• Blackview MP80

    Blackview MP80 Mini PC Review: Small, Budget-Friendly, and Surprisingly Capable

    Abdel Posted on

    In the vast landscape of mini PCs, the Blackview MP80 stands out for its compact size, budget-friendly price, and surprisingly decent performance. Running on Windows 11 Pro and powered by an older but efficient Intel Lakes N95 CPU, this diminutive machine promises a lot for its size and cost. Let’s delve into a comprehensive review to explore its strengths and weaknesses. Shopping link: Blackview MP80>>

    Unboxing and Initial Impressions

    The unboxing experience of the Blackview MP80 sets the tone for its petite yet powerful nature. Its size is truly astonishing, and at first glance, it’s hard to fathom that this tiny box holds a fully functional computer.

    The packaging might seem larger than necessary, but it’s equipped with essentials: an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a VESA mount for convenient attachment behind a monitor. The attention to detail in the packaging suggests that Blackview is keen on providing a positive out-of-box experience.

    Design and Connectivity

    The port alignment on this mini PC is surprisingly robust, offering a range of USB ports and even dual RJ45 ports, which could allow for conversion into a home router or a firewall—a notable feature often overlooked in marketing. The device’s small size complements its purpose as a space-saving solution, and its sleek design makes it a good fit for various environments, from home offices to living rooms.

    Specifications and Performance

    The MP80 packs the Intel Lakes N95 CPU, 12 or 16 GB of RAM, and 256 or 512 GB of storage, complemented by Intel UHD Graphics and an efficient cooling system. Despite the small size, this setup delivers a commendable level of computing power. The Intel Lakes N95, while not the latest generation, proves to be a pretty capable setup at just 15 watts TDP. In terms of performance, it holds its own and is comparable to some Core i5 processors from Generation 6 and 8, which is quite impressive for a budget mini PC.

    While it’s not on par with high-end gaming laptops of 2023, it performs well for a wide range of tasks, from daily office work and web browsing to light gaming. However, its upgradeability and repairability suffer due to its compact design. There are only four screws hidden beneath the rubber legs, and accessing components like the RAM and storage drive can be challenging. This lack of user-friendly upgrade options is a drawback but not uncommon in budget mini PCs.

    Performance Evaluation

    In real-world usage, the MP80 handles office tasks, web browsing, and light gaming admirably. The DDR5 RAM and efficient Intel processor enable smooth multitasking and decent performance in content creation, although heavy graphics-related tasks might present challenges. Web browsing feels seamless, thanks to the capabilities of the Intel Lakes N95 CPU and modern technologies implemented.

    Tasks like photo and audio editing, and even 1080p video editing in software like Premiere Pro, perform adequately. However, the system may struggle with graphic-intensive applications and higher resolution video editing due to hardware limitations. Nonetheless, for day-to-day office work, the MP80 offers a spot-on balance between low power consumption and sufficient CPU power, ensuring reliable performance for years to come.

    Gaming and Multimedia Capabilities

    While not designed for gaming, the MP80 pleasantly surprises with its ability to run various titles, albeit with moderate settings. Even popular games like CS:GO can run well at 1080p with moderate graphics settings. However, it’s essential to note that it won’t handle AAA titles with the same finesse as gaming laptops or desktops. Nevertheless, considering its size and available hardware, the MP80’s gaming performance is far more capable than initially expected.

    Where this Mini PC truly shines is in the realm of multimedia. It can be utilized as a home server or even a versatile streaming box, thanks to its well-implemented multimedia features at the hardware level. The MP80 excels at video playback, effortlessly handling content in resolutions up to 4K.

    It proves to be a fully capable, super-compact multimedia center, and the cherry on top is its near-silent operation. The efficient cooling system, coupled with the 15-watt TDP, contributes to a whisper-quiet computing experience, which is especially crucial for multimedia tasks. Shopping link: Blackview MP80>>

    Software, Windows 11 Pro, and Drawbacks

    The MP80 arrives with pre-installed Windows 11 Professional Edition, which appears to be a fully functional version, indicating that Blackview may use an OEM license. During testing, the system worked flawlessly, with drivers and updates running without hiccups, delivering a solid and reliable performance.

