The Mini PC Ryzen 7 5825U excels as a NAS and multi-OS device due to its dual DDR4 RAM slots, RAID support for 2x M.2 NVMe SSDs and 2x HDDs, WiFi6 connectivity, and dual OS compatibility (Windows 11/Linux). Its compact design and versatile storage options make it perfect for data-heavy tasks, media servers, and enterprise workflows.
Ryzen 7 vs i5 Gaming Performance
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Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
How Does the Ryzen 7 5825U Enhance Mini PC Performance?
AMD’s Ryzen 7 5825U features 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 15W TDP, delivering desktop-grade power in a compact form. Its Zen 3 architecture ensures efficient multitasking for NAS setups, virtualization, and 4K media processing. The integrated Radeon GPU supports dual 4K displays, ideal for creative professionals and server applications.
This processor’s 16MB L3 cache significantly reduces latency during simultaneous operations like VM deployments and file transfers. In benchmark tests, it achieves Cinebench R23 scores of 1,450 (single-core) and 11,200 (multi-core), outperforming Intel’s i7-1165G7 by 38% in threaded workloads. The configurable TDP (10-25W) allows users to prioritize either silent operation or maximum performance through BIOS settings. For developers running Docker containers or compiling code, the 5825U completes builds 27% faster than previous-gen Ryzen 7 4800U models while drawing 18% less power during idle states.
| Task | Performance Gain vs 4800U |
|---|---|
| 4K Video Encoding | 22% Faster |
| Database Queries | 31% Lower Latency |
| Parallel VMs | +3 Simultaneous Instances |
What Storage Configurations Are Supported by This Mini PC?
The device supports RAID 0/1 via 2x M.2 NVMe SSD slots (PCIe 3.0) and dual 2.5″/3.5″ HDD bays. This hybrid storage setup allows for up to 16TB HDD storage and 4TB SSD cache, enabling lightning-fast data access while maintaining redundancy. The TF card slot adds removable storage for backups or portable OS booting.
Users can configure four distinct storage tiers: NVMe RAID for OS acceleration, SATA HDDs for cold storage, SD cards for quick backups, and network-attached storage via the dual 2.5GbE ports. The RAID controller supports mixed configurations – for example, RAID 0 across NVMe drives for a 7,000MB/s scratch disk while maintaining RAID 1 on HDDs for critical data protection. With 6Gbps SATA III interfaces, the HDD bays can saturate 7200RPM drives’ full bandwidth. For photographers and video editors, this means instant access to 100MB RAW files from the SSD cache while archiving completed projects on mirrored HDDs.
Which Operating Systems Work Best with This Mini PC?
Windows 11 Pro is pre-installed for plug-and-play usability, while Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server and TrueNAS Scale are fully compatible. The dual BIOS mode lets users switch between OS environments seamlessly, making it suitable for developers, homelab enthusiasts, and small businesses requiring flexible software ecosystems.
Why Choose This Mini PC for NAS Applications?
With dual 2.5GbE LAN ports (via USB-C docking), hardware RAID, and ECC memory support, this system ensures 24/7 data reliability. The 3.5″ HDD bays accommodate high-capacity NAS drives, while the M.2 slots enable SSD caching for frequently accessed files. Its fanless thermal design minimizes noise in server closet deployments.
How Does WiFi6 Improve Connectivity in Compact PCs?
The AX200 WiFi6 module delivers 2.4Gbps speeds with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology, reducing latency in crowded networks. Bluetooth 5.2 enables peripheral connectivity, while the USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port supports 10Gbps data transfers and DisplayPort Alt Mode for docking stations.
What Cooling Solutions Ensure Stable Performance?
A copper heat pipe and graphene-coated aluminum heatsink maintain CPU temps below 75°C under load. The hybrid fan system activates only during intensive tasks, achieving 22dB noise levels. Users can customize fan curves via BIOS for silent operation during media playback or maximum cooling for rendering workloads.
Can This Mini PC Handle 4K Video Editing?
Yes. The Vega 8 GPU supports 8K H265/4K VP9 decoding and dual 4K@60Hz outputs via HDMI 2.0 and USB-C. With 32GB DDR4-3200 RAM support, it achieves 8K timeline scrubbing in DaVinci Resolve. The M.2 SSDs provide 3,500MB/s read speeds for real-time 4K editing without proxies.
“This Mini PC redefines SMB storage solutions. The Ryzen 7’s 16-thread power combined with hardware RAID allows it to outperform entry-level Xeon servers at 1/3 the cost. For startups needing a compact VMware ESXi host or Plex server, it’s a game-changer.” — DataCenter Solutions Magazine
FAQs
- Does it support hardware RAID configuration?
- Yes. The onboard RAID controller supports RAID 0/1 for both M.2 SSDs and SATA HDDs independently. Users can create a striped SSD array for OS speed and mirrored HDDs for data redundancy.
- Can I upgrade the RAM to 64GB?
- Officially, it supports 32GB (2x16GB DDR4). However, some users report 64GB (2x32GB) working with 3200MHz SODIMMs, though at JEDEC speeds. Check motherboard QVL lists before upgrading.
- Is the power supply included sufficient for 4 HDDs?
- The 65W adapter supports 2x 3.5″ HDDs (12W each) + 2x SSDs (5W). For 4x 3.5″ drives, upgrade to a 90W PD-compliant charger. A UPS is recommended for NAS setups.