7P: Minisforum Neptune HX99G
Last updated
Last updated
As my primary desktop for "work" and for creating videos and doing art, I use a Minisforum Neptune HX99G that I bought in sale for $1,000 (normally is $1500).
These photos are from Minisforum. This is exactly how mine looks with one exception. Instead of 2 DisplayPort ports on the back, mine has two USB4 ports.
This PC is available in several configurations. Below is the configuration of the one I bought.
Model: HX99G
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
8 Cores/16 Threads
RAM: 64GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600M
Back I/O:
2x HDMI ports
2x USB4 ports
Dome versions of the HX99G have 2x DisplayPort ports instead of USB4
3x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports
1x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A port
RJ45 2.5 Gigabit ethernet port
Front I/O:
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port
1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A port
one USB4 port is connected to a 43" 4K monitor via thunderbolt 3 cable
one of the USBA ports on the back leads to 8 port USB hub placed near . This makes it easy for me to try different tablets and other devices
One of the HDMI ports is connected to a 32" monitor
I have it connected to a Rode RODECaster Duo for audio recording
I typically have it connnected to 3 displays simultaneously (2 monitors, and 1 pen display).
Although it can handle 4 separate displays, I've only used it that way very rarely.
This is my every day “work” PC. All my major tasks are performed on this PC. These tasks include:
Creating my YouTube videos. This involves recording audio. Writing scripts. Creating PowerPoint slides. And audio and video editing.
Writing documents that I published my website
Creating artwork - mostly with clip studio paint and Krita
Photoediting - with Photoshop and Affinity Photo
Writing code using Visual Studio
I have not tried gaming on this PC.
VERY GOOD.
In the year I've been using it, there have been 2 times it froze up and required me to restart.
Occasionally when I am watching a YouTube video and I am doing something it can cause some stuttering for about 2 seconds and then goes back to normal. I don't know what the cause is, and it happens only about once a month.
For my needs has been excellent. I don't honestly feel like it has restricted me in any way to switch from a full desktop to this minipc.
Essentially silent. You would have to put your ear right next to the device to hear a slight hum.
Every now and then when I am exporting a video I might hear the fans ramp up loudly. But otherwise, I consider this mini-pc completely silent.
There were several reasons
I was looking for something quiet - silent if I can get it.
I wanted something more portable. I like rearranging my workspace a lot. The idea was to place a mini-pc on a desk that has casters. I keep the minipc on my desk and this lets me essentially roll the entire desk that carries my entire workspace into different places in my house.
I had tried a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 to serve the role of a Mini-PC. This worked overall well, however:
The Surface Pro - for no clear reason- would randomly start aggressively spinning its fans loudly.
The Surface Pro didn't support as many connected displays as I wanted.
The performance was OK but I felt it struggled when editing videos
Only a few I/O options - even when used with the Microsoft Surface Dock
I am looking forward to the possibility of ARM processors in mini-pcs. This might give me even more power with even less power consumption and fan noise.
I wish the stuttering I mentioned earlier did not happen. It's a minor irritation and only sometimes occurs for a few seconds, but it does mar an otherwise excellent experience.
one USB4 port is has an 2 foot UseBean USB-C Extension cable () that runs from the back to the front. This makes it very easy for me to try out different pen displays.
