We have been testing a computer of the brand in recent weeks NiPoGispecializes in mini PCs. CK10, in a mid-range version, but with one of the highest possible configurations. If you want to know what we think, read on.

NiPoGi CK10 is a compact device mini computer It can be purchased in different versions, stands out with its balanced configuration and excellent features according to the price range it operates in.

in box

The content of the box is quite short, as is always the case with Chinese products, but in this case; HE packaging quite careful. In a pretty square box, where the brand logo has an iridescent finish, we have good internal foam padding to protect the mini PC.

However, we also find some very brief instructions and the usual warranty card. a power supply a transformer in the cable, an HDMI to HDMI cable to connect to the monitor or TV, something short, yes, a SATA cable to add an extra SSD, a VESA mount to attach to the back of a monitor or TV, requiring more screws. In summary, This NiPoGi feels very, very complete.

Design

HE CK10 It’s not the brand’s most beautiful mini computer. Its exterior design already looks a little dated, and even models with lower configuration look more attractive and more modern. Also, the quality of the case in question is not the best; plastic to the touchand it feels a bit flimsy. Either way, it’s not a laptop, so it doesn’t really matter. This equipment does not need to be hit.

Outside We find fasteners on three sides. In frontWe have an LED-lit power button that shows when it’s on and when it’s off, a 3.5mm jack connector for headphones or audio equipment, a pair of USB-A 3.0 ports, a USB-C, and a hole-punch that hides a button for resetting the equipment.

Behind It offers us the connector for the power outlet, a couple of HDMI ports, a few more USB-A 3.0 ports and an RJ45 Ethernet network connector.

Finally, right sideWe have a VGA connector, with which we will have one more option to use the mini PC with slightly older monitors.

It is very easy to open; It’s a matter of unscrewing the 4 star screws, where we will find ourselves in the foreground with a motherboard that occupies all possible space, and on it we will find a pair of slots for the RAM memory, occupied in this case by two memory modules. . 16 GB each of them is of Lexar origin and DDR4 type, with a frequency of 3200 MHz. Of course, if we want to expand, it will have to be replaced with modules with more capacity, since there is no free space to add more. Accompany those who come with you.

What we can add is more storage. In this respect, CK10 does not fall short with SSD 512GB The M.2 NVMe type is installed, but there is a slot for a second SSD of the same type and another slot for a SATA type SSD, for which the necessary cable is also provided. Be careful about this, because the SSD (which comes with a cooler on it) does not seem to be of very high quality. To avoid scaring, it is better not to put important data in it or even change it. Yes definitely, Both RAM and ROM are components that are very easy to remove and replace. in this mini computer.

We have a fan under the motherboard very quiet It does its job very well thanks to the ventilation grilles on the bottom, back and top.

To create

Install NiPoGi CK10 It’s such a simple thing. We have everything needed to do this, with all the necessary cables and connectors leaving no room for errors. The power cable has an external transformer and connects to the back (of course). As for communication with the display we choose to place, we have the HDMI cable (supplied) that connects to the back, but if we need to connect it to an old monitor with the VGA port, it is possible thanks to the port on the side. Of course, this cable is not included.

With all this tied together we’ll only need a few extras: keyboard and mouseit can be wired, although it is better to use wireless peripherals (if not, the feeling of hiding the mini PC behind the screen is somewhat lost), this can be both radio frequency and occupy one of the USB-A ports computer, or BluetoothSince CK10 has Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.

It must be said that, although it is not one of the worst-equipped mini PCs in this regard, The 4 USB-A ports and USB-C that this NiPoGi offers seem a bit sparse to us. It is very likely that we will need one or two hubs to provide further connectivity and expansion opportunities.

Startup and first run are very fast. The device comes with Windows 11 pre-installed and we will just need to configure it; An operation that will only take us 5 minutes. Once our account is created we will need to start enjoying the fluidity that this little guy offers.

Usage and performance

NiPoGi CK10 in terms of configuration It is a mid-range device Installing a processor from Intel’s Alder Lake family several generations ago 8 cores and 12 threads. This processor offers plenty of power if used for office use, for which the equipment is primarily designed. Also, as we mentioned, thanks to the RAM in our test unit 32GB(but it could also be 16 if we choose another variant), the team has truly enviable agility and fluidity to port any application.

For example, we We made him use HTPCConnecting it to a smart TV and playing Full HD and 4K videos won’t bother you. To complement the use, we added a Logitech K400 keyboard, making it the ideal companion for expanding the possibilities to the big screen. This makes it easier for us to navigate, search for content, and more.

We also needed to add a shelf for 5 Orico external hard drives, where we can have a good library of music, videos and photos and manage them properly. This, when added to a pair of hubs with 4 USB-A 3.0 ports each, one with a USB-C connector on the front and the other with a USB-A connector on the back, completes a device that is more than adequate to replace the semi-tower that replaced it, enough for its intended use saving a lot of space without compromising much on power.

As we said, playing videos even in 4K streaming is no problem for the NiPoGi CK10, but we also ran other tests. For example, there is no problem with office automation. We did not install the Microsoft package but with Libre Office, there were no difficulties with this mini PC. All programs and documents work perfectly and no slowdown Beyond that from moving and saving documents to external drives, these are 3.5″ HDD types and require going to sleep and “waking up”.

We had no problems editing photos with Photoshop and Lightroom. We were not too demanding in this regard, as its integrated graphics did not give all the pleasure we wanted, but if our needs in this respect are not too high, we can rely on the CK10 for this use.

Finally, we tried to play. We did the test with Fortnite, with 30 fps in Full HD, with a medium resolution graphics configuration. And yes, there is no problem moving the game. It also performs excellently using these Mini PC emulators, especially the older ones, and although we haven’t tested it, you can find videos on the internet where this device can even emulate PS3 games.

Price and results

Finally, we need to talk about the price. This Mini PC may seem expensive, especially if we compare it with other equipment of this type. The brand sets its official price at 559.90 euros, but we currently find it on Amazon for 509.09 euros, although it is very common to find discount coupons to purchase it. Actually now we have almost 142 euro discount Check out what’s available on Amazon and Implementing DICCIONPC code keeping us inside 367.18 euros.

As we said, it may seem like a high price, but in this mini computer, The only thing that’s mini is the size. It is practically a full-fledged computer and we will only miss a dedicated graphics card on it, but this is not a big deal, much less if the use we will give it is office automation or content consumption.

So there is nothing left to do but recommend. It is a versatile device that more than justifies its price.. There are a few things that cannot be done with it for the average user. What is very important to consider are the configuration and expansion possibilities that this CK10 offers, but for us it is no less important that it includes Windows 11. For all these reasons, it seems to us more convenient to buy if. I’m looking for a computer to place next to (or behind) the TV or even as a desktop computer.

This product was provided by the brand for testing purposes. You can find more information about Bang Max on the NiPoGi website.

Images: NiPoGi | Manu Garcia, NiPoGi

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