The Minisforum HX100G Mini PC combines cutting-edge AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processing power, Radeon 780M graphics, and dual PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage in a compact design. Ideal for gaming, content creation, and multitasking, it supports up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and features USB4, HDMI 2.1, and advanced cooling. Priced competitively at $699, it balances performance and affordability.
Can Mini PCs Handle Video Editing and Graphic Design? A Comprehensive Review
Table of Contents
2025 Best 5 Mini PCs Under $500
| Best Mini PCs Under $500 | Description | Amazon URL |
|---|---|---|
|
Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC  |
Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake-N100, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD, supports 4K dual display. | View on Amazon |
|
ACEMAGICIAN Mini Gaming PC  |
AMD Ryzen 7 5800U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, supports 4K triple display. | View on Amazon |
|
GMKtec Mini PC M5 Plus  |
AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, features WiFi 6E and dual LAN. | View on Amazon |
|
Maxtang ALN50 Mini PC ![Maxtang Ryzen 7 7735HS Mini PC [8C/16T up to 4.75GHz] Windows 11 Home Supported 32GB DDR5 Ram 1TB PCIe4.0 Nvme SSD WIFI6 BT5.2 Mini Desktop Gaming Computer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51oZECsOffL._AC_SX466_.jpg) |
Intel Core i3-N305, up to 32GB RAM, compact design with multiple connectivity options. | View on Amazon |
|
MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite  |
Ryzen 7 7735HS, up to 32GB RAM, supports dual displays and has solid performance. | View on Amazon |
How Powerful Is the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS Processor?
The AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS is an 8-core/16-thread Zen 4 CPU with a 5.1GHz boost clock. It delivers 20% faster multitasking than previous generations, making it ideal for 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy workloads. Integrated RDNA 3 architecture ensures efficient power use while maintaining low thermals in the HX100G’s compact chassis.
Built on TSMC’s 4nm process, the Ryzen 7 7840HS features 24MB of L3 cache and a configurable TDP ranging from 35W to 54W. This flexibility allows the HX100G to balance performance and energy efficiency depending on user needs. In Cinebench R23 tests, the processor scores 1,850 points in single-core and 16,200 in multi-core workloads, outperforming Intel’s i7-13700H in threaded applications. The Zen 4 architecture also introduces AVX-512 instructions, accelerating AI-driven tasks like noise reduction in video editing software. Users can expect 8K video timeline scrubbing in DaVinci Resolve with minimal latency, and Blender rendering times reduced by 25% compared to the Ryzen 7 6800H. For developers compiling code, parallel compilation across 16 threads cuts build times by 40%.
What Graphics Capabilities Does the Radeon 780M Offer?
The Radeon 780M iGPU features 12 compute units and 2.7GHz clock speeds. It supports ray tracing, 8K output, and handles AAA games at 1080p/60fps. Benchmarks show 20% faster performance than Intel Iris Xe, with Vulkan and DirectX 12 Ultimate compatibility for seamless gaming and GPU-intensive tasks.
What Memory and Storage Options Are Available?
The HX100G supports:
- RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5-5600MHz (2x SODIMM slots)
- Storage: Dual PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots (up to 8TB total) + 2.5″ SATA III bay
- Expandability: Tool-free access for upgrades
DDR5 memory delivers 1.5x higher bandwidth than DDR4, crucial for data-heavy applications like machine learning. Users can configure RAID 0/1 arrays across the NVMe drives for either 7.4GB/s sequential reads (RAID 0) or data redundancy (RAID 1). The 2.5″ bay supports legacy HDDs or high-capacity 8TB SSDs for archival storage. Below is a comparison of storage configurations:
| Configuration | Speed | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Single PCIe 4.0 NVMe | 5,000MB/s | 4TB |
| Dual PCIe 4.0 NVMe (RAID 0) | 10,000MB/s | 8TB |
| 2.5″ SATA SSD | 560MB/s | 8TB |
Which Connectivity Ports Does the HX100G Include?
Ports include:
- 2x USB4 (40Gbps, DP Alt Mode)
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2
- HDMI 2.1 + DisplayPort 1.4 (4x 4K display support)
- 2.5G Ethernet + Wi-Fi 6E
- 3.5mm audio combo jack
How Efficient Is the Vapor Chamber Cooling System?
The HX100G uses a vapor chamber and dual 12V fans to maintain CPU/GPU temps below 85°C under load. Noise levels stay under 45dB, with three performance modes (Silent/Balanced/Turbo) adjustable via BIOS. Thermal tests show 15% better heat dissipation than traditional copper heat pipes in similar mini PCs.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible?
Officially supports Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. Users report success with Hackintosh configurations and Proxmox virtualization. Minisforum provides optimized drivers for Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E, and AMD graphics across platforms.
Can You Upgrade the RAM and Storage Easily?
Yes. The bottom panel removes without screws, revealing accessible SODIMM and NVMe slots. However, the 2.5″ bay requires partial disassembly. Minisforum voids warranties if third-party components damage the system, so verify compatibility with their QVL list first.
Expert Views
“The HX100G redefines compact computing by packing desktop-grade specs into 5×5 inches. Its Zen 4/RDNA 3 combo delivers unprecedented mini PC performance, though the lack of Thunderbolt certification on USB4 ports may disappoint some creators. Still, at this price point, it’s a game-changer for mobile workstations.” — Mini PC Industry Analyst
Conclusion
The Minisforum HX100G excels with its AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU, upgradable storage, and robust connectivity. While lacking Thunderbolt, its 65W TDP and vapor chamber cooling make it a top choice for power users needing portability without sacrificing performance.
FAQs
- Q: Does it support dual-channel RAM?
- A: Yes, both SODIMM slots support dual-channel DDR5.
- Q: Can the HX100G run VR headsets?
- A: Limited to USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode headsets. Not certified for Oculus/Meta Quest.
- Q: Warranty duration?
- A: 2 years global warranty, excluding user-upgraded components.