HP Elite Mini 800 G9 Desktop Review 2024 Powerful Performance with Intel i7 and DDR5 RAM

Description

Compact Design That Packs a Punch

The HP Elite Mini 800 G9 Business Desktop Computer is sleek, stylish, and incredibly compact. I was genuinely impressed by its minimalistic design that fits seamlessly into any workspace. Weighing just 6.19 pounds, it’s light enough to move around, though it’s sturdy enough to feel durable. Its dimensions of 6.97 x 6.89 x 1.34 inches make it a perfect option for tight setups, like a crowded desk or a small home office. Despite being so compact, the build quality remains solid, with a matte black finish that screams “premium.”

I had it tucked under my monitor, and it barely took up any space, leaving my desk looking much less cluttered than before. The modern design doesn’t just look good; it also feels functional, especially with the array of easily accessible ports on the front and back.

Performance That Blows You Away

To say the performance of this desktop is impressive would be an understatement. Equipped with a 14th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, boasting a whopping 20 cores (8 performance cores and 12 efficiency cores), it chewed through every task I threw at it. The 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD ensured that multitasking felt seamless, even when I had multiple apps like Photoshop, a browser with over 20 tabs, and a video editor running simultaneously.

The Intel UHD 770 Graphics isn’t designed for hardcore gaming, but it handles light gaming and graphic-intensive tasks like video rendering surprisingly well. I even used it for some minor 4K video editing, and it held up without any noticeable lag. The Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity made streaming and file transfers effortless.

Positives

Key Benefits of the HP Elite Mini 800 G9 really stand out, especially if you’re someone like me who values both form and function.

• Compact size allows for space-saving without compromising on performance.
• Blazing fast processing speed thanks to the hybrid core architecture.
• 32GB DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, perfect for demanding users.
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 deliver excellent connectivity speed and reliability.
• Bundled keyboard and mouse, which, while basic, are functional and save you the extra expense.

Negatives

Limitations are something you can’t ignore, even with a powerhouse like this. There were a few things that could be improved:

• The integrated graphics may not satisfy those looking for a machine for gaming or 3D modeling.
• Lack of an optical drive, which might bother users who still rely on physical media.
• The price point feels a bit steep if you’re not going to fully utilize the performance it offers.

User Experience and Daily Use

From the moment I powered it on, this desktop was a joy to use. The pre-installed Windows 11 Pro was smooth and intuitive, and I appreciated that there wasn’t a ton of bloatware preloaded. The number of USB ports, including the high-speed Type-C port, made connecting all my devices incredibly simple.

One of my favorite things was how quiet it runs, even when under heavy load. The efficient cooling system seems to do its job well, and I didn’t experience any overheating issues, even after hours of use.

I tested it out not just for work but also for some light entertainment. Streaming shows in 4K resolution was buttery smooth, which is a testament to the high-end internals. My kids even hopped on for some casual gaming, and while it’s not a gaming rig, it performed surprisingly well for titles like Minecraft and Fortnite.

Market Rivals

Looking at competing products, the HP Elite Mini 800 G9 has its fair share of rivals. One comparable option is the Dell OptiPlex Micro, which offers similar compactness but tends to fall short in terms of processing power. The Intel NUC 13 Pro is another alternative, excelling with modular upgrade options but lacking the robust out-of-the-box performance this desktop provides.

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M Series deserves a mention as well. While Lenovo’s offerings are often more budget-friendly, they don’t match the cutting-edge processor or the massive storage space that this model delivers. What sets this desktop apart is the balance between its professional-grade features and user-friendly design.

Value for Money

Discussing its bang for the buck, I’d say this desktop caters to a specific audience: professionals who need serious computing power in a compact form. If you’re someone who values performance and doesn’t mind spending a bit extra for top-tier specs, this machine is worth considering.

For casual users or those with basic computing needs, there might be more budget-friendly options available. However, the inclusion of features like Wi-Fi 6, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB PCIe SSD makes it a solid investment for power users or professionals.

Ultimately, while it’s a bit of an upfront cost, the long-term performance and reliability make it feel like a solid choice for anyone who needs a compact yet powerful desktop.

Additional information