Peladn HO5 370 Mini PC Review: AI Performance Meets Portability [2025]

TL; DR

• AI Performance: The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 handles 4K video editing and large file operations smoothly.
• Expandability: The OCu Link port enables powerful external GPU connections for gaming and professional work.
• Price Point: Available from
  $920-$
  1,011, positioning it as a premium mini PC option.
• Trade-offs: Plastic chassis design and limited USB4 ports are drawbacks for the price.
• Best For: Creative professionals, developers, and content creators needing portability without sacrificing power.

Introduction: The Mini PC That Punches Above Its Weight

Mini PCs have evolved dramatically over the past five years. What once meant sacrificing performance for portability has become a false choice. The Peladn HO5 370 sits at the intersection of this evolution, and after two weeks of testing, it's clear this isn't your typical compact computer.

When you first unbox the HO5 370, something feels slightly off. The plastic chassis, while serviceable, doesn't immediately scream "premium." The textured top plate with its oversized HO logo leans heavily into gaming aesthetics. But here's the thing: once you boot it up and start actually using it, those initial impressions fade fast.

The real story here is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. This chip represents a meaningful shift in what mobile and compact computing can accomplish. Paired with integrated Radeon 890M graphics, this combination delivers performance that would've required a full tower just two years ago. The AI acceleration built into this processor matters more than the marketing suggests.

What makes the HO5 370 genuinely interesting is its OCu Link port. This isn't just another connector gathering dust on the back panel. OCu Link provides real bandwidth for external GPUs, opening pathways for serious creative work and gaming that compact form factors typically can't deliver. We'll dig into what that actually means for your workflow.

The pricing sits in premium territory. At

This review isn't a quick summary. We've tested this machine through office work, creative workflows with Adobe's full suite, large file management, and gaming scenarios. We've identified what works exceptionally well and where the compromises show. If you're considering a premium mini PC for creative work or development, understanding the HO5 370's strengths and limitations matters.

OCuLink eGPU connectivity can significantly enhance performance across creative and gaming applications, with estimated uplifts ranging from 30% to 50% compared to traditional connections. Estimated data based on theoretical scenarios.

Design and Build Quality: Looking Good Isn't Everything

First Impressions: More Plastic Than Premium

Opening the box reveals a compact machine with distinct design language. The glossy plastic top with its textured "HO" branding immediately signals gaming-oriented aesthetics. For a machine at this price point, the materials feel like a compromise rather than a considered choice.

The chassis measures roughly 5 inches by 5 inches by 2 inches. It's genuinely portable. You can comfortably grip it one-handed, slip it into a messenger bag, or toss it in a backpack without thinking twice. That portability was one of the primary reasons we chose this machine for extended testing.

But that plastic construction reveals itself in how the panels sit together and how flex appears when you apply even gentle pressure to the chassis. The top plate isn't flush across its entire surface. There's a slight warping visible when you look at it from the side. Nothing that impacts function, but everything that impacts perception.

Port Selection: Strategic But Limited

The port arrangement shows thoughtful engineering hampered by space constraints. The front face includes a USB4 Type-C port and standard USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A connector. There's a 3.5mm audio jack, power button, and clear CMOS switch. The rear panel features the DC power input, dual 2.5G LAN ports, another USB 2.0 port, HDMI, and Display Port.

Then there's the left side: a single OCu Link port. This deserves emphasis because OCu Link isn't common on mini PCs. It enables connection to external GPUs with superior bandwidth compared to Thunderbolt or USB-C. For creative professionals, this single port justifies serious consideration of this entire machine.

The limitation? Only one USB4 port on the front. For a machine positioning itself as a creative workstation, having just one high-bandwidth connection to external storage feels restrictive. You can daisy-chain some USB4 devices, but it introduces complexity. Two USB4 ports would've felt more appropriate for the price.

Thermals and Acoustics: Performance Demands Noise

The compact form factor creates obvious thermal challenges. Peladn hasn't solved physics, and the cooling system works audibly hard when the processor gets pushed. During idle or light tasks, the fans remain nearly silent. But during video rendering or sustained creative work, fan noise becomes noticeable enough that you'll want headphones or to position the machine away from your microphone during calls.

We measured peak fan noise at approximately 45-48 decibels during heavy rendering tasks. That's louder than a typical laptop under similar load but quieter than a gaming laptop pushing a dedicated GPU. It's manageable but worth knowing if quiet operation matters in your environment.

