5-5600MHz memory, with the option to upgrade to a maximum of 96GB.
Unlike some mini PCs, the RAM is user-replaceable rather than soldered to the motherboard, offering future-proofing for users who may require higher capacity memory. The lack of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) support is a limitation for users requiring data integrity features, particularly in professional environments such as virtualization or enterprise workloads.
Storage is handled via three M.2 NVMe slots, all operating on PCIe 4.0 architecture.
Two of these slots run at PCIe 4.0 x4, providing 8GB/s of potential bandwidth, while the third slot operates at PCIe 4.0 x1, limiting its performance to 2GB/s.
This configuration allows for a mix of high-speed and archival storage, with the x1 slot being more suited for less frequently accessed data. During testing, Gen 4 NVMe SSDs in the primary slots achieved full bandwidth speeds, while the third slot demonstrated the expected performance limitations.
Cooling is managed by an internal metal L-shaped cooling system, which integrates two silent operational fans. The primary fan is located above the piped CPU cooling solution, which consists of a metal heatsink with multiple heat vents to improve thermal dissipation.
This cooling system ensures sustained performance under load, preventing thermal throttling during intensive processing tasks. The second fan is positioned over the Wi-Fi card and adjacent to the internal PSU, ensuring airflow distribution across multiple components.
The internal PSU is located directly above the M.2 NVMe slots, an unconventional placement compared to traditional desktop designs. This layout reduces the need for an external power brick, making cable management more streamlined. The 140W internal power supply is a proprietary design, meaning replacement may be more complex than standard off-the-shelf units.
Despite this, the integration of an internal PSU contributes to a cleaner workspace, avoiding bulky external adapters typically associated with compact systems. Nevertheless, the PSU living DIRECTLY above the m.2 NVMe SSD bays is kinda weird. It further exacerbates the need for the SSD bays to need m.2 heatsinks to allow heat dissipation, into the fan 5-6cm away.
In terms of noise output, the cooling fans remained quiet during idle and low-power tasks, with only minor increases in noise levels under high-load scenarios. The thermal camera testing indicated that the system’s heat distribution was well-managed, with the warmest areas located around the CPU and PSU exhaust vents. The Wi-Fi card and SSD slots remained within safe temperature ranges, confirming the effectiveness of the airflow design.
The internal hardware design of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro prioritizes performance, efficient cooling, and storage flexibility. While the PSU placement above the NVMe drives is unusual, it does not appear to cause excessive heat accumulation. The combination of a high-performance processor, scalable RAM and storage, and a well-managed cooling solution ensures that the system is capable of handling a range of demanding workloads, from AI-assisted tasks to content creation and gaming.
Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Performance and Testing
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro integrates the AMD Radeon 890M GPU, which operates at 2.9GHz and features 16 compute units. While it lacks the power of a dedicated high-end GPU, it is capable of handling mid-tier gaming and graphical workloads. During testing, Call of Duty: Warzone was run on high settings, achieving playable frame rates without an external GPU. Performance remained stable, though demanding titles with ray tracing and high-resolution textures exhibited performance limitations. The system supports external GPU expansion via OCuLink, and testing with the Minisforum MGA1 eGPU—equipped with an AMD Radeon 7600M XT (32 compute units, 8GB GDDR6 memory, 120W TDP)—significantly enhanced graphical capabilities, particularly for ray tracing and high-resolution gaming.
The OCuLink expansion port enables a direct PCIe-level connection to external GPUs, providing higher bandwidth than Thunderbolt-based solutions. When using the MGA1 eGPU, performance improvements were immediately evident, with games running at higher frame rates and improved graphical fidelity.
This configuration allows users to scale graphical performance without replacing the base system, making it an efficient option for users requiring additional power for AI tasks, rendering, or high-end gaming.
However, OCuLink accessories are currently less common than standard eGPU enclosures, which may limit hardware compatibility options.
