Minisforum AI370 EliteMini Review: Compact Power Meets AI Innovation

In a world where devices are getting smaller yet more powerful, the Minisforum AI370 EliteMini is a shining exemplar of that trend. This tiny powerhouse, small enough to sit comfortably in the palm of your hand, challenges long-held assumptions about desktop performance and design. As we dive into the details, you'll see why this mini PC is making waves among Windows enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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A New Breed of Desktop: Compact Design Meets Cutting-Edge Tech​

Sleek, Minimalist, and Ready for Action​

Gone are the days when desktop computers meant bulky towers and clunky setups. The EliteMini comes in a sleek silver matte chassis measuring just 5.12 x 5.0 x 1.85 inches and weighing barely over a pound. Despite its diminutive footprint, the device is engineered to do big things. Its compact form factor means it can seamlessly fit into the smallest workspaces—ideal for home offices, creative studios, or even travel setups.
Key Design Highlights:

• Ultra-Compact Size: Designed to fit on the smallest desk spaces without sacrificing performance.
• Streamlined Aesthetic: The silver matte finish and minimalist design give it a modern, professional look.
• Thoughtful Build: Easy access to internal components makes upgrading straightforward (though limited to storage).

In an era where form is as crucial as function, the EliteMini exemplifies how design doesn’t have to be compromised in the quest for performance. It’s a reminder to us all that power can come in small packages.

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Under the Hood: Performance That Surprises​

Mighty Hardware in a Miniature Package​

At the heart of the EliteMini is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor—a chip that packs a punch with its combination of power and practicality. This processor boasts four full-size Zen 5 performance cores capable of clock speeds up to 5.1 GHz, alongside eight Zen 5c “compact” cores running at 3.3 GHz. What’s impressive here is not just raw speed, but the efficiency brought about by the compact core design that uses 25% less space on the die, enhancing power efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Performance Specs at a Glance:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with a mix of four Zen 5 performance cores and eight Zen 5c cores.
• AI Capabilities: Optimized for artificial intelligence workloads, delivering up to 80 TOPS overall and 50 NPU TOPS—sufficient to run Microsoft Copilot+ AI tools directly on Windows 11.
• Graphics: Equipped with an AMD Radeon 890M GPU featuring 16 graphics cores, the EliteMini can drive up to four displays with support for resolutions as high as 8K at 60Hz.

Benchmarking tests have shown that the EliteMini can achieve nearly 24,000 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core performance and exceed 2,000 points in single-core tests. For those wondering how a machine this small could rival a full-sized desktop—imagine comparing it to systems featuring high-end Intel Core i9 processors. The results are compelling, and the device runs coolly and quietly, owing much to an improved and efficient cooling system.
Rhetorical Thought:
How often do you get a computer that not only takes up less space but also keeps its cool under pressure? The EliteMini proves that compact size and high performance can indeed go hand-in-hand.

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Connectivity and Expandability: A Port-Rich Experience​

More Than Just a Tiny Box​

While the miniscreen may be small, its connectivity options are anything but limited. The EliteMini is designed for modern connectivity and versatility, ensuring that multiple peripherals can be attached without hassle.
Front Panel Features:

• USB-C Port: For fast data transfer and display output.
• USB-A 3.2 Gen2 Ports (x2): Reliable ports for external drives, printers, or other devices.
• 3.5mm Audio Jack: Supports both headphone and microphone connectivity.

Rear Panel Options:

• Additional USB-A 3.2 Gen2 Ports (x2): Extra connectivity for other high-speed devices.
• Display Output: Includes one DisplayPort 2.0 and one HDMI 2.1 port, ensuring support for high-resolution and multiple display setups.
• Dual 2.5G RJ45 LAN Ports: Ideal for networking and reliable internet connectivity.
• Wireless Options: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, keeping you connected without the clutter of cables.

Notably, storage is partially upgradable—a rarity for many mini PCs. With a simple four-screw removal, users can unlock a second M.2 slot for additional storage expansion. However, while the design is upgrade-friendly for storage, other components remain fixed to ensure the device’s compact design and thermal efficiency.
Summary:
The EliteMini’s array of ports and upgrade options underscores its versatility, making it an excellent choice for advanced users who require a powerful, yet portable desktop solution.

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Price and Value: When Small Meets Affordable​

A Cost-Effective Powerhouse​

At first glance, the original price tag of $1,170 for the EliteMini might seem steep for a compact desktop. However, a current coupon slashes $234 off the original price, bringing it down to a competitive $935. This price point, combined with the high-end hardware inside, makes the EliteMini a compelling option for a range of users—from gamers to creative professionals, and even those venturing into AI-driven applications.
Cost Considerations:

• Initial Investment: While not the cheapest mini PC on the market, the hardware’s performance and longevity justify the price.
• Discount Opportunity: The temporary coupon offer provides significant savings, adding extra value.
• Peripheral Costs: Bear in mind, you’ll need to supply your own peripherals (monitor, keyboard, etc.), which can add to the overall cost.

