For a long time, many users have been striving to be able to have a portable system unit with a sufficient level of performance. Why did them need a portable PC? At the workplace, in the village or in hotels, there is always a TV and the Internet, which will allow you to continue working.
In this article, we assembled on a mini itx htpc board, which did not stand out for performance. we did not give up trying and printed a case for a compact PC on a 3D printer. Everything worked, but there was no question of being able to move such a PC.
Next, we got to the factory compact system unit with a video card. This option showed itself perfectly, but still turned out to be too large.
The Chinese came to the rescue, who are actively promoting Mini-PCs with a good level of performance. AMD processors have always made great strides ahead of Intel with their integrated graphics, so my choice was very obvious. The powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor with one of the best Radeon 780M integrates based on the RDNA 3 architecture caught my attention.
Why Ninkear M8? Trust in this brand has been formed due to my Ultra-book, which we have been using daily for a year and a half. During this time, the plastic did not crack, the paint did not wear off the metal, and the hinges of the lid did not loosen. The price/quality and functionality are excellent. we are satisfied with the device and decided to take another risk.
Characteristics
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.90 GHz);
Graphics: AMD Radeon 780M (12 cores, up to 2.6 GHz);
RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5 4800MHz;
ROM: PCIE 3.0 SSD up to 1TB;
Interfaces:
- 2x 2.5G LAN
- 3x USB 3.2
- 1x USB 2.0
- 1x HDMI 8K
- 1x DisplayPort 8K
- 1x full-featured Type-C
- 1x 3.5mm Audio Jacks
Size: 130x127.5x52 mm
Weight: 478 g
Box & Package Contents
The Ninkear M8 Mini-PC comes in a modest universal box with a dust jacket. Gray text on a white background is universal - Mini PC. On the back of the box there is a simple sticker with the characteristics of the device.
The upper part of the box inside has a protective coating of foam material. Pay attention to the thickness of the cardboard, which protects the PC during transportation from the aggressive shipping environment between countries.
Next to the PC there is a box with the text accessories, and under the PC there is an envelope with a manual, which 98% will not even open. There is a Russian language.
The Mini-PC is covered for delivery with an envelope made of matte film with a scythe for the products of pome bitten fruits. we may be wrong, but we have such an association. In general, it is beautiful and pleasant.
The accessory box contains an HDMI cable and a network adapter.
We were impressed by the power supply, which is 119.7 rated watts. Particular attention should be paid to the size of the unit at such a power, which turned out to be very compact due to GaN technology.
Appearance
The Ninkear Mini-PC M8 is a classic Mini-PC with a square case with rounded corners. The lid is plastic and the brand name stands out on it in white letters with the orange letter K.
On the front panel there is a full-featured type-c port, a universal 3.5 mm jack, two USB 3.0, a bright orange backlit power button and a hole for resetting with a paper clip.
The rear panel of the interfaces is located under the CPU heatsink window and includes:
- Dual Ethernet ports
- One HDMI port
- One DP port
- one USB 3.0
- one USB 2.0
- Power Port
The side panels have solid perforations, which provide air exchange for all PC components. Through the grille, you can see that there is air access for both the upper and lower floors.
The bottom cover is plastic and with a nice round pedestal and a rubber ring for a stable position on the table. The round protrusion allows air to be drawn between the table and the PC case. There is an indication of the model, power characteristics and a barcode with the serial number of the device.
Why such an emphasis on SN? Warranty repairs can be obtained across different representation around the globe without the need to send the device to China. We hope this will not come in handy, but it adds confidence in the device.
Dismantling
Before testing, we will look inside to assess the quality of assembly and soldering. we unscrew the screws in the lower part of the case, which are located in the corners. The thread retainer is blue, it will keep you from self-weakening from vibrations, especially during the delivery period. The lid is plastic with decent molding for adequate airflow to the internal components.
General view of the motherboard
On the back is a metal tray for a 2.5-inch drive that can be installed but has nothing to connect to. Technical support assures that this component is used to form a flow inside the case and protect the motherboard. As for me, this is an atavism of OEM production for versatility.
