The MINIX NGC NR774 is a mini PC that proves small systems don’t have to compromise on performance. Built around AMD’s Ryzen 7 8745HS processor and paired with Radeon 780M graphics, it brings workstation-grade power into a form factor that barely takes up any desk space. From creative workloads to light gaming, this compact computer is ready to handle a wide mix of tasks with ease.
Its design makes it a practical choice for people who want both speed and versatility. With support for multiple high-resolution displays, fast networking, and expandable storage, the NR774 is equipped to serve as a hub for productivity or entertainment. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and dual 2.5G Ethernet ensures smooth connectivity whether you’re at home, in the office, or setting up a compact server.
What makes this system stand out is how it balances raw performance with thoughtful features. It’s quiet, efficient, and offers room for upgrades, making it just as suitable for professionals working with demanding applications as it is for someone building a high-powered media setup. For users seeking a reliable, future-ready mini PC, the NR774 has the right blend of power and design.
Design and Functionality
The MINIX NGC NR774 takes a modern approach to compact computing, with a design that feels both premium and practical. Its chassis is crafted from durable materials that give it a solid and reassuring feel while maintaining a sleek, minimalistic look. The compact form factor allows it to fit neatly into almost any workspace, whether on a desk or mounted out of sight.
Its dimensions make it highly versatile for both home and office use. At just over 13 cm wide and 5 cm tall, it is small enough to remain unobtrusive, yet still houses powerful hardware inside. This balance of size and strength is one of its most appealing aspects, as it avoids the bulky footprint of traditional desktops.
The exterior finish has a clean, understated style that blends well with other modern tech setups. This makes it an attractive addition to creative studios, offices, or entertainment areas. Despite its subtle design, it still projects a sense of capability thanks to its premium construction.
Cooling is handled with care, ensuring the unit stays quiet even when under load. Dual fans work efficiently to push heat away from the CPU and GPU without creating distracting noise. This makes it suitable for environments where a silent system is important, such as offices or shared workspaces.
The thoughtful layout of ports is another highlight of its design. Multiple USB, Ethernet, and video outputs are arranged for easy access, making it simple to connect peripherals and displays without hassle. This layout not only improves usability but also reduces clutter around your desk.
Video connectivity is particularly versatile, with HDMI, DisplayPort, and dual USB-C outputs available. This makes it easy to set up multi-monitor configurations, whether for productivity, design work, or immersive gaming sessions. The ability to support up to four displays is a strong advantage for users who need maximum screen space.
Wireless connectivity is seamlessly integrated into the design, with Wi-Fi 6E ensuring fast, reliable networking. Alongside this, Bluetooth 5.2 provides compatibility with a wide range of devices, from keyboards and mice to headsets and speakers. Together, these features ensure a clutter-free, cable-light setup.
The inclusion of dual 2.5G Ethernet ports adds a professional edge to its design. For users running servers, streaming setups, or high-speed file transfers, these ports deliver stability and performance that typical mini PCs often lack. It’s a feature that helps set the NR774 apart in its category.
Expandability has been built into the system’s design as well. With support for additional memory and storage upgrades, users are not locked into the default configuration. This future-proof approach makes the NR774 a strong investment for those who anticipate evolving needs.
Practical accessories come included with the system to enhance its functionality. A VESA mount is provided, allowing the mini PC to be discreetly attached to the back of a monitor or hidden behind a desk. This gives users greater flexibility in setting up their workspace.
The NR774’s design also takes into account efficient power usage. Its compact adapter delivers consistent energy while keeping heat to a minimum. This efficiency helps the system run smoothly without demanding extra space for bulky power supplies.
Key Features
One of the most notable features of the MINIX NGC NR774 is its AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor. With eight cores and sixteen threads, this CPU delivers impressive multi-threaded performance that can easily handle demanding workloads. It’s built for speed, making it suitable for everything from productivity to creative projects.
Complementing the CPU is the integrated Radeon 780M GPU, based on RDNA3 architecture. This graphics solution offers enough power for light gaming, video editing, and creative workflows without the need for a separate graphics card. For those who want more, the USB4 ports allow for external GPU support, adding another layer of flexibility.
Memory performance is another standout feature. The system comes equipped with 32GB of DDR5 memory running at 5600MHz, ensuring smooth multitasking and faster data processing. With two SODIMM slots available, users can expand the memory up to 64GB if their requirements grow.
Storage options are equally impressive. Out of the box, the mini PC includes a 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, which provides blazing fast load times and application performance. Two NVMe slots are available in total, meaning storage can be expanded up to 8TB for those who need significant space for files and media.
Connectivity is an area where the NR774 really shines. It supports both wired and wireless connections at high speeds, with dual 2.5G Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi 6E. This makes it suitable for both professional environments and home networks where stability and speed are essential.