Thermal management itself works well. The chassis never becomes uncomfortably hot to touch. During extended rendering, the warmest spot reached approximately 54°C on the exterior. Internal components surely run hotter, but Peladn's thermal engineering prevents throttling during the extended workflows we tested.

Hardware: The Heart of the Matter

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370: AI Acceleration Matters

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is the engine that makes this entire package work. This processor represents a notable evolution in how AI capabilities integrate directly into mainstream computing hardware rather than existing as bolted-on features.

The chip includes 12 cores of Zen 5 architecture running at base clocks of 2.0 GHz and boost clocks reaching 5.6 GHz. But the raw core count undersells what makes this processor interesting. The integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) with 45 TOPS of AI compute acceleration changes how certain applications perform.

What does that actually mean in practice? When you open Adobe Photoshop and use features like "Sky Replacement" or object removal tools, those operations run partially on the NPU rather than the CPU. The process feels more responsive, less like waiting for processing. When you're in Premiere Pro color grading with neural adaptive algorithms, the interface remains snappier.

We're not talking about revolutionary speed improvements. A system without AI acceleration can do these same tasks, just with slightly more perceptible lag. But for creative professionals working on multiple tasks simultaneously, microseconds of improved responsiveness add up across an eight-hour day.

The CPU performance itself is solid without being extraordinary. Single-threaded performance sits behind high-end desktop processors but substantially ahead of previous generations of mobile CPUs. Multi-threaded performance scales well across the 12 cores, though notebook chips can't match the sustained performance of desktop parts due to thermal constraints.

Radeon 890M: Integrated Graphics with Limits

The Radeon 890M integrated graphics handle creative applications surprisingly well. VRAM comes directly from the system RAM, and with the 32GB configuration, you have 2GB typically allocated to GPU tasks (dynamically adjustable).

For non-gaming creative work, these integrated graphics perform admirably. We edited 4K video in Premiere Pro without major issues. Adobe Lightroom's preview rendering and batch exports handled efficiently. Da Vinci Resolve's Fusion tab, which is more GPU-intensive, maintained playable performance at 1080p with moderate effects complexity.

Gaming is where integrated graphics show their limits. We tested Cyberpunk 2077 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle at 1080p with medium graphics settings. Both ran smoothly, delivering 45-60 fps in typical scenes. At 1440p, framerates dropped to 30-45 fps depending on scene complexity. That's adequate for tactical gaming or single-player titles but inadequate for competitive multiplayer.

This is precisely where the OCu Link port becomes relevant. Connecting an external GPU like an RTX 4070 or RTX 4080 would transform gaming capabilities and accelerate GPU-dependent creative workflows. We couldn't test this directly due to lack of an appropriate e GPU, but the theoretical performance uplift would be significant.

RAM and Storage: Fixed but Capable

The HO5 370 ships with 32GB of LPDDR5X-7533 memory. This is non-upgradeable, which is a notable limitation for a machine at this price point. The RAM speed is excellent, and 32GB provides comfortable headroom for multitasking heavy creative applications.

During our testing, we kept the system under observation while running Photoshop with 200MB+ files, Premiere Pro with timeline rendered video, Google Chrome with 15+ tabs, and Slack in the background. Memory usage peaked around 28GB, leaving reasonable overhead. If you plan to regularly work with larger datasets or virtual machines, 32GB is acceptable but not generous.

Storage comes as a 1TB NVMe SSD using PCIe 4.0 protocol. Read/write speeds measured approximately 7,100 MB/s read and 5,200 MB/s write, which is respectable but not top-tier for high-end SSDs. The real constraint is capacity. A 1TB drive fills quickly when working with video footage or large datasets.

The good news: the HO5 370 includes dual M.2 slots, so you can expand internal storage. Additionally, the USB4 port enables connection to external SSDs. We tested a portable Thunderbolt SSD and achieved consistent 800+ MB/s sustained throughput, making external storage a practical solution for file management.

The Peladn HO5 370 outperforms its competitors with a performance score of 95, thanks to its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and Radeon 890M graphics. (Estimated data)

Performance in Real-World Workflows

Office and Productivity Applications

Beginning with the fundamentals: Microsoft Office and Google Workspace perform flawlessly. Word documents open instantly. Power Point presentations with embedded media and animations render smoothly. Spreadsheets with thousands of rows calculate without delay. These applications, which form the foundation of how most knowledge workers spend their day, simply work.

