Answer: The Kamrui Intel Core i7-12650H Mini Gaming PC combines a 10-core CPU, RTX 3060-tier performance via Thunderbolt eGPU support, and a 3.5L compact design. While it lacks a dedicated GPU internally, its 45W TDP and DDR4 upgradability make it suitable for 1080p gaming and multitasking, though thermal limits may affect sustained workloads. Priced under $600, it’s a niche choice for space-conscious gamers.
How Does the i7-12650H Perform in AAA Games?
With an eGPU like the RTX 3060, the Kamrui mini PC achieves 60-75 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 (Medium settings, 1080p). Native UHD Graphics manage 30 FPS in Fortnite (Low). Thermal throttling occurs after 20 minutes of continuous load, reducing CPU clock from 4.7GHz to 3.1GHz. Undervolting via ThrottleStop improves stability by 12%, per TechRadar’s testing.
Extended testing reveals nuanced performance differences across game genres. In competitive titles like Valorant, the system maintains 144+ FPS at 1080p Medium when paired with an RTX 3060 Ti eGPU, but CPU-bound scenarios in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 show 15-20% lower performance compared to desktop i7 counterparts. The hybrid core architecture demonstrates strength in DX12 titles – Shadow of the Tomb Raider sees a 22% FPS boost over 11th-gen mobile CPUs. However, memory bandwidth becomes a bottleneck in open-world games; upgrading to dual-channel DDR4-3200 reduces frame time variance by 18% according to user benchmarks.
| Game | Settings | FPS (eGPU) | FPS (Integrated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring | 1080p Medium | 58-62 | Unplayable |
| Apex Legends | 1080p Low | 112-128 | 34-39 |
Can You Upgrade the RAM and Storage in This Mini PC?
Yes—the device supports two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots (3200MHz) and two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots. Users have successfully installed 64GB RAM and dual 2TB SSDs in RAID 0 configurations, achieving read speeds of 6.8GB/s. The bottom panel is tool-free, but BIOS limitations cap RAM speed at 2933MHz for non-XMP profiles.
Practical upgrade scenarios show mixed results. While 64GB RAM kits are technically supported, real-world workloads like video editing only show 8-12% improvement over 32GB configurations. The dual M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds, but thermal throttling occurs during sustained transfers exceeding 300GB. Third-party testing reveals the second SSD slot shares PCIe lanes with the Wi-Fi module, causing 15-20% speed reduction when both slots are populated. For optimal performance, users recommend installing the OS on the primary slot and using the secondary for game storage.
| Configuration | Boot Time | Game Load Time |
|---|---|---|
| Single 1TB SSD | 14s | 6.2s |
| Dual 1TB RAID 0 | 11s | 5.1s |
What Cooling Solutions Does Kamrui Use for Thermal Management?
Kamrui employs a hybrid cooling system: a vapor chamber for the CPU and dual 45mm fans. Noise levels peak at 48 dB under load, comparable to gaming laptops. Repasting the thermal compound with Arctic MX-6 reduces temperatures by 6-8°C, as shown in GamersNexus benchmarks. However, the compact design limits airflow, causing heat accumulation during VRAM-intensive tasks.
How Does It Compare to the Minisforum HX99G and Beelink GTR6?
Compared to the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX-based HX99G (Radeon 660M iGPU), the Kamrui trails in native gaming by 15-20% but leads in CPU-heavy tasks. The Beelink GTR6 (Ryzen 9 6900HX) offers better Linux support but lacks Thunderbolt. Kamrui’s price-to-performance ratio shines when paired with mid-tier eGPUs, per Tom’s Hardware benchmarks.
What Ports and Connectivity Options Are Available?
Connectivity includes 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode), 4x USB-A 3.2, dual 2.5G Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The Thunderbolt 4 port supports 40Gbps data transfer and 100W PD. Wireless features include Wi-Fi 6 (Intel AX201) and Bluetooth 5.2. A unique addition is the SD card reader (UHS-I), absent in competitors like Minisforum.
Does the Kamrui Support Dual 4K Displays and VR Gaming?
Via HDMI 2.0 and USB-C, it drives dual 4K@60Hz displays. For VR, an RTX 3080 eGPU is required—SteamVR Performance Test scores 8.7/11 (High) with this setup. However, the CPU’s 45W TDP causes occasional frame drops in Half-Life: Alyx. Oculus Link compatibility is confirmed, but wireless VR suffers latency above 90ms.
What Software Features and OS Customizations Are Included?
Kamrui ships with Windows 11 Pro pre-activated and their “GameBoost” utility, which prioritizes gaming traffic and disables background updates. Linux users report full driver support for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. The BIOS allows TDP adjustments (35W-65W), but exceeding 50W triggers aggressive fan curves. Bloatware is minimal—only McAfee Trial and Kamrui’s control panel are pre-installed.
“The Kamrui i7-12650H fills a gap in the SFF market by balancing CPU power and eGPU flexibility. While thermals could be better, its price and upgradeability make it a compelling alternative to NUCs. The lack of a dedicated GPU is a drawback, but Thunderbolt 4 future-proofs it for mid-cycle GPU upgrades.” — PC Hardware Analyst
Conclusion
The Kamrui Intel Core i7-12650H Mini Gaming PC excels as a compact, upgradable system for 1080p gaming and productivity when paired with an eGPU. While thermal limitations and integrated graphics restrict AAA performance, its Thunderbolt 4 support and competitive pricing make it ideal for space-constrained users seeking flexibility.
FAQ
- Q: Can it run Cyberpunk 2077 without an eGPU?
- A: No—native UHD Graphics manage only 15-20 FPS at 720p Low.
- Q: Is the power supply included?
- A: Yes—a 120W adapter is bundled, sufficient for CPU + mid-range eGPUs.
- Q: Does it support macOS?
- A: Hackintosh installations work but lack Thunderbolt driver support.