Display support has been designed with versatility in mind. With HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and two USB-C 4.0 outputs, the system can run up to four monitors simultaneously. It can also handle resolutions up to 8K, making it a strong choice for users who rely on sharp visuals or extended desktop setups.
The cooling system deserves mention as well, with dual fans and an efficient heatsink ensuring stable performance under heavy workloads. Despite the power inside, the NR774 runs quietly, making it a good fit for environments where low noise levels are important.
Practical extras are included to make setup and use more convenient. A VESA mount allows for flexible placement, while an HDMI cable is provided for immediate use. These thoughtful inclusions highlight the system’s user-friendly approach.
Security has also been considered, with built-in TPM support helping to safeguard data. This feature makes the system a reliable option for professional use where privacy and protection are priorities.
Tech Specs
General
- Brand: MINIX
- Model: NGC NR774 (EU)
- Type: Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
- Colour: Black
Processor & Graphics
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS (8 cores / 16 threads, up to 4.9GHz)
- GPU: AMD Radeon 780M
Memory
- Installed: 32GB DDR5-5600 (2 × 16GB)
- Expandable: Up to 64GB via 2 × DDR5 SO-DIMM slots
Storage
- Installed: 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
- Expansion: 2 × M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD slots (up to 8TB supported)
Connectivity – Wired & Wireless
- Ethernet: 2 × RJ-45 2.5G ports
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E (2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz), Bluetooth 5.2
Video Output
- 1 × HDMI 2.1 (4K @ 60Hz)
- 1 × DisplayPort 1.4 (4K @ 144Hz)
- 2 × USB-C 4.0 (up to 8K @ 60Hz)
Audio
- 3.5mm audio combo jack
USB Ports
- 2 × USB-C 4.0 (100W input, 15W output, 40Gbps transfer)
- 2 × USB-A 3.2 Gen2
- 2 × USB-A 2.0
Power
- 19.0V / 6.32A, 120W DC power adapter
Environmental Tolerance
- Operating: -5°C to 45°C, 10% to 90% non-condensing
- Storage: -20°C to 70°C, 5% to 95% non-condensing
Size & Weight
- Product Dimensions: 138.5 × 131.3 × 52.1 mm
- Package Dimensions: 182 × 172 × 113 mm
- Product Weight: 737.8g
- Package Weight: 1812.4g
Package Contents
- 1 × MINIX NGC NR774
- 1 × VESA mount
- 1 × HDMI cable
- 1 × Power adapter and power cable
- 1 × User manual
Experience Using the Product and Performance
Setting up the MINIX NGC NR774 is a quick and straightforward process. With Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, the system is ready to use almost immediately after powering on. For those who prefer Linux, installation is also supported, adding flexibility for different user requirements.
The performance of the Ryzen 7 8745HS CPU is immediately noticeable in everyday use. Applications launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and the system shows no hesitation even with multiple browser tabs and background processes running. This makes it particularly suitable for professionals who rely on responsiveness.
When it comes to creative workloads, the integrated Radeon 780M GPU plays a key role. Video editing, image processing, and even some 3D modelling tasks are handled with surprising ease. While not a substitute for a dedicated workstation GPU, it provides more than enough power for many creators.
Gaming on the NR774 is a better experience than you might expect from a mini PC. Popular titles run smoothly at 1080p with respectable frame rates, and less demanding games can even be enjoyed at higher resolutions. For users who want more, the option to connect an external GPU via USB4 adds another level of performance potential.
The inclusion of 32GB of DDR5 memory ensures that multitasking is never an issue. Switching between applications is seamless, and memory-hungry programs like design software or large spreadsheets run without slowdowns. For users who need more, the ability to upgrade to 64GB ensures room for future growth.
Storage performance is equally strong, thanks to the 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. Large files open almost instantly, and system boot times are exceptionally fast. With space to add an additional drive, users who work with extensive libraries of media or data will find this particularly beneficial.
Networking performance is another standout area for the NR774. The dual 2.5G Ethernet ports provide stability and speed for demanding tasks such as transferring large files or running a media server. For wireless use, Wi-Fi 6E ensures fast and reliable connections, even in busy environments.
Bluetooth 5.2 adds further convenience, supporting a wide range of peripherals without lag or instability. From wireless keyboards and mice to headsets and speakers, the connection remains solid. This is especially helpful in workspaces where reducing cables is a priority.
One of the highlights of using this system is its ability to handle multiple displays. With support for up to four monitors, productivity is significantly improved. Designers, programmers, and content creators will appreciate the extended workspace this feature provides.
The output quality across displays is sharp and vibrant. Whether running a 4K monitor for editing or multiple screens for multitasking, the NR774 maintains smooth performance. The option to go up to 8K resolution future-proofs the system for evolving display standards.
In day-to-day use, the cooling system proves highly effective. The dual fans keep the CPU and GPU running at optimal temperatures, even when the system is under heavy load. Despite this, fan noise is minimal, making it unobtrusive in quiet environments.
