MINISFORUM NAB9 Plus Mini PC with Core i9 12900HK - Compact 4K Power

In this review the MINISFORUM NAB9 Plus is presented as a compact powerhouse for creators and power users who need desktop-class performance in a small footprint. The single biggest reason to consider it is the Intel Core i9 12900HK with 14 cores and 20 threads, which delivers laptop-class turbo clock speeds up to 5.0GHz while fitting into an ITX-sized mini chassis. For anyone wanting fast multitasking, multiple high-resolution displays, and M.2 storage expandability without a full tower, this mini PC makes a convincing case.

Key Features

• Intel Core i9 12900HK: Provides high single-thread turbo and many cores for demanding multitasking, video editing, and compilation workloads.
• Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics: Handles casual gaming and everyday multimedia playback without needing a discrete GPU for light GPU tasks.
• High-speed memory support: Dual-channel DDR4 SODIMM slots support up to 64GB for responsive application switching and large working sets.
• PCIe4.0 NVMe storage: Two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots with PCIe4.0 x4 support let you install very fast primary and secondary drives up to large capacities.
• Triple-display outputs: HDMI2.1, USB4 and DisplayPort1.4 allow three concurrent monitors at high refresh rates and resolutions for multitasking or content previewing.
• OCuLink external PCIe: An OCuLink port enables connection of an external PCIe4.0 x4 device, useful for adding a discrete GPU or accelerator when needed.

Who It's For

The NAB9 Plus is best suited to creative professionals, developers, and advanced home users who need strong CPU performance in a small desktop. Its combination of a 14-core i9 CPU, dual NVMe slots and support for 64GB DDR4 makes it a good choice for video editors, software builders, and anyone who runs multiple heavy apps concurrently.

Casual users who only need basic web browsing or streaming will find this hardware overkill, and those who need hot-swap external GPUs or plug-and-play Thunderbolt ecosystems should look at alternatives because the OCuLink port requires powering down before connecting or disconnecting devices.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Desktop-level CPU performance in a compact ITX form factor, ideal where space is limited.
• Generous storage and memory expandability with two PCIe4.0 M.2 slots and dual SODIMM support.
• Flexible display outputs supporting high-resolution and high-refresh setups across three monitors.
• OCuLink offers a pathway to external PCIe acceleration for future upgrades.

Cons

• OCuLink is not hot-swappable and requires the system to be powered off for connections, which reduces convenience.
• Integrated Iris Xe graphics are fine for light gaming but will not match a high-end discrete GPU for demanding 3D or GPU-accelerated workloads.

Specifications

Processor	Intel Core i9 12900HK (14C/20T, up to 5.0GHz)
Graphics	Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Memory	Dual-channel DDR4 SODIMM, up to 64GB
Storage	Two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots (PCIe4.0 x4)
External PCIe	OCuLink port (PCIe4.0 x4, not hot-swap)
Display outputs	HDMI2.1, USB4 (4K@60Hz), DisplayPort1.4
Networking	RJ45 2.5G LAN

Our Verdict

The NAB9 Plus is a strong small-form-factor option for users who need near desktop CPU performance and flexible expansion in a compact chassis. It offers excellent storage and memory headroom, triple-display capability, and an OCuLink path for external accelerators, making it a good value for creators and power users who prioritize space savings without giving up performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a discrete GPU externally?
Yes, the unit includes an OCuLink port to connect an external PCIe4.0 x4 device, but the PC must be powered off before connecting or disconnecting that device.

How many displays can it drive at once?
The mini PC supports three simultaneous displays via HDMI2.1, USB4 and DisplayPort1.4 at high resolutions and refresh rates.

What storage and memory upgrades are possible?
It supports two M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs with PCIe4.0 x4 and two DDR4 SODIMM slots up to 64GB total for memory.