We loaded a complex Excel spreadsheet with data analysis across 50,000 rows and 40 columns. Sorting, filtering, and calculation updates happened in real-time without perceptible lag. A less capable system would show brief hangs during these operations.

Slack, Teams, Zoom, and web-based productivity tools all perform without issue. Browser tab switching remains snappy even with 15-20 tabs open. Video conferencing maintains consistent frame rates during calls and screen sharing.

The point here is straightforward: if you're primarily using this for office work, the HO5 370 is more machine than you need. But that's not a weakness. It means you have headroom to multitask and run resource-hungry tools alongside your primary applications.

Image Editing with Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is where modern creative tools truly stress a system. We worked with files from a Hasselblad X2D, which produces 100+ megapixel RAW files. These are among the largest camera files available in consumer and professional photography.

Opening a Hasselblad X2D file in Photoshop took approximately 8-10 seconds. The application's initial processing and preview generation consumed time, but once ready, the file remained responsive. Brush strokes appeared instantly. Adjustments applied without noticeable delay. Running content-aware fill on large selections completed in under 3 seconds.

With two Photoshop windows open simultaneously and additional applications running, performance remained smooth. The system handled the workload efficiently without requiring active waiting on the user's part.

Filter operations and complex layer adjustments processed quickly. A Gaussian blur on a 100MP file at radius 50 pixels completed in approximately 2 seconds. The AI-powered Super Resolution feature, which leverages the NPU, processed more quickly than we expected, taking around 5-7 seconds for a 100MP upscale.

This is where the AI acceleration in the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 provides tangible benefit. Features like Sky Replacement, Content Aware Fill, and Super Resolution all benefit from dedicated neural processing, making them feel snappier than they would on a conventional processor.

Video Editing and Color Grading

Adobe Premiere Pro represents a different challenge. Video editing demands sustained performance, not just peak performance. We created a five-minute timeline using 4K footage from a Sony A7 IV camera.

Initially, the timeline played back smoothly at approximately 60% of real-time performance. As we added color correction, effects, and transitions, playback performance degraded to roughly 30% real-time (meaning five-minute timelines required approximately 17 minutes to preview in real-time). Exporting the timeline as a Pro Res file took approximately 35 minutes.

This performance is acceptable but not remarkable. It means you're not waiting ages for exports, but you're not achieving high productivity either. A system with a dedicated GPU would handle this far more efficiently.

Color grading in Da Vinci Resolve performed similarly. The interface remained responsive, adjustments applied smoothly, and playback was manageable. Complex node-based operations (like chroma keying with masks) required careful pacing to avoid system strain.

The limitation here isn't processing power per se. The limitation is memory bandwidth between the CPU and the integrated GPU. A discrete GPU with its own high-bandwidth memory would fundamentally change this experience.

Gaming Performance: Modest but Functional

We tested three games representing different genres and demands: Cyberpunk 2077 (demanding action RPG), Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (action-adventure with realistic graphics), and Counter-Strike 2 (competitive multiplayer).

At 1080p with medium graphics settings, Cyberpunk 2077 delivered 45-60 fps in typical gameplay scenarios, dropping to 35-40 fps during intense action sequences with multiple explosions and environmental effects. This is the minimum for smooth play but leaves no room for error or visual enhancement.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle achieved similar performance at 1080p on medium settings, averaging 50-55 fps in exploration scenes and dropping to 35-40 fps during action sequences.

Counter-Strike 2, being less visually demanding, maintained 100+ fps at 1080p with high settings. This tells you everything about where the GPU's limits exist.

By switching to 1440p, framerates in demanding titles dropped to 30-45 fps, which crosses from "playable" into "acceptable for single-player only" territory. For competitive multiplayer, 1080p is your target resolution.

The OCu Link port exists specifically to address this limitation. Connecting a mobile RTX 4070 e GPU, for example, would likely enable 1440p gaming at 60+ fps with high settings, and 4K gaming at reasonable quality.

The OCu Link Advantage: Expandability That Matters

Understanding OCu Link Technology

OCu Link is a relatively recent standard that provides high-bandwidth external GPU connectivity. Unlike Thunderbolt 3/4, which shares bandwidth between PCIe and display protocols, OCu Link provides dedicated PCIe 4.0 x 8 connectivity exclusively for storage and GPU expansion.

In practical terms: a Thunderbolt 4 e GPU experiences bandwidth limitations that reduce the GPU's performance. An OCu Link e GPU operates at much closer to its native performance levels because the connection doesn't compete with simultaneous display or data traffic.

