Morefine M9S Mini PC Review

In the ever-evolving landscape of mini PCs, MOREFINE has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible with their compact computing solutions. Just a few months ago, they unveiled the M9 Mini PC, a marvel of engineering boasting a 0.4L ultra-small form factor, dual M.2 hard drive bays, and an enticing price point of just over $150. However, among the myriad options available in the realm of N100 small consoles, a minor lament emerged: the M.2 hard drives it accommodated were limited to PCIe 3.0×1 or PCIe 3.0×2 channels, capping the theoretical read speeds at 800MB/s and 1600MB/s, even with top-tier SSDs.

Now, MOREFINE returns with the M9S, a derivative of the M9 that addresses this small but significant drawback. Its standout feature is its support for PCIe 3.0×4 channel SSDs, offering compatibility with both NVMe and SATA protocols and achieving a theoretical read speed of up to an impressive 3600MB/s. This makes it not only the fastest in its class but also a remarkable upgrade from its predecessor.

Furthermore, the MOREFINE M9S introduces enhancements in memory and connectivity, all while maintaining an approachable barebone price of $150. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the real-world performance of this latest addition to the MOREFINE family, exploring its capabilities and assessing its value in the competitive mini PC market. 

Packaging

The packaging of the MOREFINE M9S is delightfully minimalist, maintaining its signature simplicity with a boxy design. The exterior is adorned with the subtle yet striking combination of light blue MINI PC and Intel logos, cleverly superimposed against a pristine white backdrop. This design choice gives the packaging a clean and refreshing look, setting the tone for the product inside. Inside the box, users will find not only the main PC but also a thoughtful array of accessories.

These include clear and concise instructions to assist with setup, a wall mounting bracket for added versatility, accompanying fixing screws for secure installation, an HDMI video cable to facilitate seamless connectivity, and a reliable power adapter to keep the device up and running. The MOREFINE M9S packaging leaves no room for confusion, ensuring that users have everything they need to make the most of their new Mini PC.

Design

The MOREFINE M9S PC boasts compact dimensions, measuring just 124mm in length, 113mm in width, and 40mm in height, making it an exceptionally compact and space-saving device. With a total volume of approximately 0.56 liters, it's impressively small yet packed with power. Even with memory and a hard drive installed, the M9S PC remains lightweight, tipping the scales at only 329 grams. This combination of compact size and lightweight design makes it a versatile and portable computing solution for various applications.

The standard 36W power adapter is impressively lightweight, tipping the scales at just 123 grams. This makes it comparable in size and weight to a typical mobile phone charger, ensuring that it won't add any significant bulk or heft when carried alongside your PC, even during long journeys. Its compact and portable design is a convenience that tech-savvy individuals will undoubtedly appreciate.

The MOREFINE M9S boasts a sleek silver body frame, constructed from durable plastic materials. Its surface is adorned with a silver matte spray paint finish, imparting a subtle metallic texture that elevates its aesthetic appeal, ensuring it does not appear inexpensive. The cleverly designed air inlets are positioned on either side of the device, enhancing its overall functionality while adding to its visual allure. These air inlets feature a petal-shaped window lattice style, a delightful touch that enhances the device's overall beauty and elegance.

The top cover of this machine maintains the signature acrylic mirror design found in the MOREFINE Mini PC family, lending it an elegant and refined appearance when viewed in the right light. Yet, this mirror cover design also comes with a downside, as it is susceptible to unsightly fingerprints and scratches. It's a classic case of not being able to have it all; beauty sometimes comes at the cost of practicality.

The interfaces on this device are strategically positioned at both the front and rear ends for user convenience. At the front panel, users will find a power switch that provides easy access to turning the device on or off. Additionally, the front panel is equipped with two USB-A 3.2 Gen1 ports, which offer high-speed data transfer capabilities. There is also a USB-C port with 2.0-speed functionality that supports video output, expanding the device's versatility. For audio needs, an audio interface is readily accessible from the front panel. Lastly, a power indicator light ensures users are informed about the device's operational status at a glance. This thoughtful arrangement of interfaces on the front panel enhances the overall usability and functionality of the device.

The rear section of the fuselage boasts an array of connectivity options to cater to a diverse range of user needs. It features two high-speed 2.5G network ports, providing lightning-fast data transfer and internet connectivity. Additionally, there are two USB 2.0 ports, perfect for connecting a variety of peripherals and accessories. For those seeking top-notch display options, the fuselage is equipped with HDMI 2.1 and DP dual video output interfaces, ensuring crisp and clear visuals for any task. Furthermore, there's a USB-C charging port, which is not only compatible with various PD charging heads available on the market but can also be powered by PD mobile power sources, offering flexible and convenient charging solutions.

HDMI 2.1, DP, and USB-C are three widely used video interfaces, making the M9S incredibly versatile by allowing it to connect to three monitors simultaneously. This feature is particularly advantageous for users involved in professional design or stock trading, as it greatly enhances their multitasking capabilities and overall productivity. Whether you're working on intricate design projects or monitoring real-time financial data, the M9S's ability to support multiple displays makes it a user-friendly and efficient choice.

