NiPoGi AK1 PLUS Mini PC Review – Intel N97 vs N100 vs N150

The market for mini PCs has grown steadily lately, catering to customers looking for compact, inexpensive methods for workplace work, media streaming, or light-weight computing duties. Among the many many choices out there, the NiPoGi AK1PLUS Mini PC stands out as a budget-friendly system with a spotlight on primary efficiency. Geared up with the Intel N97 processor, it affords a slight edge over comparable fashions with the N100 or N150 chips, although it comes with its personal set of quirks and limitations. This evaluate supplies an intensive examination of the NiPoGi AK1PLUS, evaluating its {hardware} to different processors in the identical household, assessing its design, efficiency, and total worth for cash. The purpose is to current a balanced perspective on whether or not this mini PC fits the wants of potential patrons within the UK market.

I’ve beforehand reviewed the NiPoGi E1 and discovered it to be a succesful system for its value. NiPoGi has now supplied the AK1PLUS for analysis, which shares similarities with the E1 however brings a slightly improved Intel N97 CPU and upgraded connectivity with WiFi 6 in contrast to WiFi 5. Whereas the design bears a resemblance to different fashions within the vary, there are delicate variations value exploring. This evaluation will cowl the specs, construct high quality, efficiency metrics, and sensible usability, alongside a comparability of the Intel N97 with the N100 and N150 processors to assist make clear the place this system suits within the lineup.

Associated Critiques

Specification

Intel N97 vs N100 vs N150

Unboxing

Bodily, the NiPoGi AK1PLUS follows the standard mini PC type issue, being compact sufficient to slot in the palm of a hand. Its dimensions make it smaller than a standard DVD drive, which is good for space-constrained environments like small workplaces or residence leisure setups. The casing, out there in a darkish gray usually described as black, has a useful slightly than premium look. Air flow is supplied via a aspect panel that additionally options an RGB standing indicator, lighting up blue when lively, amber in standby, and pink throughout boot or power-off states. Whereas this may be helpful in low-light circumstances, the sunshine is much less seen in brighter settings.

The I/O structure features a entrance panel with an influence/reset button, two USB 3.0 ports, and one USB 2.0 port. On the aspect, slightly than the again, are extra connections: an influence enter, one other USB 2.0 port, two HDMI ports, a LAN port, and a microphone jack. There’s additionally a locking mechanism for securing the system to a desk, a function usually seen in office-oriented {hardware}. The location of ports on the aspect slightly than the rear is unconventional and should result in a much less tidy cable setup, relying on the person’s desk association.

Uprgadability

On the surface, the NiPoGi AK1PLUS is much like most mini PCs, however opening up reveals some uncommon design decisions.

On the bottom, you might have two latches to unlock and two screw holes. The screw holes open up a compartment for a 2.5” SSD. The latches then take away the bottom, however this base is mainly an SSD caddy that plugs into an inner USB-C port.

With the bottom off, you possibly can entry the screws that preserve the lid in place. With the lid eliminated, you see very restricted improve choices.

There’s a SATA port seen, however no customary energy connector.

The cooling fan then blocks off entry to the whole lot else. It’s potential to take away the cooling shroud, which then exposes the M.2 port. The RAM is then on the underside of the PC, so not very straightforward to entry.

Set Up – Software program Issues – Chrome with navwithus search

Organising the AK1PLUS includes an ordinary Home windows 11 Residence set up course of, however there are notable deviations from a typical expertise. Not like many methods that immediate for a Microsoft account throughout setup, this system defaults to an area account. Whereas this will attraction to privacy-conscious customers, it suggests the working system has been altered previous to supply. Moreover, Google Chrome comes pre-installed, and the default search engine is ready to a lesser-known supplier known as “navwithus” slightly than a mainstream choice. This raises questions concerning the integrity of the software program picture.

Analysis into comparable points with different mini PC manufacturers signifies this observe isn’t distinctive to NiPoGi. Some producers have confronted criticism for together with unauthorised pre-installed software program, usually linked to producing promoting income via customized search engines like google and yahoo.

Acemagic, has been known as out for this prior to now, and so they responded with the next assertion:

“The problem affecting internet search stemmed from ACEMAGIC’s earlier provider of bulk set up methods. The provider independently added pre-installed software program with out ACEMAGIC’s express authorisation. In response, ACEMAGIC has severed ties with this provider and has transitioned to a brand new associate, making certain strict adherence to transparency and user-centric values.”

Whereas scans with safety instruments like Malwarebytes revealed no quick threats on the AK1PLUS, the presence of modified software program stays a priority for belief and transparency. It’s value noting that bigger manufacturers usually preload their methods with bloatware, which could be equally intrusive, although sometimes from extra recognised sources.

Whereas I’m not condoning firms modifying Home windows, I don’t assume NiPoGi, Acemagic or others are as much as something too nefarious. I believe the modifications are restricted, and the primary purpose for it will likely be to generate promoting income from that customized search engine.

Whereas it is a dangerous search for the businesses, is it actually a lot worse than all the large manufacturers that pre-install a wide range of bloatware? I’d argue that manufacturers pre-installing McAfee or Norton is simply as dangerous as this, and most laptop computer manufacturers are responsible of this.

