Mini PCs have become extremely popular in recent years, with users turning to these smaller, more streamlined computers as desktop or laptop replacements. But few have made as big a splash as the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01.
I've been using one of the higher-end versions of the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01 for a few months now, and I honestly have to say it's one of the best mini PCs money can buy, even if you have to jump through a few hoops to get it right Get it now.
retro indie paradise
Inheriting the iconic look of the classic 1984 Mac computer, the Retro Mini PC AM01 is a dream come true for retro enthusiasts and collectors. This Ayaneo Mini PC is affordable (starting at $259) and has considerable potential, but how it harnesses that potential will certainly vary depending on what you're doing.
If you've ever considered buying a mini PC, you're probably already well aware of the drawbacks you see, namely the lower performance and more limited upgradeability that come with these smaller packages. Still, they've come a long way in recent years, and these PCs can actually handle quite a lot now, especially when they feature newer hardware like RAM, SSDs, and faster CPUs. The AMD 5700U in my Retro Mini PC AM01 is more than capable of running some of the latest games (albeit at lower settings), but it doesn't have a dedicated graphics card, so if you're trying to run the latest games.
Still, the Retro Mini PC AM01 is a great desktop alternative when it comes to retro or indie gaming, and it's packed with ports and even supports 4K at 60Hz, making it easier to buy than other computers. You might want to use an expensive desktop computer to do something similar. The model I've been using for the past few months comes with the aforementioned AMD 5700U, 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, and Windows 11 Home. It's not quite the gaming beast that my main desktop is, but it doesn't need to be.
The Retro Mini PC AM01 is not designed to replace your gaming desktop. Instead, Ayaneo went all out with retro design, even showcasing plenty of retro games within the company's built-in apps. And since it comes with a solid but aging processor like the AMD 5700U (you can also upgrade to the AMD 5800U), you can complete all your daily tasks here, too. I use it for playing indie and retro games, as well as for productivity tasks. In fact, I'm writing this review on my computer right now.
As a mini PC more suited to "light gaming," the Ayaneo delivers everything you'd expect, plus great performance in low-end gaming. Games like Stardew Valley , Dead Cells , and a ton of older simulation games will all run just fine here, and they'll cost under $500, depending on which model you design. I did see issues with some games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 , but I didn't expect those games to run very well in the first place.
If you're running one of the lower-RAM versions here, though, it might have more difficulty. So I definitely recommend upgrading the RAM or trying to get a higher RAM configuration to keep things as smooth as possible.
iconic design
Of course, the first thing that attracted me to the design was the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01. As I mentioned above, it's designed to look like the first iconic Mac computer, and Ayaneo really nailed the look and design here.
But it doesn't stop there. The retro mini PC combines all the iconic design with modern ports, providing plenty of space to connect different accessories and peripherals. The four included USB-A ports, as well as the USB-C port on the front, allow you to connect multiple items such as a wireless keyboard, mouse, and headphones. You can also connect directly to Ethernet via the Ethernet port on the back, just in case you prefer that to wifi.
There's also a DisplayPort and HDMI port on the back, allowing you to connect up to two monitors. I was able to run the Retro Mini PC AM01 seamlessly on my dual 4K monitor setup, and it looked pretty good on my desk.
What makes the Retro Mini PC even more stand out is Ayaneo's custom design around the iconic Mac look. You can use a variety of magnets and stickers to achieve a specific look, and while you'll need to place it on the back during use (which is best for dissipating heat), it provides a small way to make the mini feel like you Just like your own computer.
Jump through hoops
Perhaps the most disappointing part of the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC is the number of hoops you have to jump through to get your hands on it. Currently, Ayaneo is only selling it as part of an IndieGoGo campaign, which means you'll have to back the campaign to get one.
The configurations they offer right now are also very limited, as they only lay out a certain number of units for each option. However, the different options available on the IndieGoGo page are subject to change, so it's hard to say which ones are available and which ones aren't. (Ayaneo hasn't revealed any plans to offer the Retro Mini PC AM01 outside of its IndieGoGo campaign.) Thankfully, even if you end up with a smaller RAM or SSD configuration, the Retro Mini PC AM01 is very easy to upgrade to new parts— —You can take it apart, although this may void any warranty, so be careful if you go this route.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the results Ayaneo delivered. As I mentioned above, playing demanding games is not a good option. But if you want a great little mini PC that can handle day-to-day tasks, run some retro and indie games with ease, and look great on your desk, then the Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01 is easily the best on the market Choose one. Its iconic design and ease of upgrades are also highlights.
The AMD 5700U configuration I received is listed at $420 on Ayaneo's IndieGoGo page, which I recommend as a good starting point for anyone planning to buy one.
