RmataMini P99S Mini PC Pairs an Old Xeon CPU With Dedicated Graphics for $239
The RmataMini P99S is a compact desktop PC with an unusual hardware mix: a server-grade Intel Xeon processor, dedicated Nvidia graphics, and a starting price of just $239. On paper, that sounds like a tempting deal for anyone looking for a low-cost mini PC with lots of CPU cores. In practice, however, this machine is more interesting as a budget workstation or experimental system than as a true gaming PC.
At the center of the P99S is the Intel Xeon E5-2698 v3, a processor originally released in 2014. While it is far from modern, it still offers 16 cores and 32 threads, which can be useful for heavily multi-threaded tasks such as rendering, virtualization, compiling code, or running multiple background workloads. For users who need core count more than cutting-edge efficiency, the chip may still have some appeal.
That said, this is an older server CPU, and it comes with clear limitations. It does not include integrated graphics, so the system relies on a dedicated GPU. Depending on the configuration, buyers may get an Nvidia GeForce GTS 450, GeForce GTX 850M, or GeForce GTX 1650M. The GTX 1650M is the strongest option of the three, but even that is not a high-end gaming solution by today’s standards.
Although RmataMini markets the P99S as a gaming mini PC, buyers should keep their expectations realistic. Older and lightweight games may run acceptably, especially with the better GPU configuration, but modern AAA titles are likely to be a challenge. This is not the kind of system built for high frame rates, ray tracing, or demanding current-generation games. Its real strength is its low price and high thread count, not modern gaming performance.
The mini PC ships with 16 GB of RAM and comes in a chassis measuring 201 × 201 × 142 mm, or approximately 7.91 × 7.91 × 5.59 inches. While not the smallest mini PC on the market, it remains compact enough for a desk setup where space is limited. The design is surprisingly polished for a budget system, with a clean square body and a front-mounted illuminated fan that gives it a more stylish appearance than its recycled hardware might suggest.
Connectivity is also fairly practical. The P99S includes four USB 3.2 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. That should be enough for common peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, external storage, controller, or wired network connection.
The biggest question is who this mini PC is really for. As a gaming PC, it is difficult to recommend unless the buyer understands the limits of the older GPU options. As a general-purpose compact desktop, it may be held back by higher power consumption and older platform support. The Xeon E5-2698 v3 is powerful in multi-core workloads, but it is not as efficient as modern processors, and single-core performance will lag behind newer chips.
Another important point is operating system compatibility. The Xeon E5-2698 v3 does not officially support Windows 11, which may matter to users who want a fully supported modern Windows setup. Those comfortable with Windows 10, Linux, or custom configurations may find this less of a concern.
Overall, the RmataMini P99S is a strange but intriguing budget mini PC. It combines a once-powerful Xeon server processor with dedicated Nvidia graphics in a compact chassis at a very low starting price. It is not the ideal choice for modern gaming, and it is not the most efficient mini PC available, but it could appeal to hobbyists, budget-conscious creators, home lab users, or anyone who wants a cheap compact PC with a high core count.
