MECHREVO iMini Pro Mini PC Review: Equipped with Intel Core Ultra 5 125H

Introducing the MECHREVO iMini Pro, a cutting-edge mini PC that has recently joined the ranks of the first devices to showcase the latest Intel Meteor Lake CPUs. Armed with the formidable Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, complemented by Intel ARC graphics, a robust 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and a lightning-fast 1 TB storage capacity, this compact powerhouse is making waves in the tech market. Priced at CNY4499 (approximately $636), it stands as an intriguing option for those seeking a potent computing experience in a diminutive form factor.

At the heart of the iMini Pro lies the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, a member of the new H series, promising a potent blend of processing capabilities. With a 14-core, 18-thread CPU configuration, including 4 Performance-cores, 7 Efficiency-cores, and 2 Low Power Efficiency-cores, this 65W turbo-powered chip boasts a maximum clock speed of 4.5 GHz. With 18 MB of cache to support its prowess, the iMini Pro's processor sets the stage for robust performance across various computing tasks.

MECHREVO's design philosophy for the iMini Pro takes a page from the sleek aesthetics of the Apple Mac Mini, particularly the M2 model. Encased in a silver-white anodized sandblasted aluminum alloy housing, complemented by shiny silver edges, the mini PC exudes a modern and sophisticated appeal. As the MECHREVO iMini Pro steps into the spotlight, we delve into its features, performance, and design to assess its potential as a game-changer in the realm of mini computing.

Design

The MECHREVO iMini Pro Mini PC boasts a sleek and modern design, crafted from silver-white anodized sandblasted aluminum alloy. Its square silhouette bears a striking resemblance to Apple's iMac Mini PC, reflecting a minimalist aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into any workspace. Measuring at a compact 154 x 152 x 37.8mm, and with a mere weight of 0.79kg, this mini PC is exceptionally portable and unobtrusive. The combination of its refined construction and diminutive size makes the MECHREVO iMini Pro a visually appealing and space-efficient computing solution for users seeking both style and performance.

The MECHREVO host features a conveniently positioned power button on its front panel, accented by a laser-engraved indicator light that emits a crisp white glow when activated. This design ensures user-friendly accessibility and adds a touch of modern aesthetics to the device. Notably, the front panel is intentionally minimalist, solely housing the power button to maintain the overall sleek and uncluttered appearance of the MECHREVO system.

To enhance connectivity and usability, MECHREVO has strategically placed the interface options on the side of the fuselage. This lateral positioning contributes to the device's streamlined profile while accommodating a range of functionalities. The side interface includes a high-speed 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, supporting data transmission, DisplayPort (DP) video signals, and charging capabilities. Additionally, users benefit from two 5Gbps USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, providing versatile connectivity for various peripherals. This thoughtful integration of ports on the side of the host ensures both practicality and aesthetic continuity in the MECHREVO experience.

The iMini Pro PC boasts a strikingly modern design accentuated by the IO baffle at the rear of its fuselage, crafted from sleek black ABS plastic. The juxtaposition of silver and black elements not only enhances the device's aesthetic appeal but also imparts a distinctly technological aura. The rear interface, arranged meticulously from left to right, showcases a formidable array of connectivity options. Starting with the DC power supply, it seamlessly progresses to the versatile Thunderbolt 4 port, followed by the 3.5mm headset jack, DP (DisplayPort), HDMI, USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A, USB 2.0, and culminating in the presence of two high-speed 2.5G RJ45 network interfaces. This comprehensive array of ports positions the iMini Pro PC as a powerhouse, catering to diverse user needs with an emphasis on both performance and connectivity.

The heat dissipation system of the iMini Pro PC is strategically designed with precision, featuring carefully positioned heat dissipation holes along the sides. These apertures reveal a sleek black heat sink, prominently exposed through two generously sized openings in the fuselage. This deliberate placement ensures effective thermal management, allowing the device to efficiently dissipate heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures. The design not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic, seamlessly blending form and function in a harmonious union.

The sleek design of the MECHREVO iMini Pro Mini PC is accentuated by its black bottom, featuring a distinctive metal air inlet hood intricately crafted in the shape of the MECHREVO logo. This attention to detail not only adds a touch of sophistication but also serves a functional purpose. The bottom reveals a glimpse of the high-density fan blades of the turbine fan, arranged horizontally to ensure efficient cooling and optimal performance.

Positioned strategically near the center are four brass screw holes, offering compatibility for VESA monitor mounts, providing users with the flexibility to integrate this mini powerhouse seamlessly into their workspace. As a thoughtful addition, the MECHREVO iMini Pro Mini PC is packaged with its dedicated box, ensuring a complete and convenient experience for users eager to unleash the potential of this cutting-edge device.

