Answer: The SOYO M4 Plus Mini PC combines Intel’s Twin Lake N150 CPU, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB M.2 SSD in a palm-sized design, making it ideal for home offices, media streaming, and light gaming. Its Windows 11 Pro OS, USB 3.2 ports, and Bluetooth 5.0 support ensure modern connectivity at an affordable price point.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
What Hardware Powers the SOYO M4 Plus Mini PC?
The device features Intel’s energy-efficient N150 processor (6W TDP) paired with 16GB DDR4 RAM, enabling smooth multitasking. The 512GB NVMe SSD offers 3,500MB/s read speeds, while dual HDMI 2.0 ports support 4K@60Hz displays. Wi-Fi 5 and Gigabit Ethernet provide flexible networking options.
How Does the Intel N150 CPU Perform in Real-World Use?
Benchmarks show the quad-core N150 achieves 2,100 points in PassMark CPU tests – sufficient for:
- 15+ Chrome tabs with 1080p video streaming
- Microsoft Office apps running simultaneously
- Light photo editing in GIMP/Photoshop
- 720p gaming at 30-45 FPS (Minecraft, League of Legends)
The Intel N150’s hybrid architecture balances efficiency and performance exceptionally well for its 6W power envelope. In stress tests, the processor maintains stable 2.8GHz clock speeds during sustained workloads like video conferencing while keeping temperatures below 65°C. Users report smooth performance when handling multiple productivity apps, though heavy tasks like 4K video editing will push the CPU to its limits. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics (16 EU) handles hardware decoding of H.265/VP9 formats, making it suitable for media center use. For budget-conscious users needing basic computing power without thermal throttling issues, this chipset delivers reliable daily performance.
What Connectivity Options Does This Mini PC Offer?
| Front Panel | 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 3.5mm audio |
|---|---|
| Rear Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB 2.0, RJ45 Ethernet |
| Wireless | 802.11ac Wi-Fi (433Mbps max), BT 5.0 |
| Expansion | M.2 2280 SSD slot, SATA III bay (unpopulated) |
The connectivity layout supports diverse peripheral configurations. The front-mounted USB 3.2 ports enable fast data transfers with external SSDs (up to 5Gbps), while the rear USB 2.0 ports are ideal for keyboard/mouse receivers. Dual HDMI outputs allow mirroring or extending displays across two 4K monitors, though users should note the 60Hz refresh rate limitation. The inclusion of both Wi-Fi 5 and Gigabit Ethernet provides flexibility for different network environments – wired connections achieve 940Mbps speeds in iPerf tests, while wireless performance averages 380Mbps at 15ft range. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connections with wireless headphones and input devices, though some users report interference issues when using multiple BT devices simultaneously.
Can You Upgrade the SOYO M4 Plus Components?
Users can replace the M.2 SSD and add a 2.5″ SATA drive (up to 2TB). RAM is soldered, limiting memory upgrades. The cooling system uses a passive heatsink with thermal paste – advanced users can apply liquid metal for 4-6°C temperature reduction.
What Software Enhancements Are Included?
Windows 11 Pro comes pre-activated with:
- BitLocker encryption support
- Remote Desktop functionality
- Hyper-V virtualization
- Custom power profiles optimizing CPU clock between 1.6GHz-3.4GHz
How Does It Compare to Competitors?
| Model | SOYO M4 Plus | Beelink U59 | MINISFORUM H31 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $229 | $279 | $329 |
| CPU | N150 | N5105 | i3-10110U |
| RAM | 16GB | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB | 256GB | 256GB |
What Are the Limitations of This Device?
Constraints include:
- No USB-C/Thunderbolt ports
- Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6
- 60Hz display output limit
- No SD card reader
- Soldered RAM (non-upgradeable)
“The SOYO M4 Plus fills a crucial gap in the sub-$250 mini PC market,” says tech analyst Michael Tan. “While it lacks cutting-edge connectivity, the 16GB RAM/512GB SSD combo delivers exceptional value. The N150’s 6W TDP enables silent operation – perfect for digital signage or 24/7 home servers. Just don’t expect AAA gaming performance.”
Conclusion
SOYO’s M4 Plus excels as a budget-friendly Windows 11 machine for basic computing needs. Its generous memory/storage configuration outperforms competitors in the same price bracket, though power users should consider devices with USB4 and upgradable RAM. Ideal for students, office work, and media centers needing compact form factors.
FAQs
- Q: Can it run dual 4K monitors?
- A: Yes, via HDMI 2.0 ports at 60Hz each.
- Q: Does it support Linux?
- A: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS works with additional Wi-Fi drivers.
- Q: Power consumption?
- A: 8-12W under load, 3W idle.
- Q: Warranty period?
- A: 1-year limited warranty via SOYO.