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# Minisforum Neptune HX99G notes

## Overview

As my primary desktop for "work" and for creating videos and art, I use a Minisforum Neptune HX99G that I bought on sale for $1,000. It normally costs $1,500.

## Photos

These photos are from Minisforum. This is exactly how mine looks with one exception. Instead of 2 DisplayPort ports on the back, mine has two USB4 ports.

<figure><img src="/files/qsR7slSALVsVb6X1RSaj" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/ETsOpuiLyh8TAz4aralX" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Specs

This PC is available in several configurations. Below is the configuration of the one I bought.

* Model: HX99G
* CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
  * 8 Cores/16 Threads
* RAM: 64GB
* Storage: 1TB SSD
* GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600M
* Back I/O:
  * 2x HDMI ports
  * 2x USB4 ports
    * Some versions of the HX99G have 2x DisplayPort ports instead of USB4
  * 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports
  * 1x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A port
  * RJ45 2.5 Gigabit ethernet port
* Front I/O:
  * Microphone jack
  * Headphone jack
  * 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port
  * 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A port

## Connections

* One USB4 port is connected to a 43" 4K monitor through a Thunderbolt 3 cable.
* One USB4 port has a 2-foot UseBean USB-C extension cable ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BB13ZNPQ)) that runs from the back to the front. This makes it very easy for me to try different pen displays.
* One of the USB-A ports on the back leads to an 8-port USB hub placed nearby. This makes it easy for me to try different tablets and other devices.
* One of the HDMI ports is connected to a 32" monitor.
* I have it connected to a Rode RODECaster Duo for audio recording
* I typically have it connected to 3 displays simultaneously (2 monitors, and 1 pen display).
  * Although it can handle 4 separate displays, I've only used it that way very rarely.

## How I use it

This is my everyday “work” PC. All my major tasks are done on this PC. These tasks include:

* Creating my YouTube videos. This involves recording audio. Writing scripts. Creating PowerPoint slides. And audio and video editing.
* Writing documents that I publish on my website
* Creating artwork - mostly with Clip Studio Paint and Krita
* Photo editing - with Photoshop and Affinity Photo
* Writing code using Visual Studio
* I have not tried gaming on this PC.

## Stability

VERY GOOD.

In the year I've been using it, there have been 2 times it froze up and required me to restart.

Occasionally when I am watching a YouTube video and I am doing something it can cause some stuttering for about 2 seconds and then goes back to normal. I don't know what the cause is, and it happens only about once a month.

## Performance

For my needs, it has been excellent. I do not feel restricted in any way by switching from a full desktop to this mini-PC.

## Noise

Essentially silent. You would have to put your ear right next to the device to hear a slight hum.

Every now and then, when I am exporting a video, I hear the fans ramp up loudly. But otherwise, I consider this mini-PC completely silent.

## Why did I switch to this Mini PC

There were several reasons.

* I was looking for something **quiet** - **silent** if I can get it.
* I wanted something more portable. I like rearranging my workspace a lot. The idea was to place a mini-PC on a desk with casters. I keep the mini-PC on my desk, and this lets me roll my entire workspace into different places in my house.

## Other options I tried

I had tried a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 to serve the role of a mini-PC. This worked well overall. However:

* The Surface Pro - for no clear reason- would randomly start aggressively spinning its fans **loudly**.
* The Surface Pro didn't support as many connected displays as I wanted.
* The performance was OK, but I felt it struggled when editing videos.
* It had only a few I/O options, even when used with the Microsoft Surface Dock.

## What could be better

* I am looking forward to the possibility of ARM processors in mini-PCs. This might give me even more power with even less power consumption and fan noise.
* I wish the stuttering I mentioned earlier did not happen. It's a minor irritation and only sometimes occurs for a few seconds, but it does mar an otherwise excellent experience.