My latest review takes a look at one of the most expensive Mini PCs I have ever tested: The Lenovo Yoga Mini i. It enters the market with a starting price of $749, though the high-end configuration I have been testing retails for $1,869 (compensated affiliate links). This premium version features the new Intel Panther Lake architecture, specifically the Core Ultra X7 358H processor with Intel Arc B390 graphics. While the price point for this specific model is high, the performance of the new processor provides a clear look at where integrated graphics and efficiency are heading.
Check out my video review here!
While the lower end device will be more than adequate for most basic PC tasks, more demanding tasks like video editing, gaming and local AI will perform significantly better on the high end model tested here.
The internal hardware of this higher-end model includes 32 GB of soldered LPDDR5X 8533 RAM. Because the memory is soldered to the motherboard, it cannot be upgraded later. The base model offers 16 GB of non-upgradeable RAM, which is sufficient for standard office tasks or web browsing. Users can upgrade the storage via a relatively accessible NVMe SSD slot at the top of the unit, though the physical process of removing the top lid is difficult and requires a strong suction cup device like this one (compensated affiliate link).
The Yoga Mini serves as a Copilot Plus PC, equipped with a fingerprint reader, built-in speakers, and dual microphones for voice interaction. The system is powered via USB-C and includes a 100 watt USB-C adapter, but any USB power source that can deliver at least 60 watts will do (including docking stations).
The port selection is comprehensive for a small form factor. It includes a headphone jack, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and two additional USB Type-C ports that all support video output. It can support up to five independent displays utilizing the Thunderbolt and USB-C ports along with the HDMI. Networking is handled by a 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port and a Wi-Fi 7 radio, both of which reached their expected speeds during my testing.
The aesthetics of the device can be managed through the Lenovo “AI Turbo Engine” software, which controls a light ring on the bottom of the unit. This lighting can be customized by color or set to react to system notifications and audio. There is also a capacitive feature on the top of the lid intended to toggle lighting or launch applications with a tap, though its responsiveness was inconsistent in my experience.
General performance is consistent with modern high-end processors. For basic computing, such as web browsing and 4K video playback, the Yoga Mini is responsive. In the Speedometer benchmark, it achieved a score of 37.3, which is comparable to the current Mac Mini M4. The integrated GPU is notably capable in creative applications. In DaVinci Resolve, the system rendered 4K 60 video projects and transitions in real-time and was noticeably faster rendering in more demanding video effects. While it won’t rival a more powerful external GPU for video editing, it’s performance was significantly better than other recent high-end Mini PCs I’ve reviewed.
For those interested in local AI, the unit ran mixture-of-experts models at approximately 24 tokens per second, on par with other machines in its class. Dense models ran at around 3.5 tokens per second.
Gaming performance represents a significant step forward for integrated graphics. In Cyberpunk 2077, running at 1080p with low settings, the system maintained frame rates between 70 and 80 frames per second. Synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark Time Spy suggest that this integrated GPU performs on par with older dedicated desktop cards, such as the GTX 1080, while utilizing a fraction of the power. The system remained stable under sustained load, passing stress tests with a 99.6% rating while keeping temperatures around 73°C and maintaining a quiet fan profile.
Power efficiency is a highlight of the Panther Lake chip. The unit draws between 9 and 12 watts at idle and peaks at approximately 60 watts under full load. For users who prefer alternative operating systems, I found that the latest version of Ubuntu Linux worked without issue. Every hardware component, from the Wi-Fi to the audio, was detected immediately, and the system idled at roughly two watts less than it did under Windows.
The Yoga Mini demonstrates that integrated mobile processors are now capable of handling tasks that previously required dedicated graphics cards or large desktop towers. While component costs and current market constraints keep the price of this high-end configuration at a premium, the efficiency and graphical capability of the hardware indicate a maturing of the mini PC category. For those who require this level of performance in a small footprint, the technology is now available to support it.
If only the price was more reasonable!
Disclosure: The Mini PC was provided on loan by Lenovo. They did not review or approve this content prior to publication nor was any compensation received in exchange. All opinions are my own.