MECHREVO handles the details very well. The front LOGO is made of colorful craftsmanship, which can display colorful effects under different lights. The edges of the fuselage have been CNC-cut, which immediately elevates the otherwise bland silver anodized aluminum alloy to several levels.

MECHREVO enhances the iMini Pro PC with a cutting-edge 120W gallium nitride charger, known for its compact form factor and lightweight design. This advanced charging technology ensures a robust energy supply, perfectly suited for the demands of the Core Ultra5 125H processor, boasting a maximum power consumption of 65 watts. The seamless integration of the gallium nitride charger underscores MECHREVO's commitment to optimizing performance while maintaining portability, offering users an efficient and powerful computing experience.

Disassembly

The iMini Pro PC boasts a user-friendly design that facilitates easy disassembly for maintenance or upgrades. With just a few simple steps, users can unscrew the four screws located on the bottom pad, granting access to the internal components. Notably, a guide gasket is strategically positioned within the aluminum alloy shell, serving the crucial function of dissipating heat generated by the solid-state drive. This thoughtful inclusion underscores the device's commitment to efficient thermal management, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for the iMini Pro PC.

The iMini Pro PC stands out by employing a default configuration of two 16GB Curcial DDR5 modules, operating at an impressive 5600MHz high frequency. This results in a formidable 32GB dual-channel memory setup, seamlessly blending substantial capacity with remarkable speed. To ensure the enduring stability of the high-frequency memory during prolonged usage, MECHREVO, the visionary behind this cutting-edge system, has taken extra measures. A protective layer has been meticulously applied to the memory components, serving a dual purpose: enhancing heat dissipation and shielding against electromagnetic interference. This thoughtful engineering not only elevates the overall performance of the iMini Pro PC but also underscores MECHREVO's commitment to delivering a reliable and efficient computing experience.

The solid-state drive featured in this system is the PC411 model produced by Yangtze Memory, boasting a capacious storage capacity of 1024GB. Its data transmission is facilitated by a high-speed PCI-E 4.0 x4 bus, ensuring swift and efficient performance. Notably, the device is equipped with a factory-installed hard drive, and there's further flexibility for users with the inclusion of an M.2 interface conforming to the PCI-E 4.0 x4 specification. This reserved interface allows for seamless expansion, enabling users to enhance storage capabilities as needed.

The wireless network card featured in this system is the Intel AX200, a cutting-edge component designed to elevate connectivity performance. Boasting support for WiFi 6, the card enables signal transmission at speeds of up to 2.4 gigabits per second, ensuring a swift and efficient wireless experience. Additionally, the Intel AX200 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 functionality, providing seamless connectivity for a variety of peripherals and devices. This integration of advanced wireless technologies enhances the overall capabilities of the system, offering users a high-speed, reliable, and versatile networking solution.

Once the bottom shell is carefully detached, the intricate architecture of the heat dissipation module designed to tame the formidable Core Ultra 5 125H processor is laid bare. Comprising two slender and one robust heat pipes intricately coiled around the vapor chamber, this cooling apparatus is a testament to meticulous engineering. Stripping away the black protective paint reveals a radiant golden hue on the expansive radiator. The pure copper fins, complemented by the sophisticated heat pipe system, raise intriguing questions about the cooling capabilities that lie within. In the ensuing breakdown, we delve into the nuances of this thermal design to unveil the performance it delivers in efficiently managing the processor's heat output.

Performance Testing

The MECHREVO iMini Pro PC stands at the forefront of cutting-edge technology with its formidable hardware configuration. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H standard voltage processor, this PC boasts a sophisticated core combination of 4P+8E+2LPE, resulting in a remarkable 14 cores and 18 threads. With a turbo frequency reaching up to 4.5GHz, users can expect an unparalleled level of energy efficiency that surpasses previous standards.

The performance of the iMini Pro is showcased through its impressive benchmark scores. Using CPU-Z, the single-core score of this powerhouse reached an outstanding 719.4, highlighting its exceptional capabilities in handling single-threaded tasks. Moreover, the multi-core score of 6655.7 underscores the PC's prowess in seamlessly managing resource-intensive, parallel workloads. The MECHREVO iMini Pro redefines the user experience, offering not only impressive raw power but also efficiency that goes beyond conventional boundaries.

The CINEBENCH project serves as a robust benchmark, scrutinizing the capabilities of computing systems under varying workloads. In the crucible of higher loads, the iMini Pro distinguishes itself admirably. The R20 iteration, a stalwart in assessing computational prowess, yields a commendable single-thread score of 633cb and a formidable multi-thread score of 5456cb. Venturing into the advanced metrics of the R23 version, the iMini Pro continues to impress with a single-thread score of 1681pts and a staggering multi-thread score of 14541pts. These results underscore the iMini Pro's capacity to deliver exceptional performance even in the face of demanding workloads, reaffirming its status as a reliable companion for users navigating tasks of varying complexities.

