# This Mini PC Might be the Best Value YET - X+ Rival Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDyZsqDmQbQ Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/rDyZsqDmQbQ Generated: 2025-10-24T21:32:56.759+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The X+ Rival Mini PC, featuring an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 CPU, offers performance comparable to the Framework Desktop, but runs significantly hotter and louder, especially in Performance mode, making it a compelling budget option for productivity tasks but less ideal for high-end gaming or users sensitive to noise. **Key Points:** - The X+ Rival Mini PC utilizes the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip (16C/32T, up to 5.1 GHz base 3.0 GHz) and comes configured with 96GB LPDDR5X RAM at 8533MHz and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. - In native rasterization benchmarks (1080p), the Rival in Performance mode scored 95 FPS average, slightly behind the Framework Desktop's 98 FPS average. - In Cyberpunk 2077 with Ray Tracing Ultra Preset (no upscaling), the Rival (Performance mode) achieved 29 FPS average, compared to the Framework Desktop's 30 FPS average, indicating comparable, though low, ray tracing performance. - Thermal testing in Cinebench 2024 showed the Rival in Performance mode averaging 84°C, significantly hotter than the Framework Desktop's 78°C average, indicating poorer sustained cooling. - The Rival's cooling solution is notably loud in Performance mode, producing a noticeable noise level even when idle, which was described as a significant drawback compared to the quieter Framework Desktop. - The base configuration with 96GB RAM is priced at $1,479, while the 128GB version is $1,699, potentially undercutting the Framework Desktop's pricing structure. - The unit features modern I/O including USB4 Type-C, 2.5Gbps LAN, and supports Wi-Fi 7, but the RAM is soldered, making future upgrades impossible. ![Screenshot at 0:16: The X+ Rival Mini Desktop AI Computer is unboxed, revealing the white chassis design which incorporates AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor stickers, indicating its core hardware.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-00-16.png) **Context:** This video is a review and teardown of the X+ Rival Mini Desktop AI Computer, which is marketed as a competitor or 'rival' to the Framework Desktop, leveraging the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. The review focuses on comparing its performance, thermals, and repairability/upgradability against the Framework offering, particularly noting the implications of the integrated LPDDR5X RAM and the active cooling system. ## Detailed Analysis The reviewer performs an unboxing of the X+ Rival Mini Desktop AI Computer, noting its aggressive, 'gamery' aesthetic compared to the Framework Desktop. The unit comes with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip, 96GB of 8533MHz LPDDR5X RAM, and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. During teardown, the reviewer finds the RAM is soldered, contrasting with Framework's modular design, and notes the cooling system relies on a single small fan, unlike the Framework's larger 120mm fan, suggesting potential thermal limitations. Performance testing in native rasterization showed the Rival (Performance mode) achieving 95 FPS average, slightly behind the Framework Desktop's 98 FPS. In demanding ray tracing scenarios like Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p Ultra preset, RT on), both systems delivered borderline playable framerates (Rival at 29 FPS average vs. Framework at 30 FPS average). Cinebench 2024 CPU testing revealed the Rival runs significantly hotter, peaking near 84°C compared to the Framework's 78°C average in Performance mode, suggesting the smaller cooler struggles under sustained load. The user-facing power button cycles through three performance modes (Mute, Balanced, Performance), but the fan noise in Performance mode is described as excessively loud, even louder than the Framework. Despite the thermal and noise drawbacks, the Rival's pricing structure, especially the lower entry price for a high-spec model, makes it a competitive value proposition for users prioritizing raw specs over thermal efficiency or quiet operation. ### Unboxing & Design - X+ Rival features an aggressive white/black aesthetic; includes AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 96GB LPDDR5X RAM, 2TB SSD; RAM is soldered, unlike Framework's modularity; includes a stand and a 240W power brick. ### I/O Connectivity - Front panel features audio jack, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps, USB 4 Type-C, SDXC slot, and a power button for mode switching; Rear panel includes 2x USB 2.0, 2x HDMI 2.1 (4K@60Hz), DP 1.4 (4K@60Hz), USB 3.2 10Gbps, 2.5Gbps LAN, and two audio jacks. ### Gaming Performance (Cyberpunk 2077) - 1080p, Ray Tracing Ultra Preset, FSR off; Rival (Performance Mode) averages 29 FPS (23 FPS 1% Low), nearly identical to Framework Desktop's 30 FPS average. ### General Rasterization Benchmarks (1080p) - Rival Performance mode averages 95 FPS vs. Framework Desktop's 98 FPS; Rival Balanced mode averages 90 FPS vs. Framework's 90 FPS (identical). ### CPU Benchmarks (Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core) - Framework Desktop scores 1940; Rival Performance scores 1890; Rival Balanced scores 1737, showing the Framework leads slightly when both are pushed. ### Thermals & Noise - Rival Performance mode hits 84°C average (CPU) vs. Framework's 78°C; the Rival's cooling solution is significantly louder, particularly in Performance mode, with the power button click described as the 'worst feeling click' ever felt. ![Screenshot at 0:01: The reviewer presents the X+ Rival Mini Desktop AI Computer packaging, highlighting the product's name and AI focus.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-00-01.png) ![Screenshot at 0:16: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 specifications \(16C/32T, up to 5.1 GHz\) are displayed as the unit is unboxed.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-00-16.png) ![Screenshot at 0:50: The included 4ft 8in HDMI cable is shown, along with the 240W power adapter.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-00-50.png) ![Screenshot at 1:16: The reviewer points out a small flap on the bottom used for accessing internal components, noting its slightly confusing design.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-01-16.png) ![Screenshot at 1:26: The reviewer examines a small bag containing thumb screws, likely for securing the access panel or internal components.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-01-26.png) ![Screenshot at 3:25: The bottom panel is removed, revealing the internal layout with an M.2 SSD installed and a small CMOS battery.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-03-25.png) ![Screenshot at 4:45: The reviewer disconnects the small fan assembly from the side panel, noting its size difference compared to the Framework Desktop's cooler.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-04-45.png) ![Screenshot at 6:12: The system boots, showing the X+ Rival connected to a monitor, with an overlay indicating 96GB LPDDR5X RAM clocked at 8000MT/s.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-06-12.png) ![Screenshot at 10:09: Performance monitoring overlay during Cyberpunk 2077 shows FPS hovering around 40-50 at 1440p resolution on high/ultra settings.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-10-09.png) ![Screenshot at 13:34: CPU power draw chart reveals the Rival \(Performance mode\) consistently draws less sustained power \(around 120W average\) than the Framework Desktop \(around 140W average\) during multi-core rendering tasks.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rDyZsqDmQbQ/00-13-34.png)