ACEMAGICIAN S3A

The ACEMAGICIAN S3A represents a compelling option in the high-performance mini PC space, pairing AMD’s powerful Ryzen 7 8745HS processor with the capable Radeon 780M integrated graphics. What sets the S3A apart from the crowded mini PC market is its unique mechanical performance dial, allowing users to instantly switch between Silent, Balanced, and Performance modes without diving into BIOS settings. This 8-core, 16-thread processor delivers desktop-class performance in a compact vertical tower design that takes up minimal desk space while supporting up to three 4K displays simultaneously through USB4, DisplayPort 2.0, and HDMI 2.0.

Pros and Cons of the ACEMAGICIAN S3A

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ACEMAGICIAN S3A Comparison Chart

	ACEMAGICIAN S3A
Price	List Price: $399 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	16GB/512GB
Perfomance Rating	8.4
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Octa-core 3.80 Ghz (max 5.10 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	16 GB DDR5 SO-DIMM
Internal Storage	512 GB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	5.89 x 7.42 x 3.06 inches (149.61 x 188.47 x 77.72 mm)
Weight	unknown
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI	1 HDMI 2.0 Port
DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort 2.0)
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	6 USB 3, 1 USB 4, 1 USB-C
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	Mini PC, power adapter (19V 6.32A), HDMI cable, VESA mounting bracket, user manual
Expandability	RAM upgradable to 64GB via 2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots. Storage expandable via 2x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 slots. Tool-less magnetic side panel for easy access.

Detailed Insights into the ACEMAGICIAN S3A

The S3A adopts a distinctive vertical tower design measuring 5.89 by 7.42 by 3.06 inches, which helps optimize airflow through its dual-fan cooling system with copper heat pipes. The tool-less magnetic side panel allows quick access to internal components for upgrades, revealing high-quality internals including Crucial DDR5 RAM and Lexar NVMe storage in some configurations. The sleek RGB lighting around the front adds a touch of gaming aesthetic without being overwhelming, and the overall build quality is solid despite the plastic exterior.

Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor delivers impressive performance with its 8 Zen 4 cores running up to 4.9GHz. In Cinebench R23 testing, the S3A achieved a multi-core score of 15,899, putting it firmly in productivity workstation territory. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics with 12 compute units at 2.6GHz handles casual gaming, video editing, and creative applications admirably. Reviewers found it capable of running modern AAA titles at 1080p with reduced settings, while indie games, emulation, and creative software like DaVinci Resolve run smoothly.

The connectivity suite is genuinely modern, featuring USB4 with DisplayPort 1.4 alternate mode capable of 8K output at 120Hz, alongside DisplayPort 2.0 and HDMI 2.0 for triple 4K multi-monitor setups. The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port provides fast wired networking, complemented by WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity. Six USB 3.2 Type-A ports (two front, four rear) provide ample peripheral connectivity, and the front USB4 Type-C port handles both data transfer and display output.

Reviewer Insights on the ACEMAGICIAN S3A

tech cali’s Perspective

tech cali describes the S3A as delivering “flagship level speed in a mini form factor,” highlighting the versatility of the three-mode performance dial that lets the system “adapt to you, not the other way around.” The review emphasizes the Ryzen 7 8745HS and Radeon 780M combination as “a true game changer for casual gamers and creative users,” with the mini PC ranking as “one of the best performing mini PCs in its class.” The benchmark results shown, including strong Cinebench R23 scores and 3DMark performance, support claims of desktop-level capabilities in this compact form factor. The reviewer particularly appreciated the USB4 port enabling triple 4K display support and the upgradeable RAM and storage options.

Tim Borg’s Unboxing Analysis

Tim Borg (Gareth G) provides a detailed hardware inspection of the S3A, noting approvingly that ACEMAGICIAN “didn’t even go on cheap brands,” with Crucial 32GB DDR5 RAM and Lexar 1TB NVMe SSD in his review unit. The mechanical performance dial earned particular praise: “I like this switch… that sounds like high quality,” suggesting solid build quality in the physical controls. However, the review noted some downsides, including “unfortunately this one isn’t USB-C powered, which is one downfall,” pointing to the proprietary barrel power connector as a limitation for those preferring universal charging solutions. The reviewer also mentioned sticker residue on the chassis and the large external power brick as minor annoyances.

Minimachines.net Review

According to Pierre Lecourt at Minimachines.net, the S3A earns a “B” score for its versatile performance across gaming, creative work, and office tasks. The review highlights the three-mode power system with TDP ranging from 25W to 54W and corresponding noise levels from 35dB to 42dB as a standout feature. While praising the official distribution with certification and two-year warranty, the review notes that users may want to reinstall Windows after purchase. The compact vertical design was appreciated for saving desk space while maintaining impressive upgrade potential with support for up to 64GB RAM and 4TB of storage.

Reviewers generally agree that the ACEMAGICIAN S3A offers exceptional value for users needing high performance in a small footprint. The mechanical performance dial stands out as a genuinely useful feature rather than a gimmick, and the quality of internal components suggests ACEMAGICIAN is targeting enthusiasts who care about what’s inside their machines.

Customer Reviews of the ACEMAGICIAN S3A

With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 1,400 customer reviews on Amazon, the ACEMAGICIAN S3A has earned a solid reputation among buyers. Customers consistently praise the performance-to-size ratio, with many noting surprise at how much power fits into such a compact chassis. The ability to handle everyday tasks, light gaming, and even some productivity workloads impresses users coming from larger desktop systems or older hardware.

Common complaints center around the learning curve for the performance mode dial and occasional concerns about fan noise under sustained heavy loads. Some users mention that while Performance mode delivers impressive benchmark numbers, the increased noise may not be worth it for typical usage scenarios where Balanced or Silent modes provide adequate speed. A few reviewers noted the Windows installation could benefit from a clean reinstall to remove bloatware.

Overall, customers appreciate the S3A as a capable daily driver that doesn’t sacrifice performance for its compact size. The tool-less upgrade path and quality components earn particular mention from tech-savvy buyers who value expandability. At the $399 price point for the 16GB/512GB configuration, most reviewers consider it competitive value for the Ryzen 7 8745HS performance tier.

Conclusion

The ACEMAGICIAN S3A delivers on its promise of desktop-class performance in a mini PC form factor, making it an excellent choice for home office users, content creators working with video editing or graphic design, and casual gamers who prioritize space efficiency. The AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor with Radeon 780M graphics handles demanding workloads while the unique mechanical performance dial provides intuitive control over the power-to-noise balance. Users who need triple monitor support will appreciate the USB4, DisplayPort 2.0, and HDMI 2.0 outputs.

Those requiring maximum gaming performance at high settings should consider systems with discrete graphics, and users who strongly prefer USB-C power delivery may want to look elsewhere given the S3A’s proprietary barrel connector. The lack of an SD card reader could be a consideration for photographers or videographers who frequently transfer media. However, for the majority of users seeking a powerful, compact, and upgradeable mini PC, the S3A represents a compelling package.

The tool-less magnetic side panel and support for up to 64GB DDR5 RAM plus 4TB of NVMe storage mean the S3A can grow with your needs over time. For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the S3A against alternatives in the high-performance mini PC category.

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