Bmax B4 Ultra

Starry Hope Rating
3.5

Updated on

Bmax B4 Ultra lifestyle

The Bmax B4 Ultra represents a compelling option in the ultra-compact mini PC category, designed for users who prioritize portability and space efficiency over raw computing power. Weighing just over half a pound and measuring roughly 4 inches on each side, this palm-sized device fits comfortably behind a monitor or can be tucked away virtually anywhere. The Intel N150 Twin Lake processor offers a modest upgrade over the popular N100, providing approximately 15-25% better performance in single and multi-threaded workloads respectively. For everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, the B4 Ultra delivers a surprisingly capable experience at its under-$200 price point.

Pros and Cons of the Bmax B4 Ultra

ProsCons
Ultra-compact form factor (4.25 x 4.13 x 1.38 inches)USB-C port lacks video output capability
Exceptionally lightweight at just 0.57 lbsSingle-channel RAM limits performance potential
Smooth 4K and 8K video playback capabilityWiFi 5 instead of WiFi 6
Includes Windows 11 Pro with recovery partitionFan runs constantly (though quietly)
Dual HDMI outputs for 4K displaysEntry-level CPU not suited for demanding tasks
VESA mount and 2.5" SATA expansion includedLPDDR5 RAM is soldered and not upgradeable

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Bmax B4 Ultra Comparison Chart

Bmax B4 Ultra

Bmax B4 Ultra

Price

List Price: $199.99

Amazon Prices:

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Version---
Performance Rating4.5
Operating SystemWindows 11 Pro
ProcessorQuad-core 3.60 Ghz
Intel Processor N150
GPUIntegrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM12 GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage512 GB
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
4.25 x 4.13 x 1.38 inches
(107.95 x 104.9 x 35.05 mm)
Weight0.57 lbs (0.26 kg)
WiFiWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0
Ethernet1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps
HDMI2 Full-Size HDMI Ports
DisplayPortNo DisplayPort
VGANo VGA Ports
USB Ports2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3, 1 USB-C
USB-C is data only, no video output capability
Thunderbolt PortsNo
OCuLinkNo
Internal SATA Ports1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay
Card ReaderNo Card Reader
Headphone Jack3.5mm combo
FanlessNo
VESA MountYes
In the Box--
ExpandabilityRAM: Soldered LPDDR5 (not upgradeable for this variant), Storage: Dual M.2 slots + 2.5-inch SATA bay

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Detailed Insights into the Bmax B4 Ultra

Bmax B4 Ultra connectivity features

The build quality of the Bmax B4 Ultra reflects thoughtful engineering for its intended use case. The compact chassis measures just 4.25 by 4.13 by 1.38 inches, making it one of the smallest mini PCs available with Intel Alder Lake-N architecture. The included VESA mounting bracket allows the unit to be attached directly behind a monitor, effectively creating an all-in-one setup. Port accessibility is well-considered with connections spread across the front, rear, and sides of the unit, though the short power adapter cord noted by reviewers may require careful placement or an extension.

Performance from the Intel N150 processor positions the B4 Ultra as a capable light-duty workstation. The 6W TDP chip handles office applications, web browsing, and even serves as an excellent HTPC for streaming content. Testing by reviewers confirms smooth 4K video playback from YouTube, with some users reporting acceptable 8K playback as well. Light gaming is possible with casual and online titles, but graphics-heavy AAA games are beyond what the N150 can drive. The N150 runs approximately 15% faster in single-threaded and 25% faster in multi-threaded tasks compared to the N100.

Connectivity options are solid for a mini PC in this class, with dual HDMI 2.1 ports enabling connection to two 4K displays simultaneously. The B4 Ultra includes two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a single USB-C port (data only, no video output), and Gigabit Ethernet. WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 handle wireless connectivity, though the WiFi performance has been noted as slower than some competitors. For storage expansion, dual M.2 slots and a 2.5-inch SATA bay provide ample upgrade paths despite the soldered RAM limiting memory upgrades.

Reviewer Insights on the Bmax B4 Ultra

Bmax B4 Ultra performance tier

Green Apple Online's Perspective

Green Apple Online provides a comprehensive Thai-language hands-on review of the Bmax B4 Ultra (the descriptions below are translated from the Thai narration, not verbatim English quotes), focusing extensively on the unboxing and initial setup. The reviewer emphasizes the compact form factor, holding the whole unit in one palm and noting it weighs a little over 200 grams, only slightly heavier than a mobile phone. A significant portion of the review walks through Windows 11 Pro setup and the F9 BMAX Smart Recovery partition.

On media playback he found 4K YouTube smooth and was genuinely surprised that even an 8K clip technically played, though with some lag at the start and his own internet bandwidth as the real bottleneck. He also put the USB-C port to the test: noting the spec lists no video over it, he connected it to a monitor, saw nothing appear on screen, and concluded the port is data-only with no display output. For light gaming he ran Roblox at full graphics without trouble and called Genshin Impact a pleasant surprise on a machine this small, while heavier titles stay out of reach. He pegs the B4 Ultra as a sensible secondary PC for office work, students, or media consumption.

