Kamrui AK1 Plus Review

1. Introduction

In an era where computing solutions are becoming increasingly versatile, the Kamrui AK1 Plus enters the mini PC market with an intriguing proposition. This compact powerhouse comes equipped with Intel's N95 processor, featuring four Gracemont cores – the same efficient architecture found in Intel's premium processors. While mini PCs often compromise on performance for size, the AK1 Plus aims to strike a balance with its 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM and 512GB SATA M.2 SSD configuration.

What caught my attention was the manufacturer's emphasis on expandability – a feature often sacrificed in the mini PC segment. The AK1 Plus boasts a detachable base designed for storage upgrades, supporting additional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs up to 2TB. This flexibility suggests that Kamrui understands the growing storage demands of modern users, whether they're content creators, casual gamers, or productivity-focused office professionals.

In this review, we'll dive deep into how this mini PC performs in real-world scenarios, examine its build quality, and determine whether it delivers on its promises of being a capable, compact computing solution for everyday users.

2. First Impressions

The moment you unbox the Kamrui AK1 Plus, its compact footprint makes an immediate impact. At just 5.04 x 5.04 x 2.05 inches and weighing a mere 0.38kg, this mini PC truly lives up to its name – it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. While the construction is predominantly plastic, Kamrui has managed to create a visually appealing design that doesn't feel cheap.

The aesthetic choices here are particularly noteworthy. The black exterior is complemented by tasteful blue accents, creating a modern, sophisticated look. Perhaps the most striking design element is the illuminated gap around the top housing, where a blue power indicator creates an ambient glow. This thoughtful detail transforms what could have been a purely functional element into an attractive visual feature.

For those concerned about desk space, the AK1 Plus offers versatile mounting options. The included VESA mount bracket allows you to attach the unit directly to the back of your monitor, effectively creating an improvised all-in-one PC setup. This flexibility in placement options, combined with its minimal footprint, makes it an excellent choice for space-constrained environments like home offices or small workstations.

3. Key Features

The Kamrui AK1 Plus offers a variety of ports that belies its compact size. The connectivity layout provides a practical balance between legacy and modern options. For peripheral connectivity, you get two USB 2.0 ports for basic peripherals like keyboards and mice, complemented by two USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfers and modern devices.

One of the standout features is the dual HDMI output support, allowing you to run a multi-monitor setup – a capability that's particularly valuable for productivity users who need expanded screen real estate. The inclusion of a Gigabit Ethernet port ensures stable, high-speed wired internet connectivity, while the dedicated audio jack handles both input and output for your audio needs.

Wireless connectivity is somewhat mediocre, with dual-band WiFi supporting both 5GHz and 2.4GHz frequencies, but lacking 6GHz Wifi 6E. This flexibility allows you to choose between maximum speed and better range depending on your environment. The inclusion of Bluetooth 4.2 rounds out the wireless capabilities, making it easy to connect modern peripherals like wireless headphones or speakers.

During testing, the port layout proved to be well-thought-out, with enough spacing between ports to accommodate most peripherals without interference. The only minor consideration is that users with numerous USB 3.0 devices might need to rely on a hub, as only two ports support the higher speed standard.

The Kamrui AK1 Plus comes equipped with Intel UHD Graphics running at 1.20 GHz, and while it's not designed for intensive gaming, it proves more than capable for its intended use cases. The mini PC's ability to output 4K resolution at 60Hz through its dual HDMI ports is particularly strong, making it a viable option for both productivity and entertainment purposes.

In real-world testing, the graphics performance shines brightest in multimedia applications. Video playback is smooth and crisp at 4K resolution, making the AK1 Plus an excellent choice as a Home Theater PC (HTPC). Whether streaming high-definition content from services like Netflix or playing local 4K media files, the system handles playback without noticeable stuttering or frame drops.

The dual-display support proves especially valuable in practical scenarios. During video conferencing sessions on platforms like Zoom, you can dedicate one screen to the meeting while keeping the other free for notes or reference materials. This multi-tasking capability, combined with the smooth 4K output, makes the AK1 Plus particularly well-suited for remote learning and online education environments.

