Minisforum Neptune HX100G review

Minisforum Neptune HX100G: 30-second review

The Minisforum Neptune HX100G is classified as a mini PC; however, in size and stature, it is slightly larger than the vast majority of recent Mini PC releases. It does, however, bridge the size difference between the ultra-compact mini PCs and larger desktop offerings. 

While much of the internal componentry is similar to many of the best mini PCs we've tested, with the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS and equipped with Radeon RX 6650M graphics, that extra size enables a significant step up in cooling, which helps to unlock the full potential of these components. It also allows for a little more airflow and space in and around the machine, so plugging in external drives and accessories is simple. 

With the two HDMI ports on the back, you have the option to hook up dual 8K displays, making it an ideal solution for anyone needing a multi-monitor setup for creative work or gaming. That additional space and cooling also mean that under most loads, the machine runs nice and quiet, and only when put under intense load do you really hear the fans kick in. For creative work such as using the best video editing software (think DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro), this machine is simply outstanding, providing the power you need. For gaming, the speed is good, with all games running well, albeit with some settings slightly reduced.

Minisforum Neptune HX100G: Price & availability

The Minisforum Neptune HX100G is at the higher end of the mini PC pricing scale, but it packs in a high-end CPU and GPU combo that pushes the power and capability of the machine well beyond the reach of most other mini PCs. Moreover, there are several options for you to select from when purchasing this machine, including both barebones and slightly different configurations to meet your budget. The machine is widely available through the Minisforum website, as well as Amazon and other retailers.

• Score: 5/5

Minisforum Neptune HX100G: Design & build

The Minisforum Neptune HX100G all-black carbon exterior featuring intricate detailing is instantly striking. This outer casing design,, however isn't just for aesthetics; it serves a practical purpose as part of the machine's cooling.

Another feature of this external case is that it's made from a carbon and resin composite, possibly a little overkill for a Mini PC, but it does make it extremely strong and protective of the internals, making it a great option for gaming and creative applications where the machine needs to be transported.

The overall build quality is extremely high, and the machine, while larger than most mini PCs we've looked at, it feels solid yet still retains a relatively compact size. This allows it to sit neatly on your desktop, though it's a bit too large to mount behind a monitor like many other models.

The layout of the machine also offers easy access to ports for expansion of storage with external hard drives and other accessories. The back features a generous range of ports, from HDMI to USB Type-C, providing ample connectivity options. If you need a wired network, there's an RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port.

The front is kept simple, with a USB Type-A and C port alongside audio in and out, making this machine a solid choice for both creative work and gaming.

Unlike most Mini PC's, this machine is available as a barebones option, so you can configure it as you want. However, unlike a desktop barebones, this solely means that it comes without RAM and an SSD, which you might already own. Buying in this way could significantly reduce the cost, making it an appealing option if you're upgrading from another machine. Access to the internals is a bit less straightforward than in most cases; the rubber feet on the base need to be removed to uncover four screws. These screws can be removed, and the base can be pulled away with a bit of force. This exposes a metal plate that aids cooling and protects the internals and is secured by four screws. Once removed, it reveals the dual RAM slots and SSD slot.

Overall, the design of the machine is very neat, but it's the build quality that truly stands out.

• Design: 4.5/5

Minisforum Neptune HX100G: Features

Considering that this is a mini PC, the Neptune HX100G offers a huge range of features that will appeal to a wide variety of users. Its support for dual 8K displays via USB4 Type-C ports will definitely appeal to videographers, photographers, and gamers, as well as future-proof the performance. For the present, the inclusion of these ports along with two HDMI sockets allows for the potential connection of up to four 4K@60 monitors, again appealing to creative users who require plenty of screen real estate.

In terms of connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 as well as a network port if you prefer a wired solution.

Internally, the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, paired with Radeon RX 6650M graphics, provides ample power. Our review unit came equipped with a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD and 32GB RAM SO-DIMM memory, offering a good base for both creative tasks and gaming.

This power, housed within a relatively compact (though not the smallest) case, could potentially generate a significant amount of heat under load. This is where the machine truly excels. Peering through the Carbon Fibre Armour's case reveals two large fans that facilitate airflow through the system while keeping fan noise to a minimum. Additionally, seven copper cooling pipes and liquid metal cooling significantly mitigate any heat issues.

The cases of such compact machines are usually simple, but the Minisforum Neptune HX100G, while maintaining a discreet appearance, has been carefully designed to maximise cooling and durability. Its Carbon-Fibre Armour case, composed of 70% carbon and 30% resin, ensures the machine is both lightweight and robust, making it ideal for transportation. When you do access the interior, there's even more reinforcements further showing that this machine has been built for processing performance but also it will physically be able to withstand more than most. 

• Features: 4/5

Minisforum Neptune HX100G: Performance

In performance tests, the Minisforum Neptune HX100G excels and shows its ability to handle intensive gaming, content creation in Premiere Pro and Photoshop, and multitasking between Office applications. If you're looking for, say, the best video editing PC in a small form factor, this one shows impressive prowess. 

The AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and Radeon RX 6650M graphics deliver superb performance, easily tackling demanding creative applications and modern games at mid-to-high quality settings. Through the test, we were able to play Assassin's Creed, Cyberpunk 2077, and Tekken 8 with smooth gameplay and all perform well, albeit with some reductions in Ray Tracing settings.

For video editing, 4K footage in DaVinci Resolve was handled with ease, though the 1TB internal storage proved somewhat limited, necessitating the use of an external Samsung T5 EVO 8TB as the primary working drive on this occasion.

The test scores for the Minisforum Neptune HX100G are impressive across the board, with Crystal Disk Read and Write speeds of 4810.72MB/s and 3899.02MB/s, respectively, indicating swift storage access for applications. These transfer speeds are particularly handy when using applications like DaVinci Resolve, enabling 4K video editing without to much time waiting for timeline renders and with quicker file transfers and smoother playback. However, the 1TB SSD capacity is a little restrictive, although fast external storage can easily be attached to boost the internal capacity.

The GeekBench scores were high for a Mini PC, with a Multi-Core score of 13,382, showing the strong CPU performance and highlighting that the machine is suitable for demanding tasks like photo editing and multitasking office work and applications.

For gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, Fire Strike and Time Spy scores suggest smooth gameplay and competent rendering for creative applications.

• Performance: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Minisforum Neptune HX100G?

If you're seeking outstanding performance in a compact form factor, the HX100G is an excellent choice. It's well-suited for gamers and creative professionals who need the power of a desktop in a more compact package. A solid alternative, then, to some of the best video editing laptops (and even the best laptops for photo editing). However, those on a tight budget or looking for a system with more upgrade potential might consider other options.

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