The bottom cover of this product is thoughtfully designed with a wall-mounting hole, providing you with an additional option for placement. If you find that the PC is still an eyesore when positioned on your desktop, this feature allows you to discreetly conceal it behind your monitor, helping to maintain a clutter-free and visually appealing workspace.

Disassembly

Disassembling the MOREFINE M9S is a straightforward process. Begin by loosening the fixing screws located within the four hollow feet of the device. Once these screws are removed, you can gently pry off the bottom cover using your fingernails or a suitable pry bar. This easy accessibility makes it convenient for users to access and maintain the internal components of the M9S.

The internal design of this product remains relatively conventional, featuring a single built-in memory slot and one M.2 hard drive slot. However, in comparison to its predecessor, the M9, it's worth noting that it lacks one 2242 M.2 slot, which some users might find a bit disappointing.

When it comes to small consoles in the N100 category, the MOREFINE M9S stands out with its impressive storage specifications. Unlike many of its competitors that still rely on DDR4-3200 memory, the M9S pushes the envelope by supporting DDR5-4800 memory. This leap in memory technology ensures faster and more efficient performance, setting the M9S at the "ceiling" level of its class. Additionally, the M.2 slot in the MOREFINE M9S supports PCIe 3.0×4-channel SSD, delivering speeds that are 2 to 4 times faster than what you'll find in competing products. This robust storage capability makes the MOREFINE M9S a standout choice for those seeking top-tier performance in a small console.

In our review of the MOREFINE M9S, we were particularly impressed with its memory capabilities. This device boasts a robust 16GB of Intelligent DDR5-4800 memory, which significantly elevates its overall performance. The read, write, and copy speeds associated with this memory are truly remarkable, clocking in at approximately 29GB/s, 30GB/s, and 27GB/s, respectively. Furthermore, the latency is remarkably low, with a delay of just 56.9ns. When compared to its predecessor, DDR4, the improvement in memory performance is nothing short of substantial, making the MOREFINE M9S a noteworthy contender in the world of computing.

The Yingruida P3 hard drive model boasts impressive performance metrics, with sustained read speeds of 3344MB/s and write speeds of 1955MB/s. These remarkable specifications translate into a significantly enhanced daily application experience, as the drive's superior speed and efficiency contribute to smoother multitasking, quicker data transfers, and overall improved system responsiveness.

Below the hard disk, you'll find an Intel AX201 wireless network card integrated onto the motherboard. This particular network card is not user-replaceable or upgradable. However, it boasts impressive capabilities, supporting a 160MHz frequency for faster and more stable wireless connections.

The heat dissipation module on the back of the motherboard employs high-quality pure copper fins and dual heat pipes. This robust cooling system leaves no room for pressure to stifle the enthusiastic performance of the N100, ensuring that it runs at its full potential without overheating concerns.

Performance and Benchmarks

The MOREFINE M9S boasts the cutting-edge N100, Intel's latest entry-level mobile processor in 2023. This powerful chip harnesses the advanced Intel 7 process technology and inherits the energy-efficient core design from the 13th generation Core processors. With its superior specifications, the N100 outperforms its predecessor, the Celeron N5000 series, marking a significant leap in mobile processing capabilities.

The Intel Celeron N100 is a budget-friendly processor that boasts 4 cores and 4 threads, making it suitable for basic computing tasks. It offers a maximum main frequency of up to 3.4GHz, which allows it to handle everyday activities such as web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking with relative ease. Additionally, this processor features a core graphics card that integrates 24 execution units, providing decent graphics performance for casual gaming and multimedia playback.

To gauge the performance of the Intel Celeron N100, it's essential to consider its intended use cases. While it may not be a powerhouse for demanding applications or gaming, it excels at handling the typical tasks of a budget laptop or desktop computer. Its multi-core design and relatively high clock speed enable it to provide a smooth and responsive experience for everyday users who don't require the horsepower of more expensive processors.

Hard decoding, a crucial component in the realm of video playback, serves as the backbone for seamless multimedia experiences. It enables the playback of video content across a wide array of formats with utmost efficiency and performance. Whether it's the ubiquitous MP4, the high-definition clarity of H.264, or the cutting-edge capabilities of H.265, robust support for hard decoding ensures that users can enjoy their favorite videos without the hindrance of compatibility issues. This broad compatibility not only enhances user satisfaction but also facilitates the widespread adoption of video technologies across different devices and platforms, making it an indispensable feature in the ever-evolving landscape of digital media consumption.

The first individual we need to mention is Master Lu. The MOREFINE M9S, under Master Lu's evaluation, has achieved an impressive running score of approximately 420,000. This remarkable score places it in the upper echelon of computing performance, surpassing the expectations of many. In fact, it surpasses the performance of over 28% of computer users in the country, solidifying its reputation as a high-performing and reliable device.

