The mini PC battle of 2025 has begun! Who is stronger, MSI or ZOTAC? Let’s find out! Recently, many users have been asking me: “Can mini PCs really be purchased?” Well, here we are!2025 is truly the year of mini PC explosion, although they still look like the same “small square box”, their performance, cooling, and noise control have all significantly improved, and the prices are quite attractive! Especially with the Ryzen 7 8745HS processor, which maximizes the combat power of mini PCs. Today, I will take you through theMSI CubiNUC andZOTAC SER8, two mini powerhouses with the same chip but different fates, to see which one is more worth bringing home~First, let’s talk about prices, the national subsidy is really attractive The MSI CubiNUC originally priced at 3599 yuan,now 2879 yuan after subsidy; the ZOTAC SER8 originally priced at 3065 yuan,with a subsidy price that can be cut by another 20. This price drop has significantly increased the cost-performance ratio, with both models entering the “3000 yuan sweet spot”, no wonder the tech enthusiasts around me are struggling to choose which one to buy!
Performance: Ryzen 7 8745HS, ridiculously powerful Both machines are equipped with theAMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, with a maximum frequency of 4.9GHz, Zen4 architecture, and RDNA3 integrated graphics (Radeon 780M). They handle office tasks, video editing, and online gaming rendering with ease. I have tested a machine with the same CPU, and it can maintain 60 frames in “Genshin Impact” at high quality, and exporting images in Photoshop is seamless. Using it as a primary machine is absolutely no problem~
However, MSI and ZOTAC have some different approaches to performance release:
- MSI defaults to a power consumption of 45W, butthe BIOS can be unlocked to 54W, suitable for users seeking stability;
- ZOTAC is even more aggressive, offering54W balanced mode and65W performance mode, combined with their large VC heat spreader, making it a performance monster!
Cooling Showdown: Who Keeps Their Cool? What do mini PCs fear the most? Poor cooling turning them into “hot plates”!
- MSI adopts adual-fan design, one for CPU cooling and another dedicated to the hard drive. After continuous video editing for an hour, the body was only slightly warm, and the noise control was like a “well-behaved child”;
- ZOTAC uses a4.8mm thick VC heat spreader + metal casing, and a single fan can handle the 65W aggressive mode. Even at full power, the noise level is only28-35dB (about the level of turning pages in a library).
I must say: ZOTAC’s cooling design is really impressive, the metal casing feels a bit “cool and aloof”, and the rear exhaust doesn’t burn your hand~
Interface Battle: Who is the Expansion King? The number of interfaces directly affects the happiness of external devices!
- MSI provides4 USB-A, 1 USB-C, DP, HDMI, and dual Ethernet ports, allowing connection to three 4K displays without needing to unplug USB drives, hard drives, or network cables;
- ZOTAC goes even further, offering4 USB-A and 2 USB-C, with full HDMI 2.1, USB4 40Gbps, and DP1.4 on the back, making it a dream for triple-screen users and Thunderbolt device users!
However, I must remind you: ZOTAC’s USB4 interface occasionally has compatibility issues, so some docks may require luck, but for everyday use, it’s definitely sufficient!
Choosing Hard Drive and Memory Both models come standard with24GB DDR5 memory + 1TB SSD, but there are differences in expandability:
- MSI hasdual memory slots + single hard drive bay, suitable for those who want a one-stop solution;
- ZOTAC offersdual memory + dual hard drive bays, making it easier to add a 2.5-inch hard drive later, perfect for binge-watchers!
Warranty Matters Ahem, both models only come with1 year warranty, which makes me sigh! However, for an additional 209 yuan, you can extend the warranty to 5 years, covering cleaning and repairs. I suggest not skimping on this, as mini PCs have high integration, and disassembling them yourself can lead to accidents~
Conclusion: Choose According to Your Needs
- If you wanta big brand that is stable as a rock, choose the MSI CubiNUC, with sufficient interfaces and reliable cooling;
- If you pursueextreme performance and expandability, the ZOTAC SER8 with its 65W mode and dual hard drive bays is absolutely fantastic!
Finally, the soul-searching question: Which of these two mini PCs would you pick? Come and tell me in the comments! (Those who are indecisive can wait for the next hands-on video~)