The mini PC market witnesses a pivotal shift today. PELADN's WO4, armed with AMD's powerhouse Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, doesn't just enter the compact computing arena – it revolutionizes our expectations of performance-per-liter computing. After testing countless mini PCs this year, from Intel NUC alternatives to various AMD offerings, the WO4 demands attention for reasons that typical marketing claims.
The Evolution of Mini PC Performance
The mini PC segment historically forced users to choose between size and performance. Intel's NUC series established this pattern years ago – impressive efficiency, but clear performance limitations. AMD's entry into this space with their Ryzen mobile processors hinted at change, but the WO4 marks a definitive turning point. This isn't just another compact PC; it's a paradigm shift in what we should expect from sub-liter computing.
Hardware Deep Dive
At the heart of the WO4 beats AMD's formidable 6900HX, a chip typically reserved for premium gaming laptops. The specifications deserve careful examination:
8 high-performance Zen 3+ cores
16 threads with smart scheduling
16MB L3 cache
6nm manufacturing process
Base clock: 3.3 GHz
Boost clock: up to 4.9 GHz
Default TDP: 45W (configurable)
But the story extends beyond core counts. The integrated RDNA2-based Radeon 680M graphics core, running at an impressive 2400MHz, fundamentally changes the game for integrated graphics performance. This GPU core packs:
12 Compute Units
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
DirectX 12 Ultimate support
Smart Access Memory compatibility
System Configuration and Expansion
PELADN's implementation shows careful consideration of modern computing needs. The base configuration includes:
The physical design warrants attention. At 128x128x52mm, the WO4 occupies slightly more space than some competitors, but this extra volume serves a crucial purpose. The thermal design requires this space to maintain performance under sustained loads – a tradeoff that proves its worth in testing.
Testing Methodology and Initial Impressions
Our testing protocol emphasizes real-world performance over synthetic benchmarks, though we include both for completeness. The review unit runs:
Windows 11 Pro (latest build)
AMD Chipset Drivers 4.11.15
BIOS version 1.0.8
Latest Windows updates and security patches
Testing focuses on three key areas:
KEY1.CPU performance under various workloads
Single-threaded performance for everyday tasks
Multi-threaded capability for content creation
Thermal consistency under extended loads
KEY2: Graphics capabilities across different scenarios
Professional applications (CAD, 3D modeling)
Content creation workloads
Gaming performance at various resolutions
KEY3: System behavior under combined stress
Power consumption patterns
Thermal management
Noise levels under load
Initial setup reveals thoughtful design choices. The tool-less access to internal components simplifies upgrades. The port selection demonstrates understanding of professional needs, with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility particularly welcome for external GPU scenarios.
Performance Metrics and Real-World Testing
The 6900HX in the WO4 demonstrates why AMD's mobile chips deserve attention in the mini PC space. Cinebench R23 tells the first part of the story:
Professional Workload Analysis
Content creation performance impresses most. DaVinci Resolve 18 exports show 40% faster rendering compared to Intel-based competitors. The combination of strong CPU performance and capable graphics enables workflows previously requiring discrete GPUs:
Development environments benefit similarly. Docker containers, virtual machines, and compilation tasks run efficiently. The 16MB cache particularly helps with code compilation, showing improvements of 25-35% over similar-class processors.
Thermal and Power Characteristics
Under combined CPU and GPU stress testing:
Maximum power consumption: 88W
Idle power draw: 12W
Fan noise at max load: 38dB (measured at 50cm)
Average temperature under load: 78°C
Market Position and Value Analysis
At its price point, the WO4 creates a new category. It offers:
Desktop-class performance in a mini PC form factor
Professional-grade graphics capabilities
Enterprise-ready features
Expansion potential matching larger systems
These trade-offs feel reasonable given the performance gains. The WO4 prioritizes capability over absolute minimization, a choice that serves its target market well.
Final Verdict
The PELADN WO4 represents a significant evolution in mini PC design. It proves that with proper engineering, mobile processors can deliver desktop-class performance in compact formats. For professionals needing serious computing power in a small footprint, this sets a new standard.
Buy this if you need:
The WO4 earns our Choice award for redefining mini PC capabilities. It demonstrates that with the right components and engineering, the compromise between size and performance becomes much smaller.
