AceMagic’s V1 N150 mini-PC, featuring a compact size of just 0.33 liters, stands out in the market with its Intel N150 chip that consumes only 6 watts. Measuring 10 cm by 10 cm and weighing 260 grams, it offers limited connectivity options, including USB Type-A ports but lacks USB-C. With Windows 11 pre-installed and three SSD variations up to 1 TB, this device caters to those seeking an efficient, space-saving computing solution, despite its minimalist accessories and conventional design.
In the realm of mini-PCs, AceMagic stands out as a key player alongside brands like Beelink, Geekom, and Minisforum, especially on platforms like Amazon. While they offer standard products similar to their competitors, the Chinese company also showcases unique models, such as the compact V1 N150.
Remarkably smaller than most mini-PCs on the market, the V1 N150 boasts a mere volume of 0.33 liters. Yes, you read that correctly! To achieve these dimensions, AceMagic has employed Intel’s latest chip designed for miniaturized systems, the N150. This Twin Lake processor features a power budget of only 6 watts and contains 4 cores. What can we expect from such a compact machine?
Key Specifications
This review is based on a product provided by AceMagic.
Impressive Compact Design
At first glance, the AceMagic V1 N150’s size is truly astonishing. As previously mentioned, this mini-PC is incredibly tiny, with dimensions measuring exactly 10 centimeters by 10. Additionally, it has a slim profile of just 35 millimeters and weighs approximately 260 grams!
Finding such compact dimensions in the mini-PC market is quite rare, and when they do appear, they often come with a hefty price tag aimed at niche projects, such as those on Kickstarter. Here, however, we have a product readily available on a large scale, including Amazon. It’s worth noting that this device does come with a relatively large power brick.
While this power brick is designed to deliver 30 watts, it occupies nearly half the volume of the mini-PC, weighing around 100 grams. In terms of aesthetics, the V1 N150 is quite conventional, featuring a rectangular silver-gray case without much flair. After all, you can’t have everything!
Limited Connectivity Options
With each new mini-PC we encounter, we marvel at the convenience of such compactness. The connectors are easily accessible, both on the front and back. However, the V1 N150 lacks a USB-C port, which is a disappointing oversight for a newly released device.
On the front, while we miss USB-C, we do have two USB Type-A ports, which are USB 3.2 Gen 2 and can support data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Additionally, a 3.5-millimeter audio jack for headphones and a power button are available. Unfortunately, there’s no reset switch, which is typically standard in this category.
Turning to the back, connectivity options are somewhat sparse. Alongside an HDMI 2.0 port and DisplayPort 1.4, you’ll find just two USB Type-A ports, which are USB 2 and intended for connecting a keyboard and mouse—still no USB-C! The rear also includes the standard RJ45 1 GbE and DC jack connectors for power. Here, we see the technical limitations of Intel’s N150 and the compact nature of the V1 N150, which leaves little room for additional features.
Minimal Accessories Provided
Similar to many mini-PC manufacturers, AceMagic has chosen to conceal the screws securing the device. While this may enhance aesthetics, it complicates access since the screws are hidden beneath the four small rubber feet that need to be removed. Although removing them is straightforward, frequent removal might weaken the adhesive over time.
On the underside, we can observe a large ventilation grille and two small holes for the VESA-compatible mounting system, which is particularly useful in office settings for securing the mini-PC behind a monitor.
It’s worth noting that there are limited accessories included. Aside from the VESA mounting kit, there are no cables provided, such as an Ethernet cable. However, AceMagic does include an HDMI cable, which is a plus, as many manufacturers do not offer this.
Pre-installed Windows 11
For those familiar with mini-PC reviews, it’s common for manufacturers to skimp on software. This is often because the target audience is cost-conscious and prefers to avoid unnecessary expenses on software that may not be utilized.
As expected, the V1 N150 comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed. Interestingly, AceMagic advises users to avoid connecting to the internet during the initial setup to expedite the startup and installation process, as this prevents automatic updates from Windows.
Performance in Action
The AceMagic V1 N150 utilizes Intel’s N150 processor, based on the Alder Lake architecture. This specific variant is optimized for low power consumption and reduced heat output. We will delve deeper into this shortly.
There are three versions of the V1 N150 available, all equipped with 16 GB of RAM. The variable component here is the SSD, which ranges from 256 GB for the base model to 512 GB for the mid-tier version we tested, and up to 1 TB for the top model.