In terms of using the Minisforum X1 Pro in more NAS deployment utilities, the testing is still in progress (and I will make a separate video and article soon), but early testing has been very positive. Uutilized half of the available threads as vCPUs in 12 Windwos 11 VMs (each with 2GB Memory) and they ran great (at that point, my own recording machine and the UI itself became the only limitation.
Likewise, with PLEX Media server, I was able to stream 8x 1080p 100Mb (bitrate) video files at once without stressing the CPU, then 10x 4K 60Mb – still positive. Finally, I went into 8K media (something that PLEX itself is poorly optimized for) and streamed 5x 8K High end files at once (mixed native and on-the-fly conversions). In all cases, the Minisforum X1 Pro worked like a charm!
The rest of the performance benchmarks on the individual m.2 slots are still undergoing testing, as well as connecting a 4x M.2 NVMe SSD expansion device from Aoostar via Oculink.
AI processing is a core feature of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, which boasts up to 80 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) and a dedicated 50 TOPS NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI-assisted tasks. Benchmarks using Geekbench AI indicated strong performance in OpenVINO-based workloads, with a 5024 overall AI score.
Image-related AI tasks, including image classification, object detection, and segmentation, demonstrated higher inference speeds on OpenVINO compared to ONNX, with quantized processing delivering the best overall efficiency. AI-driven tasks such as style transfer, depth estimation, and pose estimation showed notable acceleration compared to traditional CPU-only inference. Testing with ONNX-based AI models resulted in a lower AI benchmark score of 3614, reflecting reduced optimization for this framework. Despite this, the system still delivered usable performance for machine learning inference and AI-based enhancements, though OpenVINO remained the preferred framework for faster execution times and more efficient workload handling. AI-assisted image enhancement and real-time video analysis tasks performed well, making the system suitable for workflow acceleration in content creation and automated AI-based applications.
Category
Specification
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro (64-bit) (Linux support: Ubuntu, RHEL)
Limited without eGPU, decent with OcuLink external GPU
External GPU (OcuLink, eGPU tested with Minforum eGPU)
Massive improvement in ray tracing performance
Best Use Cases
AI-powered Video & Image Processing
Great for 4K upscaling, AI-style transfer, motion tracking
AI-assisted Creative Workflows
Optimized for Adobe AI tools, DaVinci Resolve AI features
Real-time AI Automation & Security
Object recognition, face detection, smart surveillance
AI-assisted Audio & Text Transcription
Speech-to-text, real-time subtitle generation
Gaming (Casual to AAA, with eGPU Support)
Decent native performance, great with eGPU via OcuLink
Limitations
✘ Not Ideal for LLM Model Training
Lacks high-end CUDA acceleration for AI model training
✘ ONNX Performance is Weaker
Better results using OpenVINO for AI inference
✘ No Built-in 10GbE
Only 2x 2.5GbE, no native 10GbE option
Connectivity & Expansion
eGPU Support
OcuLink, USB4 (Supports external RTX 4090 or similar GPUs)
Max Displays
4 Monitors (4K/8K multi-monitor setup)
External USB4 Storage
Achieved 3GB/s read speeds (USB4 SSD tested)
The X1 delivers capable performance in graphical processing, AI workloads, and high-speed storage applications. While the integrated GPU is suitable for mid-range tasks, external GPU expansion significantly enhances performance. AI capabilities, particularly with OpenVINO, demonstrate strong inference speeds for image processing, object detection, and machine learning inference. Storage performance meets expectations, with Gen 4 speeds available on the primary slots and USB4 providing high-speed external storage options. These features position the system as a versatile solution for power users, AI developers, and content creators. But keep your expectations realistic and in perspective for a mini PC nonetheless!!!
13/02/25 Update from Minisforum, re: AI local Deployment:
Our AI X1 Pro can support Deepseek local deployment.
Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Conclusion and Verdict
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a compact but powerful mini PC designed for users seeking a balance of CPU performance, AI acceleration, and expandability. It features the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which delivers strong multi-core performance with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a 50 TOPS NPU for AI workloads. The integrated AMD Radeon 890M GPU provides adequate graphical performance for mid-tier gaming and GPU-accelerated applications, though it benefits significantly from external GPU expansion via OCuLink. With support for up to three M.2 NVMe drives, dual USB4 ports, and dual 2.5GbE networking, the system is versatile in both storage and connectivity. While the lack of native 10GbE may be a drawback for high-bandwidth network users, the Wi-Fi 7 support provides a wireless alternative with high-speed connectivity options.
In terms of real-world performance, the system delivers strong results in AI-driven applications, particularly those optimized for the OpenVINO framework, where it achieved higher inference speeds compared to ONNX-based workloads. Gaming performance is reasonable on the integrated GPU, but ray tracing and high-end graphical tasks require an external GPU, such as the Minisforum MGA1 eGPU with an AMD Radeon 7600M XT, which was tested and demonstrated significant performance improvements. The internal 140W PSU eliminates cable clutter, but its placement above the M.2 slots is unconventional and may require additional SSD heatsinks for efficient cooling. Thermal management is well-executed, with a dual-fan system and metal heatsink design keeping temperatures stable during sustained workloads.
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is best suited for AI developers, content creators, and users requiring a small yet powerful workstation. It provides AI acceleration, high-speed storage, and expandable graphics options, making it a versatile hybrid between a mini PC and a desktop-class solution. While not ideal for intensive LLM training or high-end gaming without an external GPU, it excels in AI-assisted workflows, video processing, and multi-tasking applications. The inclusion of OCuLink for PCIe expansion allows for long-term scalability, giving users the option to upgrade GPU or storage performance as needed. For those seeking a high-performance compact system with AI processing capabilities, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a capable and well-rounded option.
PROS of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro
CONS of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro
Powerful CPU especially for a mini PC– The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is fast and handles demanding tasks well.
AI Acceleration – Built-in AI processor speeds up tasks like image recognition and automation.
Expandable Storage – Three M.2 SSD slots for fast and flexible storage upgrades.
External GPU Support – OCuLink allows for a full-sized GPU to boost graphics performance.
Fast USB4 Ports – Two high-speed USB4 ports for fast storage and external devices.
Good Cooling System – Dual fans and metal heatsinks keep temperatures in check.
Strong Connectivity – Wi-Fi 7 and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast networking.
No External Power Brick – Built-in 140W power supply keeps cables minimal.
Comes with Windows 11 – Ready to use out of the box.
VESA Mount Included – Can be attached to the back of a monitor or wall for space-saving.
Only Features Microsoft Co-Pilot out the box – Hard/impossible to easily switch to ChatGPT or DeepSeek etc
Limited OCuLink Compatibility – External GPU and storage upgrades require specific hardware.
Weird PSU Placement – The power supply sits above the SSD slots, which might affect cooling.
Price – Pricing is a little mixed at launch store-to-store
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Le Geekom A6 est un mini PC lancé en 2025, qui reprend le design du Geekom A8, avec une fiche technique plus légère, mais il est plus abordable : 529 euros.
The GMKtec NucBox G9 represents the brand’s first attempt to transition from the mini PC market into the world of network-attached storage (NAS). This 4-bay, SSD-only system targets entry-level users and light workloads, offering affordability and versatility in a compact form factor. Designed as a hybrid between a mini PC and a NAS, the G9 comes with pre-installed dual operating systems—Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu—and a range of features aimed at balancing performance, cost, and functionality.
At its core, the G9 is powered by Intel’s efficient N150 processor, a quad-core chip designed for low-power applications. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, it’s clear the system isn’t intended for heavy-duty tasks but rather for home use, backups, and small-scale media hosting.
The reliance on M.2 NVMe SSDs rather than traditional hard drives results in silent operation and faster performance, albeit at a higher cost per terabyte.
While it offers an impressive range of connectivity options, the lack of 10GbE networking and its reliance on PCIe Gen 3 x2 lanes for storage performance may limit its appeal to users with more demanding needs. This review dives deep into the GMKtec NucBox G9 to explore its design, features, and performance, and determine whether it’s worth considering as an entry-level NAS.