Power efficiency is also noteworthy. The system runs cool and consumes less energy compared to larger desktop PCs, which is ideal for users who run their system for long hours. The compact power adapter further contributes to keeping the setup tidy and efficient.
Running virtual machines or development environments is another area where the NR774 excels. The combination of strong CPU performance and ample memory ensures smooth performance, making it a capable tool for software testing or sandboxing projects.
Streaming media is effortless on this mini PC. Whether it’s high-definition movies or music, playback is fluid and clear. The multiple video outputs also allow it to serve as a central hub for home entertainment setups.
Audio performance through the 3.5mm jack and Bluetooth is clean and reliable. Paired with external speakers or quality headphones, the system delivers an enjoyable multimedia experience. This versatility makes it just as comfortable in a living room as it is in a workspace.
The included VESA mount proves useful in practice. Mounting the NR774 behind a monitor or under a desk helps free up valuable space, giving the setup a cleaner appearance. For minimalist users, this adds to the appeal of the system.
As a small form factor PC, its portability is another strength. At under a kilogram, it can be easily moved between different locations or carried as part of a mobile workstation. This flexibility is valuable for users who work in multiple environments.
The system also demonstrates reliability in extended use. Long hours of operation don’t lead to instability, and the consistent cooling ensures hardware longevity. This makes it a dependable choice for both professional and personal needs.
Another practical aspect is its quiet performance under pressure. Even when running heavy applications or multitasking across several monitors, the system remains whisper-quiet. This makes it an excellent option for shared workspaces where noise is a concern.
Security features like TPM support provide reassurance for users handling sensitive data. Combined with the robust hardware, this makes the NR774 a solid fit for business use as well as personal projects.
Over extended testing, the system proved highly adaptable to different use cases. From creative work and office tasks to entertainment and light gaming, it handled each scenario smoothly. Its balance of compact size and strong performance makes it stand out among mini PCs.
Gaming Performance
The gaming capabilities of the MINIX NGC NR774 exceed what you might expect from a compact system. Thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor and Radeon 780M graphics, it delivers smooth gameplay in a wide range of popular titles. At 1080p resolution, esports and lighter AAA games run comfortably, maintaining playable frame rates without noticeable stutter. This makes it a reliable choice for casual and mid-level gaming sessions.
For more demanding modern releases, settings may need to be adjusted, but the Radeon 780M proves surprisingly capable. Many titles can be enjoyed at medium to high settings, balancing visuals and performance effectively. Less graphically intensive games, such as MOBAs or indie titles, easily achieve high frame rates, giving players a responsive and enjoyable experience. The integrated RDNA3 GPU architecture clearly shows its strength in optimising performance for a compact machine.
One of the advantages of the NR774 is its ability to support multi-monitor setups. For gamers, this opens the door to immersive configurations with extended displays, whether for simulation titles or multitasking during streams. The system’s support for up to four screens, including 4K and even 8K options, means it can scale to different gaming styles and preferences. It’s a rare strength for a device in this form factor.
Connectivity also plays a role in gaming performance. Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports ensure low latency and stable online play, which is especially valuable for competitive gaming. Wi-Fi 6E further adds flexibility, offering fast wireless connections with minimal lag in environments where cables aren’t practical. These features make the NR774 well suited to both home gaming setups and portable LAN environments.
For those who want more power, the inclusion of USB4 support provides the option of connecting an external GPU. This effectively transforms the NR774 into a system capable of handling high-end gaming with ray tracing and demanding settings. It’s a feature that future-proofs the mini PC, giving users the ability to expand their gaming performance well beyond what’s typical for integrated graphics.
While the MINIX NGC NR774 isn’t marketed as a pure gaming rig, it provides a strong balance between compact design and gaming capability. It’s more than capable of handling mainstream titles at smooth frame rates and can expand further with external hardware. For users who want a mini PC that covers work, play, and entertainment in equal measure, the NR774 stands out as an excellent option.
Conclusion
The MINIX NGC NR774 is a mini PC that successfully combines performance, connectivity, and efficiency in a compact form. With its Ryzen 7 processor and Radeon graphics, it delivers the kind of speed and reliability that users usually expect from much larger systems. Its size and versatility make it equally at home in a professional office or a home entertainment setup.
Expandability is one of its strongest qualities, with options for both memory and storage upgrades. This ensures the system can evolve alongside a user’s needs, making it a future-ready investment. Whether you require more space for creative projects or additional power for multitasking, the NR774 is designed to scale.
Connectivity is another key advantage, with dual Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, and multiple video outputs providing flexibility across a wide range of uses. From powering a multi-monitor workstation to acting as the backbone of a home media centre, it adapts seamlessly.
The MINIX NGC NR774 delivers far more than its size suggests. It strikes a careful balance between compact design and robust functionality, making it an ideal choice for users who want strong, dependable performance without the bulk of a traditional desktop.
