The Minisforum NAB9 Plus Mini PC: A Compact Powerhouse with Exceptional Connectivity

The Minisforum NAB9 Plus Mini PC is turning heads in the compact computing world. With an Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, cutting-edge Xe graphics, and robust connectivity options, this nab9 mini pc redefines performance in a small form factor. Whether you’re a creative professional, tech enthusiast, or multitasking power user, the Minisforum NAB9 offers high-performance capabilities that rival many desktops.

This article explores what makes the Minisforum venus nab9 one of the best mini pcs on the market. From its 14-core CPU to extensive USB ports and dual HDMI outputs, you’ll learn how it stacks up in real-world scenarios like gaming, video editing, and everyday tasks.

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Key Takeaways

• The NAB9 Plus features a 14-core Intel Core i9-12900HK processor with 20 threads.
• Built-in Intel Iris Xe Graphics supports video editing and light gaming.
• Offers up to 64GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD.
• Exceptional connectivity: USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.0, RJ45 2.5G, OCuLink port.
• Ideal for everyday tasks, office work, and high-efficiency workflows.

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What is the Minisforum NAB9 Plus Mini PC?

The Minisforum NAB9 Plus Mini PC is a sleek, powerful desktop replacement. It belongs to the venus series nab9 mini pc family, which combines port density, compact size, and elite processor performance. The NAB9 Plus builds upon its predecessor by upgrading connectivity with a USB4 port, OCuLink, and DisplayPort 1.4, enabling data transfer at high speeds.

This handy all-round PC targets professionals seeking a user-friendly, high-speed system that fits even in tight spaces. The minisforum venus nab9 reflects a balance between form factor and performance, making it ideal for minimalists, creators, and home office users.

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How Powerful is the NAB9’s Processor?

The heart of the nab9 mini pc is the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, a 14-core, 20-thread CPU from the Alder Lake lineup. With a base clock speed of 2.90 GHz and boost up to 5 GHz, it delivers top-tier performance in a 45W TDP envelope. This intel core CPU features a hybrid architecture—efficiency and performance cores combined—for multi-threaded performance.

The Minisforum NAB9 Plus excels at running office tasks, multimedia workflows, and even virtual machines, thanks to its advanced processor features. Its high-performance profile also handles solid-state operations seamlessly.

What can you do with the Minisforum NAB9 Plus Native Oculink Port?

One standout feature of the Minisforum NAB9 Plus Mini PC is its native OCuLink port, which opens up powerful expansion possibilities typically reserved for larger desktops. OCuLink (Optical-Copper Link) provides a high-speed, low-latency PCIe connection between the mini PC and external devices—most notably, eGPUs (external graphics processing units).

Using the OCuLink port, you can connect a dedicated GPU to supercharge gaming, 3D rendering, or video editing workloads. Unlike Thunderbolt, OCuLink avoids shared lanes and enables direct PCIe 4.0 x4 communication, significantly reducing bottlenecks and boosting data transfer rates. This makes the nab9 mini pc a versatile hub for creators or gamers who want desktop-class graphics in a compact form factor.

The OCuLink setup also benefits professionals needing extra graphics capabilities for CAD, machine learning, or simulation tasks. For those in multimedia production, pairing the intel core i9-12900HK processor with an external GPU turns the NAB9 Plus into a creative powerhouse.

Beyond eGPUs, the OCuLink interface can also support high-speed NVMe storage enclosures and other PCIe-based expansion modules. It’s a rare find in mini pcs, adding significant flexibility without sacrificing the small footprint or connectivity advantages.

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What Graphics Capabilities Does the NAB9 Mini PC Offer?

Equipped with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, the minisforum nab9 plus mini pc handles video editing, streaming, and light gaming with ease. Its GPU supports multiple 4K displays and integrates seamlessly with DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0 outputs. With a max dynamic frequency of 1.45 GHz, Xe graphics balance power and efficiency.

The graphic performance is solid for tasks like photo editing, content creation, and 3D rendering previews. While not a replacement for a discrete GPU, the Xe engine makes the nab9 a competitive choice in its class.

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How Much RAM and Storage Can You Expect?

The nab9 mini pc comes with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, delivering exceptional speed for data transfer, multitasking, and gaming. The RAM is DDR4, dual-channel, and expandable up to 64GB—great for power users.

Storage options include M.2 2280 and M.2 2230 slots for expansion. It also supports SATA drives if more capacity is needed. The use of pcie 4.0 SSD improves boot times and app performance dramatically.

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What Are the Port and Connectivity Options?