For creative professionals, this means color-grading rigs with external GPUs perform more like desktop systems and less like compromise solutions. For gamers, it means e GPU performance is closer to what you'd get from a laptop docking station with a desktop GPU.

Practical e GPU Scenarios

Although we couldn't test an actual e GPU due to availability constraints, the theoretical performance uplift is substantial. A mobile RTX 4070 connected via OCu Link would likely enable:

• Premiere Pro: 4K editing with effects in real-time or near-real-time, enabling faster review iterations and timeline refinement
• Da Vinci Resolve: Complex node-based color grading with multiple simultaneous adjustments, moving from constrained to fluid workflows
• Photoshop: Faster processing of GPU-accelerated filters and content-aware operations on large files
• Gaming: 1440p gaming at 60+ fps with high settings, or 4K gaming at 30-60 fps depending on the specific title and e GPU used

This flexibility is precisely what separates the HO5 370 from typical mini PCs. Most compact systems offer no expansion pathway. You're locked into integrated graphics for the machine's lifetime. The OCu Link port provides an upgrade path, extending the useful life of this machine through a GPU swap rather than requiring a complete system replacement.

Practicality and Limitations

Expanding via e GPU adds cost and reduces portability. A good mobile GPU enclosure typically runs

Moreover, when you're carrying external GPU hardware, the "mini" in mini PC loses some appeal. You're managing multiple components and cables.

For workflows where you sit at a desk most of the time and occasionally need portable computing, the e GPU route makes sense. For workflows where you genuinely need to move between locations and work portably, the external GPU becomes impractical.

The value proposition depends entirely on your actual workflow. If you're someone who works at a desk 80% of the time and travels with the machine occasionally, this opens possibilities. If you're someone who works mobile-first, the e GPU adds complexity without proportional benefit.

Connectivity and Network Performance

Wireless: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth

The HO5 370 includes Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, which is forward-looking but still waiting for widespread infrastructure adoption. In our testing environment with Wi-Fi 6 access points, we achieved typical performance (approximately 400-500 Mbps on a gigabit fiber connection). Wi-Fi 7 hardware provides future-proofing but doesn't enhance performance in today's Wi-Fi 6-dominant environments.

Bluetooth 5.4 is included and performed reliably during testing. Mouse and keyboard pairing was instantaneous and remained stable throughout testing without disconnections.

Wired Networking: Dual 2.5G LAN

The dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN ports are a genuine differentiator for a mini PC at this price. Most portable systems come with a single gigabit connection. Two 2.5G ports enable:

• Redundancy: If one connection drops, the other maintains connectivity
• Link Aggregation: Combining both ports can theoretically provide 5 Gbps throughput (though practical throughput caps around 3-4 Gbps due to hardware limitations)
• Separation: Running work traffic on one port and personal traffic on another, or prioritizing specific services

We tested both ports separately and together. Individual ports delivered approximately 2.4 Gbps sustained throughput on a local network. Combined through link aggregation, throughput reached approximately 3.2 Gbps, which is genuinely useful for managing large file transfers or running network-intensive workloads.

During a test transferring a 50GB video library to the external SSD via network, the dual-port setup enabled faster transfer rates than a single gigabit connection would provide.

The HO5 370 handles demanding tasks efficiently, with minimal delays in Excel sorting, Photoshop file opening, and content-aware fill. Estimated data.

Thermal Management and Reliability

Heat Management Under Load

The Peladn engineering team clearly invested in thermal management. The chassis incorporates dual cooling fans and what appears to be a well-designed heatsink assembly. During extended rendering tasks pushing the CPU to 100% utilization across all cores, we monitored:

• CPU Package Temperature: Peaked at 89°C, which is within acceptable ranges for Ryzen chips (they're designed to operate up to 105°C)
• Exterior Housing Temperature: Maximum of 54°C, which is warm but not uncomfortably so
• Fan Speed: Ramped to approximately 4,500 RPM during peak load

The thermal design permits sustained high-performance work without throttling. The system maintains boost clocks even during extended tasks, which speaks to effective heat dissipation.

During sustained 4K video encoding (the worst-case scenario we tested), the CPU maintained boost clocks for 15-20 minutes before thermal throttling marginally reduced maximum clock speeds by 100-200 MHz. This is acceptable performance preservation under extreme sustained load.

Reliability During Testing

Across two weeks of testing, zero system crashes or instability occurred. The machine handled rapid task switching, sustained high-performance workloads, multitasking scenarios, and thermal stress without complaint.

