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

The market for mini PCs has grown steadily in recent times, catering to customers looking for compact, reasonably priced programs for workplace work, media streaming, or light-weight computing duties. Among the many many choices accessible, the NiPoGi AK1PLUS Mini PC stands out as a budget-friendly machine with a spotlight on fundamental efficiency. Geared up with the Intel N97 processor, it presents a slight edge over comparable fashions with the N100 or N150 chips, although it comes with its personal set of quirks and limitations. This assessment 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 goal is to current a balanced perspective on whether or not this mini PC fits the wants of potential consumers within the UK market.

I’ve beforehand reviewed the NiPoGi E1 and discovered it to be a succesful machine for its worth. 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 refined variations price 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 machine matches within the lineup.

Associated Evaluations

Specification

Intel N97 vs N100 vs N150

Unboxing

Bodily, the NiPoGi AK1PLUS follows the everyday mini PC type issue, being compact sufficient to slot in the palm of a hand. Its dimensions make it smaller than a conventional DVD drive, which is good for space-constrained environments like small workplaces or dwelling leisure setups. The casing, accessible in a darkish gray typically described as black, has a useful somewhat than premium look. Air flow is supplied by a aspect panel that additionally options an RGB standing indicator, lighting up blue when energetic, amber in standby, and purple 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, somewhat than the again, are further 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 machine to a desk, a characteristic typically seen in office-oriented {hardware}. The location of ports on the aspect somewhat than the rear is unconventional and will result in a much less tidy cable setup, relying on the person’s desk association.

Uprgadability

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

On the bottom, you will 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 principally an SSD caddy that plugs into an inside USB-C port.

With the bottom off, you’ll be able to entry the screws that maintain the lid in place. With the lid eliminated, you see very restricted improve choices.

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

The cooling fan then blocks off entry to all the things else. It’s attainable 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 simple to entry.

Set Up – Software program Considerations – Chrome with navwithus search

Organising the AK1PLUS includes a normal Home windows 11 Dwelling set up course of, however there are notable deviations from a typical expertise. Not like many programs that immediate for a Microsoft account throughout setup, this machine defaults to a neighborhood account. Whereas this will likely 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” somewhat than a mainstream possibility. This raises questions concerning the integrity of the software program picture.

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

Acemagic, has been known as out for this up to now, they usually responded with the next assertion:

“The difficulty affecting net search stemmed from ACEMAGIC’s earlier provider of bulk set up programs. 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 companion, making certain strict adherence to transparency and user-centric values.”

Whereas scans with safety instruments like Malwarebytes revealed no instant threats on the AK1PLUS, the presence of modified software program stays a priority for belief and transparency. It’s price noting that bigger manufacturers typically preload their programs with bloatware, which may 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 motive for it is going to be to generate promoting income from that customized search engine.

Whereas this can be a dangerous search for the businesses, is it actually a lot worse than all the massive 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 price, I reset the PC utilizing the built-in Home windows reset operate and chosen to delete all recordsdata and use a cloud obtain.

The choice is to make use of the Home windows media creation device and create a bootable USB to reset all the things.

BIOS Settings

Efficiency

In sensible use, the NiPoGi AK1PLUS performs adequately for its meant functions, which embody mild workplace work, net looking, and media consumption. The Intel N97 processor, mixed with 16 GB of RAM, handles duties like doc enhancing, 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 organising a small media centre, the twin HDMI ports enable connection to a number of shows, enhancing versatility.

Benchmarks

• PCMark 10:
  • Complete: 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 Mild: 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:
  • Complete: 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 Mild
  • 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 will not be marketed as a gaming machine, it’s price exploring its potential for operating video games, particularly for customers interested by its limits. Testing throughout a spread of titles reveals a transparent sample: trendy video games are largely unplayable because of the mixture of the low-power N97 CPU and Intel UHD Graphics. As an illustration, trying to run Black Mesa at 1080p proved not possible, 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. Dust 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, resembling Half-Life 2, carry out properly 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 could be higher served by devoted gaming {hardware} and even higher-spec mini PCs if gaming is a precedence.

Value and Different 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 on the market for £160 with 10% off.

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

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

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

Total

Whereas the modifications to Home windows are a purple 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 imagine that NiPoGi has accomplished something extra nefarious than what each different massive model does with all of the pre-installed bloatware.

Transferring on from that problem, the NiPoGi AK1PLUS is a superb, reasonably priced mini PC. It seems to be probably the most reasonably priced possibility with the N97 on Amazon and it really works completely properly for mild workplace use or as a small media PC or server.

Total, 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. Obsessed with all issues know-how, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cellular, wearables, and good dwelling units.

As a health fanatic who loves operating and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related know-how, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My numerous pursuits enable me to carry a novel perspective to tech running a blog, merging way of life, health, and the newest tech developments.

In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Methods 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 know-how curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has persistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many prime know-how blogs within the UK. With my dedication to know-how and drive to share my insights, I goal to proceed offering my readers with participating and informative content material.

Final replace on 2025-06-28 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Pictures from Amazon Product Promoting API