MAGICNUC AS1 Plus Mini PC Review (2026): A Spec-Based Look
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This magicnuc as1 plus mini PC review covers a compact desktop built for multitasking and networking. It features the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U processor, offering four cores and eight threads for solid performance. The system also includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it a strong candidate for home lab or firewall setups. With integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics and expandable storage, it balances general productivity with specialized connectivity needs. You get a small footprint without sacrificing essential ports or upgrade paths. This spec-based look helps you decide if the hardware matches your daily requirements.
What stands out
- AMD Ryzen 5 3501U processor with up to 3.7GHz boost
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports supporting Jumbo Frames
- Two DDR4 SODIMM slots for memory expansion
- Empty M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slot for additional storage
- Radeon Vega 8 graphics with 4K display support
Who it fits
Good fit for
This mini PC suits users who need reliable multitasking and strong networking capabilities. The Ryzen 5 3501U handles office applications and video streaming smoothly. The dual Ethernet ports make it ideal for those building a pfSense or OPNsense firewall. You will appreciate the upgradeable RAM and storage if you plan to run multiple virtual machines or keep large media libraries. It is also a good fit for users who want a quiet, low-power device for 24/7 operation.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you require high-end gaming performance. The integrated Vega 8 graphics are not designed for modern 3D titles. If you need the latest wireless standards, note that this model uses Wi-Fi 5 rather than Wi-Fi 6. It also lacks Thunderbolt support, so you cannot connect external GPUs or high-speed docks via that protocol. Users needing more than two display outputs may find the triple-screen limit restrictive for their specific workspace setup.
Verdict: The MAGICNUC AS1 Plus offers a practical blend of processing power and networking flexibility. It is a solid choice for home labs and productivity tasks that require expandable resources.
Key specs explained for this mini PC
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3501U
This processor features four physical cores and eight threads, running at a base of 2.1GHz with a boost up to 3.7GHz. The Zen+ architecture provides efficient multi-threading performance. You will notice faster application loading and smoother multitasking compared to entry-level Intel N100 units. It handles office suites and web browsing with ease, making it a reliable choice for daily computing tasks without significant lag.
Installed RAM: 8GB DDR4
The system includes 8GB of DDR4 SODIMM memory, which supports smooth operation of modern operating systems and multiple browser tabs. While sufficient for basic use, the unit offers two independent slots. You can upgrade to 32GB total for heavy data processing or virtualization. This expandability ensures the machine remains useful as your software demands increase over time.
Storage Capacity: 256GB M.2 SATA SSD
A 256GB SATA SSD provides fast boot times and quick file access compared to traditional hard drives. The drive handles operating system loads and essential applications efficiently. Additionally, an empty M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slot allows you to add a second, faster SSD later. This dual-storage capability lets you separate your operating system from your data for better organization and speed.
Ethernet Ports: Dual Gigabit Ethernet
Two Gigabit Ethernet ports enable advanced networking configurations, such as firewall routing or load balancing. You can connect to both your ISP and a local network simultaneously. This setup is ideal for users building a dedicated router or VPN gateway. It offers greater control over network traffic and security compared to single-port mini PCs, supporting protocols like pfSense or OpenWrt.
Graphics: Radeon Vega 8
Integrated Vega 8 graphics deliver 4K video decoding at 60Hz via HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. This hardware acceleration ensures smooth playback of high-resolution streams on Netflix or YouTube. While not designed for heavy gaming, it handles display output and light media tasks effectively. The 1200MHz clock speed supports clear visuals for office work and multimedia consumption on compatible monitors.
Design and Build Quality
According to the listing, the MAGICNUC AS1 Plus Mini PC features a compact, black chassis. The dimensions are 4.7 inches by 4.7 inches with a height of 1.97 inches. This small footprint allows for flexible placement options. The unit weighs 1.1 pounds, making it light enough to move easily. You can mount it behind a monitor using the included VESA mount. This keeps your desk surface clear of clutter. The build focuses on space efficiency rather than raw size.
The design prioritizes quiet operation and thermal management. The listing notes a 15W TDP and an intelligent thermal design with a speed-controlled fan. This combination helps keep noise below 25dB during continuous use. You can run the system as a router or NAS without disruptive fan noise. The compact form factor supports 24/7 operation in small spaces.
Ports are arranged for practical connectivity. You get dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for networking tasks. Wireless options include Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. The layout includes three USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports and one USB 2.0 port. This distribution allows you to connect high-speed drives while keeping wireless receivers on a separate, less congested port. The finish is simple and functional, suited for home or office environments where space is at a premium.
Setup and Everyday Use
Setting up the MAGICNUC AS1 Plus begins with connecting power and a display. You can use the HDMI 2.0 port for 4K at 60Hz or the DisplayPort 1.4 for the same resolution. The USB-C port supports 1080p at 60Hz, giving you three ways to connect screens. If you need more than one monitor, the integrated Radeon Vega 8 graphics allows for triple 4K displays. This makes it suitable for users who need multiple windows open at once.