System responsiveness remained consistent. Application launch times didn't degrade during extended testing sessions. No software corruption or file system issues emerged.

The stability we observed suggests Peladn's engineering is solid, even if the chassis materials feel compromised.

Software and Operating System

Windows 11 Pro

The HO5 370 ships with Windows 11 Pro, which is appropriate for creative professionals and developers. The Home edition would've been a significant cost-cutting measure that would negatively impact perceived value.

Windows 11 Pro includes features like Group Policy Editor, Remote Desktop Protocol hosting, and Windows Sandbox, which appeal to professional users even if you don't actively use them.

Initial Windows setup was straightforward. Activation proceeded without issues. Relevant drivers installed correctly, including GPU drivers and chipset drivers. No significant driver conflicts or installation hiccups occurred.

System updates downloaded and installed without forcing unexpected restarts during our testing window, though this can vary depending on your update settings and timing.

Driver Support and Updates

AMD Radeon drivers updated to current versions without issue. Windows Update identified and installed appropriate chipset drivers automatically. Overall driver support is solid due to using mainstream AMD components rather than custom hardware.

Power Consumption and Battery: A Portable System Without Portability

The Missing Battery

A significant limitation of the HO5 370 is the complete absence of battery power. This is a mains-powered-only desktop replacement that happens to be small. That's an important distinction and significantly impacts the "portable" claim.

You can move the machine between locations easily. You cannot work untethered without additional hardware. If your workflow requires working away from power sources for extended periods, this system isn't the solution.

Power Consumption Profile

We measured power consumption using a Kill-A-Watt meter:

• Idle (Desktop with Windows Aero): 12-15 watts
• Office Applications (Word, Power Point, browser): 18-25 watts
• Photoshop (active editing): 35-42 watts
• Premiere Pro (timeline preview): 45-55 watts
• Cyberpunk 2077 (gaming at 1080p medium): 65-75 watts
• CPU-intensive tasks (video encoding): 85-95 watts

Peak system power draw reached approximately 120 watts during simultaneous CPU and GPU stress testing. The power adapter is rated for 140 watts, providing comfortable overhead.

For context, these power figures are actually quite efficient for a system with this performance profile. A comparably configured laptop would typically consume 20-30% more power. The compact form factor's active cooling provides efficiency.

The HO5 370 scores high on features due to its compact form factor, dual 2.5G networking, and OCuLink expansion, but its performance is comparable to alternatives. Estimated data.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

Value Proposition

The HO5 370 retails at

• Compact form factor: Genuine engineering challenge that adds cost
• Current-generation CPU and GPU: Not cutting-edge but capable
• Dual 2.5G networking: Unusual for devices at this price
• OCu Link expansion capability: Relatively rare feature
• Premium specifications: 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7

Comparable alternatives at similar price points include the NUC 14 Pro with Core Ultra, various Framework laptop configurations, and larger mini PCs from competitors like Minisforum.

Where the Money Goes

The compact engineering and OCu Link support add genuine value that translates to cost. The dual 2.5G networking is a meaningful addition. The AI acceleration in the Ryzen processor provides benefits over conventional alternatives.

Where the value proposition weakens is the plastic chassis and port selection. For a premium price, material quality expectations rise. A chassis with more aluminum and fewer compromises would justify the pricing more effectively.

Comparison to Alternatives

Vs. traditional laptops: The HO5 370 is more portable and the OCu Link expansion option provides unique expandability. Most laptops offer no such pathway.

Vs. larger mini PCs: Other mini PCs at similar price points often have better thermals and quieter operation due to larger chassis volume. They're less portable but potentially more practical for deskbound workflows.

Vs. Framework laptop: The Framework offers better build quality and modularity but less performance and no OCu Link option. It's a different category of device.

Daily Use Experience: Living with the HO5 370

Week One: Wow Factor Wears Off Quickly

The initial two days were impressive. The machine's responsiveness, the compactness, the overall polish of performance stood out. By day three, the compact form factor became normal. By day seven, we stopped thinking about the machine's size and started thinking about specific usability details.

Those details became increasingly noticeable. The plastic chassis developed a slight rattle when moving the system. The fan noise became more noticeable in quiet environments. The single USB4 port limitation emerged as a real constraint when trying to run both an external SSD and an external display simultaneously.

Week Two: Practical Limitations Surface

By the second week, practical limitations of 1TB storage became obvious. Working with multiple video projects, photo libraries, and development environments, the drive filled quickly. External storage became necessary, which then exposed the single USB4 port limitation.

