The mini-PC market is heating up, and Minisforum is right in the thick of it. The company, known for its diverse range of compact computing powerhouses, has just unveiled a new, budget-friendly model in Japan: the Minisforum NAB3R. At first glance, it might look familiar to fans of the NAB series, but a closer look reveals some strategic changes that could make it a compelling option for cost-conscious users and businesses.
Familiar Design, Welcome Upgrade
From the outside, the NAB3R maintains the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of its siblings, the NAB6 and the more powerful NAB9 Plus. However, Minisforum has made a small but significant tweak to the front panel. They've added a front-facing USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, neatly situated between the dual microphone array and the two standard USB 3.2 Type-A ports. This addition enhances connectivity for quick access to modern peripherals and storage devices without fumbling around the back of the unit.
But the real story isn't on the outside—it's under the hood.
A Strategic Shift to Alder Lake-P Power
In a decisive move to hit a lower price point, Minisforum has swapped out the higher-tier Alder Lake-H processors found in the NAB6 and NAB9 for an Alder Lake-P series chip. The NAB3R is specifically equipped with the Intel Core i3-1220P.
This 12-thread processor is built for efficiency, featuring 2 Performance-cores (P-cores) that can boost up to 4.4 GHz and 8 Efficient-cores (E-cores) capped at 3.3 GHz. This hybrid architecture is designed to handle everyday productivity tasks, web browsing, and office applications with ease, while keeping power consumption and heat in check. It also comes with a modest integrated GPU, sufficient for driving displays and handling light multimedia duties without the need for a discrete graphics card.
For a closer look at the official specifications and initial impressions, you can check out the detailed report from PC Watch.
User-Upgradeable Internals and Thoughtful Cooling
One of the most appreciated features in Minisforum's devices is their commitment to user upgrades, and the NAB3R is no exception. The mini-PC supports upgradeable storage via an M.2 2280 slot and allows users to expand the RAM, supporting up to a generous 64 GB of DDR4-3200 memory.
More importantly, Minisforum hasn't cut corners on cooling. They've included an active cooling solution, complete with a dedicated heatsink, for the M.2 SSD to prevent thermal throttling during sustained transfers. Paired with a large turbo fan on the underside of the device, the NAB3R promises to maintain stable performance even under load.
A Wealth of Ports for a Compact Device
Despite its small footprint, the NAB3R is not short on connectivity. The rear I/O panel is generously equipped, likely featuring additional USB ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet, ensuring you can connect all your essential monitors, peripherals, and networking gear without needing a dock.
The new Minisforum NAB3R is now available for purchase through various Japanese retailers. You can find it on Ark PC and Rakuten.
Global Release and Pricing
As of now, Minisforum has only confirmed a release in the Japanese market. The big question on everyone's mind is whether the NAB3R will see a global launch. Historically, the company tends to roll out its mini-PCs internationally after an initial regional release, as seen with models like the MS-R1 and the highly anticipated MS-02 Ultra.
For reference, the NAB3R is priced at approximately ¥74,000 in Japan for a configuration with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. At current exchange rates, this translates to roughly $475, positioning it as an attractive entry in the mini-PC space. Keep an eye on official Minisforum channels and international retailers like Amazon for any future availability announcements.
For anyone seeking a capable, compact, and upgradeable desktop solution for everyday tasks without breaking the bank, the Minisforum NAB3R is certainly a development worth watching.
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