NotebookCheck's Analysis

According to NotebookCheck's review of the similar B4 Turbo, the N150-equipped Bmax models work well as basic HTPC solutions but shouldn't be expected to handle demanding workloads. The technical review awarded a 58% score, noting that the 6W processor means users shouldn't "expect to get a lot done on the Twin Lake processor" but that it's "sufficient for the most part" for its intended use cases. The review highlighted the easy serviceability and VESA mount support as positives, while pointing out concerns about single-channel RAM configuration and the always-active cooling fan.

Customer Reviews of the Bmax B4 Ultra

Verified owners of the B4 Ultra lean on the same handful of points: a compact, quiet box that boots quickly and handles everyday work, plus dual or single 4K display support. Alexander Rodriguez, a verified buyer, wrote that it "boots up instantly and handles all my daily office work, web browsing, and 4K video streaming without a hiccup," and praised the "dual 4K monitor support." Rahul K., also verified, called the N150 processor "fast and responsive, handling web browsing, office applications, media streaming, and multitasking with ease." Several reviewers, including Chris C., frame it as good value provided you already have a monitor, keyboard, and operating system, since none are included.

The one negative review is worth reading before you buy. Skylar, a verified buyer who left 1 star, reported that the unit "is advertised to come with a m.2 512GB NVMe SSD, but has a much slower M.2 SATA SSD," and concluded "this is false advertisement." They noted the machine still worked fine for their needs, but flagged the mismatch between the listed storage and what shipped. If SSD speed matters to you, confirm the drive type on arrival.

Conclusion

The Bmax B4 Ultra fills a specific niche in the mini PC market: users who need a functional Windows computer in the smallest possible package at the lowest reasonable price. It excels as a secondary workstation, HTPC, digital signage player, or basic office computer where space is at a premium. The Intel N150 provides meaningful improvements over the N100 while maintaining the same efficient 6W power envelope.

Those requiring more computational power should look elsewhere, as the B4 Ultra isn't designed for video editing, heavy multitasking, or demanding applications. The soldered LPDDR5 RAM limits future upgrades, though the dual M.2 slots and SATA bay provide excellent storage expansion options. The lack of USB-C video output is a notable omission for those planning monitor connections through that port.

For users whose needs align with its capabilities, the Bmax B4 Ultra delivers remarkable value. The combination of ultra-compact design, dual 4K display support, genuine Windows 11 Pro, and sub-$200 pricing makes it a strong contender in the entry-level mini PC segment. For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope's Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Bmax B4 Ultra run two monitors simultaneously?

Yes, the B4 Ultra features dual HDMI 2.1 ports that support two 4K displays at 60Hz simultaneously. Note that the USB-C port does not support video output, so all display connections must use the HDMI ports.

Is the RAM upgradeable on the Bmax B4 Ultra?

No, the 12GB LPDDR5 RAM in the B4 Ultra variant sold on Amazon is soldered directly to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. If RAM upgradability is important to you, note that Bmax offers a different B4 Ultra variant with SO-DIMM DDR4 slots, though availability varies by region.

What storage expansion options does the B4 Ultra offer?

The B4 Ultra offers excellent storage expansion with dual M.2 slots (one NVMe, one SATA) and a 2.5-inch SATA drive bay. This allows for up to 4TB of additional storage beyond the included 512GB NVMe SSD, making it suitable for media server applications.

How does the Intel N150 compare to the Intel N100?

The Intel N150 offers approximately 15% better single-threaded performance and 25% better multi-threaded performance compared to the N100. Both are 6W TDP processors, so power consumption and thermal characteristics are similar. The N150 provides a noticeable but not dramatic improvement for everyday tasks. If the N100's performance is sufficient for your needs, the BMAX B4 Plus offers similar features with upgradeable RAM.

Can the Bmax B4 Ultra play 4K video smoothly?

Yes, the B4 Ultra handles 4K video playback smoothly for most streaming services and local files. Reviewers have confirmed successful playback of both 4K and even 8K content from YouTube. However, some technical reviews note that 4K at 60fps can occasionally show imperfect playback depending on the codec and source.

Is the Bmax B4 Ultra fanless?

No, the B4 Ultra has an active cooling fan. However, reviewers note that the fan operates very quietly, making it suitable for living room or bedroom use. The fan does run continuously during operation rather than cycling on and off based on temperature.

Does the B4 Ultra support VESA mounting?

Yes, the Bmax B4 Ultra includes a VESA mounting bracket in the box, allowing you to attach it directly to the back of a compatible monitor. This is especially useful given its compact size, effectively turning your monitor into an all-in-one computer setup.