Chuwi UBox: Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, Windows 11 Pro for Under €290?

The Chuwi UBox packs a Ryzen 5 6600H processor, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD into a 650-gram enclosure. With a promotional code on AliExpress, its price drops into the entry-level mini PC range, offering significantly more power than comparable Intel-based models.

Chuwi, known for its affordable tablets and laptops, presents the UBox for users seeking a compact desktop computer. It features a six-core AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor with integrated Radeon 660M graphics and comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed.

The Chuwi UBox is available for €288.72 using the code FRPRD30 on AliExpress, down from its original price of €486.59. This discount represents a saving of about forty euros compared to its initial launch price of around €329.

For daily tasks, the UBox excels. Its six cores and LPDDR5 memory ensure a responsive Windows 11 experience for office work and video calls. The USB4 port supports docks and USB-C displays. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 handle wireless connectivity, and the included VESA mount allows for attachment to a monitor. Reviews from its release noted a quiet fan, even under heavy load.

In terms of entertainment, the Radeon 660M can handle less demanding games at 1080p with moderate settings. Its 4K decoding capabilities make it suitable for a living room PC connected to a TV. It's a good option for remote workers, students, or families sharing a computer. However, gamers targeting recent titles at high settings or regular video editors will find its limits quickly. The 16GB of memory is also soldered, meaning no upgrade path for more demanding future needs.

Compared to entry-level mini-PCs like the Beelink EQ14 N150 or NiPoGi AK1PLUS N95, which use less powerful Intel chips for basic family computing, the UBox offers superior performance. It falls short of the NiPoGi AM21-8745, a higher-priced favorite with a Ryzen 7 8745HS and Radeon 780M, which offers more advanced capabilities. Its position in the market is influenced by its processor being from a previous generation compared to the Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series.

At €288.72, the Chuwi UBox brings a performance-oriented Ryzen 5 H-series processor to a price bracket typically dominated by entry-level Intel chips. It adequately covers the needs for a home office, family computer, or media center, with an additional M.2 slot for storage expansion. The actual savings should be calculated against its launch price, not the heavily discounted listed price.

For users who game regularly or require expandable memory, this model is not ideal. A newer Ryzen processor with a Radeon 780M would justify the higher cost. For most other users, it provides a compact and affordable way to replace an older desktop tower without exceeding €300. The fixed 16GB of RAM remains sufficient for its intended uses.