Machenike Machcreator Mini2
The Machenike Machcreator Mini2 represents a compelling entry in the compact workstation market, squeezing AMD Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series mobile processors into a chassis that measures just 0.33 liters in volume. This puts desktop-class performance on your desk without demanding desktop-class desk space. Available with either the Ryzen 9 7940HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS processor, both configurations deliver eight cores and sixteen threads capable of handling demanding creative workloads. The Mini2 particularly stands out for its dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, a feature typically reserved for more expensive networking-focused mini PCs, making it attractive for home lab enthusiasts and professionals who need reliable wired connectivity.
Pros and Cons of the Machenike Machcreator Mini2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely compact 0.33L volume | Fan noise increases noticeably under load |
| Powerful Ryzen 9 7940HS or Ryzen 7 8745HS options | Video editing can lag without proxy workflows |
| Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for networking flexibility | Plastic body construction instead of metal |
| Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM expandability | No 2.5” SATA bay for additional storage |
| VESA mount bracket included in box | Limited BIOS options for iGPU memory allocation |
| PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage up to 4TB | Some frame drops during thermal throttling |
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Machenike Machcreator Mini2 Comparison Chart
![]() Machenike Machcreator Mini2 | ![]() Machenike Machcreator Mini2 | ![]() Machenike Machcreator Mini2 | ![]() Machenike Machcreator Mini2 | ![]() Machenike Machcreator Mini2 | |
| Price | List Price: $399 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $619 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: N/A Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $589 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $649 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 16GB/512GB/Ryzen 9 7940HS | 16GB/1TB/Ryzen 9 7940HS | 32GB/1TB/Ryzen 9 7940HS | 32GB/1TB/Ryzen 7 8745HS | 32GB/2TB/Ryzen 7 8745HS |
| Perfomance Rating | 8.6 | 8.6 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Octa-core 4.00 Ghz (max 5.20 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS | Octa-core 4.00 Ghz (max 5.20 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS | Octa-core 4.00 Ghz (max 5.20 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS | Octa-core 4.00 Ghz (max 5.20 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS | Octa-core 4.00 Ghz (max 5.20 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB | 1 TB | 1 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 5.12 x 5 x 1.85 inches (130.05 x 127 x 46.99 mm) | 5.12 x 5 x 1.85 inches (130.05 x 127 x 46.99 mm) | 5.12 x 5 x 1.85 inches (130.05 x 127 x 46.99 mm) | 5.12 x 5 x 1.85 inches (130.05 x 127 x 46.99 mm) | 5.12 x 5 x 1.85 inches (130.05 x 127 x 46.99 mm) |
| Weight | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ethernet | 2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps | 2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps | 2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps | 2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps | 2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps |
| HDMI | 1 Full-Size HDMI Port | 1 Full-Size HDMI Port | 1 Full-Size HDMI Port | 1 Full-Size HDMI Port | 1 Full-Size HDMI Port |
| DisplayPort | 1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort 1.4) | 1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort 1.4) | 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 | No VGA Ports | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3, 1 USB-C | 1 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3, 1 USB-C | 1 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3, 1 USB-C | 1 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3, 1 USB-C | 1 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3, 1 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No | No | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports | No SATA ports | No SATA ports | No SATA ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo | combo | combo | combo | combo |
| Fanless | No | No | No | No | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In the Box | Power adapter, VESA bracket with screws, HDMI cable, user manual | Power adapter, VESA bracket with screws, HDMI cable, user manual | Power adapter, VESA bracket with screws, HDMI cable, user manual | Power adapter, VESA bracket with screws, HDMI cable, user manual | Power adapter, VESA bracket with screws, HDMI cable, user manual |
| Expandability | 2x SO-DIMM DDR5 slots (max 64GB DDR5-4800), 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot (max 4TB) | 2x SO-DIMM DDR5 slots (max 64GB DDR5-4800), 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot (max 4TB) | 2x SO-DIMM DDR5 slots (max 64GB DDR5-4800), 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot (max 4TB) | 2x SO-DIMM DDR5 slots (max 64GB DDR5-4800), 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot (max 4TB) | 2x SO-DIMM DDR5 slots (max 64GB DDR5-4800), 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot (max 4TB) |
Detailed Insights into the Machenike Machcreator Mini2
The Machcreator Mini2 makes an immediate visual impression with its unique aesthetic choices. Unlike the typical brushed aluminum or matte black boxes dominating the mini PC market, Machenike has opted for a white chassis featuring a waterproof fiber-textured top panel that gives it a distinctive fabric-like appearance. The body itself uses PCR (post-consumer recycled) environmentally friendly plastic rather than metal, which keeps weight down but does sacrifice some premium feel. Measuring 5.12 by 5.00 by 1.85 inches, it easily fits behind a monitor using the included VESA mount bracket, effectively disappearing from your workspace while remaining easily accessible.