The connectivity options in the minisforum nab9 are among its standout features. Key ports include:

• Two HDMI 2.0 ports
• DisplayPort 1.4
• USB4 port
• Three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• RJ45 2.5G Ethernet
• 3.5mm audio jack
• OCuLink port
• Type-C ports

These USB ports support fast data transfer and peripheral connectivity. The inclusion of RJ45 ensures wired ethernet reliability, while Bluetooth 5.2 and wireless connectivity round out the package.

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Is the NAB9 Mini PC Good for Gaming and Multimedia?

The minisforum nab9 plus mini pc is not a hardcore gaming rig, but it performs well in light gaming thanks to its intel iris xe graphics and high-speed ram. It can handle titles like Fortnite, Minecraft, and CS:GO at 1080p.

For multimedia professionals, the nab9 offers seamless 4K video streaming and video editing capabilities. Combined with fast ssd access and usb 3.2 gen 2 speeds, it’s a reliable workstation for content creators.

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How Efficient is the Cooling System?

The cooling system in the minisforum venus series nab9 mini is engineered for high performance in tight spaces. It includes a custom heat pipe layout and smart fan control to ensure thermal efficiency.

Even under load, the nab9 mini pc maintains safe temperatures, ensuring that the cpu and graphic performance remain stable. Quiet operation makes it suitable for home offices or content studios.

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What Are the Key Differences Between Minisforum NAB9 and NAB9 Plus

While both the Minisforum NAB9 and NAB9 Plus mini PCs share the same high-performance Intel Core i9-12900HK processor and a similar compact design, there are several important differences—primarily in connectivity, expandability, and some configuration details.

Below is a clear comparison:

Feature	Minisforum NAB9	Minisforum NAB9 Plus
Processor	Intel Core i9-12900HK (14C/20T, up to 5.0 GHz)	Intel Core i9-12900HK (14C/20T, up to 5.0 GHz)
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe	Intel Iris Xe
RAM	Up to 64GB DDR4 3200MHz	32GB DDR4 3200MHz (max 32GB)
Storage	M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD (up to 2TB), SATA 2.5″	M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD (1TB, up to 4TB), SATA 2.5″
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2	Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3
Video Outputs	2× HDMI 2.0, 2× USB-C (4K@60Hz)	1× HDMI 2.0, 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× USB4
Key Additional Ports	2× 2.5G Ethernet, multiple USB-A/C	2× 2.5G Ethernet, OCuLink, USB4, DisplayPort 1.4
OCuLink Support	No	Yes (for external GPU/eGPU support)
USB4 Support	Not standard (USB-C for DP/Data/PD)	Yes (full USB4 port for high-speed peripherals/eGPU)
DisplayPort	Not standard	Yes (DisplayPort 1.4 included)
Max RAM	64GB	32GB
Cooling/Design	Enhanced ventilation, liquid metal, SSD fan	Similar, with easy-open cover for upgrades
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2	Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3

• Enhanced Connectivity: The NAB9 Plus introduces an OCuLink port for external GPU (eGPU) support, a full USB4 port (enabling faster data transfer and more eGPU options), and a DisplayPort 1.4 output for higher-end monitor compatibility—none of which are standard on the original NAB9123.
• Wireless Improvements: Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.3 on the NAB9 Plus offer better wireless performance compared to the NAB9’s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.23.
• Storage Expansion: The NAB9 Plus supports SSD expansion up to 4TB, while the NAB9 is typically listed as supporting up to 2TB34.
• RAM Configuration: The NAB9 supports up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, while the NAB9 Plus is specified with 32GB max, though this may vary by SKU and could be a limitation of certain configurations or documentation43.
• Design and Accessibility: The NAB9 Plus features an easy-open cover for hassle-free upgrades, catering to users who want to frequently access the internals1.

The Minisforum NAB9 Plus is a direct upgrade over the NAB9, with the same processor but significantly improved connectivity (OCuLink, USB4, DisplayPort 1.4), wireless capabilities, and storage expansion. These features make the NAB9 Plus a better choice for users who need external GPU support, faster peripherals, or more advanced monitor setups, while the original NAB9 remains a strong option for general office, creative, and moderate gaming tasks

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Minisforum NAB9 Plus Mini PC?

The Minisforum NAB9 plus mini pc offers exceptional value for power users needing speed, connectivity, and portability. Its intel core i9-12900HK processor, high-speed ddr4 ram, versatile usb ports, and graphic output options make it a mini pc worth investing in.

Ideal for office tasks, everyday tasks, content creation, or even as a portable dev workstation, this unit delivers more than just compactness—it brings flagship performance in a miniature body.