Normally, overly cheap mini PCs are a big bummer and the compromises in terms of performance are too great. The T-Bao T8 Plus pushes the point where botches & co. start a little further back. Already from 138 euros (code NNNDET8256) you get a mini PC with the Intel N100 we already know, together with 8 GB of main memory (RAM) and from 256 GB of SSD storage. Even mini PCs costing 300 euros still use this fairly new and economical processor – an announcement to give it to such an inexpensive computer. At first glance, it’s a really sensible thing to do.
Is this all too good to be true? We answer these questions in the following test report. Geekbuying provided us with the test device.
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Highlights of the T-Bao T8 Plus
Strong price-performance ratio Good performance for Office & Co. Connection of up to three monitors possible Two Ethernet ports Quiet operation (maximum approx. 30 decibels) Low power consumption Compact housing dimensions Low weight
What are the features of the T-Bao T8 Plus?
T-Bao relies on the popular Intel N100 for the T8 Plus – a descendant in the spirit of the budget processors from the Celeron series. With its four cores and four threads at a maximum of 3.4 GHz, it doesn’t break any performance records, but it lags behind in terms of consumption with less than 10 watts. The 8 GB of RAM and an SSD from 256 GB are helpful for good system performance. According to our test in the Crystaldiskmark storage benchmark, this only writes and reads at a SATA speed of around 480 MB/s. For the RAM, the manufacturer surprisingly uses DDR5 chips, which are soldered in as LPDDR5-4800.
This cannot therefore be expanded. An m.2 slot is used for the SSD, so you can also insert other storage devices into it. To do this, however, you have to take the entire mini PC apart; accessibility is anything but convenient. Many small Phillips screws, panels and the motherboard have to be removed before the slot is accessible.
In terms of connections, the mini PC is very generous, especially given its size and price. We particularly like the three HDMI ports, which allow the use of up to three monitors. Even in more expensive areas, the three Ethernet ports for stable and fast Internet are by no means a given. This means that this mini PC is also suitable for use as a firewall appliance straight from the factory and without an adapter (guide). When it comes to wireless interfaces, however, we are disappointed with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, but the outdated standards are bearable given the price.
What does the T-Bao T8 Plus do?
The quad-core processor Intel N100 is one of the weaker representatives, but calculates noticeably faster than the previous Celeron chips. With a TDP of six watts, economy is its credo. The system is pleasantly fast in everyday use and we don’t notice any stuttering. The 8 GB of RAM is sufficient for most office applications, but can quickly become scarce depending on the application. Just four 4K videos on YouTube opened in parallel in Chrome use up 95 percent of the RAM. By default, about 2.5 GB is occupied.
In the PCmark 10 benchmark, the small computer achieved almost 3150 points – a respectable value. For an N100 the result is slightly above average. The same processor in the fanless Asus Expertcenter PN42 (test report) performed around 14 percent worse with 2700 points. A perfect example to illustrate the influence of RAM on system performance, because the Asus model has 4 GB, which is clearly too little.
In the 3Dmark Time Spy benchmark, the T8 Plus achieved 371 total points, with the CPU managing 2454 points and the graphics only 323 points. Not only does the current low performance of integrated graphics cards become clear here, but also that the Intel models in particular are weaker. Graphics-heavy tasks, such as rendering or newer games, should therefore be avoided. But it would be unreasonable to expect that for a price of less than 150 euros.
The preinstalled Windows 11 Pro comes with the usual bloatware apps like Spotify and Co., but no additional software is available. During setup, it is noticeable that Windows 11 does not require a Microsoft account to be specified on this Far East mini PC either. Our system is also preset to English. During the installation of updates, the instructions not to switch off the PC remain stubbornly in English even after the language has been changed manually.
Mini PC T-Bao T8 Plus – photo series
Mini PC T-Bao T8 Plus – photo series
How quiet is the T-Bao T8 Plus?
