Minisforum has launched the NAB9S, a compact mini PC that bucks 2026 trends by using DDR4 memory instead of DDR5. Powered by an Intel Core i9-13900HK-a 14-core powerhouse clocked up to 5.4 GHz-the barebones system costs just $400. This combination of a high-end mobile CPU with older, more affordable RAM stands out in a market where most new mini PCs push DDR5.
- Barebones kit: $400
- Fully equipped with 32GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB SSD: $760
Sales are already underway. The $400 barebones model ships without RAM or storage, while the full package with 32GB DDR4 RAM and a 1TB SSD runs $760. Even at that price, it’s competitive considering many DDR5 mini PCs charge a premium primarily because of their memory.
Minisforum didn’t skimp on the CPU. The Core i9-13900HK from Intel’s Raptor Lake generation packs 14 cores arranged as six performance and eight efficiency cores, delivering 20 threads total. Typically reserved for pricey gaming laptops in 2023, this chip now powers a tiny desktop chassis. It’s overkill for office use but ideal for home studios, development tasks, or moderate video editing where compact yet potent hardware is prized.
Minisforum faces stiff competition. Brands like Beelink and GMKtec have pushed mini PCs based on mobile Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 processors over the last two years, usually paired with the latest DDR5 memory. That translates to higher prices. Minisforum’s approach is straightforward: deliver raw CPU power and keep costs down by sticking with DDR4 RAM.
Minisforum NAB9S specifications and features
Despite its small footprint, the NAB9S offers a versatile set of features befitting a serious mini PC. It includes two SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. For storage, there’s an M.2 PCIe 4.0 2280 slot plus room for a 2.5-inch SATA drive-a bonus for users wanting extra capacity for media libraries or backups.
- Intel Core i9-13900HK CPU, up to 5.4 GHz
- 14 cores (6 performance + 8 efficiency) and 20 threads
- Two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, max 32GB RAM
- One M.2 PCIe 4.0 2280 SSD slot
- One 2.5-inch SATA drive bay
- Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2
- Two HDMI ports, two USB-C, multiple USB-A connectors
Minisforum’s NAB9S targets a fiercely competitive price bracket. Canalys notes that mini PCs and compact desktops under $800 are the fastest-growing segments in both corporate and consumer sectors. In this range, buyers prioritize performance per dollar over brand prestige. The NAB9S’s $400 barebones option is a solid foundation for upgrades, while the $760 turnkey version holds its own against entry-level compact desktops.
The choice to pair a mobile flagship CPU with older but cheaper DDR4 RAM highlights a shifting strategy in small form-factor PCs: prioritize raw processing muscle while sidestepping the inflated costs tied to bleeding-edge components. How this balance plays out as mainstream systems catch up with DDR5 affordability-and whether Intel-based minis can outpace their AMD-built rivals-will be important to watch this year.