Sapphire Edge AI 340 review: why mini PCs are essential now
The advent of artificial intelligence has significantly transformed the landscape of computing, prompting manufacturers to adapt their offerings to meet the demands of this new era. Among the frontrunners in this evolution is Sapphire with its Edge AI mini PC series, designed to provide both businesses and consumers with the processing power necessary for modern applications—all housed in a compact form factor.
In this review, we will closely examine the Sapphire Edge AI 340, the entry-level model of Sapphire’s mini PC lineup. Priced at approximately £439, the Edge AI 340 is positioned as an affordable solution for users looking for a blend of performance and space-saving design. It is essential to note that more powerful variants, the Edge AI 350 and Edge AI 370, are available for those seeking higher processing and graphics capabilities.
Specifications of the Edge AI 340
The specifications of the Edge AI 340 are a key factor in its appeal. At its core, it features the AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 system-on-chip (SoC), which comprises six cores and twelve threads, utilizing the advanced Zen 5 architecture. The cores are capable of clock speeds reaching up to 3.4 GHz for standard tasks and up to 4.8 GHz during bursts of high demand.
In terms of graphics, the system is equipped with Radeon 840M, which integrates RDNA 3.5 technology. However, it is important to note that the integrated graphics performance is limited, with only four compute units available, which is significantly less than the Radeon 890M paired with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.
The AI capabilities of the Ryzen AI 5 340 are noteworthy, as it boasts a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that can achieve up to 50 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second). This performance level meets and exceeds the 40 TOPS requirement for Copilot+ certification, allowing compatibility with various AI applications like Adobe Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve Studio.
With a default thermal design power (TDP) of 28W, the Edge AI 340 allows flexibility for manufacturers to adjust this between 15W and 54W. The testing showed that Sapphire efficiently utilizes this headroom, operating at 40W, which balances performance and thermal management effectively.
Notably, the Edge AI 340 is sold as a barebones unit, meaning it does not come preloaded with memory, storage, or an operating system. This gives users the freedom to customize their build, with the potential to install up to 96GB of DDR5 SO-DIMM in a dual-channel configuration. Storage options are similarly versatile, supporting PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSDs across both 2280 and 2242 slots.
Additionally, for those who are considering upgrades, the cost of crucial components is relatively affordable. At the time of writing, an 8GB DDR5-5600 module can be purchased for approximately £31, and a 500GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for around £34.99, bringing the total investment to approximately £500 when including a potential operating system.
Design and Form Factor
The design of the Edge AI 340 is one of its standout features. This mini PC is compact, measuring just 117 x 111 x 30 mm and weighing only 415 grams, making it an ideal candidate for limited spaces. Its small footprint allows it to blend seamlessly into any environment, whether it be a home office or a professional setting.
One of the practical aspects of its design is the ability to mount it behind a monitor using VESA mounting options. This feature is particularly appealing for users looking to maximize their workspace without sacrificing performance.
On the front panel, the Edge AI 340 includes:
- A responsive power button
- Two USB-A 10Gb ports
- A 3.5mm audio combo port
While the inclusion of an (micro)SD card slot would have enhanced its utility for creators, users must rely on external adapters for additional storage options.
The sides of the device host numerous ventilation cutouts that promote airflow, which is essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures. The aesthetic appeal is heightened by its black and gold color scheme, reminiscent of high-tech environments, making it not only functional but visually striking.
Turning to the back, users will find a range of connectivity options, including:
- Two USB-C 40Gb ports with PD 3.0 support
- One USB-A 10Gb port
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports for display outputs
Wired networking is facilitated through a 2.5Gb RJ45 port, while wireless capabilities are supported via WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Notably, users have reported reliable connectivity without the need for external antennas.
Upgradability Options
One of the advantages of the Edge AI 340 is its ease of upgradability. Accessing the internals is a straightforward process, requiring no tools for RAM installation. However, a screwdriver is necessary for SSD installation, as Sapphire provides thermal pads for enhanced cooling performance between the SSD and the system’s lid.
The underside of the device features a fan cooler, which remains unobtrusive during operation. While most users likely won’t need to access the heatsink, it is possible to do so with four screws if necessary.
Performance Analysis
The performance of the Edge AI 340 varies based on the specific configuration of memory and storage. In testing, a sample unit equipped with 16GB DDR5-5600 and a mid-range 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD was evaluated. While the single-channel RAM configuration poses a limitation, the overall performance remains suitable for everyday computing tasks.
Application Performance
The RAM and SSD in the Edge AI 340 generally perform as expected, though single-channel operation tends to bottleneck performance in applications like AIDA64 and PCMark 10. Upgrading to dual-channel RAM is likely to yield noticeable improvements in these benchmarks.
In single-core benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 AI 340 demonstrates competitive performance, even outperforming some pricier Intel alternatives. However, it falls short in graphics-intensive tasks, where the Radeon 840M struggles compared to older graphics solutions.
Gaming Capabilities
While Sapphire does not market the Edge AI 340 explicitly for gaming, it can handle light gaming scenarios. The Radeon 840M integrated graphics, however, are not designed for high-end gaming and will struggle with demanding titles.
The following table summarizes the gaming performance of the Edge AI 340 based on various titles at 1080p resolution:
| Game Title | Graphics Settings | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Low | Unplayable |
| Forza Horizon 5 | Medium | Playable |
| Rainbow Six Siege | High | Good |
| Slay the Spire | Low | Excellent |
For those seeking a superior gaming experience, the Edge AI 350 and 370 models offer enhanced processors and graphics capabilities, making them more suitable for gaming. Alternatively, cloud gaming platforms like Nvidia GeForce Now can also provide a workaround for limitations in local hardware.
BIOS Features
The BIOS of the Edge AI 340 presents a polished interface, featuring mouse support and a user-friendly layout. While not as comprehensive as the BIOS found in Sapphire’s high-end motherboards, it includes essential options and system information that enhance user experience.
Operating Temperatures and Power Consumption
One of the notable aspects of the Edge AI 340 is its efficient thermal management. When idle, the system runs silently, consuming only 6.6W of power. The fan engages only when temperatures exceed 50°C, ensuring low noise levels during regular use.
Under load, such as during Cinebench testing, the system draws approximately 55W, with operating temperatures peaking at 77°C and noise levels reaching 39dBA. Gaming scenarios, on the other hand, result in lower temperatures and noise, with peak consumption climbing to 60W.
These results are commendable for a mini PC of this size, indicating a well-engineered cooling solution. However, there is room for improvement in fan curve adjustability to optimize silent operation further.
The Edge AI 340 is well-positioned in the market, offering a compelling entry point for users seeking a blend of modern technology in an efficient package. With its capable specifications and design, it is an attractive option for both businesses and consumers alike.
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