The Emergence of Ultra-Compact Powerhouses: A Comprehensive Review of the Minisforum AI370 EliteMini
Over the past few decades, personal computers have undergone a revolutionary transformation. Gone are the days when a PC was an enormous, beige behemoth that commandeered a substantial portion of your workspace. Modern advancements have gifted us devices that are not only compact but also astoundingly powerful. A shining example of this evolution is the Minisforum AI370 EliteMini, a petite yet potent mini PC, which encapsulates a new era of computing.
Unveiling the Deal
Initially retailing at $1,590, the Minisforum AI370 EliteMini has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts with its substantial price cut. A new coupon available on Amazon offers a $234 discount, bringing the price down to approximately $935. This reduction has made an already compelling product even more enticing for those seeking a blend of performance and space-saving design.
Defying Size with Power
The Minisforum AI370 EliteMini debunks the myth that small stature comes with limited capability. Weighing slightly over a pound, this mini PC is a testament to engineering prowess, packing formidable power into a compact form that's easily accommodated in the palm of your hand.
Design and Specifications
With its sleek silver matte finish, the AI370 EliteMini measures just 5.12 x 5.0 x 1.85 inches, making it an ideal fit for even the most constrained workstations. Beneath its modest exterior lies an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, showcasing four full-size Zen 5 performance cores capable of reaching speeds up to 5.1 GHz. In addition, it includes eight Zen 5c "compact" cores operating at 3.3 GHz, ingeniously designed to minimize space by 25% compared to standard cores.
Optimized for AI and Graphics
Engineered with AI workloads in mind, the AMD processor delivers up to 80 TOPS overall and 50 NPU TOPS, enabling robust AI functionalities such as Microsoft Copilot+ in Windows 11. Moreover, its AMD Radeon 890M GPU is equipped with 16 graphics cores capable of supporting up to four displays, projecting visuals at an impressive 8K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Storage, RAM, and Upgradability
The AI370 EliteMini comes equipped with 32GB of LPDDR5 7500MHz RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD. The design also accommodates easy upgrades; by removing a few screws, users can access a second M.2 slot for additional storage, although RAM and other components remain fixed.
Connectivity and Ports
This mini-PC boasts a robust array of connectivity options. The front includes one USB-C, two USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack. The back is equipped with two USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports, one DisplayPort 2.0, one HDMI 2.1, and two 2.5G RJ45 LAN ports, alongside support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
Performance and Usability
In performance benchmarks, the AI370 EliteMini impresses with scores just shy of 24,000 for multi-core and over 2,000 for single-core capabilities in Cinebench R23, comparable to systems running Intel's Core i9 13900F. Despite intense testing, the cooling system effectively manages temperature, preserving stability and performance.
Price and Value for Money
While the AI370 EliteMini's standard price of $1,170 might not be accessible to everyone, the current Amazon discount positions it as an excellent value proposition for those unwilling to compromise power for size. The primary consideration for potential buyers is the need to provide their own peripherals and monitor.
Conclusion
Reflecting the rapid evolution of computing technology, the Minisforum AI370 EliteMini represents a fusion of minimalism and power. Its compact design and robust capabilities make it an alluring choice for those seeking performance and efficiency in a small package. With current discounts, the AI370 EliteMini emerges as an undeniable contender for your next upgrade, delivering exceptional results in a convenient and portable design.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (4 Full-Size Zen 5, 8 Zen 5c) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon 890M with 16 cores |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5 7500MHz |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 SSD (Expandable) |
| Connectivity | Front: USB-C, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 3.5mm jack; Back: 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, DisplayPort 2.0, HDMI 2.1, 2x 2.5G RJ45 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Display Support | Up to 4 displays, 8K resolution at 60Hz |