GMKTec NucBox G9 NAS Review – Quick Conclusion / TL;DR
The GMKtec NucBox G9 is an affordable, compact NAS system that doubles as a mini PC. With support for up to 32TB of SSD storage across four M.2 NVMe slots, it’s designed for quiet and efficient operation. It’s powered by an Intel N150 processor and features dual 2.5GbE ports, multiple USB connections, and dual HDMI outputs. While the system is cost-effective, it has limitations in thermal management and external connectivity. This device is ideal for home users and small-scale setups that prioritize affordability and low noise over raw performance. However, the reliance on plastic for the chassis, lack of SSD heatsinks, and PCIe Gen 3 x2 lanes limit its appeal for heavy workloads. Users should also be prepared to configure third-party NAS software, as the pre-installed operating systems are not optimized for NAS-specific functionality. If you’re looking for an entry-level, SSD-only NAS with minimal noise and power consumption, the GMKtec NucBox G9 is a compelling option. However, power users or those requiring advanced features like 10GbE or robust thermal performance may find it restrictive. It’s a promising debut for GMKtec in the NAS market, but with room for improvement in future iterations.
BUILD QUALITY - 6/10
HARDWARE - 7/10
PERFORMANCE - 6/10
PRICE - 10/10
VALUE - 10/10
7.8
PROS
Affordable starting price ($150-199 for base model). Compact and lightweight design, ideal for small spaces. Quiet operation, even under load, with low noise levels (Dual 2.5GbE ports with reliable and consistent performance. Supports up to 32TB of SSD storage with four M.2 NVMe slots. Low power consumption (19–30W) for energy-efficient operation. Pre-installed dual operating systems (Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu Linux). Versatile connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB-C, and HDMI outputs.
CONS
PCIe Gen 3 x2 lanes limit the full potential of M.2 NVMe SSDs. Plastic chassis hinders effective heat dissipation. No included SSD heatsinks, leading to thermal throttling risks. Lack of 10GbE networking for higher-speed environments. Pre-installed operating systems are not optimized for NAS functionality. Non-upgradable 12GB LPDDR5 memory limits scalability. Not a true turnkey NAS solution; requires user configuration. Thermal performance under load is insufficient without additional cooling
3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB-C (data & video), 1 x USB-C (power), 2 x HDMI (4K 60Hz)
Pre-Installed OS
Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux
Power Consumption
19-30W
Chassis Material
Plastic
Price
Starting at $169 ($216 for 1TB SSD Model)
GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash Review – Design
The GMKtec NucBox G9 features a compact, lightweight plastic chassis, which contributes to its affordability but comes with certain drawbacks. While the design is minimalistic and functional, the reliance on plastic for the panel covering the four M.2 NVMe slots raises concerns about thermal performance. Metal would have been a better choice to aid heat dissipation, particularly in an SSD-only system where temperatures can rise quickly under load.
Inside, the system accommodates up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs, each operating at PCIe Gen 3 x2 speeds. This configuration supports up to 32TB of total storage, providing flexibility for users with varying needs.
However, the Gen 3 x2 limitation caps throughput at 2GB/s per drive, which may bottleneck performance in high-demand scenarios. While the system can handle basic RAID configurations, its performance in RAID setups is limited by the hardware.
The absence of heatsinks for the SSDs is a notable oversight. Although pre-configured models with SSDs include basic heatsinks, users adding their own drives will need to invest in aftermarket cooling solutions. The plastic panel covering the storage bays further exacerbates heat dissipation challenges, as it traps heat rather than dispersing it effectively. This is really only noticeable when the system was a especially high use, but it did give me pause for thought. (Thermal test with HikMicro Mini v2 Thermal Camera on Amazon HERE )
Despite these limitations, the G9’s storage configuration is impressive for its price range. SSD-only setups ensure silent operation and faster performance compared to traditional hard drives, making it ideal for environments where noise and energy efficiency are priorities.
GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash Review – Connections
The G9 offers a solid selection of connectivity options for a device in its class. It includes two 2.5GbE LAN ports, allowing users to link aggregate bandwidth or set up separate networks. During testing, these ports easily reached their full potential, delivering consistent performance for both independent and linked configurations. However, the absence of 10GbE networking may deter users with more demanding network requirements.
In addition to networking, the system provides four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports—three Type-A and one Type-C—offering up to 10Gbps of data transfer per port. The USB-C port doubles as a video output, complementing the two HDMI 2.0 ports that support 4K resolution at 60Hz. These features make the G9 versatile for dual roles as a NAS and a lightweight desktop workstation.
Power input is handled via a dedicated USB-C port connected to an external 65W power supply. This compact power solution aligns with the G9’s low-power design, but it also means there’s no internal power redundancy, which might concern users deploying the device in mission-critical environments.
While the ports and connections are adequate for most use cases, the lack of expandability—such as PCIe slots for adding 10GbE or other features—limits its future-proofing. Users seeking advanced connectivity options may need to consider alternatives or rely on external adapters.
The Intel N150 processor is the heart of the GMKtec NucBox G9. This quad-core chip operates at a base clock of 1GHz, with a boost clock of 3.6GHz. Designed for efficiency, it features a 6W TDP, making it well-suited for low-power applications like home NAS setups. While not a powerhouse, it handles light workloads effectively, including file sharing, backups, and media streaming.
Feature
Details
Architecture
Intel Twice Lake
Cores / Threads
4 Cores / 4 Threads
Base Clock Speed
1.0 GHz
Boost Clock Speed
Up to 3.6 GHz
TDP (Thermal Design Power)
6W
Cache
6MB Intel Smart Cache
Memory Support
LPDDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 (dual-channel)
Graphics
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
Graphics Frequency
Up to 1.0 GHz
Max Display Resolution
4K @ 60Hz (via HDMI/DisplayPort)
PCIe Version
Gen 3 (Up to 9 lanes)
Instruction Set
64-bit
Special Features
Intel VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, Intel Speed Shift
Manufacturing Process
10nm Intel Process
Release Date
Q1 2025
Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5-4800 memory, the system offers a decent amount of RAM for its intended purposes. However, the memory is soldered onto the board, meaning it cannot be upgraded. This limitation may frustrate users who anticipate scaling up their usage over time. The LPDDR5 memory’s efficiency helps offset this drawback by delivering faster performance compared to older DDR4 standards.
Storage capabilities are impressive, with support for up to four M.2 NVMe drives. These slots operate at PCIe Gen 3 x2, which, while adequate for most entry-level NAS tasks, may bottleneck performance in more demanding scenarios.
The system’s internal hardware also includes an eMMC drive for the pre-installed operating systems, but its limited 64GB capacity may prompt many users to replace it or install a new OS on an M.2 SSD.
The hardware design prioritizes cost-efficiency, which is evident in the lack of ECC memory support and limited thermal management. While these decisions align with the device’s target audience, they reinforce its position as an entry-level solution rather than a high-performance NAS. In other words – KEEP YOUR EXPECTATIONS RELATIVE!!!
GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash Review – Software
The G9 is marketed as a “dual-system” NAS, shipping with Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu Linux pre-installed. This flexibility allows users to operate the device as a mini PC or a lightweight NAS out of the box. However, neither OS is tailored for NAS-specific functionality, and users seeking advanced features like RAID management or robust file sharing will need to install third-party software.
Popular NAS operating systems such as TrueNAS, Unraid, or OpenMediaVault are compatible with the G9, but they require manual installation and configuration. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it may deter users unfamiliar with NAS software or those seeking a plug-and-play solution. Ubuntu, while functional, lacks the intuitive tools and features found in dedicated NAS systems.
The inclusion of a Windows 11 Pro license is a welcome addition for users who may want to use the device as a general-purpose PC. However, this feature feels somewhat misplaced in a NAS-focused product, as most users will likely replace the OS with something more suited to storage tasks. Additionally, the 64GB eMMC drive hosting the OS is insufficient for many use cases, necessitating an upgrade to an M.2 SSD.
