HP EliteDesk 8 Mini (G1a): Copilot+ power in a 1-liter body.
The HP EliteDesk 8 Mini (G1a) boasts a powerful Ryzen AI PRO chip, flexible upgrade options, and Wolf Pro Security, making it the ultimate mini PC solution for modern work.
Mini PCs are becoming a promising alternative to traditional laptops and desktops thanks to their balance of price, performance, and size. The HP EliteDesk 8 Mini (G1a) is the latest proof that a compact Copilot+ system can still operate reliably and powerfully in a professional environment.
Optimized 1L design and modular connection port system.
The HP EliteDesk 8 Mini (G1a) maintains an ultra-compact size with a thickness of only 3.43cm and a weight of approximately 1.4kg, allowing users to easily slip it into a bag. The casing is a combination of plastic and aluminum, giving it a sturdy feel. The top lid is perforated for optimal airflow, while the bottom supports a VESA mount to discreetly hide the device behind the screen.
The biggest difference lies in the flexibility of the connectivity ports. In addition to standard ports like USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.1, the back of the machine has a modular design. Users can optionally add Thunderbolt 4 ports (rare on AMD chips), a 2.5GbE network port, or additional video output connections depending on their work needs.
Intelligent hardware architecture and upgradeability.
Despite limited space, HP has designed the interior of the EliteDesk 8 Mini (G1a) very efficiently. The lid can be removed with just a single screw. The main cooling fan is located on grooves, which can be easily lifted to access the two SODIMM RAM slots. This design makes memory upgrades much simpler than with other Mini PCs of the same type.
The SSD is located under the second fan, requiring some screw removal but not overly complicated. HP is committed to long-term repairability by providing a full range of replacement parts through the PartSurfer marketplace, a major plus given the frequent price fluctuations of electronic components.
Ryzen AI performance and impressive cooling capabilities.
The top-of-the-line version of this machine is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 AI PRO 350 CPU, integrating a neural processing unit (NPU) that achieves 50 TOPS of performance. This allows the machine to fully meet Microsoft's Copilot+ standards, supporting AI features such as Cocreator, Recall, and Live Captions directly on Windows 11.
| Parameter | Detailed configuration review |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 AI PRO 350 |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5-5600 (Dual Channel) |
| Storage | 1TB SSD TLC M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Graphics | Radeon 860M (integrated) |
| Security | HP Wolf Pro Security |
In stress tests, the CPU maintained a stable clock speed of 4.3GHz. Even when temperatures reached 97°C under heavy load, the cooling system operated efficiently without generating any unpleasant noise. The noise level measured at a distance of 30cm was only around 49dB, a very low level for a high-performance system in a small chassis.
General assessment
The HP EliteDesk 8 Mini (G1a) isn't a device for professional gamers, but it's a powerful and reliable work machine. Its strongest points are its high level of security with Wolf Pro Security and its unique customizable connectivity options, making it suitable for professionals and businesses needing an AI-ready system while still saving desk space.
Advantage
- Ultra-compact size, high portability.
- Flexible modular port system.
- Powerful AI performance (50 TOPS NPU).
- RAM can be easily upgraded.
Limit
- Not suitable for demanding gaming tasks.
- SSDs are located in slightly more difficult-to-access areas compared to RAM.