Acemagic has launched the M5 mini PC, a compact desktop powered by Intel Raptor Lake HX processors, bringing high-end laptop-class performance into a small form factor aimed at professional users. The company is offering limited-time pre-order discounts, making the launch notable for users who want workstation-level power without the size or cost of a traditional desktop.
The Acemagic M5 is available in two configurations, featuring either the Intel Core i7-14650HX or the flagship Core i9-14900HX. Both models come standard with 32GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, positioning the system for demanding workloads such as content creation, software development, code compilation, and multi-monitor office use. The Core i9-14900HX configuration offers 24 cores and 32 threads with boost clocks up to 5.8GHz, performance levels rarely seen in sub-$800 mini PCs.
Early buyers can take advantage of launch-only pricing. With pre-order discounts applied, the Core i7-based model starts at $639, while the Core i9 variant is priced at $719. These promotional prices are expected to remain valid until February 10, after which standard pricing will apply.
Using HX-series processors in a mini PC is significant because these chips are typically reserved for high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. They offer higher core counts and sustained power limits compared to standard mobile CPUs, allowing compact systems like the M5 to handle heavier multitasking and CPU-intensive applications more effectively. Compared to typical Ryzen 7 7840U mini PCs, the Core i9-14900HX in the Acemagic M5 delivers significantly higher sustained multi-core performance, though with weaker integrated graphics.
In contrast to Ryzen-based mini PCs in this price segment, the Acemagic M5 prioritises raw multi-core CPU throughput over strong integrated graphics performance, making it better suited for professional workloads such as rendering, compilation, data processing, and intensive multitasking rather than casual gaming.
Despite its small footprint, the M5 is designed to maintain performance under sustained load. Acemagic states that the system can deliver up to 55W of CPU power, supported by an upgraded cooling solution that combines copper heat pipes with high-speed fans to manage thermals effectively, which is a key challenge in compact desktop designs.
Connectivity is geared toward productivity-focused setups. The mini PC includes multiple USB Type-A ports, a USB Type-C port, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and Gigabit Ethernet, enabling support for up to three 4K displays simultaneously. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, aligning with modern office and home networking requirements.
However, the absence of USB4 or OCuLink limits external GPU expansion options, reinforcing the M5’s positioning as a CPU-first productivity system rather than a gaming-oriented mini PC.
Memory and storage expansion are also supported. The system can be upgraded to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and features dual M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support, allowing total storage capacity of up to 4TB for users with growing data requirements.
The Acemagic M5 is currently available for pre-order, with shipping expected to begin on February 10.
The launch highlights a growing trend of desktop-class HX processors moving into compact systems, suggesting that mini PCs like the M5 could increasingly replace traditional mid-tower desktops for professional users who need high performance in space-constrained office environments.
Key Specifications: Acemagic M5 Mini PC
| Specification | Core i9-14900HX Model | Core i7-14650HX Model |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i9-14900HX | Intel Core i7-14650HX |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-HX (Intel 7) | Raptor Lake-HX (Intel 7) |
| Cores / Threads | 24 Cores / 32 Threads | 16 Cores / 24 Threads |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.2 GHz |
| Max Turbo Clock | Up to 5.8 GHz | Up to 5.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 36 MB Intel Smart Cache | 30 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Integrated GPU | Intel UHD Graphics (32 EUs, up to 1.65 GHz) | Intel UHD Graphics (16 EUs, up to 1.6 GHz) |
| Memory | 32GB DDR4-3200 (Dual-Channel) | 32GB DDR4-3200 (Dual-Channel) |
| Max Memory Support | Up to 64GB DDR4 | Up to 64GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD (PCIe 4.0) | 1TB NVMe SSD (PCIe 4.0) |
| Storage Expansion | Dual M.2 slots, up to 4TB total | Dual M.2 slots, up to 4TB total |
| CPU Power | Up to 55W | Up to 55W |
| Display Support | Up to 3× 4K displays | Up to 3× 4K displays |
| Video Outputs | HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 | HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Dimensions | 128 × 128 × 41.3 mm | 128 × 128 × 41.3 mm |
Sources: Acemagic via Notebookcheck
