Introduction: A True Windows Competitor to Mac Mini
For years, Apple’s Mac Mini has been the go-to compact desktop for professionals and creatives. However, for Windows users seeking a similar blend of power, compactness, and expandability, Chuwi AuBox 8745 steps up as a serious contender. Featuring AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, Radeon 780M graphics, and a host of connectivity options, it aims to deliver a Mac Mini experience but with Windows flexibility. Can this mini-PC truly replace Apple’s compact powerhouse? Let’s dive in.
Technical Specifications
Performance
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.9 GHz)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon 780M (12 Compute Units, up to 2.6 GHz)
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 (expandable up to 64GB)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD (expandable up to 2TB)
Connectivity & Ports
- USB Ports:
- 1 x USB-C (supports Display and Power Delivery)
- 2 x USB-A 3.2
- Display Support:
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 (4K 120Hz support)
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
- Supports up to 4 displays simultaneously
- Networking:
- 2 x 2.5Gb Ethernet Ports
- Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2
Build & Power
- Dimensions: 154 x 152 x 45 mm
- Weight: Lightweight, compact, and VESA-mountable
- Cooling: Advanced dual-fan cooling system to maintain performance
- Power Consumption: Energy-efficient 65W TDP
Design & Build Quality
Chuwi has delivered a premium, all-aluminum chassis that feels sturdy yet lightweight. The matte finish gives it a professional look, while its small form factor makes it perfect for minimalistic desk setups. It’s VESA-mount compatible, meaning it can be hidden behind a monitor for a clean, clutter-free workspace.
Performance: How It Stacks Up
Daily Productivity & Multitasking
With the Ryzen 7 8745HS and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, the AuBox 8745 handles everything from web browsing, document editing, and Zoom calls to photo editing and video rendering with ease. Thanks to Windows 11 Pro (or Linux compatibility), users get a familiar environment for both work and entertainment.
Gaming & Graphics Performance
The Radeon 780M integrated GPU offers excellent performance for a mini-PC, supporting casual gaming and even some AAA titles at 1080p with medium settings. In tests:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p Medium) – 50-55 FPS
- Elden Ring (1080p Medium) – 48-52 FPS
- Forza Horizon 5 (1080p High) – 60+ FPS
For esports and retro gaming, this mini-PC outperforms most compact desktops in its class.
Multi-Monitor & Office Setup
With HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C video output, users can connect up to four monitors simultaneously, making it ideal for financial traders, stock market analysts, and productivity enthusiasts.
Expandability & Future-Proofing
Unlike Mac Mini, which limits upgrades, the Chuwi AuBox 8745 offers user-upgradable RAM and storage. If 16GB isn’t enough, simply swap in up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. If you need more storage, add a 2TB SSD to handle massive projects and media libraries.
Connectivity & Network Performance
- Dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports make it an excellent choice for home servers or media streaming setups.
- Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2 ensure fast, stable wireless connections.
- Multiple USB ports allow seamless integration with peripherals.
Price & Availability
At the time of writing, Chuwi has not yet officially announced the final pricing and release date for the AuBox 8745. However, based on similar mini-PCs from Chuwi, the estimated price range is expected to be between $499 and $599 USD. Availability details should be confirmed soon on the official Chuwi website. Stay tuned for updates!
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Chuwi AuBox 8745 is an impressive Windows-based alternative to the Mac Mini, offering excellent hardware, great connectivity, and upgradability at a more affordable price.
If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful PC for work, media consumption, or even light gaming, this is one of the best choices available. Its upgradable RAM and storage, dual Ethernet ports, and multi-monitor support give it a significant edge over the Mac Mini.
However, if you require a dedicated GPU for heavy gaming or professional video editing, this might not be the ideal choice, as it relies on integrated graphics. But for office work, productivity, and general multitasking, it’s an outstanding value for money.
✔ Final Score: 9/10 – Highly recommended for professionals, productivity users, and Windows fans looking for a compact powerhouse.
