ACEMAGICIAN AD15 Mini PC
Today I’m excited to bring you the latest scoop on the ACEMAGICIAN AD15, a high-performance NUC mini PC that has caught my attention. Priced at around $350, this mini PC is powered by a 12th generation Intel Core i5 CPU, running at up to 4.4 GHz, and boasts 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a spacious 512GB SSD storage. Additionally, it comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology, Bluetooth 5.2, and a SATA SSD expandable storage facility. In this review, we’re going to explore its capabilities in various applications, including video editing, Windows gaming, and retro gaming. Plus, we’ll dive into its multimedia and expandable storage options.
Unboxing the ACEMAGICIAN AD15
Let’s kick things off with what’s inside the box. Upon opening the package, you’ll find the AD15 model itself, along with the following accessories:
- One HDMI cable
- A 19V 6.3A 119W DC power supply
- The AC power cable for the power supply
- A user manual
ACEMAGICIAN AD15 Design and Ports
The AD15 sports a sleek all-plastic vertical standing design, featuring an Intel Core i5 sticker and a QR code leading to the ACEMAGICIAN website. At the front, there are two USB 3.0 ports, one USB Type-C display port, and a headphone jack. On the rear side, you’ll find two HDMI 2.1 ports, another pair of USB 3.0 ports, a gigabit LAN port, a reset button, the DC power input socket, a Kensington lock, and an exhaust vent. Notably, the AD15 also offers SATA expandable storage, can be used to install alternative operating systems, as well as expanding your storage needs.
Hardware and Performance
Once booted into Windows, we can dive into the hardware and system information. Here’s a quick rundown of the key specs:
- Windows 11 Pro
- Intel Core i5 12450H (8 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4 GHz)
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Intel UHD graphics (12th generation)
- 512GB M.2 SSD (plus expandable SATA SSD storage)
- Wi-Fi 6 (Realtek 8821CE) with Bluetooth 5.2
With these specs, the AD15 shines when connected to a 4K display, offering stunning 4K HDR visuals at 60 Hz with HDR. It also supports multiple display orientations and can even power a touchscreen display via a single USB Type-C cable. Additionally, connecting it to a surround sound AV receiver yields impressive 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound audio.
ACEMAGICIAN AD15 Gaming Performance
While it may not excel in graphics-intensive Windows gaming, the AD15 truly shines when it comes to PS2 emulation gaming. Games like God of War II run flawlessly at high resolutions, making it a great choice for retro gamers.
ACEMAGICIAN AD15 Benchmarks
In benchmark tests, the AD15 holds its own, with impressive scores in RAM copy speed and internal storage sequential read and write speeds. It also performs well in CPU benchmarks and graphics tests, although it falls short in graphics-intensive games.
ACEMAGICIAN AD15 Expandable Storage Challenges
One hiccup I encountered was the inability to successfully install alternative operating systems onto the expandable SATA SSD storage. Issues with Android x86, FydeOS, and Chrome OS Brunch Framework hindered the installation process.
Conclusion
In summary, the ACEMAGICIAN AD15 is a high-performance mini PC that excels in various tasks, from basic computing to PS2 emulation gaming. Its fast CPU clock speed, expandable storage, and sleek design make it an attractive option for home, office, or educational use. However, it does face limitations in Windows gaming performance and alternative OS installation.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on this impressive mini PC, you’ll be glad to know there’s a $20 on-page coupon available on Amazon. Simply check the link in the description for more details.