4. Performance

4.1 CPU-Z Validation

4.2 Geekbench 6 CPU Benchmark

4.3 Geekbench 6 GPU OpenCL Benchmark

4.4 Crystal Disk Mark - Internal SSD

4.5 Crystal Disk Mark - External SSD Dock (Samsung 860 EVO 1TB)

5. User Experience

The day-to-day experience with the Kamrui AK1 Plus stands out for its simplicity and refinement. One of the most appreciated aspects is that it comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed and pre-activated, eliminating the usual hassle of operating system setup and activation that often comes with new PCs. This "ready out of the box" approach means you can be up and running within minutes of unboxing.

The thermal performance of the AK1 Plus is quite solid. In an ambient temperature of 20°C, the CPU maxes out at just 52°C even under heavy loads – a temperature that's well within the comfort zone for modern processors. This excellent thermal management is achieved while maintaining whisper-quiet operation, even during intensive tasks and demanding benchmarks. The cooling solution proves remarkably efficient without resorting to aggressive fan speeds that could generate noise.

This combination of low temperatures and silent operation makes the AK1 Plus particularly well-suited for noise-sensitive environments like bedrooms, home offices, or meeting rooms. It's refreshing to find a mini PC that doesn't force users to choose between performance and acoustic comfort. The fact that it can maintain such cool temperatures without audible fan noise speaks volumes about the efficiency of both the Intel N95 processor and Kamrui's thermal design.

6. Tear Down

While the Kamrui AK1 Plus impresses with its external features and performance, what lies beneath the surface is equally important for long-term reliability and upgrade potential. Our teardown serves multiple purposes: to inspect the quality of the thermal solution that achieves such remarkable silent operation, to verify the type and configuration of the installed M.2 SSD, and to assess the overall build quality and component selection. This internal inspection also helps potential buyers understand their upgrade paths and maintenance requirements.

The teardown process of the Kamrui AK1 Plus begins straightforwardly enough, with four screws hidden beneath rubber feet on the bottom of the unit. These rubber feet use adhesive backing and need to be carefully peeled away to access the screws. It's worth noting that these adhesive pads may lose their stickiness after multiple removals, so care should be taken during disassembly.

Upon removing the bottom housing, the first point of caution is immediately apparent: a delicate wire connecting the power indicator LED to the motherboard. This connection uses a rather flimsy connector, and the wire itself is quite thin. We strongly recommend using tweezers for disconnecting this wire to avoid damage during disassembly.

The internal layout reveals a substantial heatsink and fan assembly, which explains the unit's excellent thermal performance.

However, this is where the teardown process becomes problematic. The cooling solution includes a black plastic shroud designed to optimize airflow and minimize noise - a feature that clearly works well given the unit's silent operation. Unfortunately, Kamrui's choice to secure this shroud with excessive adhesive makes further disassembly practically impossible without risking damage to the components.

This aggressive use of adhesive creates a significant serviceability issue, particularly concerning the M.2 SSD. While the drive is technically upgradeable, accessing it would require potentially damaging the cooling shroud. This design choice earns the AK1 Plus a failing grade for user serviceability, which is disappointing given the unit's otherwise thoughtful design.

This limited serviceability creates an ironic contrast: while the AK1 Plus includes a convenient external drive dock for storage expansion, internal upgrades are unnecessarily complicated by over-zealous use of adhesives. For a device marketed with upgradeability as a feature, this internal design decision seems counterintuitive and could have been easily avoided with the use of standard screws instead of adhesive.

The AK1 Plus's storage dock features a thoughtfully designed access panel secured by two captive screws - a user-friendly touch that eliminates the risk of losing screws during drive installation or removal. For our testing, we used a Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SATA SSD, which is a widely used drive with standard 2.5-inch dimensions.

However, the dock's implementation reveals some design oversights. The most notable issue is with the internal foam padding intended to prevent drive movement. This padding appears to be poorly aligned with standard 2.5-inch SSD dimensions. Given that the Samsung 860 EVO follows standard form factor specifications, this misalignment suggests a potential fitment issue with most consumer SSDs.

