There aren’t many PCs that stop you in your tracks, but the Tecno Megamini G1 is one of them. Impossibly small, bathed in RGB lighting, and packed with laptop hardware, it delivers performance rivaling the best gaming desktops. The real kicker? A custom liquid-cooling loop inside its minuscule 5.6-liter chassis. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a game-changer.
Currently on Kickstarter, the Megamini G1 has already garnered significant attention and funding. It’s one of the most unique PCs I’ve encountered, and it handily exceeded my performance expectations. While impressive, the high price and some software quirks give me pause before wholeheartedly recommending it.
Specs, Pricing, and Availability
Logo on the top of the Tenco Megamini G1 PC.Image: The Tecno Megamini G1’s compact design showcasing its top-mounted logo.
The Megamini G1 comes in two configurations. Both feature an RTX 4060 and 32GB of RAM, but differ in storage and CPU. The base model packs a 10-core Intel Core i7-13620H (six Performance cores, four Efficient cores, 4.9GHz boost clock) and a 1TB SSD for $1,699 (or $1,599 during the Kickstarter campaign). The premium model boasts a 14-core Intel Core i9-13900H (same Performance core count, double Efficient cores, 5.4GHz boost clock) and a 2TB SSD for $1,899 (also with a $100 Kickstarter discount).
Key Specifications (as reviewed):
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i9-13900H |
| Cooling | Custom Liquid Cooling Loop |
| Memory | 32GB DDR5-5200 (up to 64GB) |
| GPU | Nvidia RTX 4060 Mobile |
| Storage | 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD (up to 4TB) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Chassis | Custom 5.6-liter SFF |
Considering these are laptop components without the typical laptop peripherals (keyboard, screen, etc.), the price is premium. Comparable laptops like the HP Omen Transcend 14 offer similar specs and a 2.8K OLED display for around $1,300. While the Megamini G1 performs better than its specs suggest, the price is undeniably steep. Compared to other small form factor desktops like the Asus ROG NUC 970 (around $1,629 for an RTX 4060 configuration), the Megamini G1’s pricing is competitive, especially given its unique cooling solution. However, if raw performance is your sole focus, larger desktops offer more power for less money.
Design and Build Quality
Tubes inside the Tecno Megamini G1.Image: A close-up view of the Megamini G1’s internal liquid-cooling system, showcasing the intricate tubing.
The Megamini G1’s design is striking. Its transparent panels offer a glimpse into the internal components, with the liquid-cooling tubes as the centerpiece. Watching the coolant flow is mesmerizing. The diffused RGB lighting on the panels and the single 120mm fan create a captivating visual spectacle. While the RGB and top light strips aren’t adjustable, the overall aesthetic is undeniably unique. The abundant Tecno and G1 branding might be a bit much for some, but it doesn’t detract from the overall design.
tecno megamini g1 review 09Image: The Megamini G1’s side panel, showcasing the RGB lighting and transparent design.
Beyond aesthetics, the Megamini G1’s port selection is exceptional. It offers more connectivity than many full-sized towers. The front panel houses four USB-A ports (two USB 3.2 Gen 2, two Gen 1) and a headphone jack. The left side features a full-size SD card reader. The rear panel includes two 10Gbps USB-C ports (with DisplayPort Alt Mode), 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 and 3.0 Type-A ports, and an Oculink connector for external GPUs. Two HDMI 2.0 ports are also present, though the lack of HDMI 2.1 is a disappointment in the age of upscaling and high refresh rate gaming.
Driver Issues and Software
A Tenco logo on the Megamini G1 PC.Image: The Tecno logo prominently displayed on the Megamini G1’s chassis.
While I appreciate the Megamini G1’s design and performance, the initial setup was frustrating. Out-of-the-box driver issues required troubleshooting and eventually a fresh Windows 11 installation. Even then, the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio drivers required a separate driver package from Tecno. The lack of bundled software also means limited control over fan curves and power modes. The front panel display, while visually appealing, displayed inaccurate system information. Tecno assures that these issues will be resolved before the official launch, promising a fully optimized experience.
Display on the Tecno Megamini G1 PC.Image: The Megamini G1’s front panel display, showcasing system information (though potentially inaccurate).
Performance: Punching Above its Weight
Lights on the top of the Tecno Megamini G1 PC.Image: The Megamini G1’s illuminated top fins, designed for improved airflow.
The Megamini G1’s performance is surprising. It competes favorably with full-sized desktops using desktop-class components, often outperforming them in CPU-bound tasks. This is a testament to the effectiveness of its liquid-cooling solution. While gaming performance lags behind desktops with more powerful GPUs, it’s remarkably close, especially considering its mobile RTX 4060. The Megamini G1 is also surprisingly quiet, though the lack of fan control means noise levels increase under load.
Conclusion: A Powerful Novelty
The Tecno Megamini G1 gaming PC sitting on a coffee table.Image: The Tecno Megamini G1, showcasing its compact size in a real-world setting.
The Megamini G1 is a novelty, but a powerful one. Its compact size, striking RGB lighting, and impressive performance make it a unique offering. While the price is high and software support needs improvement, the Megamini G1 demonstrates the potential of liquid cooling in a small form factor PC. For those comfortable with a little tinkering, it’s a remarkable machine. For others, it might be best admired from afar until the software matures.
