ACEPC PowerBox Mini is a Ryzen 7 5700U Mini PC with an unusual shape for most Mini PCs we show. In addition, it has a gaming design with RGB backlight. We have already had the opportunity to test the Powerbox Mini (AMR5 Mini PC) that we received from the ACEPC brand. That’s why we want to share our test impressions with you and encourage you to read our ACEPC Powerbox Mini review.
In short, ACEPC is the leader in the Mini PCs industry. The supplied PowerBox Mini PC is powered by a Ryzen 7 5700U CPU with AMD Radeon Vega 8-core GPU. Additionally, we have 32GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage inside. The Mini PC allows for expansion up to 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD, in addition to Gigabit Ethernet, Wifi 6, an active cooling system, and the ability to connect three monitors up to 4K@60Hz. And of course, an interesting design with a “power knob”. Is this enough for gaming, entertainment, and work? Is it a versatile Mini PC? Is it worth buying? You will certainly find the answer to this question in our AMR5 PowerBox Mini review.
Availability and price
First of all, the ACEPC PowerBox Mini with Ryzen 7 5700U processor can be found on the ACEPC website /store. PowerBox Mini Mini PC is now available at a very favorable price, now for $419.99 after coupon code: 15TZA5TVWYFQ. The price applies to the mentioned version with 32GB RAM and 512GB SSD. At the time of writing this review, other configurations were not available.
Table of contents
Product details
ACEPC PowerBox Mini Specification
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U (8 Cores 16 Threads)
- Memory: 32G RAM (SO-DIMM DDR4)
- Storage: 512G M.2 2280 SSD MAX 4TB (2x 2TB)
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Audio: 3.5mm audio jack with microphone support
- Output Display: Support 4K HDMI + DP + Type C Triple display
- Wireless Network: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Input: 100~240V 50/60Hz
- Output: 19V 3.42A
- Dimensions: 6.15 x 5.22 x 2.83 inches
- Weight: 581g
Package Content:
- AMR5 PowerBox Mini Mini PC
- Power adapter
- HDMI cable
- User Manual
By the way, on our YouTube channel, you can see the unboxing of the PowerBox Mini Mini PC and its accompanying accessories.
ACEPC PowerBox Mini Review: First impression, an overview of features
Unboxing and Design
The ACEPC Powerbox Mini is compact, measuring about 6.15 x 5.22 x 2.83 inches (15.6 x 13.25 x 7.18 cm) and weighing 581 g. Its design is unique, deviating from the typical Mini PC or NUC appearance. The front panel features a distinctive dial serving as both the power button and performance selector. The three performance modes Silent, Auto, and Performance, are indicated by different colored lights: blue for Silent, green for Auto, and red for Performance. Beneath the dial are a 3.5mm audio port, two USB 3 ports, and a USB Type-C port for data transfer. On the rear, you’ll find two additional USB 3 ports, along with DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, enabling connection to up to three 4K@60Hz monitors. Completing the array are the Gigabit Ethernet port and power port.
It is worth adding that on the right side there is an easily removable magnetic cover allowing quick access to components and installing or removing RAM or SSD storage. Just to note, we have two SODIMM memory slots and two M.2 NVMe storage slots that are customizable. You can upgrade RAM from 16GB to 64GB by swapping SODIMM modules, and the 512GB SSD can be swapped for a 2TB one, with the option to add another drive for even more storage. Plus, SSD comes with a heatsink for optimal performance.
The reviewed ACEPC PowerBox Mini has active cooling with a fan. When it comes to the noise of the fan, we can already tell you that it is not very loud. It is known that it is more audible when playing, but it is not bothersome. You get used to it quickly. Returning quickly to the power knob, we can adjust the mode depending on the tasks performed on the PowerBox Mini. Silent mode will be for watching movies and surfing the Internet. Auto mode for work and multitasking. The Performance mode is dedicated to games and heavier loads on the mini PC.
As we have already mentioned, the design of the PowerBox Mini (AMR5) Mini PC has a gaming character, so it has RGB backlighting. It looks nice, but after some time you can get fed up with “those colorful lights”. Therefore, it is worth using software to control the RGB backlight. You can use it to change them or simply turn them off.
