MINISFORUM NAB9 Mini PC Intel Core i9-12900HK HDMI×2+USB-C×2 Video Outputs Mini Computer, 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, 2X 2.5G RJ45 Port Intel Iris Xe Graphics Eligible Desktop Computer

This unit replaced an Intel NUC 13 Pro that had an issue and ASUS (who took over from Intel) really screwed up the repair (I'll never buy from ASUS ever again). Originally, I had bought Intel since I hoped for reliability and good service and was skeptical of the various Chinese brands/models that make up the majority of the mini PC market. So, this time around I decided to give someone else a try and, after reading lots of online reviews and forum postings, I settled on MinisForum. I debated the NAB9, NAD9 and MS-01.I'm not a gamer and wanted to stick with Intel, even though AMD gets all the praise for their better graphics. I teach I.T. industry certifications (A+N+S+) and need a system that can run up to 4 virtual machines (VMs) like Linux, Windows Server, etc. I also wanted one with various features that I could demonstrate during my online classes (throttling, overclocking, multicore, hyperthreading, etc.).I already had a Samsung 980 SSD (2 TB M.2 NVMe) that I planned to put into the system and so I purchased the barebones kit and installed the SSD and RAM myself (also wanting to see just how easy it would be as this would give me a chance to look inside of the unit). It was a breeze... 32GBx2 SODIMMs (G.Skill) and the Samsung SSD installed in just a couple of minutes. I debated adding an active fan cooler heatsink to the SSD since MinisForum usually uses one when they provide the SSD. However, I ended up just using the passive heatsink that came with the NAB9. If you do plan to add a fan, then make note of the mini connector power plug on the motherboard (it is not the larger 3 pin connector found on many motherboards).Since my SSD already was fully loaded with Win10 Pro and my data, etc. I knew I might need to reinstall the OS since the drivers, etc. would not match those of the MinisForum motherboard and hardware. But I was happy to see that almost all of the drivers (Intel ARC, Intel wired NIC, audio, etc.) did match. This is because the NUC Pro and MinisForum are both based on Intel chipset. The only 2 drivers that gave me problems were the Bluetooth and WiFi NIC. For some reason, MinisForum uses MediaTek instead of Intel for these. Their website is a bit confusing since it only shows the AMD MediaTek drivers, but they seem to work just fine with the Intel 12900HK CPU.After verifying everything was working correctly in Device Manager, HWinfo, etc. I started doing some real work and kept a close eye on the internal temps. Since I'm not a gamer, I don't get overly excited about all the benchmarks (Cinebench, CrystalDiskMark, et.al). I do look at these scores when comparing performance reports online, but I mainly just want to know how something is going to perform doing the things I do in the real world. I am happy to say that so far, the MinisForum NAB9 is doing great. I did push the SSD temp up to around 50C at one point under repeated heavy load but normally it sits right at 45C. And at one point yesterday I pushed the CPU into the 70s C range but today it is running in the 45-55C range with a high temp of 66C. Remember that I'm not a gamer so these numbers are more "real world" for me with a few apps and a VM or two running. If I ever really push this thing into the 70s or 80s for the CPU it would be very rare and unusual and I'm fine if it has to throttle back a little.I'm tested the WiFi, and all seemed good, but I normally run most of my network wired for security, etc. The two built-in NICs (2.5 Gbps) seem to work well and my SpeedTest results are to be expected with my 1 Gbps switch ports and current cable provider ISP service. But at least I have faster NICs should I need them in the future.So, the bottom line is that the NAB9 seems to be a solid performer that could easily manage the workload for many types of buyers. Gamers may look for something faster but if you just want a solid system that should last you several years then this may be the answer. Oh, and the fan is really quiet, which I like since this sits right in front of me as I'm teaching and talking into a webcam microphone, etc. And I did get the 3-year warranty from Amazon "just to play it safe" since I was taking a gamble on a Chinese system. I figure that IF I ever do need any kind of service then it can't be any worse than my experience with ASUS and the Intel NUC 13 Pro... never again ASUS!!! MinisForum, please don't let me don't and you'll have a customer for years to come!!!

At first I was skeptical, but I was wrong. This little PC does everything as advertised.I now have three of these in a storage cluster running a Proxmox server with DAS external usb3 storage. This is for my Proxmox cluster and I do have to admit, these are more powerful than expected. I run all of my proxmox vm's and containers over these three units and use way less electricity than full blown computers. I did a 24/7 workload and electric comparison against larger CEPH units and clearly the little guys won. The only minus I can find is the internal SATA connection which is NOT clearly marked as sata and the 0 pin marking is missing. Sure, there is a white dot on the cable, but no matching dot or arrow on the board. Using a magnifying glass you can see the pins on the cable connector and the Sata socket. Just line them up and gently insert. Helpful is a plastic tool to push in completely.The i5 processor is fast and works great with Proxmox. I updated to 64 Gb of memory and 1 Tb NVMe.All three are very quiet, run cool, very fast, use little electricity, and look good.UPDATE 01/15/2025:All three units are running strong with Proxmox in a cluster. Great speed even with external USB dual 4tb drive inclosures. Every unit was updated to 64 Gb ram, 2 Tb NVMe, and a 2 Tb SSD. This is exactly what I needed for my Proxmox setup.

Almost everything is good with this mini PC, and I am usually pleased with it. My one issue is that if you unplug the power for 2 to 3 weeks the PC will not boot. The computer will drain the CMOS battery and do a good imitation of a brick. If this battery goes flat then nothing works when you reconnect power. The power button will not light up or function until you replace the the CMOS battery. Sort of a pain in the butt. I have old PCs that have been uncovered for years and they will boot up without issue. This has happened twice since June. So, when you go out of town for a long duration make sure you can keep your NAB9 powered up while in secure storage.

I purchased the "barebones" version so that I could max out the RAM and put in a large SSD myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find it packaged very well for shipping in almost "apple like" packaging. And even more pleasantly surprised to find it came with an assortment of extras that I appreciate but hadn't expected including screws, cables, and SSD heat sink. It made assembling it very straightforward. The were no "instructions" included so if you don't have some basic experience with installing simple hardware it may be a little more challenging. The top pops off pretty easily which I see bothered some reviewers, but I didn't find it problematic at all and, so far, it seems to be pretty quiet. I really couldn't be more pleased.

I use 3 computers now. Two of them are laptops and one is a desktop. By the way, all three of my computers have large TV sets as their screens. I like desktops better but they are not portable. So, I bought his Minisforum. After setting it up, U tried to transfer my data It turned out to be a piece of crap. I cannot turn it off by pressing the power button. I have to unplug the power cord to get it turned off. It does not respond to the HMDL cord. I thought the cord was defective. But it worked with other computers. Then I tried different HDML ports on the TV which is used as a monitor. The Mini did not react to the 3 of the 4 ports. The other 3 ports work perfectly with other computers. It does not recognize the flash drive I used for transferring data. The cop keeps popping up. etc. etc. I have never experienced anything like those with all the computers I have ever used.I only have it for about a week. I am going to re-set the mini back to the factory setting and return it.