A tiny computer with big ambitions—that’s how you can describe the NexT-SBC, a new single-board PC developed by the well-known YouTube user under the pseudonym ETA Prime. This mini-PC fits in the palm of your hand but rivals full-fledged desktop systems in terms of specifications.
Built on a 4nm AMD processor, the NexT-SBC is positioned as a versatile solution for home and office use. The device costs $329, making it three times cheaper than the flagship iPhone 16 Pro smartphone.
Features and Technical Specifications
First, let’s briefly overview the device’s capabilities to understand what we’re dealing with.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, 8 cores, 16 threads, 3.8–5.1 GHz frequency
- Graphics: Radeon 780M
- RAM: Up to 32 GB LPDDR5X-6400
- Storage: Up to 12 TB SSD (three M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots)
- Networking: 2 ports of 2.5-gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Ports:
- 4 USB 3.2
- 1 USB-C (USB 4)
- 2 HDMI 2.1
- Supported OS: Windows 10/11, Linux Ubuntu, RHEL
The NexT-SBC is based on the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS with Zen 4 architecture. This powerful processor features 8 cores and 16 threads, operating at a base frequency of 3.8 GHz with the ability to boost up to 5.1 GHz. It comes with three levels of cache memory: L1—64 KB per core, L2—1 MB per core, and L3—16 MB. The processor is built on the 4nm process and has a TDP ranging from 35 to 54 Watts, making it energy-efficient and suitable for laptops and compact systems. The Ryzen 7 7840HS supports DDR5-5600 and LPDDR5X-7500 memory and is equipped with integrated Radeon 780M graphics featuring 12 compute units operating at up to 2.7 GHz. This processor is ideal for tasks requiring high performance, including modern games and graphics work.
The graphics are handled by the integrated Radeon 780M solution. This graphics subsystem is based on the RDNA 3.0 architecture and manufactured using a 4nm process. It includes 768 stream processors and 12 ray-tracing cores, providing high performance in modern applications. The base frequency of the graphics core is 800 MHz, with the ability to boost up to 2.7 GHz. The Radeon 780M supports modern graphics APIs, including DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan 1.3, and OpenGL 4.6, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of software. Its power consumption is around 15 Watts, making it an energy-efficient solution for laptops and compact systems. Integration with high-speed memory such as DDR5 or LPDDR5X allows for the high bandwidth required for demanding graphics tasks.
The device is compatible with Windows 10/11 and Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and RHEL. However, in the NexT-SBC, the processor’s capabilities are limited: the chip supports a maximum of 32 GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM.
What Else?
The main feature of the NexT-SBC is the presence of three M.2 2280 slots supporting PCIe 4.0. This allows for up to 12 TB of disk space, making the mini-PC an ideal choice for those working with large amounts of data.
Ports and Connectivity
The mini-PC is equipped with a wide range of interfaces:
- 2 Ethernet ports with 2.5 Gbps throughput.
- 4 USB 3.2 and one USB-C (USB 4 version).
- 2 HDMI 2.1, allowing the connection of three monitors simultaneously.
It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 modules, providing modern wireless connectivity.
Testing with ETA Prime shows the device’s capabilities in popular games. In Doom Eternal, the mini-PC delivers 79 frames per second at 1080p resolution and medium settings. In Overwatch 2, performance ranges from 80 to 100 frames per second, while Spiderman Remastered and God of War provide decent results thanks to frame generation technologies. Here, the Radeon 780M’s use of modern upscaling methods helps achieve a stable frame rate.
What About Compactness?
The computer features a minimalist design thanks to the use of soldered RAM, saving space but eliminating the possibility of a RAM upgrade. The device has air cooling, and massive coolers are not required due to the processor’s low TDP (35–54 Watts).
There is no dedicated graphics card; graphics processing is handled by the integrated Radeon 780M. Nevertheless, the computer’s capabilities allow it to run popular games and perform multimedia tasks.
Of course, there are downsides. The APU Phoenix Point is not a new Strix Point chip, likely done to reduce costs. Additionally, the device lacks a case, which isn’t a critical drawback. If needed, a case can always be 3D-printed—a readily available technology. The developer will likely release a case model soon.
Another interesting point: A Reddit user under the pseudonym Old_Crows_Associate noted that the NexT-SBC is not a completely original development but a modified version of the AOOSTAR GEM10 mini-PC board. Both models have similar specifications, but the AOOSTAR GEM10 comes with a case and costs from $459, while the NexT-SBC is an open system board without a case, reflected in its more affordable price.
Crowdfunding and Pricing
The developer has already presented the NexT-SBC on the Indiegogo platform. The device’s minimum configuration costs $329, significantly lower than its closest competitors. For example, the AOOSTAR GEM10 with similar specifications starts at $459, but the NexT-SBC offers more flexible connection and upgrade options.
The NexT-SBC is an impressive step forward in the development of compact computers. Thanks to its specifications and affordable price, it can be an excellent choice for users needing a powerful and versatile PC in a miniature form factor.
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