Tronsmart AA X5 Mini PC Review: Affordable Fanless Windows 10 PC

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 🌟
2. Hardware Overview 🖥️
3. Performance testing 🚀
4. Web Browsing 🌐
5. Microsoft WORD Experience 💻
6. Gaming Performance 🎮
7. Movie Playback and Streaming 📺
8. Pros and Cons 👍👎
9. Conclusion 🎉
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓❔

Introduction 🌟

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the Tronsmart AA X5 Mini PC. This fanless device runs on an Intel Cherry Trail processor and comes with a licensed version of Windows 10 Home edition. Priced at $150, with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, it offers excellent value for its price. We will explore the hardware specifications, test its performance in various scenarios, and discuss its pros and cons. So let's dive in and see if this Mini PC is worth considering for your computing needs.

Hardware Overview 🖥️

The Tronsmart AA X5 features an Intel Atom X5 Cherry Trail processor with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It comes equipped with a USB 2.0 port, a headphone/microphone jack, and a power port on the front, while the back includes a power port, Ethernet (limited to 100 megabit), Wi-Fi (supporting both 5 GHz and 2 GHz frequencies), HDMI out for connecting to a monitor, a USB 3.0 port, and a Micro SD card slot for expanding the storage capacity. Its lightweight and fanless design make it an attractive option for those looking for a compact and silent PC.

Performance Testing 🚀

To assess the Tronsmart AA X5's performance, we conducted several tests in different scenarios. We evaluated web browsing speed, Microsoft Word usage, gaming capabilities, and movie playback and streaming performance. Let's delve into each of these areas to provide a comprehensive understanding of the device's capabilities.

Web Browsing 🌐

When it comes to web browsing, the Tronsmart AA X5 performs well. Although there may be a slight lag when loading web pages due to initial script and ad loading, the pages render relatively quickly. Once on the page, reading and navigating are smooth experiences. In the Octane benchmark test, using Google Chrome, the Mini PC achieved a score of 6966, surpassing the Intel Compute Stick with the previous generation Intel processor.

Microsoft Word Experience 💻

For those who rely on Microsoft Word for productivity tasks, the Tronsmart AA X5 proves to be more than capable. During our testing, scrolling through documents and editing text was a seamless process. The document rendering speed was comparable to other Intel-based devices in the same price range. As we resized images and Typed, the Mini PC effortlessly kept up with our actions. Whether it's a simple document or a more complex project, using Microsoft Word on this device is a satisfactory experience.

Gaming Performance 🎮

While the Tronsmart AA X5 showed significant improvements in gaming performance compared to the previous generation Intel chips, it's important to set realistic expectations. Running Minecraft, the Java-based version that most users play, was enjoyable on this Mini PC. With frame rates averaging around 40 frames per Second, it provided a smooth gaming experience, even in moderately complex scenes. However, AAA games with more demanding graphics may not perform as well due to the device's hardware limitations.

Movie Playback and Streaming 📺

The Tronsmart AA X5 delivers satisfactory movie playback and streaming capabilities. When streaming 4K movies via YouTube, the device occasionally experienced slight sluggishness during playback startup. However, once the video streamed enough data, it played smoothly. It is worth noting that the device supports 4K output but limited to 30Hz, which may affect frame rates for some users. When playing back 1080p movies using Cody with Blu-ray MKV files, we experienced no issues, and the playback quality was excellent.

Pros and Cons 👍👎

Pros:

• Affordable price point ($150) for a fully functional mini PC.
• Licensed version of Windows 10 Home edition included.
• Fanless design ensures a quiet computing experience.
• Smooth web browsing and Microsoft Word performance.
• Enjoyable gaming experience with Minecraft.

Cons:

• Limited gaming capabilities for more demanding AAA games.
• 4K output limited to 30Hz, affecting frame rates.
• Incompatibility with higher-end audio formats through HDMI output.

Conclusion 🎉

In conclusion, the Tronsmart AA X5 Mini PC offers excellent value for its price. With its fanless design, it operates silently and is suitable for basic computing tasks, web browsing, Microsoft Word usage, and even gaming (with some limitations). Movie playback and streaming are also satisfactory, though there are some restrictions with higher-end audio formats. Overall, it performs well and is a budget-friendly alternative to larger, more expensive PCs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓❔

Q1: Can the Tronsmart AA X5 Mini PC handle multitasking efficiently? A1: Yes, thanks to its Intel Cherry Trail processor and 2GB of RAM, the device can handle multitasking smoothly for basic computing tasks.

Q2: Can I upgrade the storage capacity of the Tronsmart AA X5 Mini PC? A2: Yes, you can expand the onboard storage by utilizing the Micro SD card slot.

Q3: Does the Mini PC support dual-band Wi-Fi? A3: Yes, the Tronsmart AA X5 supports both 5 GHz and 2 GHz frequencies for wireless connectivity.

Q4: Can I connect the Mini PC to a 4K monitor or TV? A4: Yes, the device supports 4K output, but it is limited to 30Hz, which may impact frame rates.

Q5: Does the Tronsmart AA X5 come with a licensed version of Windows? A5: Yes, the device comes with a licensed and activated version of Windows 10 Home edition.

Resources:

• Tronsmart AA X5 Mini PC