For the money, the AMR5 is a very nice system that has more than enough power for general computing tasks (think Microsoft 365, browsing and even Photoshop) and file sharing. SFF makers often use cheaper NVMe drives in their systems, and the AMR5 is no exception. At least they didn’t saddle it with an Intel p660, like the Geekom Mini IT11, but the one they used still can’t achieve 2,000MB/s writes or 3,000MB/s reads. Thanks to its size, the compact Ace Magician AMR5 fits on any desk. With its great RGB lighting, the compact computer catches the eye without looking garish. As we’ve already mentioned, it is very easy to get inside the AMR5 and boost its potential with some extra RAM or M.2 storage.

What’s missing is any SD Card slot, and with the exception of the USB-C port, all the USB is only USB 3.2 Gen 1 aka, USB 3.0.

Emissions - Frugal, but audible

The design of this Mini PC isn’t like any of the classic NUC designs we’ve seen elsewhere, as the AMR5 was designed to sit exclusively on the desk and not be mounted onto a monitor. The inclusion of dual M.2 ports is a fantastic option since it allows the transfer from one M.2 to another without any other hardware or reinstalling the OS. The built-in AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAPU offers 6 Zen 3 cores with SMT, and it stems from the mobile sector. The APU, which is otherwise found in laptops, is frugal, something that benefits the compact design, since it doesn't require complex cooling. The SoC can be operated in three different modes. A maximum of 28 watts is available in Performance mode, although 25 watts is what can be maintained in the long run. The SoC can be throttled to 18 or 12 watts, respectively, the other modes. Naturally, this also impacts system performance. To illustrate this, we ran Cinebench R15 once in each of the three modes as the screenshots below show. With many NUCs, it is possible to get inside and upgrade some features with a screwdriver, but the AMR5 requires no tools. One side of the machine has a cover that is held on with some small plastic lugs and a few magnets. Popping off that panel provides access to both the M.2 slots (x2) and the DDR4 SODIMM modules (x2), things you should only work on with the power off.

However, on single-core tests, it lags a little behind those using the Intel Core i7-1195G7 and Core i5-11320H. That limitation suggests that the system inside is short of PCIe lanes, and we’ll discuss that more later on, and where those lanes might have been used. In 2013, a group of tech enthusiasts were inspired by the "Magician Impossible" series. They set out to create a brand that would deliver computing solutions that were not only powerful but also fun and accessible. Today, Acemagician is leading the way in miniaturizing personal electronic devices, making technology more convenient, portable, and accessible. Our brand slogan, "Mini Space, Big World," reflects our mission to bring the magic of technology to the world of personal consumer microelectronics.We are passionate about empowering individuals and businesses with cutting-edge technology that helps them achieve more and reach their full potential with our personal consumer microelectronics. Promotional material from Acemagician infers that the AMR5 would be a good gaming platform, and we’d only agree with that if the games you play have very modest requirements and you are willing to use lower resolutions and details settings. Initially, based on the CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4 scores, we wondered if the M.2 slots in the AMR5 were only PCIe 3.0 x2 lanes. We put the latest Samsung 990 Pro in this machine and revealed that the slots are indeed four lanes connected.

There are 15 movie moments from the first year to collect (toys each sold separately). Each Micro Magical Moments figure has delightful details that bring the popular Harry Potter characters to life in small scale. Place the figurine on the stand or in the box or set them free-standing. There are a few hardware aspects that a buyer needs to contend with. The first of these is that because of the dual M.2 slots, the number of PCI lanes for USB was limited. There are five USB ports, but only one is USB 3.2 Gen 2, and the rest are Gen 1. Magic Mini Man is an independent retailer of products and no brands/companies endorsement is intended, unless otherwise expressly stated. Some NUC designs offer a single M.2 slot and a 2.5-inch bay for a SATA device, but Acemagican went with two M.2 and no other options.