For networking, the dual Gigabit Ethernet ports offer flexibility. You can connect two separate networks or use them for load balancing. The Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 modules handle wireless connections for peripherals and internet access. The three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports provide fast data transfer speeds, while the dedicated USB 2.0 port is ideal for mouse or keyboard receivers to reduce interference.
In daily use, the 15W TDP and speed-controlled fan keep noise below 25dB. This quiet operation supports 24/7 tasks like running a firewall or NAS. The pre-installed 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD ensure quick boot times. If you need more capacity, you can upgrade the RAM to 32GB or add an NVMe SSD in the empty slot. The VESA mount allows you to attach the unit behind a monitor, keeping your desk tidy. The system is ready for office work, streaming, or network management out of the box.
Before You Buy This Mini PC
Owning this mini PC requires you to consider your peripheral setup. The listing notes a dedicated USB 2.0 port for wireless mouse or keyboard receivers, which helps reduce interference. You should verify that your existing peripherals are compatible with this configuration. Since the unit includes Wi-Fi 5, you may not need an Ethernet cable for basic connectivity, but the dual Gigabit ports offer robust networking options if you do. Upkeep is minimal due to the low 15W TDP and quiet cooling design. This model fits into the broader market of small form factor computers as a versatile option for users who need strong multi-core performance and flexible storage expansion. It suits those who want to upgrade RAM or add a second SSD later. Check your monitor inputs to ensure you can utilize the triple display capability effectively.
Check before you buy
- Verify your monitor supports HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4 for 4K output.
- Confirm your wireless peripherals work with the included USB 2.0 port.
- Check if you need more than 8GB RAM for your specific tasks.
- Ensure you have space for the VESA mount if you plan to hide the unit.
The product at a glance
MAGICNUC AS1 Plus Mini PC
Best for: Dual Ethernet networking and upgradeable storage
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 3501U
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Graphics
- Radeon Vega 8
- Ethernet Ports
- Dual Gigabit
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The MAGICNUC AS1 Plus Mini PC uses an AMD Ryzen 5 3501U processor with 4 cores and 8 threads. It includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB M.2 SATA SSD. The system features dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports triple 4K displays. This compact unit is designed for users needing strong multi-core performance and flexible networking options in a small form factor.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen 5 3501U processor with up to 3.7GHz boost
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for networking flexibility
- Expandable storage with an empty M.2 NVMe slot
- Triple display support including HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4
Cons
- Only 8GB of installed RAM limits immediate multitasking
- Uses Wi-Fi 5 instead of newer Wi-Fi 6 standards
- Pre-installed storage is limited to 256GB capacity
Good fit if
- You need dual network interfaces for a firewall or router setup
- You want to upgrade RAM or storage later
- You require support for three simultaneous displays
Skip if
- You need Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- You require more than 8GB of RAM without upgrading
- You need more than 256GB of pre-installed storage
Verdict: MAGICNUC AS1 Plus Mini PC fits users who need dual Ethernet ports and upgradeable components for networking or office tasks. It is not suitable for those requiring high-speed wireless standards or large pre-installed storage.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | MAGICNUC AS1 Plus Mini PC |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3501U |
| Installed RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Capacity | 256GB |
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| Graphics | Radeon Vega 8 |
| Ethernet Ports | Dual Gigabit |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Use | Home, Office |
| Connectivity | WiFi 5 |
| Dimensions | 4.7 × 4.7 × 1.97 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Model | As1 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the MAGICNUC AS1 Plus suitable for home networking tasks?
Yes, it is well-suited for networking. The system includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, which allow you to connect multiple networks simultaneously. This feature supports router failover or separating traffic between internet and local networks. You do not need to purchase additional network adapters for these wired connections.
What processor powers the MAGICNUC AS1 Plus Mini PC?
It uses the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U processor. This chip provides four physical cores and eight threads of processing power. It operates with a base clock of 2.1GHz and can boost up to 3.7GHz. This configuration handles office applications and multitasking efficiently without requiring high-end hardware.
How small is the MAGICNUC AS1 Plus chassis?
The unit measures 4.7 inches in width and length, with a height of 1.97 inches. This compact footprint allows for easy placement behind monitors or in tight spaces. The black chassis weighs 1.1 pounds, making it lightweight and stable for desk or VESA mount installations.
Can I connect multiple displays to this mini PC?
Yes, you can connect several displays using its video outputs. The device features an HDMI 2.0 port and a DisplayPort 1.4, both supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz. Additionally, the USB-C port provides 1080p output at 60Hz. This gives you flexibility in arranging your workspace layout.
Does this mini PC include a port for wireless peripherals?
Yes, it includes a dedicated USB 2.0 port for wireless receivers. This specific port helps reduce interference for your wireless mouse or keyboard dongles. You should verify that your existing peripherals work with this configuration. It keeps other high-speed USB ports free for data transfer devices.
What is the best use case for this specific model?
This model is best for users needing dual Ethernet connectivity and upgradeable storage. It serves well for office tasks or networking roles. It is not ideal if you require high-speed wireless standards or large pre-installed storage. Consider your specific connectivity needs before purchasing.