Key Takeaways
1. The AMD Strix Halo series features premium APUs, including the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which boasts 16 Zen 5 cores and 32 threads.
2. The Strix Halo APU’s RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 8060S iGPU outperforms the RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, showcasing powerful graphics capabilities in mini PCs.
3. The XPlus XRival mini PC includes 96 GB of LPDDR5X memory, 2 TB of storage, and offers user-upgradable M.2 slots.
4. It has a compact design (22 x 11.9 x 5.7 cm) with a bold gaming aesthetic and features a dual-fan, triple-pipe cooling system.
5. Priced at $1,479 with an introductory discount, the XRival mini PC is competitively priced compared to similar models, while an alternative option is the Minisforum UM880 Plus at $518.98.
Ever since it first appeared, the AMD Strix Halo series of premium APUs has captured the admiration of mini PC fans. Featuring full Zen 5 cores alongside an impressive iGPU, the top-tier Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU is now present in several high-end mini PCs, with the XPlus XRival being the newest member of the Strix Halo family.
Powerful Specifications
The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 consists of 16 Zen 5 cores and 32 threads. In synthetic tests, this robust APU competes well with the Apple M3 Max and Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX in terms of multicore performance. The GPU capabilities of the Strix Halo APU are particularly outstanding, boasting an RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 8060S iGPU with 40 CUs that significantly outperforms the RTX 4060 Laptop GPU. Such exceptional performance was once unthinkable in a mini PC without dedicated GPUs, but that has changed.
Impressive Memory and Storage
The XPlus XRival mini PC is designed with 96 GB of LPDDR5X memory that is shared between the CPU and GPU. It also provides 2 TB of storage, which is located in an M.2 2280 slot and can be upgraded by the user. Additionally, there is another M.2 slot available. The design of the mini PC is notably bold, exuding strong gaming aesthetics, which could be seen as either a plus or a minus. The variety of ports available is impressive, including:
Wireless features include Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 7. Measuring at just 22 x 11.9 x 5.7 cm, the XPlus XRival mini PC is quite compact and is outfitted with a dual-fan, triple-pipe cooling system, which appears to be quite efficient on paper. Naturally, the true performance of the Strix Halo mini PC can only be validated through real-world use.
Competitive Pricing
With a price tag of $1,479, which comes with an introductory discount, the XRival mini PC is reasonably priced when compared to other similar models from well-known brands. For those looking to save a bit of money while opting for an external GPU, the Minisforum UM880 Plus (currently priced at $518.98 on Amazon) is also a great option.
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