The volume of the T-Bao T8 Plus was so low in our field tests that it was barely measurable. If we really demand everything from the mini PC and fully exploit the RAM and CPU, we can get a peak of 30 decibels from the small housing, which is perfectly suitable for everyday use. Most of the time, however, you tend to think that the fan is defective because it works so quietly. Respect for being able to do this so well in such a small case and therefore narrow internal structure. This means that many heat-generating parts are close together and heat each other up, so the cooling system has to be sophisticated.
What else did we notice?
What is particularly striking about the T-Bao T8 Plus is the extremely compact housing of just 80 × 80 × 47 millimeters. This means that it is nowhere near as small as the CSL Tiny Box (test report), but it is still pleasantly compact. We also prefer to have more RAM and are happy to accept a slightly larger case for this. The weight is pretty low at 300 grams, which makes it easy to transport the mini PC.
The workmanship is perfectly fine, even if the smooth, silver-coated plastic housing looks a bit cheap. The coating doesn’t seem to be particularly durable either, so we notice minor abrasions on the edges after just a short time. Overall, the quality and features of the system are absolutely appropriate for the price.
How much does the T-Bao T8 Plus cost?
You can currently get the T-Bao T8 Plus with 8/256 GB with the code NNNDET8256 Starting from 138 Euro at Geekbuying. In our test configuration with 8/512 GB it is 144 euros (code NNNMDT8P use). For the small additional charge of only 6 euros, we would therefore recommend the larger version without exception. For less than 13 euros you can’t even get an SSD with 128 GB if you buy it individually, so 6 euros for double storage is a real bargain.
Versions with more memory and RAM are available, but they are currently sold out.
Alternatives to the T-Bao T8 Plus
It offers similar hardware, a housing that is just as small and has almost exactly the same structure Blackview MP80 (Review). In addition to the classic USB-A ports, there are also three HDMI ports and two Ethernet interfaces. The Mini PC is quiet in operation and, with over 3300 points (Intel N97) in the benchmark, even achieves more than the T-Bao Mini PC.
Depending on the equipment variant, the mini PC uses an older Intel Celeron N5095, an Alder Lake N95 or N97. The RAM is 12 GB or 16 GB, the SSD has 512 GB of storage. The variant with Intel Celeron N5095 and 12/256 GB is currently the entry-level price 171 Euro on Ebay (code OPTIMAL), with 16/512 GB it is 207 euros. The N97 model costs just under 16/512 GB 234 Euro (Code LEVELUP24), the Intel N95 with 12/256 GB is exactly in between at around 200 Euro.
In terms of price and features, it is not quite as compact Bmax B6 Plus (Test report) at least as exciting. You can currently get it with an Intel i3-10005G and 12/512 GB for 170 Euro (Code 77B71C8M). Although “only” a dual-core processor is used, the B6 Plus achieves a similarly strong benchmark result of 3155 points. The fans are never noticeable in everyday life, and the noise is the lowest of any fan-powered mini PC to date. An exact measurement is almost impossible because the environment is louder. Overall, a clear recommendation and another, better alternative to the Tiny Box – albeit less compact.
If you want more performance, this is it Listen to AMR5 (test report) a significantly more expensive alternative, but one that is a real value for money. It therefore wins the test in our best list of mini PCs under 300 euros. At Full HD resolution and reduced settings, it can even play games like Portal 2, Counter Strike or Anno 1800. But the most attractive thing about this mini PC, aside from its performance, is the relatively low price: with the code NNNDEOVR57 This is currently reduced to 300 Euro.
Conclusion
T-Bao did quite a lot right with the T8 Plus. In addition to the completely adequate everyday performance and the still sufficient RAM, this also includes the really good price. For just 138 euros you have a really attractive horse in your stable. Our test of the CSL Tiny Box shows that some manufacturers stumble even at 170 euros. Not so here, which is why the small mini PC gets a clear recommendation.
Due to the existing variety of connections with three HDMI and two Ethernet, there are a surprising number of possible uses for smart home centers with home assistant (guide), firewall appliance or office use for the low price. Overall, all we can say is: Hats off.