Five Mini PCs at the Beginning of 2026: Screens, Modularity, and High Performance

14:35
01.02.2026
TrexSelectel
36

At the beginning of 2026, there are noticeably more mini-PC devices that break away from the traditional format. This is not just about performance growth, but also about attempts to assemble a compact desktop computer differently: adding auxiliary screens, creating modular connections, integrating power supplies, or using mobile platforms without simplifications. This collection features mini-PCs showcased at CES 2026 and immediately after, which stand out for their developers' unusual approach to design and capabilities.

AOOSTAR G-Flip — mini-PC with a flip-up touchscreen and Ryzen 7 255H

Here we have an unconventional mini-PC that AOOSTAR has been developing for almost a year, experimenting with form factors and processor platforms. The model featuring the Ryzen^TM 7 255H has become the most affordable in the lineup: it was released in early 2026 and is significantly cheaper than earlier versions using Strix Point and Core^® Ultra^®.

The main feature of the G-Flip is its small touchscreen display that flips up and becomes visible from the front. This is not just a decorative element but a full-fledged screen with Full HD resolution that can be used as an auxiliary display. For example, for system monitoring, notifications, media player control, or quick actions without turning on the main monitor.

The new version is based on the AMD Ryzen^TM 7 255H from the Hawk Point generation. It is a close relative of the Ryzen^TM 7 8845HS but without the NPU block for AI tasks. In terms of processor performance, it shows comparable results in synthetic tests and appears to be a successful option for those who do not need integrated AI accelerators but prioritize price. Moreover, the mini-PC remains expandable: it has two slots for RAM and two full-size M.2 slots for fast NVMe drives.

In its price category, the G-Flip competes with regular mini-PCs without displays, yet it offers additional functionality that can be useful in work scenarios, home servers, or as a compact desktop system.

Specifications:

Processor: AMD Ryzen^TM 7 255H (Hawk Point),
Graphics: integrated Radeon,
Memory: 2× SODIMM DDR5-5600, up to 128 GB,
Storage: 2× M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe,
Screen: 5 inches, touch, 1920×1080, 60 Hz, foldable,
Ports: 1× OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4, up to 64 Gbps), 2× USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps), 2× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2× USB 2.0 Type-A, 2× Ethernet 2.5 GbE, 1× HDMI 2.1, 1× 3.5 mm audio, power connector,
Wireless interfaces: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2,
Cooling: active, with fans and vapor chamber.
The model went on sale in January 2026. The base version without memory and storage is offered at a price starting from $339–350, depending on the store and configuration.

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Khadas Mind Pro — pocket-sized mini-PC with Panther Lake focused on modularity

This new generation of ultra-compact mini-PCs from Khadas, showcased at CES 2026, is immediately aimed at the high-end segment. With dimensions of just 146 × 105 × 28 mm, the device's internal components are closer to a powerful laptop than a classic mini-PC. It is based on Intel Panther Lake mobile processors with powerful integrated Arc Pro graphics, and the key feature remains the proprietary Mind Link interface, allowing connection of external modules — from docks to eGPUs and portable displays.

Unlike most mini-PCs, the Mind Pro was originally designed as part of an ecosystem. The computer itself is a basic computing module that can be used as a desktop system, carried in a bag, or connected to additional accessories. Weighing about 560 grams, it is lighter than almost any laptop, and the built-in battery allows safe transport of the device between workspaces without shutting down and handling brief power outages without data loss.

MINISFORUM M2 Pro — mini-PC with Panther Lake, built-in power supply, and LPDDR5X-9600

The mini-PC that the company showcased at CES 2026. It is designed for mobile Intel Panther Lake processors up to the Core^® Ultra X9 388H. It stands out among its "peers" with several atypical solutions for mini-PCs. The main one is the built-in power supply: the computer connects directly to the outlet with a regular cable, without an external adapter. A small detail, but it’s nice.

In terms of hardware, the M2 Pro is closer to high-end laptops than to classic desktop "boxes." It uses soldered LPDDR5X memory with a frequency of up to 9600 MT/s and a capacity of up to 96 GB, while graphics are handled by the integrated Intel Arc B390. This setup is intended for tasks where high memory bandwidth and compactness are important, rather than future upgradeability.

The port selection on the M2 Pro is impressive for its size: several USB4 ports, video outputs, and two network interfaces — one for 10 gigabits and another for 2.5 gigabits. The mention of OCuLink remains in question: it is listed in the descriptions, but the connector is not visible in the published photos.

Specifications:

Processor: up to Intel^® Core^® Ultra X9 388H (Panther Lake),
Graphics: integrated Intel Arc B390,
RAM: LPDDR5X-9600, up to 96 GB,
Ports: 3× USB4, 2–3× USB Type-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet 10 GbE and 2.5 GbE, 3.5 mm audio,
Power: built-in power supply,
Additional: Copilot button, presumed fingerprint scanner, microphones.

Unfortunately, by the end of January, the company has not yet announced either the price or the start date for sales.

Machenike GTS — Mini PC with Flip-Up Screen and Arrow Lake-H

The main feature of the device is a 2.33-inch LCD display, built into the lid and mounted on a hinge. The screen is too small for working with interfaces or applications but is well-suited for displaying operational information. Machenike offers its own "smart screen" software that allows displaying data about CPU, graphics, memory load, temperature, and power consumption on the display. This is not a unique feature but rather a niche solution for those who want to see the system's status without launching utilities on the main monitor.

Overall, the Machenike GTS is a typical high-performance mini PC housed in a metal case measuring 147 × 147 × 61 mm. Inside are mobile Intel Arrow Lake-H processors up to the Core^® Ultra 9 285H, two slots for RAM, and two full-size M.2 drives. In terms of hardware, it's more of a compact work machine than an office "box," and the cooling system is designed for prolonged operation under high loads.

Specifications:

Processor: up to Intel^® Core^® Ultra 9 285H (Arrow Lake-H, 16 cores),
Graphics: integrated Intel Arc,
Memory: 2× SODIMM DDR5-5600, up to 128 GB,
Storage: 2× M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe,
Screen: 2.33 inches, LCD, flip-down, for system status display,
Ports: 2× USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps), 1× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps), 4× USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2× Ethernet 2.5 GbE, 1× HDMI 2.0, 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× 3.5 mm audio, power connector,
Wireless interfaces: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3,
Cooling: active, four fans and two heat pipes,
Power consumption: up to 65 W under sustained load, up to 70 W for short durations,
Body: metal, 147 × 147 × 61 mm.

The Machenike GTS went on sale in early 2026. In China, basic configurations with Core^® Ultra 5 225H and 32 GB of memory are priced at around $800. Outside of China, the device is significantly more expensive: versions with Core^® Ultra 9 285H and 64 GB of memory are offered at around $1800.

MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-470 — updated mini-PC with Ryzen AI 9 HX 470

This is one of the most versatile mini-PCs in the MINISFORUM lineup. It now features the new Ryzen^TM AI 9 HX 470 processor from the Gorgon Point generation. Externally and structurally, it shares the same case as the 2025 model, but with slight improvements in performance and AI capabilities.