Kreative Devices AMD Mini Ultra features the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 but suffers from excessive fan noise

The Kreative Devices AMD Mini Ultra is a compact PC powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, offering high-end mobile performance in a small form factor. While the all-metal chassis provides a premium feel, the review unit exhibited quality control issues, including paint blemishes and a flimsy power button. Performance benchmarks in Cinebench and Geekbench show the device trailing slightly behind other HX 370-based systems, likely due to thermal management or power limit configurations. The most prominent drawback is the fan noise, which reaches 39 dBA at idle and 53 dBA under load, making it one of the loudest mini PCs in its class. Software concerns include pre-installed potentially unwanted programs and outdated UEFI BIOS security certificates that should have been updated in 2023. Despite these flaws, the device includes versatile connectivity options like OCuLink and USB4, supporting external GPUs with minimal performance loss. It also features excellent wireless range thanks to external antennas. However, the high price point and lack of a barebones option make it less competitive compared to established brands in the mini PC market.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Kreative Devices AMD Mini Ultra is a compact PC powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, offering high-end mobile performance in a small form factor. While the all-metal chassis provides a premium feel, the review unit exhibited quality control issues, including paint blemishes and a flimsy power button. Performance benchmarks in Cinebench and Geekbench show the device trailing slightly behind other HX 370-based systems, likely due to thermal management or power limit configurations. The most prominent drawback is the fan noise, which reaches 39 dBA at idle and 53 dBA under load, making it one of the loudest mini PCs in its class. Software concerns include pre-installed potentially unwanted programs and outdated UEFI BIOS security certificates that should have been updated in 2023. Despite these flaws, the device includes versatile connectivity options like OCuLink and USB4, supporting external GPUs with minimal performance loss. It also features excellent wireless range thanks to external antennas. However, the high price point and lack of a barebones option make it less competitive compared to established brands in the mini PC market.

The AMD Mini Ultra is powered by the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with 12 cores and Radeon 890M graphics. Fan noise is exceptionally high, reaching 53 dBA under load and remaining audible at 39 dBA during idle.

The review unit showed quality control issues, including paint blemishes on the chassis and a flimsy power button. Benchmarks indicate the device performs slightly below other mini PCs using the same HX 370 processor.

Pre-installed software included potentially unwanted programs like Ludashi, and the BIOS security certificates were outdated. Connectivity is a strength, featuring both OCuLink and USB4 ports for high-speed peripherals and external GPUs.

The device features excellent wireless and Bluetooth range due to its use of external antennas.

Chapter guide

Introduction to Kreative DevicesOverview of the New York-based company and the AMD Mini Ultra product.Build Quality and DesignInitial impressions of the metal chassis, power button, and physical blemishes.Technical SpecificationsDetails on the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and Radeon 890M graphics.Unboxing and AccessoriesA look at the included power supply, cables, VESA mount, and antennas.Pricing and ConfigurationsAnalysis of the cost and available hardware options on the manufacturer's website.Port Selection and ConnectivityDetailed walkthrough of front and rear I/O, including OCuLink and USB4.Internal ComponentsExamination of the RAM slots, M.2 storage, and internal cooling fan.Software and BIOS ConcernsFindings regarding pre-installed bloatware and outdated security certificates.Performance BenchmarksComparative results for Cinebench, Geekbench, and video encoding tasks.Gaming and eGPU TestingReal-world gaming performance and external GPU testing via OCuLink.Power, Thermals, and NoiseMeasurements of power draw, CPU temperatures, and excessive fan noise levels.BIOS Settings and SummaryOverview of available BIOS options and a final checklist of pros and cons.

Worth noting

  • The review unit exhibited specific build quality issues like paint blemishes that may not be present in all retail units.
  • The pre-installed software (Ludashi) is flagged as a potentially unwanted program by some security software.
  • The BIOS security certificates were noted as being outdated since 2023, which is a manufacturing-side oversight.
  • The device was provided by Kreative Devices for the purpose of this review.

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