This Mini Gaming PC Blew Me Away!

Summary

In this review of the Retan Alloy 9 Mini PC, the host explores its impressive gaming performance, running titles like *Counter Strike 2*, *Assassin’s Creed Mirage*, and *Elden Ring* with solid frame rates. Powered by a Ryzen 9 7940 HS processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, it delivers top-tier performance in a compact form. Despite its modest size, the PC excels at demanding games, boasting strong benchmarks and a quiet operation. At a price of $589, the Alloy 9 offers outstanding value, making it one of the most performant mini PCs for gamers on a budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Retan Alloy 9 Mini PC offers excellent performance for its size, competing well with larger PCs in terms of gaming and productivity capabilities.
• 😀 Despite being a small form factor, the Alloy 9 can handle demanding AAA games at solid frame rates, making it ideal for gamers who value compactness without sacrificing performance.
• 😀 The device features a Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, integrated Radeon 78M graphics, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and 1TB of NVMe SSD storage, offering impressive specs for a Mini PC.
• 😀 The system is easy to set up with no need for DIY builds or upgrades; it’s plug-and-play, making it convenient for users who want a hassle-free experience.
• 😀 The design of the Alloy 9 is functional but unremarkable, with a matte, gray plastic shell that prioritizes practicality over aesthetics.
• 😀 It supports extensive connectivity options, including USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, and USB-A, ensuring compatibility with various peripherals and external devices.
• 😀 The performance during gaming tests such as Counter Strike 2, Assassin's Creed Mirage, and Doom Eternal was impressive, with smooth gameplay even in graphically demanding titles.
• 😀 For more demanding games like Elden Ring, the performance dropped to an average of 41 FPS, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the game's optimization.
• 😀 The Alloy 9’s benchmark results, including Cinebench R23 and 3DMark Time Spy, show strong performance, with impressive scores for both CPU and GPU.
• 😀 At a price point of $589, the Alloy 9 offers remarkable value for users seeking a compact, high-performance PC without breaking the bank.
• 😀 The reviewer is highly impressed with the device, considering it the most performant Mini PC they’ve tested so far, making it a top choice for those in the market for such a device.

Q & A

What makes the Retan Alloy 9 Mini PC different from other mini PCs on the market?

The Retan Alloy 9 stands out due to its exceptional performance, handling demanding AAA games with ease, solid benchmark results, and the ability to upgrade components like RAM and SSD. It also features a compact, quiet design and comes at a reasonable price point compared to other mini PCs.

How well does the Retan Alloy 9 perform in gaming tests, such as Counter Strike 2?

In Counter Strike 2, the Alloy 9 performs excellently, running at 1080p with the low preset and averaging 150 FPS. This high FPS ensures a smooth gaming experience, particularly for esports-style games.

What is the gaming experience like in Assassin's Creed Mirage on the Retan Alloy 9?

Assassin's Creed Mirage runs smoothly on the Alloy 9, with an average of 72 FPS at 1080p on the medium preset and balanced FSR. This demonstrates that the system can handle demanding titles while maintaining good performance.

Why does Elden Ring not perform as well on the Retan Alloy 9, and what settings are recommended?

Elden Ring's performance on the Alloy 9 is less predictable, with the game averaging 41 FPS at medium settings. This may be due to the game's unpredictable performance on different configurations. For better results, adjusting settings, especially shadows and anti-aliasing, could help improve the frame rate.

How does the Retan Alloy 9 handle newer, AAA games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard?

The Retan Alloy 9 handles *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* decently, averaging 52 FPS at 1080p with the low preset and balanced FSR. While not a lightweight game, the mini PC still provides a playable experience even in action-heavy moments.

What kind of performance did the Retan Alloy 9 achieve in *Doom Eternal*?

In *Doom Eternal*, the Retan Alloy 9 achieved an average of 97 FPS at 1080p with medium settings. This impressive performance highlights the mini PC's capability to handle fast-paced games efficiently.

What are the key hardware specifications of the Retan Alloy 9 Mini PC?

The Retan Alloy 9 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, 1TB of NVMe Gen 3 storage (with an upgradeable option for Gen 4 SSD), and integrated Radeon 78M graphics. It also offers Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and multiple connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 and USB 3.2 ports.

What is the design and build quality of the Retan Alloy 9 Mini PC like?

The Retan Alloy 9 features a compact, matte gray plastic body with ventilation on the sides and bottom. The design is simple but functional, with a debossed Retan logo on top. It's not flashy but is well-built and quiet during operation.

Can users upgrade the components of the Retan Alloy 9 Mini PC?

Yes, users can upgrade the RAM and SSD on the Retan Alloy 9. The system is designed to be easily accessible for upgrades, with a clear layout for adding or replacing components, allowing for future-proofing as needed.

What were the performance results in benchmark tests like Cinebench and 3DMark?

In Cinebench R23, the Retan Alloy 9 scored 1,833 in single-core and 17,150 in multi-core tests, showcasing top-tier performance for a mini PC. In 3DMark Time Spy, it scored 3,421 overall, with a graphics score of 3,051 and a CPU score of 10,970, exceeding expectations for its class.