In a move that’s set to shake up the budget mini-PC market, Minisforum has unveiled a refreshed version of its popular AI X1 desktop—now starting at under $400 with limited-time launch discounts. Packed with upgraded AMD Ryzen APUs, support for up to 64GB of RAM, and AI-optimized hardware, this palm-sized powerhouse targets creators, home users, and productivity enthusiasts alike.
What’s New?
The AI X1 refresh ditches last-gen chips for AMD’s latest "Hawk Point" and "Strix Point" APUs, blending Zen 4 CPU cores with RDNA 3.5 graphics. Buyers can choose between:
- Ryzen 5 8640HS (6-core/12-thread)
- Ryzen 7 8840HS (8-core/16-thread)
- Ryzen 9 8940HS (8-core/16-thread, higher clocks)
All variants feature integrated Radeon 780M/880M GPUs capable of 1080p gaming and hardware-accelerated AI tasks. Minisforum also doubled the RAM ceiling to 64GB DDR5, paired with dual M.2 NVMe slots for expandable storage.
Early Bird Pricing & Availability
During its launch window (through June 15), the base Ryzen 5 model drops to $399—$100 off its MSRP. Higher-tier configurations with 32GB RAM/1TB SSD start at $699. Units ship globally via Minisforum’s store, with Amazon listings expected next week.
🔗 For a deep dive into specs and thermal testing, check out Liliputing’s hands-on preview:
Minisforum AI X1 Mini-PC: AMD Hawk Point and Strix Point Options
AI Focus & Real-World Use
Unlike generic mini-PCs, the AI X1 emphasizes neural processing. Its NPU (15–50 TOPS, depending on APU) accelerates local AI workloads like:
- Stable Diffusion image generation
- Whisper audio transcription
- LLM chatbots (e.g., Llama 3, Mistral)
Gamers aren’t left out, either. The Radeon 880M in Ryzen 9 models handles Elden Ring at 720p/60fps or Cyberpunk 2077 via FSR upscaling. Three 4K@60Hz outputs (HDMI 2.1 + dual USB4) make it a versatile hub for multi-monitor setups.
Competitive Edge
At sub-$400, the AI X1 undercuts rivals like Intel NUC 13 Pro and Beelink SER7. Early reviews praise its modular design—users can swap Wi-Fi 7 modules, RAM, and SSDs without soldering. As GSMGo Tech notes, Minisforum also expanded its "Pro" lineup for enterprise deployments, but the standard AI X1 remains a consumer sweet spot.
Should You Buy?
If you need compact power for office tasks, light gaming, or tinkering with local AI, the AI X1’s discount makes it a standout deal. Just note the caveats:
- No included OS (bring your own Windows/Linux license)
- Noisy under load (per early tester reports)
- Ryzen 9 configurations may push thermals
Where to buy:
- Minisforum Official Store (all configurations)
- Amazon US (Ryzen 5/7 models shipping June 5)
More coverage:
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Prices subject to change.
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