Minisforum G1 Pro Drops Nvidia RTX 5060 for AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT

ETA Prime explores the transformation of the Minisforum G1 Pro into a custom “R1 Pro” by swapping its Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU for an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT. This upgrade not only highlights the G1 Pro’s adaptability but also demonstrates the potential of an all-AMD configuration. With the RX 9060 XT’s triple-fan cooling system, 16 GB of VRAM and PCIe 5.0 support, the system achieved near full-size GPU performance while maintaining efficient thermal management. The experiment underscores how the compact G1 Pro can handle high-performance hardware without sacrificing portability or stability.

Dive into this analysis to uncover key insights from the upgrade process, including the impact of increased power limits on gaming benchmarks and how the RX 9060 XT performed across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2. You’ll also gain a clearer understanding of the thermal and acoustic efficiency achieved during testing, as well as the broader implications for future all-AMD small form factor systems. This breakdown offers a practical look at the possibilities of pushing compact PCs to their full potential.

Core Features & Specifications

At the heart of the Minisforum G1 Pro lies the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX processor, a 16-core, 32-thread CPU capable of reaching a maximum clock speed of 5.4 GHz. This processor is designed to handle multitasking, gaming and demanding professional workloads with ease. The system supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM, tested at speeds of 5200 MT/s, making sure smooth performance for resource-intensive applications.

The G1 Pro is equipped with an Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU featuring 8 GB of VRAM, optimized for gaming at 1440p resolution. This GPU delivers excellent performance for modern games, making it a solid choice for gamers seeking high-quality visuals and smooth frame rates. Additional features include customizable RGB lighting and three distinct performance modes, Office, Gaming and Beast, allowing users to tailor the system’s behavior to their specific needs, whether for work or play.

Exploring the Potential of an All-AMD Configuration

To explore the feasibility of an all-AMD setup, the Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU was replaced with an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT. This upgrade introduced several enhancements that showcased the G1 Pro’s adaptability and performance potential:

• Enhanced Cooling: The RX 9060 XT features a triple-fan cooling design, making sure improved thermal efficiency during intensive workloads.
• Increased VRAM: With 16 GB of VRAM, the RX 9060 XT offers greater memory capacity for handling high-resolution textures and demanding games.
• PCIe 5.0 Compatibility: The GPU’s PCIe x16 5.0 support enables faster data transfer rates, enhancing overall system responsiveness.
• Durable Build: An aluminum backplate and a slightly thicker form factor contribute to the GPU’s durability and heat dissipation.

While the RX 9060 XT has one fewer display output compared to the RTX 5060, it delivered near full-size RX 9060 XT performance after increasing the power limit to 158W. This experiment highlighted the G1 Pro’s ability to integrate high-performance AMD components without compromising on performance or thermal efficiency.

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Performance Benchmarks: Gaming at 1440p

The upgraded G1 Pro was tested across several popular games at 1440p ultra settings, delivering impressive results that rival larger gaming rigs:

• Cyberpunk 2077: Maintained high frame rates with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4 enabled, making sure smooth gameplay in visually demanding environments.
• Red Dead Redemption 2: Averaged 85–96 FPS, providing a seamless and immersive experience in one of the most graphically intensive games available.
• Crimson Desert: Exceeded 100 FPS with FSR frame generation, demonstrating the GPU’s efficiency and ability to handle next-generation titles.
• Halo Campaign Evolved: Delivered fluid gameplay with enhanced performance on FSR quality settings, showcasing the system’s versatility.

Benchmarking revealed only a 2–3% performance difference between the low-profile RX 9060 XT and its full-size counterpart. This minimal gap underscores the effectiveness of the upgrade and the G1 Pro’s capability to handle high-performance hardware in a compact form factor.

Thermal and Acoustic Efficiency

The G1 Pro’s thermal management system proved highly effective, even with the upgraded AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT. During testing, the CPU maintained an average temperature of 80°C, peaking at 85°C under heavy loads. The GPU operated at an average of 70°C, with a maximum of 73°C during intensive gaming sessions.

The triple-fan cooling system played a crucial role in maintaining these temperatures, making sure consistent performance without overheating. Additionally, the fans operated at 70–80% speed during gaming, striking a balance between cooling efficiency and acoustic comfort. Noise levels remained manageable, making the system suitable for extended gaming or work sessions without causing distractions.

Future Implications for All-AMD Systems

The successful integration of the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT into the Minisforum G1 Pro highlights the potential for an all-AMD small form factor gaming PC. This configuration benefits from AMD’s ecosystem optimizations, such as FidelityFX Super Resolution technology, which enhances gaming performance and visual quality. The experiment demonstrated that an all-AMD setup could deliver competitive performance while maintaining the compact and portable design that defines the G1 Pro.

These findings suggest that Minisforum could consider developing an AMD-exclusive variant of the G1 Pro, potentially branded as the “R1 Pro.” Such a system could further optimize performance and compatibility within AMD’s ecosystem, appealing to users seeking a cohesive and efficient solution for gaming and professional workloads.

The Minisforum G1 Pro: A Versatile Solution

The Minisforum G1 Pro exemplifies the advancements in small form factor gaming PCs, offering a combination of portability, powerful hardware and adaptability. By upgrading to an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT, the system demonstrated its ability to rival larger gaming rigs in terms of performance, thermal efficiency and versatility. With customizable performance modes and strong gaming benchmarks at 1440p resolution, the G1 Pro is a compelling choice for gamers and professionals alike.

This experiment also underscores the potential for future innovations in all-AMD systems, paving the way for more cohesive and efficient solutions in the compact PC market. The G1 Pro stands as a testament to the possibilities of combining innovative technology with thoughtful design, delivering a powerful and portable gaming experience.

Media Credit: ETA PRIME

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