The CrossMark score, a comprehensive measure of performance, reached an impressive total of 704. When examining the individual components that contribute to this score, it becomes evident that productivity, creativity, and responsiveness each played a significant role. Productivity scored notably high at 721, showcasing the team's efficiency and output. Creativity closely followed at 716, highlighting their ability to think outside the box and innovate. While responsiveness, at 618, demonstrates their commitment to addressing and adapting to evolving challenges. Together, these scores reflect a well-rounded and high-performing team.

In the PCMark 10 modern office test, the MOREFINE M9S demonstrates impressive performance, achieving a commendable score of 3041. This score reflects the device's ability to handle various productivity tasks, including word processing, web browsing, and spreadsheet work, with efficiency and speed. It underscores the MOREFINE M9S as a reliable choice for users seeking a computer that can excel in the demands of a modern office environment, ensuring smooth and responsive performance for a seamless workflow.

The N100 processor featured in the M9S mini console represents a significant leap forward in performance, as demonstrated by the results of both the CPU-Z and CineBench tests. This new processor outperforms its predecessor, the N5105 platform, by a considerable margin, showcasing the advancements in technology and computing power that have been achieved in the latest generation of mini consoles.

During the 3DMark test, it was evident that Fire Strike's GPU sub-score experienced a notable increase, surging up to 25%. This boost in graphics processing power showcased a significant leap in performance. However, when it came to Time Spy, the increase was comparatively more modest, clocking in at 9.3%. This result indicated that the improvements in GPU performance were not as pronounced as those witnessed in the CPU performance, suggesting a potential area for further optimization and enhancement.

In the highly anticipated League of Legends game test, where performance is of utmost concern, the MOREFINE M9S truly shines. When played at a crisp 1080P resolution with the highest image quality settings, this gaming powerhouse manages to deliver an astounding average frame rate of 96 FPS during a challenging 28-minute match. Impressively, it reaches a peak of 127 frames per second and maintains a minimum of 62 FPS, ensuring consistently smooth gameplay throughout. Even during the intense climax of a high-stakes team battle on the ground, the MOREFINE M9S continues to perform admirably, providing an exceptional gaming experience.

The power monitor clearly reveals the energy-efficient characteristics of the MOREFINE M9S. When in sleep mode, the device consumes a minimal 1W to 2W of power, demonstrating its ability to conserve energy effectively. Even after booting up and entering standby mode, the power consumption remains impressively low at approximately 10W. Furthermore, the device operates with remarkable silence, emitting less than 42 decibels of noise when positioned close to your PC. With its enduring performance as a soft router, you can rest assured that it won't significantly impact your electricity bill, making it a cost-effective and reliable choice.

During the extensive AIDA64 FPU baking test, the MOREFINE M9S processor demonstrated remarkable power efficiency. Initially, the power consumption peaked at 7 watts before settling into a stable 6-watt range. Throughout this demanding workload, the CPU temperature maintained a relatively warm but manageable range of approximately 81 to 84 degrees Celsius, and the processor clocked in at a steady 2.7 gigahertz. In terms of acoustics, the ambient noise level recorded near the PC stood at a respectable 48 decibels. However, when the tester was brought closer to the user, the noise dropped even further to an impressive 42 decibels, underscoring the exceptionally low fan noise emitted by the system.

The factory BIOS of the MOREFINE M9S comes with a conservative setting that prioritizes power efficiency. Users have reported that it's possible to fine-tune power consumption and fan speed by flashing the BIOS at a later time. Interestingly, the performance disparity between the N100 processor operating at 6W and 15W is not particularly significant. In my personal opinion, what truly impacts the overall user experience is noise control. A quieter and less intrusive system often contributes more to the overall satisfaction of using the MOREFINE M9S than minor performance differences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MOREFINE M9S represents a significant step forward in the world of mini PCs, addressing the limitations of its predecessor and offering a host of new features and enhancements. Its support for PCIe 3.0×4 channel SSDs, DDR5-4800 memory, and the powerful Intel Celeron N100 processor make it a standout performer in its class. The device's compact and sleek design, along with its thoughtful placement of interfaces, adds to its versatility and usability.

The performance benchmarks of the MOREFINE M9S speak volumes about its capabilities. It excels in handling everyday tasks with ease, providing smooth and responsive performance. Whether you're using it for office work, multimedia playback, or even gaming, the M9S impresses with its performance and energy efficiency. The ability to support multiple monitors simultaneously further enhances its usability, making it a valuable tool for professionals and multitaskers.

Furthermore, the M9S's low noise levels and power efficiency contribute to its overall appeal, ensuring a pleasant user experience. While there's room for some BIOS adjustments for those seeking more control, the default settings strike a good balance between performance and noise.

In summary, the MOREFINE M9S is a noteworthy addition to the mini PC market, offering a combination of power, versatility, and efficiency at an accessible price point. It caters to a wide range of users and applications, making it a compelling choice for those in need of a compact yet capable computing solution.