    However, no product is without its drawbacks, and the Blackview MP80 is no exception. It’s somewhat surprising to find a lack of a USB Type-C port and no Thunderbolt support. These omissions limit the potential for connecting external devices, such as an external GPU via Thunderbolt. The choice of storage, which points to a QLC NAND, might raise concerns for users who require faster and more durable storage.

    Additionally, the MP80’s compact design limits upgrade options, and repairability is challenging due to the small form factor, making it less user-friendly in this regard. However, it’s essential to remember that these limitations are not uncommon in budget mini PCs.

    Pros of the Blackview MP80 Mini PC:

    • Compact Design: The MP80’s small form factor is a standout feature, making it ideal for space-constrained environments without compromising on performance.
    • Affordability: Priced around $200, the MP80 offers a budget-friendly solution for those seeking a capable mini PC with Windows 11 Pro.
    • Surprisingly Capable Performance: Despite its size and cost, the MP80 delivers commendable performance for daily office tasks, web browsing, and even light gaming, courtesy of its Intel Lakes N95 CPU and DDR5 RAM.
    • Versatile Connectivity: The device offers a range of USB ports and even dual RJ45 ports, allowing for potential use as a home router or a firewall.
    • Multimedia Capabilities: Excelling as a home server or multimedia center, the MP80 effortlessly handles video playback, even up to 4K resolution, making it a quiet and capable streaming box.

    Cons of the Blackview MP80 Mini PC:

    • Limited Upgrade Options: The compact design hinders upgradeability, with challenges in accessing and replacing components such as RAM and storage, limiting the ability to expand or enhance the system.
    • No USB Type-C Port or Thunderbolt Support: The absence of a USB Type-C port and lack of Thunderbolt support restricts external device connectivity and expansion possibilities.
    • Storage Concerns: The choice of QLC NAND for storage might raise concerns regarding speed and durability, especially for users requiring faster and more durable storage solutions.
    • Limited Gaming Potential: While it can run some titles, the MP80 isn’t designed for gaming and might struggle with high-end or graphics-intensive gaming.
    • Repair Challenges: The device’s small form factor contributes to challenges in repairability, which might limit its longevity and maintenance options.

    Reasons to Consider Buying the Blackview MP80:

    Compact yet Capable: Ideal for users in need of a compact yet capable computing solution for basic office work, web browsing, multimedia playback, and light gaming.

    Budget-Friendly: For those on a budget looking for an affordable mini PC with decent performance and Windows 11 Pro, the MP80 offers a compelling option.

    Multimedia Center Potential: Its multimedia capabilities make it a versatile choice for users seeking a home server or streaming box that can handle a range of multimedia content seamlessly.

    Space-Saving Solution: Perfect for environments with limited space, such as home offices or entertainment setups, without compromising on functionality.

    Quiet and Efficient: The MP80’s efficient cooling system and low power consumption ensure a quiet and energy-efficient computing experience, suitable for home or office environments. Shopping link: Blackview MP80>>

    Conclusion: Is the Blackview MP80 Worth It?

    Despite its few shortcomings, the Blackview MP80 emerges as a standout mini PC due to its remarkable performance, compact size, and budget-friendly price. Priced around $200, it’s a worthy recommendation for those seeking a highly capable, small form factor PC with Windows 11 Pro. For more details, refer to the video description for the best deals and further information.

    Final Thoughts

    The Blackview MP80 is a testament to the advancements in mini PC technology, offering a glimpse into the capabilities achievable within a compact device. Its affordability and performance make it a viable choice for those seeking a capable, space-saving computing solution. Shopping link: Blackview MP80>>

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    Abdel
    Abdel Editor at Superfashion.us. I've been writing about the tech industry for many years and my favorite topics to cover include Big Tech, media, and gaming.
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