ACEMAGIC M1

The ACEMAGIC M1 represents a fascinating proposition in the compact PC market: cramming Intel’s powerful i9-13900HK mobile processor into an enclosure barely larger than a coffee mug. This 14-core, 20-thread powerhouse delivers desktop-class processing in a form factor that can hide behind a monitor or tuck away on a crowded desk. With 32GB of DDR4 RAM, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, and connectivity options including USB4 and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, the M1 targets users who need serious computing power without the bulk of a traditional tower. Whether you’re building a homelab, need a capable workstation, or want a powerful media server, this mini PC promises a lot in its diminutive package.

Pros and Cons of the ACEMAGIC M1

ACEMAGIC M1 Comparison Chart

	ACEMAGIC M1
Price	List Price: $599.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	32GB/1TB/i9-13900HK
Perfomance Rating	9.1
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Fourteen-core 2.60 Ghz (max 5.40 Ghz) Intel Core i9-13900HK
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	32 GB DDR4
Internal Storage	1 TB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	5.05 x 5.05 x 1.61 inches (128.27 x 128.27 x 40.89 mm)
Weight	1.18 lbs (0.54 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI	1 2.0 Port
DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort (1.4)
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	6 USB 3, 1 USB 4
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Internal SATA Ports	No SATA ports
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	combo
Fanless	No
VESA Mount	Yes
In the Box	ACEMAGIC M1, 142W Power Adapter, User Manual, VESA Mount Bracket with Screws, HDMI Cable
Expandability	RAM upgradeable to 64GB DDR4, storage expandable with dual M.2 NVMe slots (up to 4TB total)

Detailed Insights into the ACEMAGIC M1

The M1’s design prioritizes compactness without completely sacrificing thermal management. Measuring just 128.2mm square and 41mm thick (roughly 5 x 5 x 1.6 inches), it occupies minimal desk space and includes a VESA mount for attaching behind a monitor. The dual-fan cooling system keeps the i9-13900HK running, though reviewers note that sustained heavy workloads trigger thermal throttling that effectively reduces performance to i7-class levels. For typical productivity tasks, the system runs quietly enough that you might forget it’s there.

The Intel Core i9-13900HK at the heart of this system features 6 Performance cores and 8 Efficiency cores, achieving boost clocks up to 5.4GHz. In real-world testing by PCWorld, the M1 delivered a PCMark 10 score of 6,288, indicating strong productivity performance. Single-threaded tasks benefit from the processor’s aggressive boost behavior, making the system feel snappy for everyday computing. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics handles video playback, basic photo editing, and hardware-accelerated transcoding, though demanding creative applications or gaming are beyond its capabilities.

Connectivity stands out as a genuine strength. The port selection includes six USB-A ports (including 10Gbps variants), USB4 with full 40Gbps throughput and DisplayPort Alt Mode support, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. This combination supports up to three simultaneous 4K displays and provides ample bandwidth for external storage arrays, making it particularly attractive for content creators working with large files or homelab enthusiasts running virtual machines. WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 round out the wireless options, though real-world WiFi speeds have been measured around 500Mbps.

Reviewer Insights on the ACEMAGIC M1

PCWorld’s Technical Assessment

PCWorld’s review praised the M1 as “a capable compact desktop PC delivering strong single-core performance in a diminutive form factor.” The review highlighted the extensive port selection and near-silent operation during typical office use. However, they noted that GPU performance trails newer systems with Radeon 890M integrated graphics by 30-40%, and SSD speeds of 3,425 MB/s read lag behind premium alternatives. For users not requiring AI acceleration or top-tier graphics, the reviewer found the M1 offers compelling value at its price point. PCWorld awarded the M1 a 4 out of 5 rating.

How-To Geek’s Productivity Focus

How-To Geek gave the ACEMAGIC M1 an 8/10 rating, calling it “a compact productivity powerhouse that delivers big things in a very small package.” Their testing confirmed the system handles heavy multitasking without issue, including streaming video while maintaining 20+ browser tabs. The reviewer particularly appreciated the minimal bloatware and effective thermal management, though they wished for more USB-C ports and the ability to power the device via USB-C rather than the proprietary adapter.

IT Pro’s Value Assessment

IT Pro rated the M1 at 4.5 out of 5, emphasizing its excellent value proposition. The reviewer described it as “a smart-looking machine with plenty of connectivity options and a reasonable price.” They praised the attractive minimalist design available in silver or graphite, the included VESA mounting bracket, and the generous port selection. While noting the processor architecture is now a few years old, IT Pro concluded that “you still get far more bang for your buck with it than with some key rivals.”

Customer Reviews of the ACEMAGIC M1

Amazon customers have given the M1 a solid 4.4-star rating based on 148 reviews, reflecting generally positive experiences with some noted caveats. Buyers consistently praise the system’s compact form factor and powerful performance for everyday computing tasks. Many users specifically purchased the system for home office setups, reporting smooth multitasking and quick application launches.

Several reviewers highlight the value proposition, noting that the i9-13900HK processor delivers substantial computing power at the $599 price point. Users running virtual machines, development environments, and media servers report satisfactory performance for their workloads. The 3-year warranty provides additional peace of mind for those investing in the system.

Common criticisms center on thermal behavior under sustained loads and the plastic construction. Some users report noticeable fan noise when the processor is pushed hard, and a few have noted that the system feels less premium than competitors using aluminum enclosures. For typical productivity use, however, most customers find the M1 meets or exceeds their expectations.

Conclusion

The ACEMAGIC M1 occupies an interesting niche in the mini PC market. It delivers genuine high-core-count Intel performance in a remarkably small package, making it ideal for users who need computing power without consuming desk space. The generous port selection, including USB4 and 2.5GbE, positions it well for productivity workstations and homelab setups where connectivity matters.

However, potential buyers should understand the trade-offs. The i9-13900HK’s full potential is limited by thermal throttling in this compact chassis, effectively delivering i7-class sustained performance. Integrated graphics mean this isn’t a system for gaming or GPU-intensive creative work. Users seeking those capabilities should look elsewhere, perhaps at mini PCs with dedicated graphics or larger gaming systems.

For professionals needing a capable, compact workstation for office tasks, developers running multiple containers and VMs, or homelab enthusiasts building media servers and network infrastructure, the M1 offers compelling performance per cubic inch. At $599, it provides substantial value for users whose workloads match its strengths. For those still weighing options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for comparing the M1 against alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions