The NiPoGi AD08 Mini PC stands out in the crowded market of compact desktop computers, promising high performance within a sleek design. My review unit is powered by the 12th generation Intel Core i7-12650H processor, which should make it a winner for daily work tasks and some light gaming. If the price is right, this little machine could be well worth a purchase. Here are my thoughts.
Standing out from the crowd
The AD08’s design is certainly unique, going in a different direction from the subtle square boxes that competing products opt for. The vertical design takes up less space than a horizontal unit, which will be ideal for those with smaller desks.
Internally, the AD08 has easy-to-access components which makes potential upgrades possible. This makes upgrading the 512 GB NVMe SSD easy, should you want to expand.
The power of performance
The Intel Core i7-12650H is at the heart of the system with its 10 cores and 16 threads. This processor is super-capable when it comes to daily tasks for internet browsing, word processing, and media consumption, and it’s also great for more intensive tasks like photo and video editing. Additionally, this CPU can handle light gaming, especially if you’re willing to drop the resolution of games down a little.
My sample’s 32GB DDR4 RAM comes in handy for the sheer number of internet browser tabs and apps I have open during the workday, not to mention how great extra RAM is for video editing applications.
While performance is impressive and temperatures are kept in check, it comes at the cost of fan noise, especially for those selecting “Performance Mode.” Of course, if you’re using headphones, then this shouldn’t be an issue.
Get connected
The AD08 supports the latest WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity. When it comes to USB ports, the AD08 is generous, but don’t expect Thunderbolt or anything else that you might be expecting on a workhorse mini PC.
Final Verdict
At around $500 (£400 on the Amazon UK store with code GELTVJMB), the NiPoGi AD08 Mini PC is a standout choice for its unique design, solid performance, and upgrade-friendly internals. Despite its compact form, it packs a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and ample RAM, making it suited for both work and light gaming. However, be mindful of the fan noise in Performance Mode and the lack of Thunderbolt ports. For those valuing aesthetics and efficiency in a small package, the AD08 offers great value, blending functionality with flair.
Disclosure: AD08 Mini PC sample provided for review.
Positives and Negatives
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Powerful processor.
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Easy to upgrade.
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Solid connectivity options.
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Good price with seemingly permenant discount considered.
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Style might not be to everyone's tastes.
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Fan noise can be annoying
