If mini PCs are currently on the rise, it is not without reason. Affordable and space-saving, these machines are now capable of performing the most common office tasks (and even more…). Thus, many brands are now setting out to conquer this market, including NiPoGi, which has made miniature computers its spearhead. Just for once, today we are presenting a new product from this brand: the NiPoGi CK10 mini PC. After testing it for you, here is our detailed opinion on this model.
Presentation of the NiPoGi CK10 mini PC (Intel Core i5-12450H, 32 GB RAM + 512 GB)
The title of “mini PC” of the NiPoGi CK10 is not usurped. We are facing a device approximately 14 cm wide and 5 cm high, with a weight of around 470 grams. Suffice to say that you will have no trouble finding a place for it on your desk or transporting it if necessary.
Regarding its configuration, we carried out our tests on the Intel Core i5-12450H version of this model. But be aware that there is also an Intel Core i7-11390H and i5-11320H version. The device has 32 GB of RAM (expandable to 64 GB) as well as 512 GB M.2 NVMe SSD storage. In addition, the computer has 2 M.2 SSD slots allowing the expansion of 2.5-inch SATA SSD/HDD hard drives for a maximum storage space of 2 TB.
Still on the Intel i5-12450H configuration, we find an integrated Intel UHD GPU. This component struggles to compare with the Iris.
In addition, the 2 HDMI 2.0 ports and the VGA port available on this device allow you to simultaneously display multimedia content in 4K and full HD on 3 different monitors. A real plus for working comfort (and even for leisure).
As we will see later in this article, the CK10’s connectivity is very comprehensive; this is often the case with NiPoGi PCs. As for the wireless connection, you can count on Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
NiPoGi CK10: Technical sheet
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 137 x 126 x 50 mm |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5-12450H (8 cores, 12 threads, 12 MB cache, 2.5 GHz ~4.4 GHz) |
| Graphics card (GPU) | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 32 Go DDR4 SDRAM double canal (2 x 16 Go, 3200 MHz) ; extensible à 64 Go (2 x 32 Go) |
| Storage | 1 x 512GB NVME M.2 SSD 1x M.2 SATA SSD slot 1 x 2.5 inch SATA SSD slot |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro (preinstalled and activated) |
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth v5.2 ; Wi-Fi 6 |
| Connections | 4 x USB-A ports (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps) 1 x USB-C port (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps) 1 x 1 Gbps Ethernet LAN jack 1 x HDMI 2.0 port 1 x power jack (DC/19V) 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack 1 x VGA port |
| Delivered with | 1 x power supply (with EU adapter) 1 x HDMI cable 1 x VESA mounting bracket 1 x user manual |
NiPoGi CK10 miniature PC review
Design and ergonomics
As usual, let’s start by talking about the design of the NiPoGi model CK10 PC. This one differentiates itself from its peers by adopting a style of its own. Covered with a solid anthracite gray plastic case, we find a grid pattern on its upper side which gives it a certain character! We would have preferred a brushed aluminum case, but we shouldn’t ask too much from this PC which, remember, currently costs around 370$.
Regarding heat dissipation, the air inlet for cooling the components is from the upper side of the device towards the ventilation grille which is located at the back (just above the different ports). There are also a few openings under the case, which suggests good heat dissipation. Especially since once the cover is removed, we notice that the support provided for the fan is made of copper. This highly conductive material limits overheating problems that could slow down the performance of the device.
In terms of ergonomics, there are no major problems to report. The location of the different ports is carefully chosen to facilitate connections. However, if you want to take full advantage of the compactness of this machine to streamline your setup, a little cable management will be necessary (there is no escaping it). The VESA mount and screws also allow you to attach the CK10 to the back of a monitor to save even more space.
Processor and graphics card
Depending on the version, the NiPoGi CK10 does not have the same processor or the same graphics chipset. To prepare this article, we tested the version with the Intel Core i5-12450H CPU. It is an 8-core, 12-thread processor with 12MB cache and clocked at 2.5GHz. The latter is supposedly more efficient than the Core i7-11390H or AMD R7 5800H processors, to name a few. But to get a real overview of its performance in operation, we carried out different benchmarks, the first being on GeekBench. Here are the results below:
The particularity of the i5-12450H processor is that it has 4 cores dedicated to performance (P-cores) with Hyper-Threading and 4 other cores for efficiency (E-cores) without Hyper-Threading. Depending on the load, the cores are clocked up to 4.4 GHz (P-cores) or 3.3 GHz (E-cores). Due to this very specific architecture, the CPU is supposed to be both powerful and efficient. An assumption which is confirmed by the scores obtained on the different benchmarks. Below, you will find the screenshots for the test carried out on CINEBENCH R23:
Although the processor seems to perform better in single core than in multi core (compared to other CPUs), its performance remains no less honorable. The NiPoGi CK10 in its Intel Core i5-12450H version has absolutely no difficulty performing basic office tasks such as word processing, web browsing or even heavy calculations. It is also suitable for photo editing and to a lesser extent, video editing.
