Paladin WO4
The Paladin WO4 represents an interesting option in the compact mini PC market, combining AMD’s capable Ryzen 7 7735U processor with a remarkably small 0.46-liter chassis. This system, manufactured by PELADN and sold under the Empowered PC brand, targets users who need genuine desktop performance without the desktop footprint. The unit comes assembled and stress-tested in the USA, backed by a 3-year limited hardware warranty and lifetime technical support, which provides some reassurance for buyers concerned about quality control. With its Radeon 680M integrated graphics, the Paladin WO4 can handle casual gaming, 4K media playback, and creative workloads that would choke lesser mini PCs.
Pros and Cons of the Paladin WO4
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 8-core Ryzen 7 7735U processor with excellent multi-threaded performance | Base model ships with single-channel RAM which impacts integrated graphics performance |
| Ultra-compact 0.46L chassis fits almost anywhere | No customer reviews yet to assess real-world reliability |
| DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 storage for future-proofing | Limited gaming capability compared to discrete GPU systems |
| Quad 4K display support via multiple video outputs | Base 512GB storage may feel cramped for larger game libraries |
| User-upgradeable RAM (up to 64GB) and storage expansion | Thermal elevation possible under sustained heavy workloads |
| 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support from Empowered PC | Premium pricing compared to similar PELADN direct purchases |
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Paladin WO4 Comparison Chart
 Paladin WO4 | Paladin WO4 | Paladin WO4 | |
| Price | List Price: $299.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $359.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $529.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 16GB/512GB | 16GB/1TB | 32GB/1TB |
| Perfomance Rating | 7.3 | 7.3 | 8.0 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Octa-core 2.70 Ghz (max 4.75 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 7735U | Octa-core 2.70 Ghz (max 4.75 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 7735U | Octa-core 2.70 Ghz (max 4.75 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 7735U |
| GPU | Integrated AMD Radeon 680M | Integrated AMD Radeon 680M | Integrated AMD Radeon 680M |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 5.04 x 5.04 x 2.05 inches (128.02 x 128.02 x 52.07 mm) | 5.04 x 5.04 x 2.05 inches (128.02 x 128.02 x 52.07 mm) | 5.04 x 5.04 x 2.05 inches (128.02 x 128.02 x 52.07 mm) |
| Weight | 1.25 lbs (0.57 kg) | 1.25 lbs (0.57 kg) | 1.25 lbs (0.57 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps | 1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps | 1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps |
| HDMI | 2 Full-Size HDMI Ports | 2 Full-Size HDMI Ports | 2 Full-Size HDMI Ports |
| DisplayPort | 1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort 1.4) | 1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort 1.4) | 1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort 1.4) |
| VGA | No VGA Ports | No VGA Ports | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | 1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay | 1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay | 1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo | combo | combo |
| Fanless | No | No | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In the Box | Mini PC, Power Adapter (90W 19V/4.74A), HDMI Cable, VESA Mount Bracket, User Manual | Mini PC, Power Adapter (90W 19V/4.74A), HDMI Cable, VESA Mount Bracket, User Manual | Mini PC, Power Adapter (90W 19V/4.74A), HDMI Cable, VESA Mount Bracket, User Manual |
| Expandability | RAM: 2x SO-DIMM DDR5-4800 slots (max 64GB, user-upgradeable). Storage: 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe + 1x 2.5-inch SATA bay. Note: Base model ships with single-channel memory; adding second stick improves iGPU performance. | RAM: 2x SO-DIMM DDR5-4800 slots (max 64GB, user-upgradeable). Storage: 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe + 1x 2.5-inch SATA bay. Note: Base model ships with single-channel memory; adding second stick improves iGPU performance. | RAM: 2x SO-DIMM DDR5-4800 slots (max 64GB, user-upgradeable). Storage: 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe + 1x 2.5-inch SATA bay. Note: Base model ships with single-channel memory; adding second stick improves iGPU performance. |
Detailed Insights into the Paladin WO4
The Paladin WO4 maintains a compact footprint of just 5.04 x 5.04 x 2.05 inches, making it genuinely palm-sized and easy to tuck behind a monitor using the included VESA mount bracket. The chassis weighs only 1.25 pounds, so it won’t stress a monitor arm or desktop mount. The build quality appears solid based on the design shared with other PELADN WO4 variants, featuring an aluminum-accented exterior with a well-ventilated layout. An active cooling system keeps temperatures in check during demanding tasks, though expect some fan noise under sustained loads as the dual-fan setup works to dissipate heat from the 28W TDP processor.
Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 7 7735U delivers impressive performance for its class, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with boost clocks up to 4.75 GHz. Built on TSMC’s 6nm process with Zen 3+ architecture, this processor provides roughly 60% better data throughput than the older 6800H and 80% better than the 5825U according to AMD specifications. The PassMark CPU Mark score of around 20,509 places it firmly in the upper tier of mobile processors, capable of handling demanding productivity workloads, compilation tasks, and content creation without breaking a sweat. The Radeon 680M integrated graphics with its 12 RDNA 2 compute units enables playable frame rates in older and less demanding titles, though serious gamers will want to look elsewhere.
Connectivity is comprehensive for a system this size, with 2x HDMI 2.0 ports, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, and 2x USB Type-C ports that also support video output, enabling up to four 4K displays simultaneously. The front panel provides quick access to 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, one USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. Around back you’ll find the video outputs, 2x USB 2.0 ports, an additional USB Type-C port, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed wired networking. WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 handle wireless duties capably. Storage expansion options include one PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 slot and a 2.5-inch SATA bay, while the dual DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM slots support up to 64GB of RAM for those needing more memory headroom.
