Tag: modular mini PC

March 23, 2025
Ninkear Mbox 8 Pro: Modular Mini PC with AMD Ryzen APU
Key Takeaways
1. The Ninkear Mbox 8 Pro features a modular design with a magnetic base for expanded storage and connectivity options.
2. It supports up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and includes multiple ports, such as USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
3. The mini PC utilizes the Ryzen 7 8845HS APU, providing strong performance capabilities.
4. It offers Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6 for enhanced wireless connectivity.
5. The price for the configuration with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is $634.99.
While the AMD Hawk Point is over a year old, new mini PCs are still being launched that run on the Zen 4 APUs. One such device is the Ninkear Mbox 8 Pro, which features the Ryzen 7 8845HS. What mainly distinguishes it from other systems using the same APU is its unique design.
Modular Design
The standout feature of the Mbox 8 Pro is its modular design. It includes a magnetic base that users can attach to the mini PC for increased storage. This base can accommodate an additional 3.5-inch SATA drive (like the 4 TB Seagate IronWolf, currently priced at $84.99 on Amazon), and it not only expands storage but also provides extra connectivity ports that are absent from the upper section of the device.
Performance and Connectivity
In terms of specs, the Mbox 8 Pro supports up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and, without the base, can hold an M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD. The upper section of the mini PC includes two USB-C ports, one DisplayPort 1.2, one HDMI 2.0, and two Ethernet ports. The separate base adds two USB 3.2 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
Wireless Features and Cooling
For wireless connectivity, the mini PC comes with Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6. Although Ninkear hasn’t shared more details about the device, the vents around the system indicate it likely has a good cooling setup to keep the Ryzen 7 8845HS working efficiently under heavy loads. The price for the configuration that includes 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is $634.99 and is available on Banggood.
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Tags: modular mini PC, Ninkear Mbox 8 Pro, Ryzen 7 8845HS
January 11, 2025
Clink-X xCraft: Modular Mini PC with Ryzen 7 260 APU Unveiled
While many mini PCs on the market offer a good level of upgradeability, the Clink-X xCraft enhances this concept with its unique modular design. Although production has not yet begun, the features seem to be quite appealing for its intended users.
System Specifications
Before diving into the modular aspects, let’s discuss the system specifications. The xCraft will utilize AMD’s Ryzen 7 200 “Hawk Point” processors, including the powerful 45 W Ryzen 7 260, which boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, reaching a boost clock speed of 5.1 GHz. As expected, there’s no option for dedicated graphics just yet, so the xCraft will depend on the capable Radeon 780M integrated GPU, which includes 12 compute units. It features dual SODIMM slots supporting a maximum of 128 GB DDR5-5600 memory, along with two M.2 2280 slots for up to 4 TB of NVMe storage.
Upgrade Modules
According to WinFuture, the manufacturer Emdoor has plans for future upgrade modules that will dock externally with the base unit, adding features like more I/O options and dedicated graphics. As noted by Liliputing, the Clink-X xCraft has a sturdy metal frame, with top and side panels that attach magnetically for easy swapping. Inside, the motherboard comes with a soldered processor but can be upgraded by replacing the entire motherboard. While the specific upgrade paths remain unclear, the potential for enhancements exists.
Compact Design and Pricing
With dimensions of just 14.4 x 14.4 x 4.9 centimeters, the Clink-X xCraft mini PC is impressively small, which is expected given its moderate internal components. If Emdoor introduces adequate expansion modules, this system could certainly compete well in the mid-range mini PC market. However, with a starting price set at $500 for the barebones version, the Clink-X might be perceived as a bit pricey.
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Tags: AMD Ryzen 7, Clink-X xCraft, modular mini PC