For what it’s value, I reset the PC utilizing the built-in Home windows reset perform and chosen to delete all recordsdata and use a cloud obtain.

The choice is to make use of the Home windows media creation instrument and create a bootable USB to reset the whole lot.

BIOS Settings

Efficiency

In sensible use, the NiPoGi AK1PLUS performs adequately for its meant functions, which embody mild workplace work, internet searching, and media consumption. The Intel N97 processor, mixed with 16 GB of RAM, handles duties like doc modifying, spreadsheet administration, and web navigation with out noticeable lag. Streaming high-definition content material on platforms like Netflix or YouTube works easily, benefiting from the system’s capacity to output 4K at 60Hz. For customers establishing a small media centre, the twin HDMI ports permit connection to a number of shows, enhancing versatility.

Benchmarks

• PCMark 10:
  • Whole: 3182
  • Necessities: 6235
  • Productiveness: 4824
  • Digital Content material: 2908
• 3DMark CPU Profile:
  • Max Threads: 1300
  • 16 Threads: 1300
  • 8 Threads: 1301
  • 4 Threads: 1304
  • 2 Threads: 755
  • 1 Thread: 411
• 3DMark Time Spy: 536
• 3Dmark Metal Nomad Gentle: 351
• 3Dmark Storage Benchmark: 593
• Maxon Cinebench R23:
  • Single Core: 2836
  • Multi Core: 946
• CrystalDiskMark: 534 MB/s Learn, 505 MB/s write
• Aida64:
• Passmark:
  • Whole: 1512
  • CPU: 6046
  • 2D Graphics: 411
  • 3D Graphics: 1094.6
  • Reminiscence: 2433
  • Disk: 3781

For context, different mini PCs achieved:

• Passmark
  • NiPoGi E1: 1357
  • Geekom Mini Air12 Lite: 1208
• Metal Nomad Gentle
  • NiPoGi E1: 294
  • Geekom Mini Air12 Lite: 240
• Timespy
  • NiPoGi E1:
  • Geekom Mini Air12 Lite:
• PCMark
  • NiPoGi E1:
  • Geekom Mini Air12 Lite: 3116

Gaming Capabilities

Whereas the AK1PLUS is just not marketed as a gaming system, it’s value exploring its potential for operating video games, particularly for customers interested by its limits. Testing throughout a variety of titles reveals a transparent sample: trendy video games are largely unplayable as a result of mixture of the low-power N97 CPU and Intel UHD Graphics. As an example, trying to run Black Mesa at 1080p proved inconceivable, with extreme stuttering and unplayable body charges. Dropping to 720p with low settings yielded a mean of 60 frames per second (FPS), however frequent stutters when loading new areas diminished the expertise.

Older titles fare higher. Filth 3, for instance, runs acceptably at 720p with medium settings, reaching a mean of 77 FPS with no stuttering. Video games from over a decade in the past, corresponding to Half-Life 2, carry out nicely even at 1080p with excessive settings, exhibiting the system’s capacity to deal with well-optimised, much less demanding software program.

These outcomes point out that whereas informal or retro gaming is feasible, the AK1PLUS is much from an appropriate alternative for anybody with severe gaming pursuits. The {hardware} constraints are evident, and customers can be higher served by devoted gaming {hardware} and even higher-spec mini PCs if gaming is a precedence.

Worth and Various Choices

The NiPoGi AK1PLUS Mini PC has an RRP of £170 and on the time of writing, Amazon had a £50 low cost voucher, taking it to £120. This consists of 16GB RAM and a 512GB SATA SSD.

The NiPoGi E2 Mini PC has an Intel N97 and is offered for £160 with 10% off.

Then the NiPoGi E1 has an N150 processor and is offered for £159.

The Huidun H20  has the N97 with matching 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD and is offered for £160.

The GMKtec Nucbox G5 additionally has the identical spec, however is put in with Home windows 11 Professional, and that is out there for £130.

General

Whereas the modifications to Home windows are a pink flag, I wouldn’t rule this mini PC or the model out of your decisions. If something, it highlights the significance of doing a recent set up for any PC you purchase.

I don’t consider that NiPoGi has finished something extra nefarious than what each different huge model does with all of the pre-installed bloatware.

Shifting on from that subject, the NiPoGi AK1PLUS is a superb, inexpensive mini PC. It seems to be essentially the most inexpensive choice with the N97 on Amazon and it really works completely nicely for mild workplace use or as a small media PC or server.

General, I may give the NiPoGi AK1PLUS a advice, I’d simply advise to reinstall Home windows.

I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Keen about all issues expertise, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cell, wearables, and good residence gadgets.

As a health fanatic who loves operating and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related expertise, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My various pursuits permit me to convey a singular perspective to tech running a blog, merging way of life, health, and the most recent tech traits.

In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Data Programs Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior research additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the expertise curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has constantly ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many high expertise blogs within the UK. With my dedication to expertise and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with participating and informative content material.

Final replace on 2025-07-09 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API