Review By Expert: Asus Vivo Mini: A High Value Mini PC Review

Review By Expert: Asus VivoMini: A High Value Mini  PC Review:

Review By Expert: Asus Vivo Mini: A High Value Mini  PC Review

Most mini-PCs generally try to make do with the essentials (CPU, RAM, and a single storage unit), while barebones start with less. Therefore, it is rare to see a small Windows computer that is as well equipped internally as the Asus VivoMini.

Specifically, we are using the VM65N-G072Z model; the VivoMini family has as many different configurations as a Rubik's cube, starting with the UN45 based on Intel Celeron and scaling up to our VM65N specification. It is very close to the top of the line, with a dual-core Intel Core i5-7200U processor, 8GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD and a 1TB hard drive, and even a dedicated graphics chip, Nvidia's GeForce 930M.


Review By Expert: Asus VivoMini:  Power:

This GPU is, like the CPU, a relatively low power laptop component, and is far from the desktop-friendly parts of the Zotac Magnus ER51060. This, however, is much cheaper, not to mention much more compact, and still presents a very competitive performance at our 4K benchmarks.

Review By Expert: Asus VivoMini:  Power:

Its multitasking score of 14 is unfortunate (despite the active cooling of a fan, we wouldn't be surprised if there was any regulation), but its image score of 81 and its video score of 56 point to a system that can at least handle some low-end midrange editing, as well as basic things like navigation and word processing. Overall, VivoMini scored 39, easily surpassing rivals like the MSI Cubi 3 Silent.

Out of curiosity, we also ran the 1080p version of our reference points, through which VivoMini navigated: 206 in the image test, 182 in the video test and 186 in the multitasking test. That's twice the performance of the Intel Compute Stick, properly, at a little less than double the price. It is also interesting to see that VivoMini's multitasking weakness disappears in this less demanding test, and its score is much more proportional to the image segments and video coding.

The GeForce 930M also makes the Asus Mini-PC a suitable tool for light gaming. Running Dirt: Confronted with 720p, the VivoMini produced 43 fps with the high quality preset and 51fps with the low quality preset. It should be noted that the HP Elite Slice achieved a single additional frame in the Low configuration, despite using integrated graphics, but in the High configuration, which is where we would prefer to be, the VivoMini prevails over everything else.


Review By Expert: Asus VivoMini: Storage:

The VivoMini has excellent storage: the 128 GB SSD allows the fast operation of Windows, as well as some applications of choice, and its lack of capacity is compensated by a 1 TB hard drive. Most mini PCs, even the most expensive, such as the Elite Slice, settle for a single SSD, but we strongly recommend a larger backup like this HDD if you want it as your primary PC.

Review By Expert: Asus VivoMini: Storage:

Plus, you can exchange it for a larger disk if you ever run out of space. Opening the VivoMini is child's play: simply press a release switch on the back, slide the top cover and you're ready to go. It's true that the degree of updating and customization of this PC is slightly more limited than, for example, Cubi 3 Silent: it can only reach the hard drive and SO-DIMM memory slots, which are located in their own small, independent compartments. We get the impression that playing with the entrails of VivoMini is a last resort, rather than something that is recommended as it would be with a barebone system.

Asus has squeezed into a fine selection of ports. In addition to four USB 3 ports, there are two other faster USB 3.1 connectors, and dual display support is possible thanks to the HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. Gigabit Ethernet offers a wired alternative to the built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and the full-size SD card reader might be ideal for photographers and amateur filmmakers (provided their editing needs are not too demanding, taking into account the PC's benchmark scores).

There is even an optical S/PDIF output underneath the separate sockets for headphones and 3.5mm microphone. Support for high-end audio hardware is extremely rare among PCs at this price, even on larger desktops, so the presence of this port is a very pleasant surprise.

We wouldn't consider it a mistake, knowing how much is inside, but the VivoMini has a big footprint for a mini PC: with 52 x 190 x1 90 mm, it's taller and wider than an Elite Slice, and occupies much more real estate desk than a silent cubi 3. However, it's not a bad look, especially with the whirl pattern characteristic of Asus at the top of the jazz all a bit. It's also light enough, with a weight of 1.2 kg, that if you invest in a VESA mounting kit and place it in the holes at the bottom, you can place it on the back of a monitor, at the bottom of a desk or vertically on a wall.

Conclusion
It would have been easy to look at VivoMini's 4K multitasking score and postpone it, but otherwise, this is undoubtedly a very well-balanced mini PC. It is of great value, has enough processing power for use in the home office (and enough graphics power for the occasional 720p games), has large storage capacity and does not need any additional barebones-style installation. Unless you are willing to pay a few hundred pounds more for a higher power, this is the best of the mini PC gang.