Overall, the software experience is mixed. While the dual OS option adds versatility, the lack of NAS-specific tools and reliance on user-driven configuration highlight the device’s limitations as a turnkey NAS solution.
In performance testing, the G9’s storage read speeds peaked at 1.4–1.5GB/s per drive, which is respectable for its hardware. Write speeds were less consistent, averaging 400–500MB/s under sustained load.
Interestingly (and still being checked into since this review was started), the system features multiple ASM1182e Gen 2 packet switches to carve up the downstream of the PCIe lanes internally (understandable for a modest CPU to require PCIe switches to allow for so many M.2s), but I suspect that THIS is why the write performance was so low. Still checking and will update ASAP here and/or in the video.
The dual 2.5GbE ports delivered solid external performance, easily saturating their bandwidth in both independent and aggregated configurations.
Thermal management proved to be a challenge. Without included SSD heatsinks and with a plastic panel covering the storage bays, temperatures rose quickly under load. Idle temperatures were manageable, but sustained use resulted in throttling, emphasizing the need for aftermarket cooling solutions. This is especially important for users planning to use the device in environments with higher ambient temperatures.
Noise levels were impressively low, even with all three fans running. During idle, the system operated nearly silently, while under load, noise levels remained below 40dB. Power consumption ranged from 19–20W at idle to 28–30W under load, making it an efficient option for users concerned about energy usage.
Overall, the G9 performs well for an entry-level system but struggles in scenarios requiring sustained performance. Its thermal limitations and PCIe bottlenecks make it better suited for light to moderate workloads rather than demanding applications.
The GMKtec NucBox G9 is an ambitious first step for the brand into the NAS market, blending elements of mini PCs with network-attached storage. Its compact, lightweight design, combined with the use of M.2 NVMe SSDs, makes it an efficient, quiet solution for home users or small-scale deployments. With a competitive starting price of $150-199 and dual operating systems pre-installed, it offers value for users who are comfortable setting up their own NAS software. The inclusion of dual 2.5GbE ports, multiple USB connections, and support for up to 32TB of SSD storage ensures it caters to a wide variety of use cases, from media hosting to backups. However, its reliance on plastic for the chassis and the absence of SSD heatsinks highlight thermal management as a weak point, making it less suitable for sustained or intensive workloads without additional investment in cooling solutions.
While the device performs well in basic NAS tasks, its hardware limitations, such as PCIe Gen 3 x2 slots and a non-upgradable memory configuration, may leave power users wanting more. The lack of 10GbE networking and limited built-in NAS software tools further cement its position as an entry-level system rather than a fully-featured solution. Ultimately, the NucBox G9 is a solid choice for users seeking an affordable, low-power NAS for quiet environments but less ideal for those with advanced needs or performance-intensive requirements. As a debut NAS product, it succeeds in offering value within its scope while leaving room for refinement in future iterations.
Pros
Cons
Affordable starting price ($150-199 for base model)
Limited to PCIe Gen 3 x2 lanes for M.2 NVMe slots
Compact and lightweight design
Plastic chassis reduces thermal efficiency
Quiet operation, even under load
No SSD heatsinks included
Dual 2.5GbE ports with solid performance
Lacks 10GbE networking
Supports up to 32TB of SSD storage
Pre-installed OS (Windows/Ubuntu) not NAS-optimized
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Depuis quelques jours, j’ai entre les mains le Mini PC NiPoGi E2. Avec ses dimensions compactes (10 x 10 x 4 cm), ce boîtier tient littéralement dans la paume de la main. Affiché à seulement 199 €, ce mini PC embarque un processeur Intel N150, 16 Go de RAM et 512 Go de stockage. Mais est-il réellement à la hauteur ? Quels usages peut-on envisager avec un tel appareil ? Rentrons sans plus attendre dans le vif du sujet. Test du NiPoGi E2 N150 Fiche technique du NiPoGi E2 Le modèle que j’ai testé est équipé des composants suivants : […] Lire la suite :NiPoGi E2 N150, un concentré de puissance à petit prix ?
