Nostalgia is a powerful force. Ayaneo, known for its handheld gaming systems, taps into this sentiment with its “Remake” series, reimagining classic tech designs. The Retro Mini PC AM01, reminiscent of the original Macintosh, stands out. Designed for light gaming, everyday computing, and retro gaming emulation, it offers a unique blend of old-school aesthetics and modern functionality. This review dives into its performance, features, and overall value.
Specs and Pricing
The Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01 offers several configurations to suit different needs and budgets. Two CPU options are available: the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U and the Ryzen 3 3200U. A barebones configuration is also available for those who prefer to install their own RAM and storage.
| Feature | Ryzen 7 5700U | Ryzen 3 3200U |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | AMD Radeon 8 iGPU | AMD Radeon Vega 6 Graphics |
| Memory | Up to 64GB DDR4-3200 | Up to 32GB DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/2TB PCIe Gen 3 SSD, 2.5-inch SATA SSD support | 256GB/512GB/2TB PCIe Gen 3 SSD, 2.5-inch SATA SSD support |
| Power Rating | 35W | 15W |
| USB Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (data only), 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 1x USB-A 2.0 | 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (data only), 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 1x USB-A 2.0 |
| Video Out | HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 | HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 |
Currently, the AM01 is available via Indiegogo. Pricing starts at $200 for the Ryzen 3 3200U with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The highest-end configuration, featuring the Ryzen 7 5700U, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, costs $421.
Design and Aesthetics
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Ayaneo has clearly paid attention to detail in recreating the classic Macintosh aesthetic. The creamy textured plastic shell, the toggle-style power button, and the retro-inspired air vents contribute to its charm. The AM01 is instantly recognizable, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the original Macintosh.
Despite its retro inspiration, the AM01 maintains a compact footprint, measuring just 5.1 inches in length and width, and 2.38 inches in height. It’s smaller than the Mac mini, though slightly taller and thicker. This compact size makes it easy to fit under a monitor or near a TV for use as a multimedia PC.
Ports and Internals
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The AM01 offers a good selection of ports. The rear panel houses three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a single USB 2.0 port, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, an Ethernet jack, and the power input. The front panel features a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port and a 3.5mm audio combo jack.
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Ayaneo’s attention to detail extends to the packaging. Along with the standard documentation, the AM01 includes stickers, magnets, an HDMI cable, interchangeable power plugs, extra screws, and even small screwdrivers and plastic spudgers.
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Upgrading the AM01 is straightforward. The bottom cover is secured by four screws, revealing access to the internals. The RAM and storage are located on the underside of the motherboard, accessible by removing a few additional screws and cables. Two SODIMM slots support DDR4 RAM, and there’s a PCIe M.2 2280 slot and a mounting point for a 2.5-inch SATA SSD. Even the Wi-Fi module can be replaced.
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The review unit came equipped with 8GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and a 512GB PCIe Gen 3 SSD. While the SSD’s read and write speeds are decent, there’s room for improvement with a faster drive.
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Performance and Benchmarks
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The AM01, particularly the Ryzen 7 5700U model, is suitable for office work, multimedia consumption, internet browsing, and retro game emulation. While not designed for demanding modern games, its 8-core CPU and integrated Radeon graphics deliver respectable performance for everyday tasks.
After upgrading the RAM to 16GB, a significant performance boost was observed. The following benchmark results compare the AM01 with a similarly configured HP Envy x360 15:
| Benchmark | Ayaneo AM01 (Ryzen 7 5700U + 16GB RAM) | Ayaneo AM01 (Ryzen 7 5700U + 8GB RAM) | HP Envy x360 15 (Ryzen 7 5700U) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 Multi-Core | 9,818 | 7,384 | 8,880 |
| Cinebench R23 Single-Core | 1,230 | 1,228 | 1,260 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | 6,943 | 4,384 | 7,128 |
| Geekbench 6 Single-Core | 1,590 | 1,527 | 1,195 |
| 3DMark Firestrike | 3,601 | 2,085 | NA |
| 3DMark Timespy | 1,447 | 886 | NA |
| PCMark 10 | 4,724 | 3,852 | 5,558 |
| Handbrake | 2 min, 5 sec | NA | 1 min, 58 sec |
| 7Zip | 65.39 GIPS | 52.61 GIPS | NA |
The AM01’s performance is comparable to a two-year-old thin and light laptop. It handles daily tasks like web browsing, email, and light photo and video editing with ease.
While not a gaming powerhouse, the AM01 can handle some less demanding titles. Rise of the Tomb Raider ran at a consistent 30fps at the lowest settings, and even Cyberpunk 2077 managed to load, albeit at a low framerate. Competitive shooters like Apex Legends and Counter-Strike 2 reached near 60fps at 1080p with low settings. Older titles like GTA V also performed reasonably well.
Retro Gaming and Emulation
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The AM01 shines as a retro gaming machine. Using LaunchBox, a frontend for various emulators, and RetroArch, a powerful emulation platform, classic games from PlayStation 2, GameCube and earlier consoles run flawlessly.
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The AM01 also supports cloud streaming services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce Now, further expanding its gaming capabilities.
AyaSpace Software
The AM01 comes with a clean installation of Windows 11, featuring a custom retro wallpaper and Ayaneo’s AyaSpace system tuning software.
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AyaSpace allows users to switch between performance profiles, adjust fan speeds, configure controllers, and more. It also functions as a game launcher. While generally useful, the software could benefit from further refinement.
Conclusion
The Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01 is a charming and capable mini PC. Its retro design is its main attraction, but it also delivers respectable performance for everyday tasks and retro gaming. It’s versatile enough to serve as a desktop replacement, a retro gaming console, a cloud streaming device, a home theater PC, or even a NAS. Its compact size, reasonable price, and upgradability add to its appeal. While not ideal for high-end gaming, the AM01 offers a unique blend of nostalgia and functionality, making it a compelling option for those seeking a distinctive and versatile mini PC.