Operating system and components
ACEPC PowerBox Mini comes with pre-installed Windows 11 Pro, activation of which is hassle-free. Additionally, you can download Windows updates immediately. PowerBox Mini Mini PC is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor boasts 8 cores and 16 threads. With smart cache levels of L2-4MB and L3-8MB, this CPU achieves dynamic frequencies up to 4.3GHz. Its 7nm technology balances energy efficiency and high performance, excelling in multitasking. In addition, the processor offers AMD Radeon Vega 8-core 1900MHz GPU for robust graphics processing capabilities. On the following screens, you can see the components used CPU-Z.
By the way, PowerBox Mini from ACEPC supports 802.11ax WiFi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet. Results for WiFi, download: 675.91Mbps Upload: 300.51Mbps, Ethernet: 949.5Mbps Upload: 306.36Mbps. Due to the connection used and the router’s WiFi 6, the speed result for WiFi (download) should be above 900Mbps. Below you will find screenshots and BIOS photos.
PowerBox Mini Video Tests
Video playback in Kodi 21 “Omega” works quite smoothly, except for samples with the AV1 codec. The following video sample table was tested.
Typical 1080p | Kodi 19.4 |
MPEG2 / MP2 2.0 – 6.6Mbps | OK |
MPEG4 / MP3 2.0 – 7.6Mbps | OK |
H264 / AAC 2.0 – 7.2Mbps | OK |
VC1 / WMA3 2.0 – 25Mbps | OK |
VP8 / VORBIS 2.0 – 7.8Mbs | OK |
Jellyfish 1080p HEVC 10bit – 90Mbps | OK |
4K Video | |
Sintel – H264 / AAC 2.0 – 24fps | OK |
BBB Sunflower -H264 – 30fps | OK |
BBB Sunflower -H264 – 60fps | OK |
Honey Bees – 96fps | OK |
Skyfall – H264 / AAC 2.0 – 10Mbps | OK |
Puppies Bath – h264/AAC 2.0 | OK |
Cinemartin H265/HEVC | OK |
Tears of steel – 60fps | OK |
HD Club Chimei – H264 / AAC 2.0 – 60Mbps | OK |
Jellyfish 4k uhd HEVC 10bit – 140Mbps | OK |
Jellyfish 4k uhd HEVC 10bit – 200/250/300/400Mbps | OK |
LG Demo – Istanbul 3840×2160 MP4/H264 8bit – 116Mbps | OK |
Sony 4K – Camp HDR MP4/HEVC 10bit – 75.8Mbps | OK |
Demo Samsung 2014 – USA Road Trip TS/HEVC 10bit – 51.4Mbps | OK |
Samsung UHD DUBAI TS/HEVC 10bit – 51Mbps | OK |
H.265/VP9 Video | |
Tears of steel – H265-HVEC / AAC 2.0 – 15Mbps | OK |
Youtube – VP9 / 1080p | OK |
VP9 / 4k – Eye of the Storm 4K Ultra HD.webmv | OK |
VP9 / 4k – 10 Incredible 4K (Ultra HD) Videos.webmv | OK |
VP9 / 4k – Australia – Land Down Under in 4K.webmv | OK |
AV1 4K – Summer in Tomsk Stream1_AV1_4K_8.5mbps |
Not smooth /frame skip |
When it comes to streaming, ACEPC PowerBox Mini seamlessly plays YouTube videos up to 4K (2160p @60fps). Moreover, the Mini PC supports Netflix 4K with HDR and Atmos via the Netflix app. Other streaming services like Prime Video, Disney+ and HBO Max support streaming up to 1080p (app and browser). DTS / Dolby 5.1 passthrough worked fine via HDMI.
Game test
ACEPC’s PowerBox Mini allows you to play famous titles. However, it cannot be called a gaming Mini PC. If you expect high performance while gaming, this Mini PC is not for you. However, with the appropriate settings, everything works smoothly and you can achieve about 60FPS for Fortnite and CSGO and up to about 130FPS for League of Legends. Below are some samples.
Benchmarks
Below you will find screenshots of the tests carried out (GeekBench, CINEBENCH, 3DMark, PASSMARK etc.).
ACEPC PowerBox Mini Review: Conclusions
ACEPC PowerBox Mini is a versatile Mini PC for work and entertainment. It works well when working with documents, browsing the Internet, streaming, and also for gaming. Even though its design refers to gaming, it is not an efficient Mini PC for gaming. However, you can easily play popular titles on medium settings. On the plus side, WiFi 6, supports for three monitors and a large number of ports. To sum up, if you are looking for a universal minicomputer for everyday use, ACEPC PowerBox Mini is for you.