MINIX NGC N512, review: compact computer with Intel Core i5-12600H

The MINIX NGC N512 is a new mini PC from the MINIX brand that we present today in its analysis or review. A machine with great design and good performance.

In this review we will see in detail how the MINIX N512 works, a mini PC that stands out for its neat compact aluminum case and efficient Intel Core i5-12600H processor with 12 cores and 16 threads manufactured in 10 nm. This desktop computer offers us DDR5 RAM, a NVMe 4.0×4 SSD drive, a total of four video outputs with HDMI 2.1 TMDS that enhances the signal and a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port with speeds of up to 40 Gbps.

Let’s see in our review how it fares against its direct competition.

MINIX N512 review g003

MINIX NGC N512 mini PC details

MINIX NGC N512
CPU: Intel Core i5-12600H 4P-8E-16H 3.3-4.5GHz / 35-95 W TDP / 10 nm (Intel 7).
GPU: Intel Xe / 80 EU / 1400 MHz.
System: Windows 11 Pro 64bit.
RAM: 16 GB DDR5 4800 MHz / 2x SODIMM.
Storage: 500 GB 1x NVMe 4.0×4 1x NVMe 4.0×4 Free
Network: Wifi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 (Intel AX201) / 1x Ethernet 2.5G / 1x Ethernet 1G.
Ports: 1x USB4 / 1x USB-C 3.2 G2 / 3x USB-A 3.2 G2 / 2x HDMI 2.1 TMDS / 1x Audio Jack.
Contents: GaN PD 100 W Adapter / 1x HDMI Cable / Manual.
Materials and measurements: Aluminum / Front Led / 120x120x16 mm / 380 gr.

Unboxing of MINIX NGC N512

The new MINIX NGC N512 is presented in a cardboard box well protected against shocks. A compact charger, VESA bracket, manual and HDMI cable are included.

MINIX N512 review g001

Description of the MINIX NGC N512

This compact PC MINIX NGC N512 has an aluminum case with white top area. On the front we have the power button and several ports, behind we have the rest of data and video ports. It highlights its USB4 port up to 40 Gbps and the 2.5G Ethernet connector.

  • Ports: 1x USB4 / 1x USB-C 3.2 G2 / 3x USB-A 3.2 G2 / 2x HDMI 2.1 TMDS / 1x Jack / 2x Ethernet.

MINIX N512 review g012

We easily remove the bottom cover where we can see the NVMe M.2 2280 PCIe 4×4 500 GB disk and RAM, we find mounted a SODIMM 16 GB DDR5 5600 MHz in two slots expandable up to 64 GB. Another SSD M.2 PCIe 4x 2280 can be mounted. As cooling we have a fan in the lower area where we have the processor.

System and performance

Environment and user experience

We start the MINIX NGC N512 by pressing the power button, the front LED lights up and in a few seconds we get to the Windows 11 Pro 64 bit desktop. We check that we have all drivers installed correctly, this PC is updated without problems with Windows Update. The system moves very smoothly, it is a small computer valid for using design apps at a good level and desktop use.

Network, Storage, RAM and Ports

In terms of networking, on the MINIX NGC N512 we find a Wifi 6 wireless adapter and Bluetooth 5.2 (Intel AX201) with good speed, a 1G Ethernet port and a 2.5G Ethernet port (Realtek). The SSD is a NVMe PCIe 4.0×4 with good speeds, we can also mount another M.2 PCIe NVMe 2280. The RAM memory is 16 GB DDR5 5600 MHz in a SODIMM with Single Channel configuration. The two USB4 40Gbps connectors are compatible with DisplayPort video and charging, they work perfectly with an external GPU.

  • Wifi: Range 40 dBm / Link 5G 2400 Mbps / Bluetooth OK.

MINIX N512 review t03

Processor, performance and thermals

The efficient MINIX NGC N512 PC integrates the Intel Core i5-12600H (Alder Lake) chip manufactured in 10 nm (Intel 7) with 12 cores (4 performance and 8 efficient) and 16 threads, up to 4.5 GHz. In the graphics section we have an Intel Xe GPU up to 1400 MHz with 80 EU. This processor has a power consumption limited to 45 W TDP, in the BIOS there is no option to modify it. This computer has a good computational performance, suitable for use with KODI or IPTV and editing applications at high load level.

MINIX NGC N512 Benchmarks

We performed several performance tests with the MINIX NGC N512, as we can see its performance is at a very good level, especially in raw computation. The GPU installed Intel Xe with 96EU, which as can be seen offers much better performance than the Intel HD Graphics, being close to the classic AMD Vega.

