Minisforum Venus NAB9: 30-second review
Specs
CPU: Intel i9-12900HK
Graphics: Intel Iris XEÂ
RAM: 32 GB DDR4Storage: M.2 2280 PCIe4.0 ‎1 TB SSD (Up to 2TB)
Rear Ports: Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports, 2xHDMI ports and 2xUSB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (1 DP solely), 2xUSB-A 3.2 Gen 2
Front Ports: 1xUSB-C, 2xUSB-A, 3.5mm audio
Connectivity: Wi-Fi6, BT5.2
Audio: 3.5mmCamera: n/a
Size: 180 mm x 208 mm x 67 mm.
OS put in: Windows 11 Home
Accessories: 120W GAD energy Supply, SATA Expansion cable
Minisforum has designed the NAB9 focusing on energy customers as its base, those that want the strong capabilities of a CPU to energy by means of workplace and inventive duties however with out the in depth GPU energy that gaming requires, thereby maintaining warmth technology down.
Equipped with an Intel i9-12900HK and Intel Iris XE graphics, together with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, this mini PC handles most workplace duties, Photoshop jobs, and basic 4K video enhancing software program with relative ease. It can be well-equipped in relation to connectivity, providing loads of USB Type-C and Type-A ports, facilitating a variety of equipment, though it is price noting that one of many USB Type-C ports on the again is for show use solely.
With two HDMI and two USB Type-C ports on the again, the machine permits for connecting as much as 4 displays with out concern. The connectivity choices are properly catered for, with the M.2 2230 Wi-Fi help card making certain a robust wi-fi connection past most different mini PCs. For these needing the reliability of a wired connection, there are two RJ45 2.5G LAN ports.
Like most of the finest mini PCs we have examined, this machine, whereas highly effective, is all about steadiness. Handling picture and video recordsdata is completely attainable, although it is extra suited to entry to mid-level work quite than skilled duties. However, the USB Type-C ports enable for storage enlargement by means of exterior exhausting drives, and the information switch price for Premiere Pro and Photoshop is ample to maintain up with workflow calls for. The introduction of USB 4 would improve information switch and allow the usage of eGPUs, however this could add significantly to the price of this compact machine. Additionally, whereas 32GB of RAM is the baseline for video enhancing and is enough on this system, it makes use of older DDR4 quite than the most recent DDR5, nevertheless it handles video and picture content material properly so long as video productions are easy and brief.
Switching to gaming, most video games run high quality, with Portal 2 operating easily. However, more moderen video games like Cyberpunk and Red Dead Redemption II require decrease graphics high quality—that is the place USB 4 and DDR5 would have boosted efficiency, particularly with the addition of an eGPU.
Considering the worth, this mini PC has a lot to supply, and the i9 CPU, together with the RAM, storage, and beneficiant cooling, ensures that the Minisforum NAB9 runs quick for prolonged durations. While it might not be the only option for the most recent video games, it’s a very good machine for every little thing else.
Minisforum Venus NAB9: Price & availability
The Minisforum Venus NAB9 is broadly out there and may be bought instantly by means of the Minisforum web site or Amazon.com. It is accessible in quite a lot of choices; the 32GB, 1TB model reviewed right here will set you again $509. Additionally, there’s a barebones model out there, permitting you to pick your personal SSD and RAM.
Minisforum Venus NAB9: Design & construct
The Minisforum Venus NAB9 sits within the mid-range in relation to mini PC measurement, that includes a normal footprint and a barely taller body that accommodates the extra cooling required for the highly effective Intel i9-12900HK CPU inside. The selection of case design helps hold the machine cool when working at full throttle, and the metallic sides with vent slots and silver plastic high all contribute to giving this mini PC a barely premium feel and look.
There are some good touches to the design, such because the format of the rear ports. The LAN ports take middle stage, flanked by HDMI and USB ports on both aspect, USB Type-A on one aspect, and the facility socket on the opposite. This association makes it extraordinarily simple to arrange on a desk, with the flexibility to neatly organize the cable format into displays, keyboards, mice, and equipment.
Likewise, the small number of USB and audio ports on the entrance, together with the small power-on button, make plugging in headphones and different equipment handy.
As the machine has quite a lot of configuration choices, together with barebones, it is good to see quick access to the inside workings. Accessing the SSD and RAM is just a case of pushing down on the entrance of the highest plate; it then clicks, releases, and may be eliminated. Inside, every little thing is obvious and simple to entry in case of a part swap-around or improve. One of the options that may enchantment to anybody wanting to spice up the usual 512GB or 1TB storage is that this machine may be upgraded to 2TB. If that is nonetheless not sufficient, the lid of the machine is designed to carry a 2.5″ SSD with the screws and cables provided in the box, although the purchase of the SSD is separate. This means if you want to pop in an 8TB SSD, you can, and this connects through the SATA expansion cable. Likewise, the 32GB of RAM in the review machine can also be upgraded to a maximum of 64GB, which could be ideal if you are looking to use the machine for photo or video work.
As a compact business computer, the design is very neat and discreet, with the metal silver finish giving it an understated yet stylish look.
Minisforum Venus NAB9: Features
The MINISFORUM Venus Series NAB9 Mini PC is designed for business use, blending high performance with a sleek, compact form factor. If you wanted a portable business laptop alternative, this will adequately fulfil that role. At its core, the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor features a hybrid architecture with 14 cores and 20 threads, capable of speeds up to 5.0GHz. Combined with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, this setup provides ample processing power for office, multimedia, creative tasks, and moderate gaming needs.
