The popularity of Mini PCs has surged with the release of Intel’s 12th and 13th generation laptop processors, as well as AMD’s latest mobile Zen 3 and 4 architecture chips. These chips offer the performance of desktop processors with efficient power management and minimal fan noise. However, the Minisforum Neptune Series HX77G takes Mini PC performance to the next level by offering a larger enclosure that allows for the full potential of the AMD CPU and chipset. This results in improved performance and plenty of space for external ports and internal expansion.
The Minisforum Neptune HX77G is perfect for those looking for a small system without the limitations typically associated with Mini PCs. It is available in the UK in three versions: a barebones system for £629, a version with 32GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for £759, and a version with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for £799. US customers can purchase these three versions for $629, $779, and $779, respectively. Additionally, US customers have the option to buy a model with an extra 64GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD for $879. The Minisforum Neptune HX77G can be found on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
The Minisforum Neptune HX77G stands out from other Mini PC designs due to its larger size, providing more space for additional technology and better ventilation. The enclosure features an elaborate carbon fiber design and can be placed either flat or vertically with the included foot. The front and back of the HX77G are equipped with a wide range of external ports, including seven USB ports, two HDMI 2.1 video outs, and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet LAN port. This makes it an ideal choice for media center systems or central file storage.
One of the standout features of the HX77G is its upgrade potential. The top of the HX77G can be easily removed, allowing for full access to the mainboard. The review system comes with 32GB of RAM but can be upgraded to 64GB. Additionally, there is an unoccupied M.2 2280 slot for cloning or adding additional internal storage.
In terms of performance, the HX77G combines the computing power of the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU with the video processing capability of the AMD Radeon RX 6600M GPU. The Ryzen 7 7735HS offers eight cores and sixteen threads, while the RX 6600M features 1,792 cores and 8GB of GDDR6 memory. This combination delivers excellent performance and allows for smooth gaming at 1080p resolutions. However, it’s important to note that the RX 6600M is not as powerful as its desktop counterpart, and its power demands are higher than the rest of the system.
Overall, the Minisforum Neptune HX77G offers impressive performance and upgradeability in a compact form factor. It excels in terms of graphics performance compared to Mini PCs with integrated GPUs. While it may not be as easy to access and takes up more space than traditional NUC systems, the HX77G’s additional features and flexibility make it a compelling choice for those in need of a small system with discrete GPU performance.