The cutting-edge Core Ultra 5 125H processor boasts an impressive integration of a next-generation Arc GPU, setting new standards in graphical performance. Despite its advanced features, the latest iteration of GPU-Z, a renowned graphics card information utility, currently faces challenges in recognizing and fully leveraging the capabilities of this innovative processor. As technology evolves rapidly, it is anticipated that future updates to GPU-Z will be developed to seamlessly support and showcase the exceptional capabilities of the Core Ultra 5 125H, unlocking its full potential for users and enthusiasts alike.

To assess the claimed potency of the latest generation Core Ultra 5 125H processor's core graphics performance, I conducted a comprehensive evaluation using 3DMark benchmarking software. The results obtained from running the FireStrike project revealed an impressive score of 7312, while the TimeSpy project yielded a commendable score of 2919. These figures suggest a substantial advancement in the capabilities of the new Arc core, affirming its robust graphics performance. The Core Ultra 5 125H appears to live up to its advertised claims, showcasing notable progress and promising potential for users seeking enhanced graphical capabilities in their computing experience.

CS2 is a demanding game that relies heavily on the single-core performance of the processor, and the Source 2 engine introduces additional graphics card requirements. The MECHREVO iMini Pro PC, featuring the powerful Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, excels in meeting these demands. With this setup, the system achieves an impressive frame rate of over 100FPS, even at a low image quality and 1080P resolution. This performance ensures a smooth and responsive gaming experience for CS2 enthusiasts.

Intel has long excelled in video decoding, a tradition upheld by the Core Ultra 5 125H. This processor delivers exceptional image quality and seamless frame rates, particularly evident when utilizing the MadVR renderer for playing HEVC 4K 10bit HDR movies. Monitoring reveals a stable GPU occupancy rate, consistently hovering around 24%, ensuring a reliable and immersive viewing experience.

Utilizing the latest iteration of Master Lu, the iMini Pro PC underwent comprehensive performance testing, achieving an impressive total score of 1,235,841. Notably, the breakdown encompasses a processor score of 569,985, a graphics card score of 181,245, memory totaling 285,504, and a hard disk performance of 199,107. The software's prowess is underscored by surpassing 92% of users nationwide, ensuring seamless execution of popular e-sports titles like DOTA2 and LOL, in addition to handling professional design software such as Adobe Photoshop with ease.

The cooling module of the iMini Pro PC, previously praised for its aesthetics, underwent a crucial test in the form of the CINEBENCH R23 cycle, specifically evaluating its ability to manage the powerful Core Ultra 5 125H processor with a peak power consumption of 65 watts. Impressively, the iMini Pro PC demonstrated its prowess by maintaining the processor's power consumption at the specified level, showcasing stability during the test. Temperature performance was equally commendable, with the packaging temperature peaking at a satisfactory 88 degrees Celsius. This outcome underscores the effectiveness of the cooling system in efficiently handling the demands of the high-performance processor.

Our Verdict

In conclusion, the MECHREVO iMini Pro emerges as a compelling contender in the realm of mini PCs, showcasing a harmonious fusion of cutting-edge hardware, sleek design, and robust performance. Its utilization of the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, coupled with Intel ARC graphics, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, and a capacious 1 TB storage capacity, positions it as a potent computing solution. The design philosophy, borrowing cues from the Apple Mac Mini, adds a touch of sophistication, making it not only a powerhouse but also a visually appealing addition to any workspace. MECHREVO's attention to detail, from the strategically placed interface options to the thoughtful disassembly features, further enhances the overall user experience.

The design of the iMini Pro stands out for its minimalist aesthetic and compact form factor, drawing inspiration from Apple's sleek designs. MECHREVO's thoughtful placement of ports and the inclusion of a comprehensive array of connectivity options ensure practicality without compromising the device's streamlined profile. The disassembly process is user-friendly, allowing easy access to internal components for maintenance or upgrades. MECHREVO's commitment to efficient thermal management is evident in the well-designed heat dissipation system, contributing to optimal performance and longevity.

Performance testing reveals the iMini Pro's prowess, with benchmark scores showcasing exceptional capabilities in handling both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks. The integration of the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor and its next-generation Arc GPU delivers on the promise of advanced graphics performance. The system's ability to maintain stability during demanding tasks, such as gaming and video decoding, underscores its reliability. Overall, the MECHREVO iMini Pro emerges as a versatile and powerful mini PC, offering a seamless blend of style and performance for users seeking a compact computing solution.