The Breakdown
When we talk about small computers that do a lot, the CHUWI UBox really stands out. It’s designed for people who need a mix of strong performance and a size that fits anywhere. This little machine is built to handle a variety of tasks, from everyday work to enjoying movies and even some gaming. Let’s delve deeper into the CHUWI UBox, examining its capabilities and features in greater detail.
Understanding the Design and How It’s Built
The CHUWI UBox is more than just a collection of components; it’s a carefully engineered device designed for user convenience and adaptability. The detachable white chassis isn’t merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a practical feature that simplifies access to internal components for upgrades or maintenance. This design consideration highlights CHUWI’s focus on user-friendliness. The compact dimensions of 130 x 130 x 55 mm, coupled with a weight of 280 grams, render the UBox highly portable and easy to integrate into various setups. The inclusion of a VESA bracket is a thoughtful addition, allowing users to mount the device behind a monitor or television, thereby minimizing clutter and maximizing workspace efficiency.
Breaking Down the Hardware Inside
At the center of the UBox is the AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor. This processor is like a powerful brain that can handle many tasks at once, and it does so without using too much power. It also has a good graphics chip, the AMD Radeon 660M, which means it can handle videos and some games pretty well.
The UBox comes with 16 gigabytes of fast memory, called DDR5 RAM. If you need more, you can add another memory stick. It also has a 512-gigabyte solid-state drive, which is a fast way to store your files. If you need even more space, there’s a spot to add another drive.
Looking at All the Ways to Connect
The CHUWI UBox boasts an impressive array of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration with various peripherals and networks. The USB4 port, supporting up to 40 Gbps, provides high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity. Three USB 3.2 ports and one USB 2.0 port offer ample connectivity for standard peripherals. The HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs support up to three monitors at 4K@120Hz, making the UBox suitable for multi-display setups. Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports ensure robust wired network connectivity, while the Realtek 8852BE module provides Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity. The 3.5 mm audio jack offers versatile audio output options, catering to various audio setups.
Checking How Well It Performs
Running on Windows 11 Pro 64-bit, the CHUWI UBox delivers a smooth and responsive user experience. The Ryzen 5 6600H processor handles multimedia consumption, office applications, and light gaming with proficiency. Benchmark tests demonstrate its competitive performance, and the Radeon 660M GPU provides adequate performance for 1080p gaming at medium settings. Adding a second RAM module to enable dual-channel memory is highly recommended for enhanced gaming performance.
The UBox’s thermal management system effectively dissipates heat, maintaining stable operating temperatures even under load. Noise levels remain low, ensuring a quiet working environment.
Thinking About Movies and Entertainment
This little computer is great for watching movies and videos. It can handle high-quality video and sound, including 4K streaming. You can connect it to your TV and enjoy a home theater experience. It supports modern video formats and high-quality audio.
Video and audio test results
| Codec | Result |
| h.264 | 4K@30 Max (HW) |
| h.265 | 4K@60 HDR Max (HW) |
| VP9 | 4K@60 Max / 8K@60 Frameskip (HW) |
| AV1 | 4K@60 Max / 8K@60 Frameskipping (HW) |
- Maximum bitrate: 350 Mbps.
- HW = Hardware Acceleration / SW = No Hardware Acceleration.
| Compatibility | Formats |
| Native | Dolby 5.1 – Plus / DTS 5.1 – Master Audio |
| Core | Dolby HD – Atmos / DTS HR – X |
| PCM | All |
Comparing It to Other Mini PCs
There are other small computers like the UBox, but this one offers a good balance of features and price. For example, some computers with the same processor cost more. The UBox lets you add more memory and storage, so it can grow with your needs.
My opinion
The CHUWI UBox stands out as a versatile mini PC, offering a compelling combination of performance, design, and expandability. Its robust feature set makes it a strong contender in the mini PC market, catering to users seeking a compact yet powerful computing solution.
You can buy the CHUWI UBox here.
