This Mini PC Is a Cute and Surprisingly Powerful Love Letter to Retro Computing
Mini PCs have become a huge hit in recent years, with users turning to these smaller, more streamlined PCs as an alternative to desktops or laptops. But few have made such a splash as the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01.
I’ve been using one of the more expensive options , the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01, for a few months now and I honestly have to say that it’s one of the best mini PCs money can buy, even if you have to jump through some hoops. some hoops to get it right now.
Retro indie paradise
Bringing to life the iconic look of the classic 1984 Mac, the Retro Mini PC AM01 is a dream for retro lovers and collectors alike. Affordably priced (starts at $259), this Ayaneo mini PC has quite a bit of potential, but how well it utilizes that potential can definitely vary depending on what you’re doing.
If you’ve ever considered buying a mini PC, then you’re probably already well aware of the downsides you’re looking at, namely the lower performance and more limited upgrade options that come with these smaller packages. However, they have come a long way in recent years and these PCs can now really handle a lot of tasks, especially since they are equipped with new hardware such as RAM, SSDs and faster processors. The AMD 5700U installed in my AM01 retro mini PC is more than capable of running some of the latest games (albeit at lower settings), but it doesn’t have a dedicated graphics card, so you’ll definitely have to fiddle with the settings if you try to run latest games.
When it comes to retro or indie gaming, the Retro Mini PC AM01 is a fantastic desktop replacement, it comes with plenty of ports and even supports 4K at 60Hz, making it an easier purchase compared to the much more expensive desktop PC you’re with. you might want to do the same. The model I’ve been using for the past few months has the previously mentioned AMD 5700U processor, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and Windows 11 Home. It’s not quite the gaming beast that is my main desktop, but it doesn’t have to be.
The Retro Mini PC AM01 is not intended to replace a gaming desktop computer. Instead, Ayaneo went all out with its retro design, even going so far as to showcase a variety of retro games on the company’s built-in app. And since it’s powered by a reliable, albeit dated, processor like the AMD 5700U (you can also get the AMD 5800U), you can get all your day-to-day tasks done here, too. I’ve used it for playing indie and retro games and for productivity. In fact, I’m writing this review on PC right now.
As a mini PC aimed more at “light gaming”, the Ayaneo delivers everything you’d expect plus excellent performance for entry-level gaming. Games like Stardew Valley , Dead Cells , and a lot of older emulated games will work great here, and it will all cost you under $500, depending on which model you plan to use. I’ve seen issues with some games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 , but I also didn’t expect any of those games to perform very well at all.
However, if you are using one of the options here with less RAM, it will likely have problems. So I would definitely recommend upgrading your RAM or trying to get a higher RAM configuration to keep things as smooth as possible.
Iconic design
Of course, it was the design that first attracted me to the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01. As I noted above, it’s designed to look like that iconic first Mac, and Ayaneo has really thought about the look and design here.
But that is not all. The Retro Mini PC combines an iconic design with modern ports, offering plenty of space to connect a variety of accessories and peripherals. Four USB-A ports, as well as a front-panel USB-C port, allow you to connect multiple devices such as wireless keyboards, mice, and headsets. You can also connect directly to Ethernet via the Ethernet port on the back, in case you prefer that over Wi-Fi.
There are also DisplayPort and HDMI ports on the back, allowing you to connect up to two displays. I was able to run the Retro Mini PC AM01 on my dual 4K monitors without any problems, and it looks quite nice on my desk.
What helps make the Retro Mini PC even more outstanding is the customization that Ayaneo has designed around the iconic Mac look. You can use different magnets and stickers to create a certain look, and while you’ll have to lay it on the back while in use (this is best for heat dissipation), it’s a small way to make the mini PC feel like your own.
Jumping through hoops
Perhaps the most frustrating part of the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC is the number of hoops you’ll have to jump through to get your hands on it. Right now, Ayaneo is only selling it as part of an IndieGoGo campaign, meaning you’ll have to essentially back the campaign to get it.
The configurations they offer now are also extremely limited, with only a certain number of modules available for each option. However, the various options offered on the IndieGoGo page may change, so it’s hard to say what will and won’t work. (Ayaneo has yet to share any plans to offer the Retro Mini PC AM01 outside of its IndieGoGo campaign.) Luckily, even if you have a lower RAM or SSD configuration, the Retro Mini PC AM01 is extremely easy to upgrade with a new part— You can take it apart, although this may void your warranty, so be careful if you go this route.
Overall, I’m very pleased with what Ayaneo has offered here. As I noted above, playing truly demanding games is not the best option. But if you want a great little mini PC that can handle your everyday tasks, run retro and indie games without too much trouble, and look great on your desk, the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01 is one of the best options on the market. . Its iconic design and ease of upgrade are also important advantages.
The AMD 5700U configuration I was sent costs $420 on Ayaneo’s IndieGoGo page, and I would recommend it as a great starting point for anyone considering purchasing one.