In the world of compact computing, Apple's Mac mini has long been the design icon that others are measured against. But what if you crave that sleek, minimalist aesthetic while wanting the flexibility and raw power of a Windows-based AMD system? Enter Orico, a brand famous for its docks and accessories, which is now making a bold leap into the PC market. Their first major salvo is the Orico OminiPlus, a mini PC that so closely mirrors the Mac mini's design you might do a double-take, but it’s the hardware lurking inside that truly sets it apart.
This isn't just another anonymous black box. The Orico OminiPlus packs a surprising punch for its 0.8-liter chassis, championing a modern AMD processor and a port selection that would make even the most demanding power user smile. It’s a compelling proposition for anyone building a clean, compact workstation or a living room gaming hub.
A Familiar Face, A Wholly Different Heart
At first glance, the OminiPlus is a dead ringer for the Apple silicon Mac mini, featuring the same minimalist square footprint and slim profile. But where Apple has gone all-in on its own ecosystem, Orico is betting on versatility. The real story begins on the back panel, which is packed with an impressive array of connectivity options that surpasses many competitors in this segment.
The Orico OminiPlus port configuration is as follows:
- 2x USB4 Ports: This is the headline feature. With support for 40 Gbps data transfer, power delivery, and DisplayPort Alt Mode, these ports are the gateway to blistering speeds and dual 4K display connectivity. Crucially, they also open the door for external GPU (eGPU) support.
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-A: For your faster peripherals and external storage.
- 2x USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) Type-A: Ideal for keyboards, mice, or other accessories that don't require high bandwidth.
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4 & 1x HDMI 2.1: This duo ensures support for multiple high-resolution monitors right out of the box, without needing to occupy the versatile USB4 ports.
- 2x 2.5G Ethernet Ports: A boon for network administrators, network-attached storage (NAS) power users, or anyone needing robust wired connectivity.
- 1x 3.5 mm Audio Jack: For your favorite headset or speakers.
Performance That Packs a Punch: AMD Ryzen Inside
While Orico has yet to release a full, detailed spec sheet, promotional materials confirm the OminiPlus is powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor. This is a "Rembrandt R" series APU built on the Zen 3+ architecture, a capable and efficient chip that often appears in thin-and-light laptops.
It features integrated Radeon 660M graphics, which is more than sufficient for smooth 4K video playback, light photo editing, and even moderate gaming or emulation of older consoles. For many, this iGPU will be perfectly adequate for daily tasks. However, the real game-changer is the inclusion of those two USB4 ports.
The eGPU Advantage: Unleashing Desktop-Class Graphics
This is where the Orico OminiPlus transforms from a competent mini PC into a potential sleeper gaming rig. The USB4 ports, which are functionally equivalent to Thunderbolt 3, support connecting an external graphics dock. This means you can pair the compact OminiPlus with a powerful desktop graphics card like an NVIDIA RTX 4060 or an AMD Radeon 7700 XT when you're at your desk, then unplug for a truly portable experience.
For those looking to take this plunge, compatible eGPU enclosures are already on the market, such as the GMKtec AD-GP1, which is currently available on Amazon. This functionality gives the OminiPlus a level of future-proofing and upgradeability that is simply unheard of in the Apple camp.
Internals: Room to Grow
Peeking inside via promo images reveals a thoughtfully designed interior. The Orico OminiPlus features dual DDR5 SODIMM slots for memory and, even more impressively, two M.2 slots for PCIe storage drives. This allows users to configure their system with ample RAM and set up a speedy RAID storage array or simply have a dedicated boot drive and a massive game library drive.
The images also show a dedicated cooling solution with a heat pipe and fan, suggesting Orico has engineered the OminiPlus to handle the sustained performance of the 35W+ APU without thermal throttling, even under heavy loads.
Availability and Pricing
So, how much for this Mac mini doppelgänger with an AMD heart? Official global pricing and configurations are still under wraps, but an early listing has appeared on the Chinese marketplace JD.com.
One configuration with 16 GB of RAM and a sizable 2 TB of storage is listed for CNY 3,799, which translates to approximately $534. This positions the Orico OminiPlus as a competitively priced alternative to both the Apple Mac mini and other Intel NUC-style systems.
You can find this early listing for the Orico OminiPlus on JD.com here to get a closer look. Orico is expected to share more detailed specifications and global availability information in the coming weeks.
The Orico OminiPlus represents an exciting new option in the mini PC space. It borrows a winning design but forges its own path with a powerful AMD core, exceptional connectivity, and the unique potential for eGPU upgrades. It’s a compelling package that proves good things really do come in small packages.