With some effort, the motherboard is removed from the plastic case. Attention! Do not forget to disconnect the antennas of the Wi-Fi module when disassembling.
Threaded connections in plastic are represented by fused bushings, which guarantees a high-quality level of assembly and the absence of backlashes.
The BIOS battery on a detachable cable is in a bright yellow shrink color.
On the lower floor of the motherboard there is quick access to RAM with two modules from KingBank and a storage device without specifying the manufacturer. Factory soldering is of high quality, the flux is washed off.
It's nice to see two DDR5 memory modules of 16 GB each, which will work at full bandwidth, when installing DDR5 modules of 8GB there will be a pronounced decrease in performance due to the design features of DDR5 memory.
The SSD drive is covered with stickers on both sides. One of them is metallized and helps dissipate heat.
Under the drive there is a Wi-Fi module from Mtk. Antenna connectors are covered with a plastic overlay.
On the top of the Ninkear M8 Mini-PC motherboard is a large copper heatsink with two heat pipes. The air flow through it is driven by a turbine-type fan.
BIOS
What can you find useful here?
The TDP limit selection menu is located in the following path.
AMD CBS -> CPU Common Options -> System Configuration
Several modes of operation are available 20w, 28w, 35w and 45w. 35W is installed from the factory for the sake of silence, but this is not enough for me. We will squeeze out all the power!
Fan operation is controlled by the following path: Advanced – Hardware Monitor
In the basic mode of operation, the fan starts at a temperature of 38 degrees and above, in order to ensure the quietest possible operation. Even with the active cooling system running, the noise from the PC is minimal.
In our working environment, we have separate room with headphones, where there is no need to strive for maximum silence. The main PC rattles with 7 turntables + a rattling LSS pump from Ardor, which create a noticeable noise and hum. Ninkear M8, even with active processing, is practically inaudible, most of the time the PC is in passive cooling mode.
There are no RAM settings
UPDATE!
We have rolled out a BIOS-a update.
Below is some details about how how we downloaded the archives and folders, you can find files in different languages and in our case, we used to chose Russian.
We don't want to love my brain and we will exclude afudoc + rufus and shell from the firmware options. We open AfuWin and see this picture.
We launch AfuWin. The command line responds only to pressing specific buttons, the command cannot be written.
The version of afuwin is 5.15 and without a graphical shell.
The search engine displays a program version 5.12 with a graphical interface.
Technical interest and a desire to fight common sense are included. Why? We did not find the firmware instructions in the archive. We download the program, swears about the lack of a driver to work with the motherboard or BIOS chip. Well, we see the goal and see no obstacles. From the folder with the program from the manufacturer, we throw in the driver. Still throws a startup error.
Picture with sound.
Back to the folder with files from the manufacturer. We found the executive file f.bat. What a solution! Just in case, we throw a copy of the new BIOS next to the program and click permission to run the script. A few seconds of waiting and the operating system reboots and the black screen. That's it, we've arrived.
Oh, a picture appeared and an automatic BIOS update window appeared with a notification: you can touch, you still won't do anything, the keyboard is disabled. Just don't pull it from the outlet and sit and wait.
A little time and the PC restarts. We immediately press Del and jump into the BIOS.
What did you find new for yourself? Corrected the processor operating modes: 28w, 35w, 45w.
We have opened the ability to work with iGPU, now there are new items.
In UMA_SPEC mode, you can select the amount of memory allocated for embedding. There are no frequency and voltage settings for the video core.
We will set a UMA_GAME_OPTIMIZED for myself.
The Overclocking tab has not undergone changes, the ability to activate RAM overclocking has not been added. What a pity.
On the positive side:
- smoother fan operation.
- Optimize CPU-to-GPU ratio
- In direct comparison, the temperature decreased by 2 degrees in game tasks at the same level of performance.
Synthetic Tests
All tests were conducted in 45W CPU mode, when the base value for the Ninkear M8 is 35W and is switched to the BIOS.
