According to the news, smartphone manufacturers have suspended orders for memory due to significant price increases, which has also affected computer prices.

The newly launched models show a very obvious price increase, with some 32GB memory modules exceeding four thousand yuan. For students on a budget who want to buy a computer, it’s best to quickly look for models that are still affordable.

Next, let’s discuss the newly released mini PC powered by the Ryzen 7 255 processor, where the price changes are quite noticeable!

1. Mingfan New X1 Lite 255

The Mingfan X1 Lite 255 mini PC is equipped with the AMD Ryzen R7 255 processor, which is a descendant of the Ryzen R7 7840 series. It features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a boost clock of up to 4.9GHz, based on the Zen4 architecture, and a thermal design power of 65 watts.

The graphics card is the Radeon 780M, and the entire system operates at a power release of 65 watts, making this graphics card an ideal combination for mini PCs or ultrabooks.

If the performance release is too strong, it may not be meaningful if the cooling cannot keep up in a small space. Additionally, with the rising prices of memory and storage, it is expected to be used for quite a long time.

The barebone system is priced around 1999 yuan, and if you already have memory and storage, you can save some money. Of course, the 32GB + 1TB version is currently available for 3286 yuan, which is still quite reasonable.

After all, the specifications include DDR5 5600MHz, and the 32GB memory is valued at around 1500 yuan, with the potential to expand up to 128GB.

The interfaces include one USB4, HDMI 2.1, an RJ45 wired network port, and four USB-A ports, along with an OCuLink interface to fully utilize your home graphics card.

2. Zhilike SER9MAX

Also powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 255 processor, the Zhilike SER9MAX is priced at 2246 yuan as a barebone system, while the 32GB + 1TB version is priced at 4596 yuan. What makes it so expensive?

From an appearance standpoint, it has a slightly higher aesthetic appeal than the Mingfan model, and its detailed configuration has some unique features. The Mingfan model has more interfaces, while Zhilike offers substantial specifications as well.

Both systems have a power release of 65 watts, but the memory specification supports up to 256GB DDR5 5600MHz, which is very impressive, and the storage can go up to 8TB.

The interfaces are also noteworthy, featuring WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, two audio ports, and interestingly, a wired network port with a speed of 10Gbps, as well as DP 2.1 and HDMI supporting 4K 240Hz high refresh rate video output.

Additionally, it includes USB4 and 10Gbps USB-A and USB-C ports, making it very attractive for high external connection requirements.

While it may not offer the best price-performance ratio, it does have highlights in its detailed configuration. If you need a DP 2.1 port and a 10Gbps network port, it is worth considering.

3. Thunder God MIX II

Another model with the same processor is the Thunder God MIX II, which comes with 32GB of memory and a 1TB SSD, priced at 3180 yuan after subsidies, which is quite reasonable.

The entire system can stably operate at 65 watts, with a maximum of 70 watts, featuring a metal chassis and a colorful logo.

The interfaces include six USB-A ports, which is quite impressive, and there is also a USB4 port, with two of the USB-A ports being USB 3.2 Gen 2, which means they support 10Gbps speeds.

In other aspects, it is not much different from other mini PCs, making it just another option!

What if you don’t have that much budget?

You can look for older models that are still available, such as the Mingfan 760 Slim, which is equipped with the Ryzen 5 7640HS, a processor from 2023. It is essentially the same, just with a different branding.

The graphics card is the Radeon 760M, which is slightly lower than the 780M, and the memory specification is DDR5 5600MHz, expandable up to 96GB, making it quite versatile.

The interfaces include two 10Gbps USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, USB4, and a 2.5G wired network port, etc. In practical use, the differences from the above models are minimal.

Although it has also seen a price increase, the 16GB + 512GB version can still be purchased for just over two thousand yuan, and buying second-hand could be even cheaper. Personally, I would recommend looking for second-hand options.

The price increase of mini PCs clearly indicates that laptops and gaming devices will also see price hikes. In comparison, the gaming laptops purchased during the previous subsidy period are now extremely valuable.

For over five thousand yuan, you can buy gaming laptops that are now priced over seven thousand yuan, making them a very good investment.