Minisforum Elite Mini NAB9S arrives with Core i9-13900HX, DDR4 memory, and SATA storage support
DDR4 may be an older memory standard, but it is clearly not ready to disappear from the PC market. With DDR5 prices climbing sharply and availability becoming more complicated, some manufacturers are shifting attention back to DDR4-based systems to keep new computers more affordable for buyers.
Minisforum is the latest company to move in this direction with the launch of the Elite Mini NAB9S, a compact mini PC designed for productivity, multitasking, and everyday performance. The system stands out because it combines a powerful Intel Core i9-13900HX processor with SO-DIMM DDR4 memory, offering a more cost-conscious alternative at a time when DDR5-based machines are becoming increasingly expensive.
The biggest talking point is the choice of memory. DDR5 has become the standard in many modern systems, but rising prices have changed the situation for both manufacturers and consumers. A large portion of DDR5 production is reportedly being directed toward AI servers and high-demand data center hardware, making consumer-grade DDR5 modules harder and more expensive to source. As a result, DDR4 is once again becoming an attractive option for mini PCs, budget desktops, and compact workstation-style systems.
The Minisforum Elite Mini NAB9S uses dual SO-DIMM DDR4 slots and supports up to 32GB of RAM with speeds of up to 3200MHz. While DDR4 is not as new as DDR5, it remains more than capable for office work, web browsing, content consumption, light creative workloads, and heavy multitasking. For users who value practical performance over having the newest memory standard, this setup could make a lot of sense.
At the center of the NAB9S is Intel’s Core i9-13900HX, a high-performance 13th Gen mobile processor featuring 24 cores and 32 threads. This is a serious chip for a compact machine, giving the mini PC enough horsepower for demanding productivity tasks, large spreadsheets, coding, media work, and smooth multitasking across multiple apps.
The decision to use the Core i9-13900HX instead of newer processor families appears to be driven by cost and availability. Newer mobile chips may offer improvements in efficiency or platform features, but pairing a proven high-end processor with DDR4 memory helps Minisforum position the NAB9S as a more affordable performance-focused mini PC.
Storage support is another strong point. The system includes one M.2 2280 SSD slot with a PCIe Gen 4.0 interface and support for SSDs up to 4TB. That gives users access to fast storage for the operating system, apps, and frequently used files. In addition, Minisforum has included a SATA 3.0 slot for a 2.5-inch drive, making it easier to add extra storage without relying only on M.2 SSDs.
This combination of PCIe Gen 4 SSD support and a 2.5-inch SATA drive bay gives the NAB9S more flexibility than many ultra-compact PCs. Users can install a fast NVMe SSD for performance while using a SATA SSD or hard drive for documents, media libraries, backups, or project files.
Despite the use of DDR4, the Elite Mini NAB9S is not exactly a low-cost system in every configuration. The barebones version is priced at $399, while a configuration with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD is listed at $759. That price gap highlights just how much memory and storage costs can affect the final price of a mini PC, especially in the current market.
Still, the barebones option may appeal to buyers who already have compatible DDR4 SO-DIMM memory or storage drives available. For PC enthusiasts, small office users, and anyone looking to build a compact productivity system, the ability to choose your own RAM and SSD can make the NAB9S more attractive.
The Minisforum Elite Mini NAB9S is aimed at users who need a compact desktop for demanding work, productivity, and everyday multitasking. It is expected to be available in multiple regions, including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
The launch also points to a broader trend in the PC industry. As DDR5 prices remain high, more vendors may continue releasing DDR4-based systems to keep products accessible. DDR4 may be older, but with strong processors like the Intel Core i9-13900HX and flexible storage options, systems such as the Minisforum Elite Mini NAB9S show that it can still play an important role in modern compact PCs.
