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 NGC N512 mini PC details
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.
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.
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.
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- OS: Windows 11 Pro 64bit / Linux optional.
- Software: No preinstalled apps / Antivirus check = OK.
- BIOS: ESC key access / BIOS AMI text / WOL / Auto Power ON / Power ON RTC / PXE.
- Tutorials: Control with your Smartphone / Install Windows 11 / Migrate Windows to SSD
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.
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.
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.
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: 2x HDMI 2.1 / 2x USB-C with DP 1.4 / 8K@60 / HDR10.
- Audio: HDMI up to 7.1 Jack stereo / Dolby DTS.
- Tutorials: Install KODI with add-ons / Auto refresh rate / Multichannel audio on Windows
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.
- Performance: It has hardware acceleration for AV1 8K codec on YouTube.
- Tutorials: Install Addons in KODI in a simple way / LibreELEC for PC
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 |
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
- Efficient processor
- Four video outputs
- 4.0×4 NVMe disk
- Aluminum case
- Semi-passive fan
- USB-C Thunderbolt 4
- DDR5 RAM
- Price can be better