Venus Series NPB5

Updated on January 26, 2026

The MINISFORUM Venus Series NPB5 packs Intel’s 13th generation Raptor Lake-H architecture into a remarkably compact 5.1-inch square chassis. Built around the Core i5-13500H processor with 12 cores and 16 threads, this mini PC delivers workstation-class performance for home offices, content creators, and anyone seeking a powerful desktop replacement. The standout feature is its dual USB4 ports supporting 40 Gbps transfers and verified eGPU compatibility, enabling expansion well beyond what typical mini PCs offer.

Venus Series NPB5 Comparison Chart

	Venus Series NPB5
Price	List Price: $463.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Version	32GB/512GB/Intel Core i5-13500H
Perfomance Rating	8.5
Operating System	Windows 11
Processor	Twelve-core 3.50 Ghz (max 4.70 Ghz) Intel Core i5-13500H
GPU	Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM	32 GB
Internal Storage	512 GB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	5.1 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches (129.54 x 129.54 x 30.48 mm)
Weight	2.9 lbs (1.32 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI	2 Full-Size HDMI Ports
DisplayPort	No DisplayPort
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	4 USB 3, 2 USB 4, 3 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Internal SATA Ports	1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (SATA 3.0 6.0Gb/s)
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	combo
Fanless	No
VESA Mount	Yes
In the Box	Mini PC, Power Adapter, Power Cable, VESA Mount, Screws, User Manual
Expandability	Supports expansion of RAM up to 64GB, and has a 2.5 inch SATA HDD slot for storage expansion

Detailed Insights into the MINISFORUM Venus Series NPB5

The Venus Series NPB5 arrives in an aluminum and plastic enclosure that weighs just 604 grams, making it one of the lighter options in the performance mini PC category. MINISFORUM has refined the cooling system with a dual heat pipe design and factory-applied liquid metal thermal interface material, allowing the i5-13500H to sustain heavy workloads without throttling. During testing by TechPowerUp, the CPU peaked at 88°C under extreme loads but settled to a comfortable 70°C during sustained workloads, with fan noise measuring a reasonable 45-50 dBA under load.

Connectivity represents a genuine strength for the NPB5. The dual USB4 ports on the rear panel support not only 40 Gbps data transfers but also 8K@60Hz display output and verified external GPU connectivity, a capability that was confirmed by reviewers despite some initial confusion in MINISFORUM’s documentation. Combined with dual HDMI 2.0 ports (limited to 4K@60Hz), the system can drive up to four displays simultaneously. The inclusion of dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports serves power users who need redundant or teamed network connections, while Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 handle wireless duties.

Inside the compact chassis, MINISFORUM has maximized upgrade potential within the available space. The DDR5 memory runs in dual-channel configuration and can be expanded to 64GB using standard SO-DIMM modules. Storage options include an M.2 NVMe slot supporting drives up to 2TB plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay for additional capacity. A VESA mounting bracket ships in the box, enabling clean installations behind monitors or under desks. Power consumption ranges from just 13W at idle to 65-70W under sustained loads, though peak draws of up to 130W during burst workloads can stress the included 120W power adapter.

Reviewer Insights on the MINISFORUM Venus Series NPB5

NotebookCheck’s Assessment

NotebookCheck awarded the Venus Series NPB5 an 82% score and their recommendation badge, praising it as a meaningful upgrade from the previous NAB6 model. Reviewer Sebastian Bade highlighted the “perfect selection” of connectivity options, particularly calling out the dual USB4 ports as a standout feature that enables external GPU expansion and four simultaneous display connections. The compact and lightweight design drew praise for maintaining excellent build quality, though Bade noted the case design remains largely unchanged from its predecessor. While the Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics handles everyday tasks capably, the review acknowledged that AMD’s competing solutions offer stronger GPU performance for those who need it, such as the MINISFORUM UM790 Pro.

TechPowerUp’s Perspective

TechPowerUp characterized the NPB5 as an excellent home office system that “can easily chew through most workloads such as spreadsheets, photo editing, or even some light video editing.” Their testing verified eGPU support via the USB4 ports, correcting misconceptions in the manufacturer’s FAQ documentation. The thermal design received particular praise, with the dual heat pipe cooler and liquid metal TIM keeping temperatures in check without excessive noise. The review recommended the system at its sale price of around $460, though suggested the full $619 MSRP faces stiffer competition from AMD-based alternatives. Minor criticisms included the challenging disassembly process and HDMI ports being limited to 4K@60Hz while the USB4 ports can push 8K@60Hz.

Both reviewers reached similar conclusions about the NPB5’s positioning: it excels as a compact productivity powerhouse with exceptional connectivity, though users prioritizing integrated graphics performance might find better value in AMD-based mini PCs.

Conclusion

The MINISFORUM Venus Series NPB5 successfully bridges the gap between compact form factor and genuine workstation capability. Its Intel Core i5-13500H processor delivers responsive performance across productivity applications, light creative work, and everyday computing tasks without thermal throttling. The dual USB4 ports with verified eGPU support future-proof the system for users who may later need discrete graphics performance, while the comprehensive port selection addresses the connectivity limitations that plague many mini PCs. At its typical sale price in the $460 range, the NPB5 represents strong value for home offices and light creative workflows. Those prioritizing gaming or GPU-accelerated workloads may want to consider AMD alternatives, but for general productivity with premium build quality and expansion options, the Venus Series NPB5 earns its positive reception from professional reviewers.

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