Mobile NAS solutions have become somewhat vogue in the last year or so. Network Attached Storage solutions (NAS) have become increasingly popular as a cost-effective and storage-desirable alternative to cloud services, but once you step outside of the local area network of your chosen NAS solution, certain limitations present themselves. The biggest of which is to do with the speed of your backups. Backing up your PCs and phones over your own local network is great, but once you are offsite and far away, you are at the behest of your internet speeds and at the overhead of backing up multiple devices remotely. This is the issue that the Pocket Cloud mobile NAS system is hoping to improve against and overcome. Formed of two core parts, the Pocket Cloud NAS is formed of a handheld, battery-powered NAS drive that is remotely accessible from all the devices around it as a targeted backup. Then, when you get back to your desktop, you can slot the Pocket Cloud into the accompanying docking station, and from there it will backup all the data to its base station. From there, you can back up to the cloud, another NAS, or a USB drive. The Pocket Cloud hopes to hit Kickstarter at the end of March 2025, so let’s take a moment and discuss everything we know about it!
Firefly Station PC Mobile NAS Hardware & Design
The design of the Personal Cloud Drive is…well… it looks unusual. The actual NAS portion of the device is in a portable fan-assisted box with its own battery and about the same size and weight as two modern mobile phones. The silver plastic with matte metal design looks a little dated, and the shape (when it is in the dock) looks a little ‘toaster-like’, but aside from that, it’s a very portable device.
Interestingly, the primary storage unit portion of the device has its own LCD panel, as well as the means to cycle through options and action them directly from the system without using a mobile client app (though there is/will be one available apparently). This panel allows you to check the status of sync, backup operations, system configuration, and more. It’s a small detail and it uses a rather old-school wheel selection process, but it works a treat and makes a lot of sense!
The LCD screen is clear, the selection process simple and intuitive, and the presentation feels very nice. I was unable to fully test the mobile application control/management of the Pocket Cloud, so was unable to confirm how intuitive or responsive it is, but the LCD manual on-system panel was very responsive and allowed me quick and easy control. It also allows the user to action 1-click backups of devices connected via the storage inputs.
The portable box portion of the system features several ports and connections. First off, I was surprised to find an SD Card slot. The CES representative was unable to confirm the speed/revision, but it was nevertheless very interesting to see, as SD card backup slots have become increasingly rare on NAS devices in recent years and their access on a mobile NAS to allow photographers/videographers to back up their camera work on the fly between shoots ‘camera cable-free’ will be hugely appealing.
Alongside the SD Card slot there is both a USB A and a USB C Port, both at 5Gb/s speed. These both work as inputs to send data to the system. There is still no indication of how the 1-touch backup is set up, or how the client applications that this device will arrive with manage USB-connected drives (outside of the 1-touch button via the LCD automatically). It was not made clear during the demonstration at CES about whether one of the ports is specifically used to interface with the storage box unit, or even as an alternate means to charge the battery.
The storage unit (with the PC Pocket logo – which looks a little old-fashioned) features a 6400mAh battery, which is a decent amount of power to keep a modest device like this going. Unfortunately, the representative on the stand was unable to confirm how long this battery pack would allow the device to run between charges. However, as an example, the now-released portable NAS zSpace UnifyDrive UT2 runs on an ARM processor with 8GB memory and can run for around 2 hours max (realistically 1 hour of constantly processing) with their 2200mAh battery. The feature set of this personal portable NAS will obviously hugely impact how long that battery will last, but it’s still a decent-sized battery to arrive with. Additionally, the battery is in a removable slot inside the main storage model and can be swapped out for another battery if needed on long trips.
The storage box features an m.2 slot that supports up to 8TB of M.2 2280 NVMe storage. It is a shame that this is a single slot, as opposed to dual storage bays (as that would allow for RAID 1 support and therefore a safety net if one of the drives fails whilst the storage box unit is away from the docking station), but it is still good to know that the storage of this system is faster and more power-efficient NVMe, rather than slower SATA storage.
