Today I'm excited to bring you the latest scoop on the Ace Magician AD15 NUC mini PC. This sleek and stylish model falls right into the sweet spot of the $350 price range. With a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 CPU clocking up to 4.4 GHz, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a generous 512GB SSD storage, this little powerhouse is ready to impress. And that's not all; it boasts Wi-Fi 6 technology, Bluetooth 5.2, and a handy SATA SSD expandable storage option.
In this review, we'll dive deep into the capabilities of the Ace Magician AD15 as a high-performance NUC mini PC. I'll test its mettle in activities like video editing, Windows gaming, and retro gaming. Plus, we'll explore its 4K HDR HLG video performance, surround sound audio output, and even venture into the world of alternative operating systems like Android x86 and Chrome OS brunch framework. So, let's get started!
Unboxing the Ace Magician AD15
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's see what's inside the box. When you open the package, you'll find:
One HDMI cable
A 19V 6.3A 119W DC power supply
The AC power cable
And a user manual to help you get started.
A Closer Look at the AD15
The Ace Magician AD15 sports a sleek, all-plastic design, standing tall and proud. On the front, you'll spot two USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C display port, and a headphone jack. The rear is home to two HDMI 2.1 ports, more USB 3.0 ports, a gigabit LAN port, a reset button, the DC power input socket, a Kensington lock, and an exhaust vent. The base features anti-skid rubber feet, ample ventilation holes, and two screws for easy access to the SATA expandable storage and internal components.
Under the Hood
Now that we've got the basics covered, let's dive into the hardware. After booting into Windows 11 Pro and logging in, here's what we're working with:
An octa-core Intel Core i5 12450H CPU, boasting 8 cores and 12 threads
16GB of DDR4 RAM
Intel UHD graphics for 12th generation processors
A speedy M.2 SSD
Realtek 8821CE Wi-Fi 6 adapter with Bluetooth 5.2
Impressive Display Capabilities
Connect this mini PC to a 4K display, and you'll enjoy crisp 4K at 2160p@60Hz with HDR. You can even play around with screen orientation, including portrait mode. Its dual HDMI 2.1 ports, contrary to the product page's info, support three-way duplicated or extended displays. You can even add a fourth wirelessly via a TV or projector. For touchscreens, a single USB Type-C cable will power it up.
Immersive Audio Experience
When hooked up to a surround sound AV receiver via HDMI passthrough, you'll be treated to 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound audio, including DTS and Dolby Atmos formats. However, for DTS-X, you'll need to grab DTS Sound Unbound from the Microsoft Store. This mini PC is truly a Dolby Atmos powerhouse.
Streaming and Gaming
The AD15 is perfect for streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos. A wireless air mouse remote control or a mini touchpad keyboard is all you need to complete your setup. YouTube also shines with up to 4K at 2160p.
However, when it comes to Windows gaming, the Intel UHD graphics perform decently on less demanding titles. On games like "Call of Duty: Warfare" and "Destiny 2," it struggles, averaging around 20-30 fps. But don't worry, its real gaming strength lies in PS2 emulation gaming, where it excels.
Benchmarks and Rankings
In various performance benchmarks, the AD15 shows its prowess. It ranks at position number four on the mini PC ranking chart. With a RAM copy speed of 10,907 MB/s and an SSD with sequential read and write speeds, it impresses. In network tests, the 5 GHz band and LAN port shine, while the 2.4 GHz band struggles.
Alternative Operating Systems
While the AD15 shines in many aspects, installing alternative operating systems proved challenging. Android x86 lacks support for the 12th-gen Intel chipsets, causing installation issues. FydeOS and Chrome OS brunch framework also hit roadblocks during installation.
In Conclusion
The Ace Magician AD15 is a versatile high-performance mini PC that handles everyday Windows tasks with ease. Its clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz, expandable storage, and sleek design make it a great addition to your home, office, or educational space. While it may not be the ideal choice for demanding Windows gaming, it excels in PS2 emulation gaming.
If you're in the market for a reliable mini PC, the Ace Magician AD15 is currently available on Amazon with a $20 on-page coupon. Check out the link in the description to snag this fantastic device.
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