CPU Z
3D Mark
An interesting point, pay attention to the monitoring indicators: the CPU at its peak can output up to 110 watts, but this is a fraction of a second of load. The CPU frequency is adequately held at 4500 MHz in work tasks. When using integrated graphics, the total heat dissipation is divided into CPU and GPU, which causes the system to lower CPU frequencies.
PassMark
Crystal Disk Mark
Cinebench 2024
WinRar
7 zip
GeekBench
Superposition benchmark
Corona
Wot enCore
The program does not allow you to select graphics above average. Wot Encore hasn't been updated for a long time and most likely doesn't even know about such built-in graphics capabilities.
Metro Exodus
According to the benchmark, there are rare drops up to 40 fps, but it is quite comfortable to play. In normal situations, the FPS is from 70 to 100. Ray tracing can be played around, but I'd go for medium settings. In this case, the FPS is compared between game versions in the range of 40-60
Wi-Fi download speed test, 100 Mbps internet plan. 90+ Mbps is a good result, as well as wired.
Stability Tests
Aida 64
3d mark
The Ninkear M8 Mini-PC confidently passed 20 cycles of the benchmark without significant losses in performance. The heating is adequate, the cooling system copes with its task.
Games
The list is not too long, but we will use what we have in our Steam account.
Oxygen not included, maximum settings 2k
The PC confidently copes with this game, although it is very capricious about the processor due to the great emphasis on the physics of processes on the asteroid.
CS2, medium, 1080r, benchmark from the workshop.
More than 100fps on medium settings. We did not feel any problems or discomfort during the game.
World of Tanks, HD client, high, 1080р
We tested it on art, but you can ride and shine on the LT without any problems. We didn't catch drops and freezes, everything is smooth.
FlatOut 4, high, 1080р
A little nostalgia and a tough derby with the destruction of opponents. The game runs smoothly and the controls are responsive.
Metro Exodus, medium, 1080р
A complex scene with a lot of moving objects, shadows. The main plot time of the FPS is close to 70.
Metro 2033, normal, 1080rub
There is practically no optimization of the game for such systems, the FPS is console and without drops, freezes.
It takes two, high, 1080р
With great pleasure, my wife and we got stuck in this wonderful toy. We recommend it to couples.
The game is played with a fps close to 60 fps, in the review there is a random frame with the lowest fps.
Little Nightmares, ultra, 2k
The toy is not particularly dynamic and the volume of frames more than 30 is quite sufficient here. If you lower the settings and screen resolution, you can connect a large increase in fps, but does it make sense?
Pubg, low, 1080p
A loaded scene in real conditions on the map. We did not see below 50 fps. You can shoot, but not too comfortable for such a fast game. In CS2 it is much more pleasant.
Rust, potato, 1080p
Minimum graphics indicators and, it seems, minimal fps to try to play, BUT! The built-in does not have time to load the elements of complex graphics and you can stumble upon a rock, from which there are only bushes and parts of greenery, but the element itself will be drawn in 30-50 seconds. It will go to replenish the cabinet with resources, but no more. We didn't even try to run to the city, a waste of time, no more.
Warming
Test of the gaming load in Metro Exodus, where the reviewed PC worked for 6 hours with a good stable load. The video card confidently holds frequencies, no drop in gaming performance was recorded. We perform thermography with an IR camera Topdon 001 with a sensor resolution of 256x192.
The case practically does not heat up, the heat is efficiently dissipated through the radiator to the external environment. Pay attention to the side covers, you can clearly see the sufficient airflow, which first cools the motherboard and its components, and then is drawn into the heatsink to cool the APU.
The performance of the processor is limited by heat generation, which cuts frequencies. The processor keeps 90-91 degrees under maximum load, which is normal for "laptop" equipment.
The power supply consumes a maximum of 87 watts at peak during the entire period of active testing and practically does not heat up, tactilely warm.
Experience of use
We actively used the PC not only at home, but also on trips. We satisfied with the level of performance and did not feel discomfort when working on this PC. The installed licensed Win11 pro OS pleases with the fact that you do not have to install and download drivers. The PC is immediately ready to go.
