Acemagic F1A

The ACEMAGIC F1A packs Intel’s 14-core (6P+8E) i9-12900H CPU into a compact chassis, delivering desktop-grade performance for creators and power users. At its price point, the 12900H’s hybrid architecture excels in single-threaded tasks (e.g., Photoshop, Premiere Pro) while maintaining solid multi-core throughput, rivaling AMD’s Ryzen 7 7840HS in productivity benchmarks. Intel’s Iris Xe iGPU (96EU) falls short of RDNA 3 in gaming but handles 4K video playback and light esports (Valorant at 1080p/Medium ~75fps). Dual DDR4 slots and PCIe 4.0 NVMe support (up to 2TB) ensure expandability, though the lack of USB4 limits future eGPU options.

The F1A prioritizes affordability without sacrificing core performance. Thermal testing shows the 12900H peaks at 95°C under sustained loads, but throttling is minimal—CPU clocks stabilize at 4.2GHz (P-cores) in Cinebench R23, scoring ~17,500 points. The 65W power adapter is compact, though Intel’s power-hungry architecture draws ~20% more juice than AMD equivalents under full load. Wi-Fi 6 (Intel AX201) ensures stable connectivity, but Realtek audio drivers may require manual updates for optimal DAC performance.

For professionals needing Intel-specific features (Quick Sync, Thunderbolt 3 via optional docks), the F1A is a compelling alternative to AMD-dominated mini PCs. The 12900H’s 5.0GHz turbo boost outpaces the Ryzen 7 7840HS in lightly threaded workloads, while its 20 PCIe lanes (vs. AMD’s 24) still accommodate fast storage. Gaming remains the Achilles’ heel—the Iris Xe struggles with modern titles (Cyberpunk 2077 at 720p/Low hits 25fps), making this a poor choice for GPU-bound tasks. If you prioritize raw CPU power and don’t mind trading GPU performance for a lower price, the F1A is a niche but potent option—just pair it with an external GPU if gaming is a priority.

- GhostKeyboard Review.