HP Pro Mini 260 G9 Review: Powerful Compact PC with Intel Core i5-1235U

HP Pro Mini 260 G9 Review: A Compact Powerhouse

The HP Pro Mini 260 G9 is a sleek and compact desktop PC that packs a punch. With its Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage, it’s designed to handle everyday tasks, productivity software, and even some light gaming with ease. I’ve been using the HP Pro Mini 260 G9 for the past few weeks, and I’m impressed with its performance and features. In this review, I’ll delve into its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The HP Pro Mini 260 G9 is a compact desktop PC that’s ideal for businesses and individuals who need a powerful and reliable machine in a small form factor. It’s a versatile PC that can handle a wide range of tasks, from basic productivity to more demanding applications like video editing and light gaming. The compact design makes it perfect for tight spaces, and its stylish aesthetics blend well with any workspace.

Features

The HP Pro Mini 260 G9 boasts a number of impressive features:

  • Intel Core i5-1235U Processor: This processor delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even light gaming. It’s a significant upgrade over previous generations of Core i5 processors, offering faster speeds and enhanced efficiency.
  • 8GB RAM: The 8GB of DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking and allows you to run multiple applications simultaneously without any lag. It’s sufficient for most everyday use cases.
  • 512GB SSD Storage: The 512GB SSD provides fast boot times, quick application loading, and ample storage for your files, software, and games. It’s a significant improvement over traditional hard drives in terms of speed and responsiveness.
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics: The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics card handles everyday tasks and light gaming with ease. While it’s not designed for high-end gaming, it provides a smooth visual experience for casual gamers and everyday users.
  • Compact Design: The HP Pro Mini 260 G9’s small form factor makes it ideal for tight spaces. It fits comfortably on a desk without taking up too much room.
  • Free DOS: It comes with Free DOS, allowing you to choose your preferred operating system. This gives you the flexibility to customize the system to your specific needs.

Performance

The HP Pro Mini 260 G9 delivers excellent performance for everyday tasks. It handles basic productivity applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with ease. The processor and RAM combination ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to switch between different applications seamlessly. I was able to run multiple tabs in Chrome, edit documents, and stream videos simultaneously without any noticeable lag or slowdowns.

For light gaming, the HP Pro Mini 260 G9 delivers playable performance. It can run less demanding games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Fortnite at decent settings. However, if you’re looking for high-end gaming, you’ll need to consider a more powerful PC with a dedicated graphics card.

I also tested the HP Pro Mini 260 G9’s performance with video editing software. It handled basic video editing tasks, like cutting and trimming clips, without any issues. However, for more demanding video editing projects, you may need a more powerful machine with a dedicated graphics card.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the HP Pro Mini 260 G9:

Pros

  • Compact and stylish design
  • Powerful Intel Core i5-1235U processor
  • Fast and responsive 512GB SSD storage
  • Smooth multitasking with 8GB RAM
  • Good performance for everyday tasks and light gaming
  • Flexible with Free DOS operating system

Cons

  • No dedicated graphics card (limited for demanding gaming and video editing)
  • No built-in optical drive
  • Limited upgrade options due to compact design

Final Verdict

The HP Pro Mini 260 G9 is a solid choice for individuals and businesses who need a compact and powerful desktop PC. Its performance, features, and price point make it a compelling option for everyday tasks, productivity software, and even light gaming. The compact design makes it perfect for tight spaces, and its stylish aesthetics blend well with any workspace.

However, if you’re looking for a PC that can handle demanding gaming or video editing, you’ll need to consider a model with a dedicated graphics card. Overall, the HP Pro Mini 260 G9 is a well-rounded and reliable desktop PC that provides excellent value for money. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a compact and powerful machine for everyday use.

Specifications

Specification Value
Processor Intel Core i5-1235U
RAM 8GB DDR4
Storage 512GB SSD
Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Operating System Free DOS
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
Ports USB, HDMI, DisplayPort
Dimensions 17.8 cm x 17.8 cm x 6.9 cm
Weight 1.4 kg