The tiny Next SBC is an affordable gaming PC with decent performance that fits in the palm of your hand

Next SBC is a pocket-sized gaming PC with Ryzen 7 7840HS and Radeon 780M, reasonably priced at $329.

: The Next SBC is a compact gaming PC combining a Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU and Radeon 780M iGPU, providing decent performance in a palm-sized design. Though unannounced, it's already reviewed by ETA Prime, highlighting its ability to handle demanding games like Doom Eternal at 1080p medium settings. It offers extensive connectivity and three M.2 slots for storage but lacks a case. Expected at a base price of $329, it stands as an attractive offer though pricing and availability are uncertain.

The Next SBC is an impressively compact gaming PC that fits in the palm of your hand while delivering performance comparable to larger laptops. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor with Radeon 780M integrated graphics, making it a capable machine for modern gaming and multitasking. With 16GB or 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, it ensures smooth operation even for demanding applications. Benchmark tests highlight its capability, with Doom Eternal running at 79 fps on 1080p medium settings, proving its gaming potential despite its small size.

One of the Next SBC’s strongest selling points is its connectivity and expandability. It features three M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots, allowing storage expansion up to 4TB, which is rare for a device of this size. The board is also equipped with USB 3.2, USB 4, dual HDMI 2.1, and dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, providing extensive connectivity options that surpass many larger gaming PCs. This robust set of ports makes it highly versatile for gaming setups, productivity tasks, and even as a compact media center.

However, its open-board design means it lacks an enclosed case, which could be a drawback for some users. While this design allows for better customization and cooling options, it also requires extra care in handling and setup. Many users may prefer to purchase or create a custom enclosure to protect the hardware and enhance portability. Despite this limitation, the Next SBC’s modular nature makes it appealing to DIY enthusiasts and tech-savvy gamers.

Pricing and availability remain tentative, with reports suggesting a starting price of $329 on Indiegogo. This price point makes it an attractive alternative to traditional gaming PCs and laptops, offering a cost-effective solution without sacrificing too much performance. Although it uses an older Phoenix Point APU, its performance-to-price ratio remains competitive, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers and enthusiasts.

Overall, the Next SBC is a compelling option for those seeking a compact yet powerful gaming system. Its combination of strong gaming performance, high expandability, and affordability makes it a standout device in the mini PC market. Whether used for gaming, emulation, media streaming, or even as a lightweight workstation, it provides an impressive balance of power and portability. As more details emerge about its official release, it will likely attract attention from gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Sources: TechSpot, Tom’s Hardware

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