This discrepancy between the foam padding and standard SSD dimensions is particularly disappointing because:

The Samsung 860 EVO uses industry-standard dimensions

The padding's misalignment could affect the drive's stability

It creates unnecessary complications in what should be a straightforward upgrade process

While the dock's concept and the inclusion of captive screws show good design intentions, the foam padding issue somewhat undermines the execution of this otherwise useful feature.

7. Value for Money

At $149, the Kamrui AK1 Plus presents a compelling value proposition in the mini PC market. The price point is particularly attractive when you consider the complete package: an Intel N95-powered system with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, 512GB M.2 SSD, and Windows 11 Home pre-installed. What sets it apart from competitors in this price range is the thoughtful addition of an expandable storage dock - a feature typically found in more expensive models.

When we break down the components and features you're getting for the price:

Intel N95 processor with 4 Gracemont E-cores

16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM

512GB M.2 SATA SSD

Dual 4K@60Hz display support

Expandable storage dock

Pre-activated Windows 11 Home

Efficient, silent cooling solution

VESA mount included

The inclusion of an expansion dock for an additional 2.5-inch SATA drive is particularly noteworthy at this price point. This feature alone adds significant value, as it allows users to easily upgrade their storage capacity without replacing the primary drive.

In the sub-$150 mini PC market, compromises are common - whether in RAM capacity, storage options, or build quality. However, the AK1 Plus manages to deliver a well-rounded package that doesn't cut corners on essential features. The combination of adequate RAM, storage expandability, and dual 4K display support makes it a particularly good value for home office use, media centers, or light productivity workstations.

8. Pros and Cons

Pros:

Elegant design with attractive blue LED accents

Exceptionally quiet cooling solution with excellent thermal performance

Innovative expandable storage dock for 2.5-inch SATA drives

Strong value proposition at $149

Pre-installed and activated Windows 11 Home

Dual 4K@60Hz display support

Compact form factor with VESA mount option

16GB RAM included as standard

Simple plug-and-play setup

Cons:

Limited high-speed USB connectivity with only two USB 3.0 ports

Single 1Gbps Ethernet port restricts networking potential

Missed opportunity for 2.5GbE or dual NICs that could enable router/server functionality

Budget-oriented plastic construction

No USB-C ports

Networking limitations may restrict its versatility for power users

The port selection, particularly the networking options, feels like a missed opportunity. The addition of a 2.5GbE NIC or dual Gigabit ports would have significantly expanded the device's potential use cases, especially for home lab environments or network-intensive applications. This limitation is particularly noticeable given that the cost difference for implementing better networking would have been minimal relative to the overall system cost.

9. Final Verdict

The Kamrui AK1 Plus presents itself as a remarkably well-balanced mini PC that punches above its weight class in several key areas. At $149, it delivers exceptional value, particularly for users seeking a compact, efficient computing solution for everyday tasks, home theater applications, or light productivity work.

The combination of the Intel N95 processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and 512GB M.2 SSD provides solid performance for its intended use cases. The standout features - near-silent operation, excellent thermal management maintaining just 52°C under load, and the innovative expandable storage dock - demonstrate thoughtful engineering that sets it apart from competitors in this price range.

The design aesthetics, with its sleek black finish and blue LED accents, alongside the compact form factor and VESA mount capability, make it a versatile fit for various environments. The pre-installed and activated Windows 11 Home adds to the plug-and-play appeal, making it particularly accessible for users who prefer a hassle-free setup.

However, the device isn't without its limitations. The restricted USB 3.0 ports and basic networking capabilities with a single Gigabit Ethernet port might feel constraining for power users. These limitations, while not deal-breakers for the target market, do prevent the AK1 Plus from reaching its full potential as a more versatile home server or networking device.

10. Recommendation:

At this price point, the Kamrui AK1 Plus is an easy recommendation for:

Home office users seeking a quiet, efficient workstation

Media center enthusiasts requiring 4K playback capabilities

Students or remote workers needing a reliable, compact computing solution

Users with basic computing needs who value silence and efficiency

However, users requiring extensive connectivity options or planning to use the device for networking-intensive applications might want to look at higher-tier alternatives.