The performance story centers on AMD’s Phoenix architecture, with the Ryzen 9 7940HS serving as the flagship option. This eight-core, sixteen-thread processor runs at a base clock of 4.0 GHz and can boost up to 5.2 GHz when thermal headroom permits. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics prove surprisingly capable for casual gaming at 1080p, handling titles like Genshin Impact at medium settings around 40-60 FPS. For those prioritizing value, the Ryzen 7 8745HS variants deliver nearly identical performance at a lower entry point, with its 29,289 PassMark score coming remarkably close to the 7940HS’s 30,560. Both processors pair with DDR5-4800 memory across two SO-DIMM slots, allowing upgrades to 64GB for memory-intensive workflows.
Connectivity options prove comprehensive for a machine this compact. The rear panel houses the dual 2.5G Ethernet ports alongside HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs for multi-monitor setups at 4K resolution. Four USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports handle peripherals at up to 10 Gbps, while a single USB-C port on the front provides additional flexibility. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 cover wireless needs, though some variants ship with WiFi 6E for those requiring the latest wireless standards. The single M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot supports drives up to 4TB, but the lack of a 2.5-inch SATA bay means storage expansion requires replacing rather than supplementing the existing drive.
Reviewer Insights on the Machenike Machcreator Mini2
CozyRu’s Perspective
CozyRu put the Machcreator Mini2 through real-world testing focusing on content creation and gaming workflows. Testing the Ryzen 7 7840HS variant, they found the machine highly capable for daily productivity tasks and were genuinely impressed by the integrated graphics performance. “It really amazes me how I’m playing with an integrated graphics,” they noted while running Genshin Impact at playable framerates. For video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, the experience proved mixed. While the hardware has the raw power, they advised that “a good Premiere user knows a lot of workarounds like using proxies and other optimization techniques” to get smooth playback. The reviewer highlighted the dual 2.5G LAN ports and included VESA mount as standout features. However, they were candid about drawbacks: the fans become “noisy when editing and playing games,” and thermal throttling can cause frame drops during extended heavy use. Their overall recommendation positioned it as “a good content creator and casual gamer mini PC” for those willing to optimize their workflow around its limitations.
Best Ever Choices’ Overview
Best Ever Choices highlighted the Mini2’s remarkable size-to-performance ratio, emphasizing that “the volume of MACHCREATOR MINI2 is about 0.33L, which is only about 1/20 of that of an ordinary desktop.” Their coverage focused on the professional use case, calling attention to the dual 2.5G Ethernet and the all-copper heat dissipation system with dual fans. They noted the quiet and balanced operating modes available for managing thermal and acoustic performance. While more promotional in nature than a hands-on review, it provides a good overview of the specifications and positioning for workstation buyers.
TechRadar’s Value Assessment
According to TechRadar, the Machenike mini PC lineup offers exceptional value that DIY builders struggle to match. In their December 2025 analysis, the author attempted to build a $550 system using PCPartPicker that could compete with a $379 Machenike Ryzen 7 8745HS configuration. They failed. This speaks to the aggressive pricing Machenike has achieved by leveraging integrated graphics and mobile processors, making these systems particularly attractive for budget-conscious buyers who need legitimate productivity performance without gaming pretensions.
Reviewers generally agree on the Mini2’s strengths: compact size, good connectivity options, and solid CPU performance for the price. The main disagreements center on thermals and acoustics, with some finding the fan noise acceptable and others noting it becomes intrusive during sustained workloads.