Connectivity is a major feature of the NAB9, with dual 2.5G Ethernet ports enabling a variety of networking options such as ultra-secure firewalls and file storage servers. For convenience in wireless connectivity, the NAB9 includes dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 on a replaceable M.2 2230 card, which not only ensures a robust wireless connection but also future-proofs the unit to some extent for upgrades.
Monitor connection is another area where the NAB9 provides plenty of options. It supports up to four displays at 4K resolution and 60Hz, made possible by two HDMI and two USB-C ports.
Our review unit arrived pre-equipped with 32GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory (max 64GB) and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD (max 2TB), both of which can be upgraded easily thanks to a user-friendly pop-up design of the top. There’s also the option to secure a larger capacity 2.5″ SATA drive into the lid to broaden storage.
Cooling is vital and might usually be a difficulty with the mini PC format; the NAB9 addresses this with an progressive cooling system that features twin warmth pipes, twin air vents, and a brand new energetic solid-state warmth sink complemented by aspect cooling openings. Unlike another mini PCs, the NAB9 doesn’t embrace boosted graphics, so whereas it’s highly effective and able to average gaming efficiency, the main focus right here is on the processing energy for different makes use of.Â
Minisforum Venus NAB9: Performance
Benchmarks
Crystal Disk Read:Â 4805.93MB/s
Crystal Disk Write:Â 3900.54MB/s
GeekBench CPU Single:Â 10689
GeekBench CPU Multi:Â 2300
GeekBench Compute:Â 14636
PC Mark:Â 5872
CineBench CPU Multi:Â 12081
CineBench CPU Single:Â 1654
Fire Strike Overall:Â 5002
Fire Strike Graphics:Â 5350
Fire Strike Physics:Â 26384
Fire Strike Combined:Â 1851
Time Spy Overall:Â 1807
Time Spy Graphics:Â 1577
Time Spy CPU:Â 10625
Wild Life:Â 11983
Windows Experience:Â 8.3
The Minisforum Venus Series NAB9 Mini PC’s efficiency is spectacular, particularly contemplating its compact measurement. This is primarily because of the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, which gives substantial processing energy for a variety of functions, from workplace productiveness to artistic media work. Minisforum has rigorously thought-about the parts used on this small machine, specializing in the necessities wanted for a quick workplace machine quite than gaming. This does imply there’s a compromise, with no DDR5 RAM, USB 4 ports, or higher-end graphics.
Starting with on a regular basis duties, the NAB9 handles Microsoft Office functions with ease, making certain easy operation throughout all Office apps with none noticeable slowdown. This efficiency is mirrored in its PC Mark rating of 5872, indicating robust basic productiveness capabilities with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
When it involves artistic software program, the NAB9 manages processor-intensive duties properly, with Adobe Photoshop duties like picture manipulation and enhancement being dealt with effectively. However, the absence of a devoted GPU means it faces challenges with high-resolution graphic information in Adobe Bridge, a standard compromise in mini PCs. Its efficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro is first rate sufficient; enhancing 1080p footage is easy, and even 4K footage stays manageable until you push the machine to edit log3 high quality footage, at which level it begins to falter.
This machine is good for companies the place some picture and video enhancement is required. Its energy and cooling imply it may possibly deal with these demanding duties with relative ease. It’s suited to footage captured on telephones or utilizing customary high quality settings for photographs and stills earlier than switching to RAW or Log codecs.
For gaming, the NAB9’s limitations grow to be obvious when coping with graphically intensive titles like Red Dead Redemption II and Cyberpunk 2077 at native 4K decision. While the machine struggles at greater settings and resolutions, decreasing the decision to 1080p permits for a significantly better gaming expertise, albeit at the price of visible constancy. This is corroborated by its 3D benchmark scores, with Fire Strike and Time Spy graphics scores of 5350 and 1577, respectively, indicating that whereas succesful, it is not supposed for high-end gaming.
The machine’s storage efficiency is quick, with Crystal Disk scores of 4805.93 MB/s learn and 3900.54 MB/s write. This ensures that information switch and loading occasions are exceptionally fast, which is helpful for functions requiring frequent entry to massive recordsdata.
Benchmark scores in different areas additional replicate the NAB9’s strengths and weaknesses. Its GeekBench scores present a robust single-core efficiency at 10689 however a decrease multi-core rating of 2300, suggesting it handles single-threaded duties properly however could lag in additional intensive multi-threaded operations. Similarly, CineBench scores spotlight good efficiency, particularly in multi-core assessments, which is essential for duties like video rendering and software program compilation.
Overall, the Minisforum Venus Series NAB9 mini PC is a stable business-focused mini PC supreme for these whose work includes workplace functions, average use of the perfect video enhancing software program and photograph editors, and occasional gaming at adjusted settings. Its efficiency benchmarks in real-world functions spotlight that the NAB9 balances compactness with functionality, making it an excellent choice for quite a lot of makes use of.
Should you purchase the Minisforum Venus NAB9?
The MINISFORUM Venus Series NAB9 Mini PC excels as a enterprise and creativity-focused system, powered by a strong Intel i9 processor and ample connectivity choices. While it effectively handles workplace duties and moderates artistic and video work, its gaming capabilities and the absence of the most recent ports like USB 4.0 and DDR5 RAM may deter extra tech-savvy customers looking for cutting-edge specs. Nevertheless, for skilled environments and typical productiveness duties, it gives nice worth, making certain excessive efficiency with out the danger of overheating, due to its environment friendly design and cooling system.
| Value | Excellent efficiency for worth | 4 |
| Design | Compact and purposeful | 4 |
| Features | Rich in connectivity, lacks some new tech | 4 |
| Performance | Strong workplace and inventive capabilities | 4 |
| Total | Solid selection for professionals | 4 |
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Don’t purchase it if…
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