AYANEO AM01

The AYANEO AM01 is a charmingly retro mini PC that blends nostalgia with practical performance, targeting budget-conscious users and retro gaming enthusiasts. Starting at $199 for a barebones Ryzen 3 3200U model and scaling up to $359 for a Ryzen 7 5825U configuration (32GB RAM/512GB SSD), it offers flexibility for light productivity, emulation, and indie gaming :cite[4]:cite[6]. The standout feature is its Macintosh-inspired design—complete with a faux screen and magnetic logo swaps—though its plastic build lacks premium touches like aluminum finishes. Ports are plentiful (USB-C 3.2 Gen1, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and Gigabit Ethernet), but the 35W cooling fan can get noisy under load.

Performance-wise, the Ryzen 7 5825U (8 cores/16 threads, Vega 8 iGPU) handles emulation up to Wii U/PS2 flawlessly and runs indie titles like Hades or Dead Cells at 1080p/60fps :cite[5]:cite[7]. However, it struggles with modern AAA games: Cyberpunk 2077 barely hits 30fps on low settings, and the aging Zen 3 architecture falls behind newer APUs like the Ryzen 7 7840HS :cite[2]:cite[7]. The included AYASpace software, optimized for handhelds, feels out of place here, with clunky controller-centric UI and driver update quirks :cite[5]. Upgradability is a plus (user-replaceable RAM/SSD), but disassembly requires removing hidden screws, voiding the warranty.

At $359 for the 32GB/512GB config, the AM01 competes with mini PCs like the Beelink SER5 Max. Its value lies in niche appeal: the retro design, solid emulation chops, and dual storage options (M.2 + 2.5" SATA). For users seeking higher performance, AYANEO’s AM02 model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU delivers significantly better gaming performance (RDNA 3 iGPU, 45W TDP) and a built-in 4-inch touchscreen, though at a steeper $629 for 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD . If you prioritize aesthetics and retro gaming, the AM01 is a fun pick—but power users should consider the AM02 or budget gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck.

- Verified against AYANEO AM01 specs.