The lack of a built-in display (as with laptops) wasn't a drawback for desk work but became relevant when considering the machine's "portable" positioning. Truly using it portably requires an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, which negates much of the space-saving advantage.

Adaptation and Expectations

Once expectations aligned with reality, the HO5 370 revealed its actual strengths. As a high-performance desktop replacement that happens to be compact, it excels. As a truly portable system, it faces limitations. Understanding this distinction matters.

We adapted our usage pattern. External storage lived on the shelf next to the HO5 370. The external display remained connected. The system became a fixed "office in a box" rather than something we regularly relocated.

In that context, the value proposition strengthened significantly. For creators and developers who want a high-performance system that's easier to move than a tower but more capable than a laptop, this fills a genuine niche.

Upgrade Path and Future-Proofing

What You Can Upgrade

Internal SSD: The dual M.2 slots allow storage expansion. You can add a second drive internally, effectively doubling storage without relying on external connections.

External GPU: The OCu Link port enables GPU upgrades via e GPU enclosure, providing a future upgrade path for gaming and GPU-intensive creative work.

External Storage and Peripherals: Additional USB devices can extend functionality, though bandwidth constraints with a single USB4 port require careful planning.

What You Cannot Upgrade

RAM: The 32GB is soldered and non-upgradeable. This is a significant limitation for a system at this price point. If your workflow will demand more than 32GB RAM in the future, you're locked into the initial configuration.

CPU and Integrated GPU: These are integrated into the single chip. There's no upgrade path. Your only recourse if these become inadequate is replacing the entire system.

Chassis and Cooling: These are fixed. You cannot improve the thermal design or cooling solution if your workload's thermal profile changes.

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 excels in performance and expandability, making it ideal for creative professionals, despite limitations in build quality and upgrade options. Estimated data.

Noise, Silence, and Work Environment Impact

Fan Behavior Across Workload Profiles

The fan management is well-tuned overall. During light work, the machine remains nearly silent. We couldn't hear fan noise from three feet away during office work or light web browsing.

During moderate load (photo editing, light video work), fan noise becomes noticeable but not objectionable. From a three-foot distance, you can hear the fans but wouldn't describe it as loud or annoying.

During sustained heavy load (video encoding, intensive 3D rendering), fan noise reaches 45-48 decibels. This is noticeably louder and would be objectionable during audio recording, podcasting, or video conferencing with sensitive microphones. It's not so loud that a quiet room becomes intolerable, but it's loud enough that you'd want to consider placement.

Acoustic Environment Considerations

If you work in a quiet home office and attend frequent video calls, the HO5 370's fan behavior matters. You might want to position it away from your microphone or run heavier workloads when not on calls.

If you work in an office environment with ambient noise or if your workflows don't involve sustained heavy loads, the fan behavior is inconsequential.

Security Features and Privacy Considerations

Windows 11 Pro Security

Windows 11 Pro includes security features like TPM 2.0 support, Windows Defender integration, and Group Policy management. The HO5 370 supports these features appropriately.

Bit Locker encryption (full drive encryption) is available through Windows 11 Pro, allowing you to encrypt the drive for data security.

Physical Security

The compact form factor presents both advantages and disadvantages. The machine is easily transported (convenient) and easily stolen if left unattended in public (concerning). You'd want to treat it like any valuable laptop in public environments.

Privacy and Networking

The dual 2.5G LAN ports enable network segmentation if you want to isolate work traffic from personal traffic. This is genuinely useful for remote workers concerned about network security.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Peladn HO5 370

Ideal Users

The HO5 370 makes genuine sense for:

Content Creators: If you edit 4K video, work with large photo files, or do color grading, the combination of performance and compactness serves well. The OCu Link expansion pathway provides a future upgrade route.

Software Developers: The performance handles modern development environments, multiple VMs, and heavy compilation tasks efficiently. The network capabilities support various networking setups.

Hybrid Workers: If you split time between office and home, the HO5 370's compactness beats carrying a full tower or using a laptop's compromised performance.

Creative Professionals: Adobe users, 3D artists, and designers benefit from the AI acceleration and performance. The upgrade path via e GPU provides longevity.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Budget-Conscious Buyers: Spending $920+ on a mini PC makes sense only if you need the specific benefits. If you're price-shopping, larger mini PCs or laptops offer better value.

Gamers: Unless you're willing to invest in an e GPU for serious gaming, the integrated GPU is limiting. A gaming laptop or budget gaming desktop provides better value.

