Unleash the Power of Ryzen 9 4900H with MinisForum HM90 Mini PC

Unleash the Power of Ryzen 9 4900H with MinisForum HM90 Mini PC

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Specifications
3. Design and Build
4. Ports and Connectivity
5. Internal Components
6. BIOS Settings
7. Operating System and Software
8. Performance testing
   • Geekbench 5
   • Cinebench R23
   • Adobe Premiere Pro
   • Gaming Performance
9. Thermals and Power Consumption
10. Linux Compatibility
11. Pros and Cons
12. Conclusion

🚀 Introduction

Mini's Forum has introduced a new mini PC called the Elite Mini HM90, and it has caught my attention. Over the past few days, I have thoroughly tested this mini PC and I have to say, it stands out from the rest. Powered by the Ryzen 9 4900H APU, with Vega 8 Graphics, the HM90 offers impressive performance. In this article, I will provide a detailed review of its specifications, design, performance, thermals, and more. Let's dive in!

✨ Specifications

The Elite Mini HM90 is available in two configurations. The bare bones version, priced under $500, does not include RAM, storage, or an operating system. On the other HAND, the model I am reviewing comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a 512GB NVMe drive, and runs on Windows 10 Pro. This mini PC is equipped with the powerful Ryzen 9 4900H APU, featuring 8 cores and 16 Threads. It also supports three 4K displays at 60Hz and allows for the installation of two additional 2.5-inch drives for expanded storage. With both gigabit and 2.5 gigabit LAN ports, as well as Wi-Fi 6 support and Bluetooth 5, the HM90 offers excellent connectivity options.

🏢 Design and Build

The Elite Mini HM90 has a compact and well-designed chassis. It features vents at the bottom for enhanced airflow and Rubber feet for stability. The back cover can be easily removed by unscrewing four screws, providing access to the internals and the two 2.5-inch drive slots. The front of the mini PC houses the power button, two audio jacks, a USB 3.1 port, and a Type-C 3.1 port with display out support. At the back, you'll find ports for two 4K displays with DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0, a gigabit LAN port, a 2.5 gigabit LAN port, and four USB 3.1 ports. The power supply is rated at 120 watts and uses a Type-C connector.

🔌 Ports and Connectivity

The Elite Mini HM90 offers a wide range of ports and connectivity options. With the USB 3.1 ports, you can connect external devices and accessories. The Type-C 3.1 port supports display out, allowing you to connect to a monitor or TV. The LAN ports provide fast and reliable wired internet connection, with the 2.5 gigabit LAN port offering even faster speeds. The mini PC also supports Wi-Fi 6, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity, and Bluetooth 5 for convenient device pairing. Overall, the HM90 has all the necessary ports and connectivity features to meet your requirements.

💻 Internal Components

Inside the Elite Mini HM90, you'll find upgradable RAM slots, allowing you to add more memory if needed. The model I am reviewing comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, but if you opt for the bare bones configuration, you can install your own RAM as long as it is DDR4 and compatible with the 3200MHz specification. The mini PC also features a 512GB NVMe SSD with a heatsink for optimal performance. The BIOS battery and the Intel Wi-Fi 6 card (AX 200) with Bluetooth 5.1 are located underneath the SSD, making it possible to upgrade the wireless card if desired. The BIOS settings offer flexibility and customization options, allowing you to tweak various parameters such as graphics configuration and power limits.

➕ Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Ryzen 9 4900H APU with Vega 8 Graphics
• Expandable storage options
• Excellent connectivity with gigabit and 2.5 gigabit LAN ports, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5
• Whisper-quiet fan noise
• Impressive thermals and power efficiency
• Linux compatibility
• Affordable price (bare bones version)

Cons:

• Lack of an SD card slot
• Limited storage expansion options
• Stock RAM timings are not the best

🔥 Performance Testing

Geekbench 5: The Ryzen 9 4900H APU in the Elite Mini HM90 delivers strong performance, scoring over 1200 points in single-core and around 11,000 points in multi-core tests. These scores demonstrate its capabilities in handling demanding tasks and multitasking efficiently.

Cinebench R23: In Cinebench R23, the HM90 performs exceptionally well, reaching a score of 11,000. This highlights the mini PC's ability to handle resource-intensive applications and heavy workloads.

Adobe Premiere Pro: With the capability to handle 4K video editing, the Elite Mini HM90 impresses with its fast rendering speeds. It efficiently exports one minute of footage in just under a minute, making it a reliable option for content creators.

Gaming Performance: The Vega 8 Graphics integrated in the HM90 allow for smooth gameplay in older and lighter games. It can handle titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 30 frames per second on the lowest settings at 720p. With GTA 5, the mini PC achieves around 50 frames per second on medium settings at 1080p. Counter-Strike provides an enjoyable gaming experience, with frame rates exceeding 100 frames per second.

🌡️ Thermals and Power Consumption

The Elite Mini HM90 demonstrates excellent thermal performance. Its temperatures remain in the low 70s even under heavy loads, which is well within acceptable limits. The fan noise is minimal during idle and becomes audible but not obtrusive under full load. The power consumption of the HM90 ranges from 7 watts at idle to a peak of 115 watts under full load.

🐧 Linux Compatibility

The Elite Mini HM90 is compatible with Linux and runs smoothly without encountering any major issues. It is recommended to use a modern distribution that supports Wi-Fi 6 (AX 200) and the 2.5 gigabit LAN port for optimal performance and connectivity.

💡 Conclusion

In conclusion, the Elite Mini HM90 from Mini's Forum is a noteworthy mini PC. With its powerful Ryzen 9 4900H APU, expandable storage options, excellent connectivity, and impressive performance, it stands out among its competitors. The HM90 offers great value for its price and is suitable for various use cases, including office work, multimedia consumption, and light gaming. Despite some minor drawbacks such as the absence of an SD card slot and limited storage expansion options, the overall Package makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a compact and capable mini PC.

Resources:

• Mini's Forum website: [www.minisforum.com]