Customer Reviews of the Machenike Machcreator Mini2
Amazon customers have rated the Machcreator Mini2 at 4.3 out of 5 stars across 24 reviews at the time of research. The general sentiment skews positive, with buyers praising the value proposition and compact form factor. Many highlight the dual Ethernet ports as a deciding factor for home server and networking applications, a feature rare at this price point. The included VESA mount and HDMI cable in the box receive appreciation as thoughtful additions that eliminate day-one accessory purchases.
Common complaints center on fan noise during intensive tasks and the plastic construction feeling less premium than competing metal-chassis alternatives. Some buyers note that the aggressive pricing compared to larger desktop systems makes the occasional thermal throttling an acceptable trade-off. A few users report initial confusion around BIOS settings for memory allocation to the integrated GPU, suggesting the default configuration may not be optimal for graphics-heavy workloads out of the box.
Conclusion
The Machenike Machcreator Mini2 carves out a specific niche in the mini PC market: buyers who need legitimate workstation-class AMD Ryzen performance in an extraordinarily compact package, and who prioritize connectivity options like dual 2.5G Ethernet over silent operation. At around $400 for a Ryzen 9 7940HS configuration with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, it offers remarkable value that TechRadar found impossible to replicate with DIY component pricing.
This machine suits content creators working on the go who can adapt to proxy-based editing workflows, home lab enthusiasts building compact network servers, and professionals who want a powerful secondary system that disappears behind a monitor. Those who prioritize whisper-quiet operation should look elsewhere, as the thermal design trades acoustic comfort for sustained performance in demanding scenarios. Similarly, buyers needing extensive storage expansion may find the single M.2 slot limiting compared to alternatives offering 2.5-inch SATA bays.
For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the Machcreator Mini2 against competing AMD and Intel-based systems across different price points and feature sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Machenike Machcreator Mini2 be used for gaming?
Yes, the integrated Radeon 780M graphics handle casual gaming at 1080p resolution. Reviewers report Genshin Impact running at 40-60 FPS on medium settings. For demanding AAA titles at high settings, you’ll want a dedicated GPU, but for indie games and esports titles, the Mini2 proves capable.
What’s the difference between the Ryzen 9 7940HS and Ryzen 7 8745HS variants?
Both processors feature 8 cores and 16 threads with nearly identical performance. The Ryzen 9 7940HS scores around 30,560 on PassMark while the Ryzen 7 8745HS hits 29,289. The 8745HS variants offer slightly better value, particularly in the 32GB configurations, while the 7940HS commands a premium for marginal performance gains.
How loud is the Machenike Machcreator Mini2 during operation?
The Mini2 runs quietly during light tasks but becomes noticeably loud under sustained heavy workloads like video editing or gaming. The dual-fan cooling system prioritizes thermal performance over acoustics. If silent operation is critical, consider alternatives with larger chassis or fanless designs.
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage in the Machcreator Mini2?
Yes, the Mini2 supports upgrades. It has two SO-DIMM slots accepting up to 64GB of DDR5-4800 RAM total. Storage expansion uses a single M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot supporting drives up to 4TB. Note there’s no 2.5-inch SATA bay, so storage upgrades require replacing the existing drive rather than adding to it.
Does the Machenike Machcreator Mini2 support multiple monitors?
Yes, the Mini2 supports dual 4K displays using the HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs simultaneously. The USB-C port may provide additional display output depending on the specific configuration, allowing for triple-monitor setups in some cases.
Why does the Machcreator Mini2 have two Ethernet ports?
The dual 2.5G Ethernet ports support networking use cases like running as a home server, NAS backup device, or soft router. You can also use link aggregation for increased bandwidth or maintain separate network connections for security isolation. This feature is uncommon at this price point.
Is the Machenike Machcreator Mini2 suitable for video editing?
The Mini2 can handle video editing in applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, but reviewers note that timeline playback may lag without using proxy workflows. The eight-core CPU provides good rendering performance for exports. Content creators who understand optimization techniques will get solid results; those expecting plug-and-play smoothness may experience frustration.