Battery-Dependent Users: The complete lack of battery power disqualifies this for anyone needing untethered operation.

Ultra-Quiet Environment Requirements: The fan noise under load might be objectionable if your environment demands silence.

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 features significant AI compute acceleration with 45 TOPS, enhancing responsiveness in AI-driven applications. Estimated data.

Comparison to Competing Mini PCs

Minisforum Elite Mini HX370

Minisforum's alternative uses similar Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 hardware but in a slightly different chassis. The Elite Mini offers one USB4 port (same limitation) but includes an internal battery option. It's typically more expensive and offers similar performance without the OCu Link advantage.

Intel NUC 14 Pro

Intel's offering uses Core Ultra processors with Iris Xe graphics. It's more expensive, offers lower GPU performance, but includes Thunderbolt 4 ports. It's positioned as an enterprise-friendly device rather than a creative workstation.

Framework Laptop

The Framework provides better build quality, modularity, and upgradeability but lower peak performance and zero OCu Link support. It's designed for portability; the HO5 370 is designed for performance.

Special Features and Hidden Details

Clear CMOS Button

The front-panel clear CMOS button allows BIOS reset without disassembly. This is useful for overclockers, developers dealing with BIOS-level issues, and power users troubleshooting hardware problems.

Comprehensive BIOS

The BIOS includes options for PCIe device configuration, boot device selection, and power management. It's not as granular as high-end workstation boards but appropriate for this class of device.

Thermal Monitoring

Windows includes real-time temperature monitoring through third-party tools. AMD's Radeon software provides GPU temperature data. This transparency is useful for developers and enthusiasts wanting to understand the system's thermal profile.

Long-Term Ownership Considerations

Warranty and Support

The HO5 370 includes standard warranty coverage (typically one to two years depending on region). Support availability varies by region. Peladn's customer support responsiveness and availability should factor into your consideration if you value post-purchase support.

Parts Availability

Since the system uses standard AM5 socket and common components, parts availability for replacements is reasonable. You can source replacement RAM, SSDs, and peripherals easily. The cooling solution and power supply are proprietary and less available.

Software Ecosystem

Standard software ecosystem. All major applications support Windows 11 Pro. AMD driver support is solid. No manufacturer software bloatware to manage.

Longevity Expectations

The non-upgradeable RAM and soldered processor mean this system will eventually become outdated. With 32GB RAM, most workloads remain practical for 4-5 years unless your workflow demands exceed contemporary norms. The GPU limitation (via integrated graphics) becomes a factor sooner, likely 2-3 years, unless you invest in an e GPU.

The OCu Link port provides a genuine upgrade pathway for GPU-dependent workloads, potentially extending useful life to 5-6 years for creators willing to upgrade the external GPU.

Conclusions and Recommendations

What Works

The Peladn HO5 370 delivers legitimate performance in a genuinely compact form factor. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with integrated Radeon graphics handles creative work smoothly. The OCu Link expansion capability is genuinely rare and genuinely useful. Dual 2.5G networking and Wi-Fi 7 are forward-thinking features. Performance is predictable and reliable across extended testing.

What Doesn't Work

The plastic chassis doesn't justify premium pricing. A single USB4 port is limiting for creative professionals. The integrated GPU's performance constrains gaming and GPU-intensive creative work. Non-upgradeable RAM limits future expansion. Lack of battery power eliminates true portability despite compact size.

The Final Take

The HO5 370 is a thoughtfully engineered product that serves a specific niche well: creative professionals and developers who want high performance in a compact, expandable package. It's expensive but justifiably so given the engineering and components.

If you need what it offers, it delivers. If you're trying to find the cheapest way to get compact computing, you'll find better value elsewhere. If you're looking for a truly portable system, a laptop makes more sense despite the performance compromises.

After two weeks of genuine use, we're genuinely impressed with the performance but appropriately critical of the build quality and port limitations given the premium pricing.

The machine earns its place as a top-tier mini PC for creative professionals. Whether it earns its place in your workflow depends on whether those specific strengths align with your actual needs.

FAQ

What makes the Peladn HO5 370 different from other mini PCs?

The HO5 370 combines the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with dedicated OCu Link port support for external GPU expansion. This combination is rare in the mini PC market. The AI acceleration in the processor benefits creative applications, while OCu Link provides a genuine upgrade pathway for gaming and GPU-intensive work that most mini PCs cannot offer.

