A new contender has emerged in the mini PC arena, and it’s making waves. Alliwava, a relatively unknown manufacturer, is challenging established brands with a compelling promise: exceptional performance without the premium price tag. The H90 Pro isn’t about flashy features or chasing the latest trends; it’s about delivering raw computing power in an incredibly compact package.
Unboxing the H90 Pro reveals a device that’s surprisingly substantial for its size. It’s small enough to easily tuck behind a monitor, yet feels remarkably solid, hinting at the powerful components within. The design is understated – a sleek aluminum base paired with a textured carbon-fiber-look lid – prioritizing function over ostentation. This isn’t a machine designed to show off; it’s built to work.
Measuring just 13 x 13 x 5.2 centimeters and weighing a mere 360 grams, the H90 Pro belies its capabilities. Inside this tiny chassis resides an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor, an 8-core Zen 4 powerhouse, coupled with Radeon 780M integrated graphics. This combination, available for under $700, represents a significant leap forward in mini PC performance.
The H90 Pro’s cooling system is a testament to clever engineering. A newly designed metal frame houses a vapor chamber and MSC 2.0 cooling system, ensuring quiet operation even under heavy load. Dust-protected air inlets further enhance reliability, a detail often overlooked in this form factor. This isn’t just about keeping things cool; it’s about long-term stability and peace of mind.
Connectivity is a standout feature. Five USB ports, including a blazing-fast 20 Gbps port, are complemented by HDMI 2.1, two DisplayPort outputs, and dual 2.5 GbE LAN ports. The ability to drive three displays simultaneously, including 8K resolution via DisplayPort, adds to its versatility. This is a machine designed to handle a wide range of tasks and configurations.
Under the hood, 32GB of DDR5-4800 RAM, expandable to 256GB, ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness. A 1TB NVMe SSD provides ample storage for applications and files, though testing reveals it operates closer to PCIe 3.0 speeds rather than the theoretical Gen4 potential. Even so, boot times are swift, and applications launch with impressive speed.
The H90 Pro ships with a clean installation of Windows 11 Pro, activated automatically upon connecting to the internet. Unlike some manufacturers, Alliwava avoids pre-installing bloatware, providing a streamlined user experience. A quick driver update post-installation ensures optimal performance and stability.
In real-world testing, the Ryzen 7 8745HS delivers impressive performance. PCMark 10 scores demonstrate its proficiency in office tasks, web browsing, and collaboration. While not a gaming powerhouse, the Radeon 780M handles Full HD gaming on medium settings with ease. It excels in productivity, effortlessly managing demanding applications and multitasking scenarios.
The H90 Pro’s performance is a careful balance. It doesn’t chase the absolute highest scores, but instead focuses on providing a consistently smooth and responsive experience. It’s a machine built for everyday use, capable of handling demanding tasks without breaking a sweat.
However, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations. The H90 Pro lacks a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), placing it behind newer AI-focused systems. While capable of handling basic AI tasks, it won’t match the performance of machines equipped with dedicated AI hardware. The iGPU, while capable, doesn’t fully realize its potential due to conservative power limits and RAM configuration.
Ultimately, the Alliwava H90 Pro occupies a sweet spot in the mini PC market. It’s a powerful, compact, and energy-efficient machine that delivers exceptional value for money. It’s not the flashiest or most feature-rich option available, but it excels at what it sets out to do: provide a reliable and capable desktop experience in a remarkably small package. For those seeking a versatile and affordable mini PC, the H90 Pro is a compelling choice.