The CPU inside the main storage box unit is now confirmed, and is likely to be extremely modest. That said, the system does feature an internally silent cooling fan and has vents built into either side of the casing. Given the single M.2 NVMe slot inside and the modest hardware here, this is nonetheless an impressive bit of temperature provisioning for such a modest scaled device.
Now, let’s discuss the main ‘schtick’ of this device – the docking mechanic. The whole idea of this system is that you take the storage model with you ‘on the go’ and back up to the device over the physical connections (there was no confirmation or clarity on whether the storage unit had its own WiFi/Bluetooth connection – so I can only assume for now that the answer is no), you then simply connect the storage unit into the docking station and it begins backing up the docking station.
We have seen similar architecture to this (without the docking mechanic) to older devices, however, the difference here is the battery-powered storage box that allows you to back up all your devices to it when off-site, then just dropping that into the docking station when you get back home or the office. The speed and methodology behind the transfer are still yet to be confirmed (as is the security provision of the data once it is on the docking station, i.e. encryption as it transfers? Password authentication to access it?) but it is connected via a 14-pin connector between the storage box and the docking station.
Turning the docking station over reveals that it also has its own m.2 NVMe storage slot (located under a removable heatsink panel that has its own hex screwdriver built into its cover). This supports a 2280 m.2 NVMe, which is great news, but once again – I do wish this was at least a 2-bay docking station, as that would allow for the RAID safety net in the event of a dead SSD down the road – and the storage box is primarily designed for periodic backups, which will result in the data on the portable unit not really acting as a ‘backup’, but more as a data transportation point towards the dock later. Nevertheless, it is good that this docking station has its own storage.
The bottom corner of the storage box features three individual connections. There is a USB A port that I am told allows you to back up the contents of the docking station to an external drive, but it was not clear if this can also be used as a further backup path to allow backups to be conducted similarly to the removable storage box, but on the docking station.
The USB-C port is the power input for the device and it would appear that the device runs off domestically available USB mains power, though the actual USB power requirements were not confirmed.
Alongside the USB-C power port is the 2.5GbE network connection. This is good to see, as that will allow for greater network connectivity for sharing the system’s content. I am not clear on the extent to which the system can be accessed via this connection (the software that is used was shown in light media materials, but not actual usable demonstration portals at the CES 2025 show), but at least it is not restricted to a single 1GbE port, as found on most modest storage boxes comparable to this one. That said, 2.5GbE will still bottleneck a lot of the performance of even the most affordable M.2 NVMe – without knowing more about the CPU system hardware architecture, it’s not possible to know the extent to which this network connectivity can be used. The representative on stand highlighted that the contents of the NAS will certainly be accessible over SMB, as well as supporting Google Drive backups, but that was all that was confirmed in my relatively brief meeting.
Firefly Station PC PocketCloud Mobile NAS Release, Price and Concerns
There are still a lot of questions. Is remote access to the docking station of the NAS system possible outside of the local area network? And if so, how is that conducted (i.e. brand relay site point?) and what security measures are in place? Is advanced user authentication and/or encrypted transmission factored in?
The brand tells me that they are intending to launch this system at the end of March 2025 and they will be following the trend of a number of brands and using Kickstarter as their launch platform. Despite the marketing and product promotion advantages that this brings to eastern brands who want to take advantage of the toolset and analytically targeting resources of this platform to launch a new style of product, it will also put some users off who would much rather purchase a device like this at traditional retail. This would seem to be an already NAS/server-focused manufacturer behind this product, who does not have a huge presence in the U.S/outside of their home region, so I can see the logic behind the choice to use Kickstarter (UGREEN did it, Zspace did it, etc). But until I have hands on the product, I will hold off full judgment/thoughts on this device, as there are still a lot of question marks surrounding its deployment and abilities that need answering. I look forward to discussing more on this in March/April 2025. Learn More about the Firefly StationPC HERE on their website.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
[contact-form-7]
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If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here