Hasta La Ideas

You know how every time Apple launches a feature on the iPhone, Android people rush to point out they did it first, or they did it better? If you’re a Windows fan, this post might just be perfect for you. At the end of last month, Apple debuted the M4 Mac mini, surprising us not with just a chip upgrade, but a size downgrade too. A fraction of its original size, this newer Mac mini was tailored for Apple’s AI (or Apple Intelligence), and was designed to be a functional power-house. Not to be outdone, however… it seems like MiniForum has a Windows-based answer to the new Mac mini.

The EliteMini AI370 may be a bit of a handful name-wise, but it’s a handful when it comes to performance, ports, and portability too. Powered by AMD’s latest AI-ready Ryzen processor and the Radeon 890M, the EliteMini has 12 cores, 24 threads, and 50 TOPS of AI processing, ready to easily handle any demanding task from gaming to video editing or even working with AI models without breaking a sweat. The entire device measures just 5 inches across, making it exactly as small as the Mac mini, albeit with way more ports… and perhaps the most important feature – a front-facing power button.

Designer: MinisForum

Under the hood, the EliteMini AI370 boasts AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which makes multitasking a breeze. With 12 cores and 24 threads, this chip is engineered for the heavy workloads you’d typically assign to a full-sized desktop, handling everything from advanced editing to 3D rendering with ease. Thanks to AMD’s XDNA2 architecture, this processor includes a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), delivering up to 50 TOPS (trillion operations per second) in AI power. If you’re working with AI applications, real-time rendering, or advanced editing software, this kind of performance is a huge asset, enhancing productivity while keeping things running smoothly.

Graphics enthusiasts and gamers will appreciate the Radeon 890M integrated graphics. Unlike many compact PCs that struggle with graphical processing, the EliteMini is geared for high-quality visuals, with frame rates above 60 FPS. This makes it more than capable for gaming and intensive creative applications. Having this level of integrated GPU performance means you won’t need to invest in an external GPU—perfect if you’re tight on desk space or don’t want extra hardware cluttering your setup.

Memory and storage are equally robust in the EliteMini AI370, with 32GB of DDR5 memory clocked at a fast 7500 MHz. This speed is a lifesaver for multitasking, allowing you to work across several applications without stalling. Storage options are equally impressive, supporting up to 4TB of PCIe NVMe SSD. That’s plenty of space for large project files, software libraries, and extensive media, while the SSD’s high-speed access means you won’t be stuck waiting around for files to load. For everything else, there are ports on both the front as well as the back.

All this power and performance gets packed into a compact and accessible device, fitting neatly on any desk setup. The 5-inch form factor is easy to overlook, but don’t let its size fool you—this mini-PC holds its own. For users who need a flexible and minimal setup, the EliteMini offers a front-facing USB-C setup and headphone jack, while ports on the back include three USB 4.0, HDMI, and an Ethernet connection that’s upgradable to 10GbE. As a (probably) unintentional jab to Apple, the EliteMini puts its power button smack-dab on the front of the mini PC too, making it MUCH more accessible than the Mac mini’s awkwardly placed power button.

Of course, all these features come at a price. The EliteMini AI370 starts at an introductory $1,099, with a regular price of $1,399, reflecting the high-end components and capabilities. For comparison, Apple’s Mac Mini M4 starts at $599, but it lacks the EliteMini’s integrated AI capabilities and has fewer configuration options. For Windows users who prioritize performance and customization, the EliteMini’s added capabilities and that compact design make it a perfect alternative to the Mac mini. Besides, if you’re going to be working with AI models, you’d want a computer that’s AI ready too, no?

The post EliteMini AI370: The Tiny Windows Mini-PC Built to Outperform Apple’s M4 Mac mini first appeared on Yanko Design.