Reviewer Insights on the Paladin WO4
Robtech’s Perspective
Robtech provided one of the earlier reviews of the PELADN WO4 platform, highlighting its AMD performance at a budget-friendly price point. The review emphasized the compact form factor and surprisingly capable specifications for the price, noting that the system handles everyday computing tasks with ease. Robtech appreciated the overall value proposition of the WO4 series, recommending it for users seeking AMD Ryzen power without breaking the bank.
Tech Guy Beau’s Perspective
Tech Guy Beau offered a more recent assessment, declaring that the Peladn WO4 offers “VERY Good Value” in his video title. His review covered the system’s performance characteristics, build quality, and suitability for various use cases. Tech Guy Beau noted the strong performance-per-dollar ratio and compact design as standout features, making it an attractive option for home office setups, media centers, or anyone wanting a capable PC that doesn’t dominate desk space.
TechPowerUp Review (5600H Variant)
According to TechPowerUp, the PELADN WO4 platform earns praise for its focus on simple, budget-minded computing while delivering surprisingly capable performance. While their review covered the Ryzen 5 5600H variant rather than the 7735U in this Paladin WO4, the shared chassis and design philosophy provide relevant insights. TechPowerUp awarded the system 5 out of 5 stars, noting “an affordable option that should handle everyday work with ease, and it has enough power to stay useful for a good while.” They highlighted the quiet operation during intensive use and the inclusion of useful accessories like the VESA mount bracket and cables as additional value adds.
The consensus across reviewers points to the WO4 platform as a solid choice for productivity-focused users who prioritize compact form factor and reasonable performance over gaming capabilities. The upgrade to the Ryzen 7 7735U in the Paladin WO4 variant only strengthens this proposition, adding DDR5 memory support and PCIe 4.0 storage speeds to an already capable platform.
Customer Reviews of the Paladin WO4
As a recently released product (December 2025), the Paladin WO4 hasn’t yet accumulated customer reviews on Amazon. The product listing shows 0 ratings at the time of this writing, making it difficult to assess real-world ownership experiences. This isn’t uncommon for newer product launches, but potential buyers should be aware that they’re among the early adopters if purchasing now.
Empowered PC as a seller has mixed feedback on various review platforms, with some customers praising the quick shipping and stress-tested systems while others have raised concerns about support responsiveness. The 3-year limited hardware warranty and lifetime technical support offered by Empowered PC provides some protection, but as with any purchase from a smaller reseller, documenting your order and keeping records is advisable. The underlying PELADN WO4 hardware platform has a track record from other configurations, which provides some confidence in the basic design’s reliability.
Conclusion
The Paladin WO4 delivers a compelling package for users seeking desktop-class AMD Ryzen 7 performance in a remarkably compact chassis. The combination of the 8-core 7735U processor, Radeon 680M graphics, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 4.0 storage creates a future-proofed system that should remain relevant for productivity tasks for years to come. At $299 for the 16GB/512GB configuration, it represents reasonable value, especially considering the included accessories and Empowered PC’s warranty coverage.
This mini PC is ideal for home office users, content consumers, light content creators, and anyone who needs a space-efficient computer that doesn’t compromise on core performance. The ability to drive four 4K displays simultaneously makes it particularly attractive for financial professionals, developers, or anyone with multi-monitor workflows. However, serious gamers, video editors working with 4K+ footage, or users requiring discrete graphics should look at larger systems with dedicated GPUs.
For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the Paladin WO4 against competing models in similar price and performance brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Paladin WO4 be upgraded after purchase?
Yes, the Paladin WO4 features user-upgradeable components. It has two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of RAM and a 2.5-inch SATA bay in addition to the M.2 NVMe slot, allowing you to add more storage without replacing the existing drive. The base model ships with single-channel memory, so adding a second RAM stick can improve performance, especially for the integrated graphics.
How many monitors can the Paladin WO4 support simultaneously?
The Paladin WO4 supports up to four 4K displays simultaneously through its multiple video outputs: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, and 2x USB Type-C ports with video output capability. This makes it excellent for productivity setups requiring multiple monitors.
Is the Paladin WO4 good for gaming?
The Paladin WO4 features AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics with 12 RDNA 2 compute units, which can handle casual gaming, older titles, and less demanding modern games at reduced settings. However, it’s not designed for serious gaming. Users wanting to play demanding AAA titles at high settings should consider systems with discrete graphics cards instead.
What is the difference between Empowered PC and PELADN?
PELADN is the original manufacturer of the WO4 mini PC chassis and hardware. Empowered PC is a US-based seller that resells PELADN products under their brand name. Empowered PC adds value by assembling and stress-testing units in the USA, providing a 3-year limited hardware warranty, and offering lifetime technical support. You’re essentially getting the same hardware with additional service coverage.
Does the Paladin WO4 include WiFi and Bluetooth?
Yes, the Paladin WO4 comes with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 built-in. The WiFi 6 standard provides faster wireless speeds and better performance in congested network environments compared to older WiFi 5 systems.
Can the Paladin WO4 be mounted behind a monitor?
Yes, the Paladin WO4 includes a VESA mount bracket in the box, allowing you to mount it behind any VESA-compatible monitor. Combined with its lightweight 1.25-pound chassis, this makes it easy to create a clean, cable-managed setup that hides the PC from view entirely.
What operating system comes pre-installed?
The Empowered PC Paladin WO4 comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed and activated. Windows 11 Pro includes additional features over the Home edition, such as BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop hosting, and enhanced security features suitable for business use.