Can I upgrade the RAM in the HO5 370?

No, the 32GB RAM is soldered directly to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. This is a significant limitation for power users and developers who might eventually need more memory. You should verify that 32GB meets your anticipated future needs before purchasing.

Is the HO5 370 good for gaming?

The integrated Radeon 890M GPU handles 1080p gaming at medium settings smoothly for most titles. However, for 1440p gaming or higher quality settings, performance becomes constrained. The OCu Link port enables connecting an external GPU, which would substantially improve gaming performance, but this requires additional investment in e GPU hardware.

How loud is the cooling system under normal use?

During light office work and web browsing, the fans remain nearly inaudible. During moderate creative work, fan noise becomes noticeable but not objectionable. During sustained heavy rendering or video encoding, fan noise reaches approximately 45-48 decibels, which is loud enough to be problematic during audio recording or video conferencing with sensitive microphones.

What are the main limitations of the HO5 370?

The primary limitations are the plastic chassis (which doesn't feel premium for the price), only one USB4 port (limiting simultaneous external connectivity), non-upgradeable RAM (soldered at 32GB), integrated GPU (constraining gaming and GPU-dependent creative work), and the complete lack of battery power (making it portable only between locations, not usable without power).

Does the HO5 370 come with a warranty?

Yes, the HO5 370 includes standard warranty coverage, typically ranging from one to two years depending on your region and retailer. Warranty specifics should be verified with your point of purchase, as coverage details may vary between direct purchase from Peladn and purchases through retailers like Amazon.

Is the HO5 370 truly portable as a mini PC?

The HO5 370 is physically portable and can be moved between locations easily. However, it lacks battery power and requires an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse for practical use, which negates some of the portability advantage. It's best described as a compact desktop replacement rather than a truly mobile computing solution like a laptop.

What kind of creative work can the HO5 370 handle?

The HO5 370 handles 4K video editing, color grading, and large-file photo editing smoothly. Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Da Vinci Resolve all perform well. The AI acceleration benefits specific features in these applications. For GPU-intensive 3D work or complex node-based color grading, the integrated GPU becomes a limiting factor, though an external GPU via OCu Link would address this.

How does the HO5 370 compare to laptops at similar prices?

The HO5 370 offers significantly better performance than comparably priced laptops due to the desktop-class processor and active cooling system. However, laptops provide portability, integrated displays, and batteries. The HO5 370 requires external peripherals and power infrastructure. The choice depends on whether performance or portability is your priority.

Is the OCu Link port actually useful, or is it a gimmick?

The OCu Link port is genuinely useful for anyone planning to upgrade GPU capability. It provides superior bandwidth and isolation compared to Thunderbolt-based e GPU solutions. For creative professionals and gamers willing to invest in external GPU hardware, OCu Link transforms what would otherwise be a GPU-limited system into an expandable workstation. For others, it's an underutilized feature.

Key Takeaways

• The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 delivers impressive performance for creative work with meaningful AI acceleration benefits in Adobe applications.
• OCu Link expansion provides a genuine upgrade pathway for GPU-dependent work, separating this from typical mini PCs.
• Compact engineering comes at the cost of build quality and thermal headroom, resulting in audible fan noise under load.
• Pricing positions this as a premium offering, justified by components but challenged by plastic construction.
• Best suited for creative professionals and developers prioritizing performance and expandability in a compact form factor.
• Not ideal for budget buyers, gamers relying solely on integrated GPU, or users requiring portable battery-powered operation.
• Real-world performance smoothly handles 4K video editing, large-file photo work, and multitasking creative applications.
• Storage capacity at 1TB fills quickly; external SSD expansion becomes practical necessity for media-heavy workflows.
• Non-upgradeable RAM and soldered CPU limit future upgrade options beyond the GPU expansion pathway.
• Two-port networking adds genuine value for network-intensive work and provides redundancy that's uncommon in this class.

Bottom Line

The Peladn HO5 370 represents thoughtful engineering serving a specific market: creative professionals and developers wanting high performance in a compact, expandable package. It delivers on performance expectations and provides genuine expandability through OCu Link.

However, the plastic construction, port limitations, and fixed RAM undercut the premium positioning. You're paying for internals and engineering more than materials and industrial design.

If your workflow matches this system's strengths, it's worth the investment. If you're seeking the cheapest way to get portable computing or the most portable way to get desktop performance, you'll find better options elsewhere. The HO5 370 excels in the specific niche it targets and adequately serves that niche despite its compromises.

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