The ACEMAGIC E2 Mini PC combines a 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N97 processor, 16GB RAM, and dual storage (512GB M.2 SSD + 2.5” SSD slot) in a micro-sized chassis. It supports 4K UHD, Gigabit Ethernet, and WiFi 5, making it ideal for home offices, media centers, and light gaming. Its balance of power, expandability, and energy efficiency outperforms similar mini PCs.
MSI 2024 Cubi N ADL Mini Desktop
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 |
How Does the Alder Lake N97 Processor Enhance Performance?
The 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N97 CPU in the ACEMAGIC E2 features hybrid architecture with Performance and Efficient cores, delivering up to 3.6GHz clock speeds. This enables smooth multitasking for office apps, 4K video playback, and light gaming while maintaining a 12W TDP for quiet, cool operation. Benchmarks show 28% faster single-core performance than previous-gen Celerons.
The processor’s advanced 10nm SuperFin technology allows it to dynamically allocate tasks between its four Efficient-cores and single Performance-core. This design proves particularly effective in productivity scenarios where users might simultaneously run video conferencing software, spreadsheet applications, and browser tabs. Thermal testing reveals the chip maintains temperatures below 65°C even during sustained loads, thanks to the copper heat pipe cooling solution. Compared to AMD’s Ryzen 3 7320U in similar mini PCs, the N97 demonstrates 18% better performance per watt in PCMark 10 benchmarks.
What Storage Options Does the E2 Mini PC Offer?
This mini PC includes a 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD for fast boot times and app loading, plus a vacant 2.5″ SATA III bay supporting up to 2TB HDD/SSD expansion. Users can configure RAID 0/1 for redundancy or speed. Real-world tests show 1,850MB/s read speeds on the M.2 drive – ideal for video editors and data-heavy workflows.
Intel Core i5-8250U for Gaming
Can the ACEMAGIC E2 Handle 4K Gaming and Streaming?
While not designed for AAA gaming, the E2’s Intel UHD Graphics (16 EUs) supports 4K@60Hz output via HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort. It smoothly streams HDR content on Netflix/YouTube and runs esports titles like League of Legends at 1080p/60fps. For retro gaming, it emulates PS2/Wii U games at 2x resolution via RetroArch.
How Does Expandability Compare to Other Mini PCs?
Unlike many mini PCs with soldered RAM, the E2 uses a DDR4 SODIMM slot (upgradeable to 32GB) and dual storage bays. It also includes USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps) ports, a rare microSD card reader, and dual HDMI outputs for multi-monitor setups. Industrial-grade heat pipes allow sustained performance without throttling.
What Energy Efficiency Advantages Does It Provide?
With a 12W TDP and 19V/3.42A power adapter, the E2 consumes 8-10W during typical use – 85% less than desktop PCs. ENERGY STAR certification ensures eco-friendly operation. In sleep mode, it uses just 0.5W, saving ~$23/year in electricity costs compared to a 65W gaming PC running 8 hours daily.
The energy-efficient design extends beyond basic power metrics. During video playback tests, the E2 maintained consistent 9.2W consumption versus 14W in competing models using older processors. Users can monitor real-time power draw through the included system utility, which also suggests optimization profiles for different usage scenarios:
| Usage Scenario | Power Consumption | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Idle (Desktop) | 6.8W | $7.45 |
| 4K Video Playback | 9.1W | $9.96 |
| Office Productivity | 8.3W | $9.09 |
“The ACEMAGIC E2 redefines mini PC value by pairing Alder Lake’s IPC gains with user-replaceable components. Its dual storage and Ethernet/WiFi 5 combo make it perfect for Proxmox home servers or lightweight CAD workstations. We’ve stress-tested it for 72 hours without thermal throttling – a rarity in this form factor.”
– TechLab Insights, Mini PC Hardware Analyst
Conclusion
The ACEMAGIC E2 Mini PC delivers desktop-grade versatility in a 5.1×5.1×1.8-inch chassis, balancing performance and efficiency. Its upgrade-friendly design and 4K capabilities cater to hybrid work environments, while the competitive $299 price undercuts rivals like Beelink and Minisforum. For users seeking a future-proof compact system, the E2 stands as a compelling choice in 2024’s mini PC market.
FAQs
- Does it support Windows 11 Pro?
- Yes, it ships with Windows 11 Pro pre-activated, including BitLocker encryption and Remote Desktop functionality.
- Can I install Linux distributions?
- Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Manjaro have full driver support. The BIOS offers secure boot toggle for dual-boot setups.
- What’s the warranty period?
- ACEMAGIC provides a 2-year limited warranty with optional 3-year extension. Fan and SSD are covered for 30 months.