Let’s take a digression on the gaming aspect. Obviously, running the latest video game blockbusters is not the primary purpose of this PC. Nevertheless, it offers a display, an average FPS and a response time sufficient to satisfy casual gamers. The 3D Mark software gives a score of 9,259 for the CPU and a score of 11,732 for the integrated Intel UHD Graphics GPU: not bad at all!
For comparison, the NiPoGi AM06 Pro mini PC, which we recently tested and which is also priced around 423$ , obtained a score of 12,458 for the graphics part and 8,577 for the CPU part.
Memory and storage
In addition to the capabilities of the processor, those of the SSD are just as important. In fact, it is this component which will deliver the information to the processor. De facto, the faster the storage system, the faster the computer; It doesn’t just depend on the processor. Here, there is no need to worry, because we are facing a PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD which is obviously of excellent quality. The benchmark carried out on the essential CrystalDiskMark gives us a reading speed of 3467 Mb/s and a writing speed of 2468 Mb/s. Enough to guarantee very good execution speed for most tasks as well as a start-up time of between 15 and 20 seconds.
For comparison, the entry-level NVMe SSD is around 1,500 Mb/s reading speed, while the very high-end is more around 6,000 Mb/s reading speed. The SSD of the NiPoGi CK10 mini PC is therefore positioned quite well!
In addition, remember that in addition to 512 GB of available storage, a second NVMe and a 2.5-inch SSD can be installed in the NiPoGi CK10 to reach a storage space of 2 TB.
As for the RAM, NiPoGi installed two RAM sticks of 16 GB in DDR4 each, a clock speed of 3,200 MHz set directly via the BIOS and operating in dual-channel
mode. While NiPoGi does not provide any additional information on maximum RAM capacity, Intel specifies a maximum memory size of 64 GB in DDR4 for the i5-12450H.
Thus, you will not be limited by the default configuration of this PC, although this is more than sufficient for the majority of users.
Connectivity and connectivity
To conclude this test, we need to talk about the connectivity of the CK10 compact PC from NiPoGi. There are quite a number of ports and sockets on the front of the case:
- 1 x power button
- 1 x prise jack 3.5 mm
- 2 x ports USB-A
- 1 x port USB-C
The list continues on the back with: - 1 x power plug
- 1 x 1 Gb/s Ethernet LAN socket
- 2 x ports USB-A
- 2 x port HDMI 2.0
Small surprise also with the VGA port (1920 x 1080 px at 30 Hz) on the side of the device which, coupled with the two HDMI sockets (4K at 60 Hz each) allows content to be displayed on 3 screens simultaneously. We would have preferred to see a DisplayPort port more suited to recent monitors instead of VGA, but this choice on the part of the manufacturer will allow you greater compatibility, particularly with older monitors or video projectors.
We also regret the absence of USB 4.0, a 2.4 Gb/s Ethernet port or even an SD/micro SD memory card reader, but this is nothing dramatic. For wireless connection, you can count on Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. So at this level, no worries!
As is often the case, NiPoGi offers us rich connectivity that fits perfectly despite the very small dimensions of the PC. Let’s hope that the brand’s next models also follow this trend.
Our opinion on the NiPoGi CK 10 miniature computer
After reading this test, you will have understood that our opinion on the NiPoGi CK10 (in its Intel Core i5-12450H version) could not be more positive! The very good processor power combined with the quality of the SSD offers fluidity, a speed of execution of tasks and launch of applications that is truly satisfactory. Even for less common uses on demanding applications, the performance of the CK10 model remains very correct. In a word, we can say that it is a versatile PC, perfectly suited to professional office use. Office automation, web browsing, consumption of multimedia content… nothing can resist it! Where the computer shows its limits, it is obviously at the level of 3D. Whether it’s gaming or modeling, It’s impossible to get really decent performance without a dedicated graphics card. However, this component alone costs the price of the computer (and even much more). However, to occasionally play certain small games, this mini PC will still give you satisfaction.
Most +
- Very versatile use (office and multimedia)
- Windows 11 Pro preinstalled and activated
- Very good value for money
- Ultra-compact and lightweight format
- Expandable storage and RAM
- Good heat dissipation
- Very good performance
- Excellent quality SSD
- Rich connectivity
The lessers –
- SATA connection cable to plug in
- No USB 4.0 or 2.4 Gb/s Ethernet
- VGA instead of DisplayPort”
