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BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U vs BOSGAME E5 Mini PC

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against mini PCs at a similar price

The BOSGAME E5 Mini PC scores 5.8/10 overall, ahead of the BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U at 5.3/10.

The BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U leads on CPU performance.

The BOSGAME E5 Mini PC leads on upgradeability, networking and efficiency and noise.

They score the same on ports and expansion and build and support.

BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5 3501U up to 3.7GHz, 8GB RAM 256GB SSD

BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U

5.3/10verdict: good, not the best

The BOSGAME E2Air suits people who want a small, low-cost desktop for everyday programs, browsing and media. It also suits anyone who wants a basic second machine with several video outputs. It is not aimed at heavy virtualisation, fast networking or large local storage.

Typically about £179.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

BOSGAME E5 Mini PC

BOSGAME E5 Mini PC

5.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The E5 is for homelabbers who want a compact box with two Ethernet ports and room to add RAM and storage. It suits firewall, light server and everyday desktop work better than gaming. Buyers who need confirmed 2.5GbE or fast external expansion should check the details first.

Typically about £245.65 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightBOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501UBOSGAME E5 Mini PC
CPU performance25%6/105/10
Upgradeability20%6/108/10
Networking20%4/105/10
Efficiency and noise15%5/106/10
Ports and expansion10%5/105/10
Build and support10%5/105/10
Overall5.3/105.8/10

Specifications

SpecBOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501UBOSGAME E5 Mini PC
CPUAMD Ryzen 5 3501U, 4 cores/8 threads, up to 3.7GHz boost, Radeon Vega 8 graphics at up to 1200MHzAMD Ryzen 3 5300U, 4 cores / 8 threads, up to 3.8GHz, Radeon graphics
Memory8GB DDR4-2400, one SODIMM module preloaded16GB DDR4 (16GB x1) SO-DIMM, 3200MHz, on the 16GB configurations
Storage256GB M.2 2280 SSD (SATA per manufacturer)512GB M.2 2280 PCIe SSD on the 16GB/512GB Amazon UK configuration; manufacturer page lists 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe SSD, scalable to 4TB
NetworkingGigabit Ethernet (one RJ45 port), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0Dual RJ45 LAN, manufacturer lists 1000Mbps x2 (third-party sources and Amazon UK title say 2.5G; unresolved); Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0
Maximum memory32GB64GB
Storage slotsnot listedTwo M.2 slots: one occupied, one extra internal M.2 slot for a second SSD up to 2TB
PortsTwo HDMI 2.0 ports (4K@60Hz), USB-C video output, Gigabit Ethernet, abundant USB ports (count not given)USB 3.2 Type-A x3, USB 2.0 Type-A x1, RJ45 LAN x2, HDMI 2.0 x1, DisplayPort x1, USB-C video output (4K@60Hz), 3.5mm combo jack
Power draw15W typical TDP (design figure, not a measured draw)Power consumption 25 watts per Amazon.com listing; 15W TDP per third-party review; adapter ratings conflict (19V/3.42A or 12V/3A)

Strengths and weaknesses

BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U

  • + Four cores and eight threads with Vega 8 graphics
  • + Two HDMI 2.0 ports plus USB-C video output
  • + RAM can grow to 32GB through the SODIMM slot
  • − Single Gigabit Ethernet port is the only wired option listed
  • − No USB4, Thunderbolt or OCuLink listed
  • − Warranty length conflicts between manufacturer and retailer

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers who need 2.5GbE, 10GbE or multiple network ports
  • Buyers who want to run several virtual machines or need lots of local storage
  • Anyone who needs USB4, Thunderbolt or OCuLink for fast external devices
Read the full BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U review ›

BOSGAME E5 Mini PC

  • + SO-DIMM RAM with a 64GB ceiling and a spare M.2 slot
  • + Dual LAN praised for homelab and firewall use
  • + Three video outputs, including USB-C
  • − Network speed is disputed: manufacturer lists gigabit, others say 2.5G
  • − Integrated graphics too weak for demanding games, owners say
  • − Several users report Bluetooth factory defects

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need confirmed 2.5GbE on both ports
  • Gamers wanting strong integrated graphics
  • Anyone who needs USB4, Thunderbolt or OCuLink expansion
Read the full BOSGAME E5 Mini PC review ›

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