Photo processing, video editing are carried out normally and without system freezes, as it happened when working from my ultrabook on a weak Intel n95.
Yes, the processors are not comparable in terms of performance, but this is the practical experience we are sharing here in this article.
The compact Ninkear M8 Mini-PC fits easily into a bag and backpack and takes up minimal space on the table after installation.
When performing a basic level of load (browsing the Internet, movies, working with text), the PC works silently.
Heavier workload options (video editing, gaming) increase the noise from the PC, but it remains at the level of powerful laptops.
An interesting experience for me was replacing my home PC with a Ninkear M8 Mini-PC.
Main Features of My PC
- CPU — Intel i5 12400f
- RAM – DDR4 4000 MHz 32GB
- GPU — Colorful iGame GeForce RTX 3070ti Vulcan OC
Dual Monitors:
- Main 27 inch Gigabyte 2K
- Optional 14" Arzopa 1080p
We installed the Ninkear M8 Mini-PC on my desk and connect all the peripherals:
- Dual monitors (+ USB hub in the main monitor for keyboard and mouse)
- usb type-c headphone DAC
- power to the second monitor.
- microphone
Of all the available USB ports, only one remains free. If you do not take into account the usb hub in the monitor, then there will be no free ports left, but now type-c hubs are popular that can solve this problem.
Our peripheral kit we used in this article can be called quite extensive and not every user will need so many additional devices.
Standard 4 USB ports, three of which of the 3.0 standard make it possible to connect all the necessary peripherals for a standard user.
So, we replaced my PC with a Ninkear m8 and got down to my standard work.
Surfing, watching videos, working in a photo editor do not differ at all in response, while there is no sound from a working PC at all, there is silence in the room. A big plus.
In breaks from work, we went to distract myself in World of Tanks, slightly lowered the level of settings from the maximum to maintain a confident fps, which did not affect the picture much, but helped to win the number of frames. It is quite possible to comfortably go into battle at a sufficient level of graphics.
Attention, the screen resolution is 2k in the HD client, which I am used to.
The next stage was the launch of CS 2, the settings are "medium", the frame rate is 77 per second, which allows you to shoot with opponents without any problems.
Yes, there are serious offline projects, you could see the test results above. Console 30 fps is easy to get, while many projects can be configured for 60+ fps at medium and low settings.
The noise level under the game load is medium and will actively change depending on the settings set in the BIOS. The user can choose low temperatures or strive for silence. We lean towards lower temperatures at the expense of silence. The maximum noise level is 37.4 dB. Basic settings use a quiet PC profile.
We had an interesting experience using the Ninkear m8 as my main PC and was very surprised by the capabilities of such a compact PC when the performance of such a toddler was enough for my normal activities. At the same time, the Ninkear m8 allows you to easily take it with you on any trip. In some cases, we take a portable monitor and a wireless keyboard with me, but this is rare.
Installing an alternative OS
With great interest we installed Fyde OS, which pleased me with its stability and capabilities. What for? You can install the apk of the application and surf the Internet and watch movies quickly enough. When connecting the Ninkear m8 to a TV, it is easier to use such a system than Windows.
When connected to a touchscreen portable screen, everything works adequately. To use a keyboard or gamepad, you need to set up stick emulation.
If you want, you can install android TV, but that's another story.
To install it, you need to disable Secure Boot.
If there are those who want to install Fyde OS, we warn you against using the proposed bootloader. There is no autoplay, the keyboard is not working at this moment.
What should we do? When installing, you need to refuse to install a multi loader and select the OS manually for startup through the BIOS.
Antutu
PassMark
Conclusion
The Ninkear M8 Mini-PC turned out to be a promising device in my arsenal, which we will gladly take with me and be able to work on any trip.
A sufficient level of performance allows you to maintain the convenience of work without the use of a massive system unit. The only limitation is the lack of the ability to work autonomously from the power bank via the PD protocol via the type-c port.