In a technological landscape where every dollar spent counts, the EliteMini delivers excellent value by merging performance with portability. It provides serious computing power without the bulk, proving that a high price tag isn’t always necessary for high performance.

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Embracing the Future: Windows 11 and AI Integration​

A Perfect Companion for the Modern Windows Ecosystem​

One of the most exciting aspects of the EliteMini is its readiness for the new wave of AI-enhanced computing. With its robust AI acceleration features, this mini PC is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of Windows 11’s advanced artificial intelligence integrations, including Microsoft Copilot+.
For those interested in how Windows is evolving with AI, you'll recall our detailed discussion on revolutionary Windows features in our thread https://windowsforum.com/threads/353754. The EliteMini’s ability to run AI workloads efficiently—delivering impressive TOPS (trillions of operations per second)—makes it an ideal candidate for users looking to leverage Windows 11’s AI capabilities.
AI Integration Highlights:

• Optimized for Copilot+: With dedicated AI processing, the EliteMini ensures smooth operation of advanced system tools and real-time assistance.
• Enhanced Windows 11 Experience: Running the latest updates and features, users can expect a seamless blend of productivity and innovation.
• Future-Proofing: As Microsoft continues to push the envelope with AI enhancements, owning hardware capable of keeping pace with these advancements is vital.

Thought-Provoking Question:
Could a tiny machine like the EliteMini be the catalyst that bridges traditional desktop computing with the deep learning future of Windows? The device certainly seems poised to play a key role in this transformation.

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Real-World Applications and Broader Industry Implications​

From Home Offices to Creative Studios​

The EliteMini isn’t just an interesting piece of hardware for its own sake; it has practical implications for a wide range of computing environments. Whether you’re a creative professional, a dedicated gamer, or a business user, the combination of portability and power opens up a host of new possibilities.
Potential Use Cases:

• Home Offices: Its small size and quiet operation make it perfect for modern, minimalist office setups.
• Content Creation: The powerful CPU/GPU combo can handle demanding creative applications such as video editing, graphic design, and 3D rendering.
• AI Workloads: With its dedicated AI capabilities, developers and data scientists can experiment with AI models and real-time processing on a budget-friendly device.
• Gaming and Entertainment: Despite its miniature size, gaming performance isn’t overlooked, making it a feasible option for casual gamers seeking a space-saving alternative to traditional desktops.

The EliteMini stands at the intersection of several key technology trends: miniaturization, AI integration, and enhanced portability. It’s a glimpse into a future where power and performance are no longer dictated by size. Instead, advancements in chip architecture and thermal management allow even the smallest devices to pack a significant punch.
Industry Insight:
With innovations like the EliteMini, the industry is steadily moving towards more efficient, versatile computing. Traditional desktops might soon face stiff competition from devices that deliver the same—or even better—performance in a format that redefines what a “desktop” truly means.

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Final Thoughts: Small Size, Big Impact​

The Minisforum AI370 EliteMini is more than just a mini PC—it’s a statement. It challenges the longstanding belief that you must have a large, unwieldy machine to achieve high performance. With its powerful AMD Ryzen processor, dedicated AI acceleration, diverse connectivity options, and surprisingly robust build quality, it caters to both the tech-savvy experimenter and the pragmatic professional.
Pros at a Glance:

• Compact yet Powerful: Enjoy high-end performance in a device that takes up minimal space.
• Advanced AI Capabilities: Perfectly tuned for Windows 11’s Copilot+ and other AI-driven tools.
• Rich Connectivity: A well-rounded array of ports caters to various use-case scenarios.
• Upgrade-Friendly Storage: Easily expand storage with a simple internal upgrade.

Areas to Consider:

• Peripheral Dependency: Must be paired with your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• Fixed Components: Except for storage, most internal components cannot be upgraded, so choose your configuration wisely from the start.

For Windows users seeking a balance between cutting-edge performance and compact design, the EliteMini delivers on all fronts. It’s an excellent choice for those who want the best of both worlds—innovation and practicality in one sleek package.

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Looking Ahead​

As technology continues to evolve, devices like the EliteMini remind us that innovation often comes in the smallest packages. Future advancements in chip design and AI integration promise to make such devices even more powerful, compact, and indispensable. And who knows? With ongoing improvements and creative applications in the realm of Windows 11 and beyond, the road ahead looks both exciting and incredibly efficient.
For a deeper dive into how advanced AI is reshaping the Windows experience, revisit our previous discussion on AI integration in Windows at https://windowsforum.com/threads/353754.
In the end, the Minisforum AI370 EliteMini isn’t just a desktop—it’s a glimpse into the future of computing where power, portability, and innovation converge. Embrace the change, and you might just find that the future truly does fit in the palm of your hand.

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Source: ZDNet https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-desktop-fits-in-the-palm-of-your-hand-but-dont-underestimate-its-power/