We decided in this article to see if the mini PC could replace our actual gaming console. The Ninkear Mini-PC Mbox 8Pro is chosen here to provide the answer, due to the limited volume of space for a full-fledged system unit which we don't have, and here a powerful filling is declared. We managed to conduct several tests, and it became clear that yes, technologies already allow you to fit inside a small Windows box as much hardware and power as you need for games. But of course, not everything is so smooth, and you will have to sacrifice something. Although, let's be honest: console users also sacrifice something.
This test is just to tell you about the Ninkear Mbox8 Pro mini PC, which looks no different from the Ninkear Mbox 6. However, if you're wondering what kind of beast it is, you can check out the previous review: https://www.ixbt.com/live/platform/modulnyy-minipk-ninkear-mbox-6-takoy-format-kompyuterov-vy-esche-ne-videli.html
But there are differences in filling between these two models. The Mbox 8 Pro has a more powerful processor and more memory than the Mbox 6. And the subject also has a more powerful video core, which we will focus on. Well, the rest of the characteristics are listed below:
Ninkear Mbox8 Pro Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS (8 cores / 16 threads)
- RAM: 32GB DDR5-6400
- Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD
- Graphics: AMD Integrated Graphics
- Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
- Cooling: Active, with fan
- Dimensions and weight:
- Upper module (main unit): 99 x 99 x 37 mm
- Docking Station (Bottom Unit): 99 x 99 x 25 mm
- Overall height: 65 mm
- Weight: 483 g
- Modular construction
- The device consists of two parts:
- Main Unit: Contains a CPU, RAM, SSD, and two USB Type-C ports.
- Docking Station: Attaches magnetically and provides additional ports:
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
- 1 x HDMI 2.0
- 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A
- 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A
- 1 x Ethernet 2.5 Gbps
- 1 x 1 Gbps Ethernet
- 1 x 3.5mm Audio Jack
Ninkear Mbox8 Pro Appearance
In front of us is the same small box, with a modular design. The appearance has already been shown in many other reviews, so we will show it briefly.
In fact, we care about the filling, not the appearance. Therefore, we connect a gamepad and an external hard drive from the sets of benchmarks and games to the computer. And let's start with tests.
Ninkear Mbox8 Pro Tests
Of course, the first thing we look at is what CPU-Z will show us:
And it shows us the presence of an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor with a capacity of 45W, with a built-in AMD Radeon 780M Graphics video core.
The built-in memory is 32GB LPDDR5 (it turns out that the memory here is soldered, and cannot be replaced or expanded) but the volume is good. Well, if you do a short test, then by means of CPU-Z you can understand that this processor is slightly higher than and more powerful than Intel Core I9-11900K (which is very good!).
Next, let's run a test for the speed of the built-in drive through CrystalDiskMark. Here it is already removable, Nvme, with a volume of 1TB.
As you can see, the speeds are not so high, but sufficient for comfortable work.
Next, let's see what other hardware is inside, using AIDA64
If you hope that we will open the computer and show the filling, at this point you can already leave hope. There will be no autopsy. Because through AIDA64 it is possible to view physical devices. And in general, we came to play games here not to look at these benchmarks. By the way, about benchmarks, we also have them.
And in general, we even drove away stress tests. First, a half-hour test at OCCT, where it turned out that the computer is still a hot thing, but the cooling system copes.
And OCCT benchmarks:
And then roasting in the same Aida64 with fixing the indicators through HWiNFO. Because Aida does not know how to adequately read sensors on new AMD processors (although maybe I have an old version of the program).
Here we also see that at the peak the processor can heat up to 100 degrees, but on average the temperature is about 94 degrees, which is the operating temperature for such a processor.
In general, it is adequate. Therefore, you can play and see what we have with FPS
Connect the gamepad and go into battle.
By the way, you can even connect a mini PC to your TV for convenience. After all, we are trying to get a game console the size of a pack of napkins.
And as real practice shows, the same God Of War runs smoothly on this PC with 50+ frames (of course, in FHD with settings to the minimum).
The screenshot with FPS was successfully lost somewhere between migrations via flash drives. But we will show you other games.
Doom Eternal is about 60 frames during empty already location and drops to 40FPS in the mix. Settings to minimum, FHD.
In general, it is comfortable to play. Not worse than on Xbox Series S (there, as we know, 30 frames everywhere, and it was comfortable to play)
Metro Exodus in closed locations up to 100+ frames. Open locations around 50 FPS.
It is quite comfortable to play. Although there are stutters, we can't know what they are connected with.
Prey (2017). Confident 60+ shots in an open location. You can play.
Behind the scenes, we tried several other games. Everywhere is more or less playable. But of course, the settings are maximum FHD, minimum graphics, and no miracles.
Conclusion
In general, such a small box can already replace a game console, but not completely. Although for many games, the mini-PC + gamepad bundle will be quite working.
At the same time, such a bundle will be much more convenient than the console, because it takes up less space. Consumes less power. Collects less dust. Easier to maintain. It does not require you to spend money on games if you are a corsair of the vast expanses of the Internet. And at any time, this PC can perform other tasks that are not available to ordinary consoles. For example, you can view and edit documents or photos. And the power is even enough for video editing. Or create a 3D project in Blender (it will pull!).
Although, to be honest, it is certainly better to have two devices. For new games, you can use PS5, and for older games, you can use a mini PC. This is both more economical and more convenient. Although it all depends on your needs.
For example, we have now gone into retro games, there is nothing to do with PS5, for lack of adequate emulators. But with a mini PC and its power, you can already safely emulate everything up to Nintendo Switch.
So, in any case, getting such a computer makes sense. If you understand why and where. And in general, we are glad that the systems are becoming more powerful, while decreasing in size. we hope that in 5 years we will already see miniature PCs that will pull modern games. And powerful graphics stations will only be for very specific rendering and calculation tasks...