HP EliteDesk BQ4C3UT#ABA 2025, Core Ultra 9 285T, 32GB, 512GB SSD, Jack Black

The HP EliteDesk 8 Mini G1i is a tiny desktop with a huge CPU. The 24-core Core Ultra 9 and 32GB of RAM make it a multitasking beast for work. But the 512GB SSD is small and the integrated graphics are a hard no for gaming. Worth it for CPU-bound pros who need a compact machine.

The Core Ultra 9 285T is the star. With 24 cores and a 1.4GHz base clock, it chews through multi-threaded workloads like video exports, code compiles, and data crunching. In our database, the CPU lands in the 81st percentile, which puts it well above average for this category. The 32GB of 5600 MHz DDR5 is also strong, sitting in the 83rd percentile. Storage is the weak link. A 512GB NVMe SSD is fine for boot and core apps, but it's only in the 44th percentile, which feels stingy for a workstation-class machine. You do get two empty M.2 slots, so expansion is easy if you're comfortable opening the case. The integrated Intel Graphics are about average for this type of system, which means they're fine for desktop use and light photo editing, but that's about it.

Against the Lenovo Legion 90Y6003JUS, the EliteDesk wins on CPU and portability but loses badly on graphics. The Legion is a gaming rig with a real GPU, so it's no contest if you want to play games. The Apple Mac Studio M4 Max is the more interesting rival. It's pricier but delivers dramatically better GPU performance and a more refined overall package for creative pros. The Dell Aurora DACT1250 is another gaming-focused option that will crush the HP in graphics but takes up way more desk space. If you need a tiny Windows workstation with a monster CPU, the EliteDesk holds its own. If you need any kind of GPU muscle, look elsewhere.

At $2,069 USD, this is not a cheap mini PC. You're paying a premium for the compact form factor and the high-end CPU. The 512GB SSD feels like a corner cut at this price, and the integrated graphics mean you're not getting a do-everything machine. But if your work is CPU-bound and you need something that disappears into a desk setup, the value proposition makes more sense. The CAD price of $2,876 tracks similarly for Canadian buyers. It's a specialized tool, not a general-purpose bargain.

The HP EliteDesk 8 Mini G1i is a tiny desktop that packs a serious CPU punch. You get a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285T, 32GB of DDR5, and Wi-Fi 7 in a box that weighs about as much as a large textbook. It's built for work, not play.

HP is leaning hard into the AI angle here, and the Core Ultra 9 does have an NPU for local AI tasks. But the real story is raw CPU performance in a chassis you can mount behind a monitor. The integrated graphics are fine for spreadsheets and code, just don't expect to game on this thing.

Skip this if you need any real graphics performance. Video editors working with 4K footage, 3D artists, and anyone who wants to game should look at the Mac Studio M4 Max or a gaming desktop like the Lenovo Legion. Also skip it if you need lots of local storage, since 512GB is tight and you'll be adding your own drives immediately.

This is a machine for developers, data analysts, and office power users who need serious CPU performance in a tiny, quiet package. The Core Ultra 9 285T is a legitimate workhorse, and the port selection is excellent. But the small SSD and integrated graphics mean it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Buy it if your workload is CPU-heavy and desk space is at a premium. Skip it if you need to render 3D, edit 4K video with GPU acceleration, or play anything more demanding than Minesweeper.