We found that in the MINIX NGC N512 we have a good thermal performance, the system keeps the temperatures under control with its semi-passive silent fan on desktop. At idle it is almost inaudible and in games we do notice much more noise.

  • Consumption: Off 0.9W / Idle 6W / Usage 28W / Max 67W.
  • Thermal: 40ºC – 71ºC Max / 77ºC Gaming / CPU 3.4 GHz Max / Performance up to 100%.
  • Noise: 41 dBA Max / Variable RPM / Semi-passive.

MINIX N512 review t05

Gaming on the MINIX NGC N512

We ran multiple gaming tests on the MINIX NGC N512 and the results are in line with this type of integrated GPU. As we can see Intel Xe GPU with 80 EU is suitable for games in 1080p or 720p quality, it is not suitable for heavy games with a lot of 3D elements. It is possible to use the XeSS system to get some more performance in games losing quality, yes.

  • Setting: Medium quality / 1080p resolution / No VSync / Play emulators with RetroArch.
  • On models with integrated Intel HD GPU on low and 720p resolution.

This mini PC allows us to enjoy titles like LoL, in more demanding games like Fornite with the graphics settings in performance mode is playable because it reaches 62 fps in low quality and in DX11 mode we can reach 38 fps. As for emulators at most we stay in some simple titles of Switch, PS3 and the like, as we can not with very demanding modern games.

fornite perf mode

Video and audio test

Playback test

In the video playback section, this MINIX NGC N512 has an integrated Intel Xe GPU that has a VPU with support for HEVC, VP9 and AV1 codecs. We also have support for HDR10 and multichannel audio up to 7.1. This PC is totally valid as a multimedia system to use KODI, IPTV or to use it with PLEX. We have connected without problems 4 monitors to this MINIX, the detection is automatic and we can manage them from Windows natively.

Video and audio test results

Codec Result
h.264 4K@30 Max (HW)
h.265 4K@60 HDR Max (HW)
VP9 4K@60 Max / 8K@60 Frameskip (HW)
AV1 4K@60 Max / 8K@60 Frameskipping (HW)
  • Maximum bitrate: 350 Mbps.
  • HW = Hardware Acceleration / SW = No Hardware Acceleration.
Compatibility Formats
Native Dolby 5.1 – Plus / DTS 5.1 – Master Audio
Core Dolby HD – Atmos / DTS HR – X
PCM All
  • Formats: Native = Full Support / Core = 5.1 Only / PCM = Stereo / More info.

Streaming services on the MINIX NGC N512

As the tests show, the MINIX NGC N512 works well in our tests with the most popular streaming services, the results are good in general. You can consult our guides where we explain in detail all the most popular streaming services, in it we explain how to get Full HD quality or up to 4K resolutions.

Streaming Results

Streaming service Video / Audio
Youtube 4K (2160p) / 5.1
Netflix 4K (2160p) / 5.1 / Netflix guide for PC
Max FullHD (1080p) / Estéreo / Max guide for PC
Disney+ FullHD (1080p) / 5.1 / Disney+ guide for PC
Prime Video FullHD (1080p) / 5.1 / Prime Video guide for PC
Apple TV+ FullHD (1080p) / 5.1 / Apple TV+ Guide
DAZN HD (720p) / Stereo
IPTV FullHD (1080i) / Stereo

netflix pc eng n01 min

Conclusions and purchase links for MINIX NGC N512

Opinion about the MINIX NGC N512

The MINIX NGC N512 is an attractive mini PC with a metal case and enough power for many users. It performs perfectly in medium design and multimedia apps. The Intel Core i5-12600H processor gives good results, especially in raw CPU calculations while the Intel Xe GPU is limited when it comes to enjoying demanding 3D games.

Its configuration features four video outputs and two NVMe 4.0×4 SSD slots. Two full USB-C ports, one of them Thunderbolt 4 up to 40 Gbps, which can even be used with an eGPU, are appreciated. We also have a semi-passive fan that is not annoying at all and is only audible in high performance scenarios.

The MINIX NGC N512 mini PC is a compact, powerful and efficient computer. Thanks to it we can use design apps at a good level, consume multimedia or play games without taking up too much volume.

Evaluation

PROS
  • Efficient processor
  • Four video outputs
  • 4.0×4 NVMe disk
  • Aluminum case
  • Semi-passive fan
  • USB-C Thunderbolt 4
  • DDR5 RAM
CONS
  • Price can be better
Score – 85%

Where to buy

MINIX NGC N512

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x