Minix NGC N512 specifications and in-depth review

Minix NGC N512

Manufacturer: Minix

The Minix NGC N512 is a compact Mini PC designed for a variety of tasks. It features a 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM, providing reliable performance in a small form factor. With its Micro-ATX design, it balances power and space efficiency for users looking for a compact solution.

The device is powered by a 45W TDP CPU, offering a turbo clock speed of 4.5GHz and 16 threads for multithreading tasks. For graphics, it utilizes the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, capable of supporting up to 4 displays. It also includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple USB ports, such as USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 for high-speed connectivity.

Pros
  • Supports up to 64GB of RAM, providing ample room for future upgrades.
  • Equipped with Wi-Fi 6, ensuring faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
  • Includes Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 40Gbps ports for high-speed data transfer and connectivity.
  • Has integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, capable of supporting up to four displays.
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty, offering peace of mind for users.
Cons
  • No external memory slot for additional storage expansion.
  • Lacks S/PDIF Out port, limiting high-end audio output options.
  • Does not support ECC memory, which could be a concern for critical applications requiring error correction.
Who is this for?

The Minix NGC N512 is ideal for users who need a compact, versatile mini PC for general computing tasks, office work, or light multimedia use. Its 16GB of RAM and support for up to 64GB make it suitable for multitasking, while its Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast and reliable internet connectivity. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 ports also makes it a good choice for those needing high-speed data transfer for external devices.

Who is this NOT for?

This product may not be the best fit for users who require heavy computational power or specialized applications like high-end gaming, video editing, or scientific computing. The lack of ECC memory and no external memory slot could be limiting for mission-critical tasks, while the absence of a dedicated graphics card may not meet the demands of professionals requiring GPU-intensive workloads.

General info:

SSD storage capacity 512GB
form factor Micro-ATX
release date January 2025
Is an NVMe SSD
thickness 119.9 mm
height 37.9 mm
width 119.9 mm
volume 544.850779 cm³

The Minix NGC N512 comes equipped with a 512GB SSD, offering fast storage with NVMe support for improved read and write speeds. Its compact Micro-ATX form factor ensures it maintains a small footprint, while the unit measures 119.9 mm in width and thickness, and stands at a height of 37.9 mm. The total volume of the system is approximately 544.85 cm³, making it a space-efficient option for various setups.

CPU:

Thermal Design Power (TDP) 45W
turbo clock speed 4.5GHz
CPU threads 16 threads
Has integrated graphics
uses multithreading
L3 cache 18 MB
clock multiplier 27
Has an unlocked multiplier
Supports 64-bit
CPU temperature 100 °C

The CPU in the Minix NGC N512 has a 45W Thermal Design Power (TDP) and features a turbo clock speed of 4.5GHz, delivering strong performance for demanding tasks. With 16 threads and multithreading support, it efficiently handles multiple processes. The processor includes 18 MB of L3 cache and supports 64-bit architecture, ensuring smooth and responsive operation.

Graphics card:

GPU turbo 1400 MHz
PCI Express (PCIe) version 4
DirectX version DirectX 12
OpenGL version 4.6
OpenCL version 3
semiconductor size 10 nm
supported displays 4

The Minix NGC N512 is equipped with an integrated GPU that operates with a GPU turbo speed of 1400 MHz, providing solid graphical performance for various tasks. The GPU supports up to 4 displays and is built on a 10 nm semiconductor process, offering efficient power usage. Additionally, it supports modern graphical technologies like DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 3 for a wide range of applications.

Memory:

RAM 16GB
RAM speed 4800 MHz
DDR memory version 5

The Minix NGC N512 features 16GB of RAM running at a speed of 4800 MHz, offering solid multitasking capabilities. It utilizes DDR5 memory, providing improved data transfer rates and efficiency compared to previous generations, enhancing overall system performance.

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
supports Wi-Fi
Has Bluetooth
Bluetooth version 5.2
USB 2.0 ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 1
USB 4 40Gbps ports 1
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 1
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
DisplayPort outputs 1
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
HDMI ports 2
RJ45 ports 2
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has a VGA connector
Has S/PDIF Out port

The Minix NGC N512 offers versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 support for faster wireless networking and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless device pairing. It features a variety of USB ports, such as USB 4 40Gbps, Thunderbolt 4, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for high-speed data transfer. Additionally, the system provides two RJ45 ports for wired network connections, along with HDMI 2.1 outputs and a DisplayPort for video output.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result 22253
PassMark result (single) 3556
PassMark result (overclocked) 23243

The Minix NGC N512 achieves a PassMark score of 22,253, reflecting solid overall performance. In single-threaded tasks, it scores 3,556, while its overclocked performance reaches a higher score of 23,243. These results demonstrate the system's strong capabilities across various workloads, both at base and overclocked speeds.

Miscellaneous:

maximum memory amount 64GB
has an external memory slot
GPU name Iris Xe Graphics 80EU
Has NX bit
GPU execution units 80
Supports ECC memory
memory channels 2
Type Laptop
instruction sets SSE 4.2, SSE 4.1, AVX, AES, FMA3, F16C, MMX
RAM speed (max) 5200 MHz
warranty period 2 years
Uses flash storage

The Minix NGC N512 supports up to 64GB of maximum memory, providing room for expansion if needed. It features 80 GPU execution units in the Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, enabling efficient graphics processing. The system also includes a 2-year warranty and supports various instruction sets such as SSE 4.2, AVX, and AES for optimized performance across different tasks.

Final Verdict

The Minix NGC N512 is a compact and versatile mini PC ideal for everyday computing tasks, offering solid performance with 16GB of RAM and the flexibility to upgrade to 64GB of memory. Its support for modern connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 4, makes it a strong choice for users who need reliable internet and fast data transfer. While it's not suited for heavy workloads or high-end gaming, it excels in more general applications, making it a practical option for those seeking a space-efficient and efficient desktop alternative.