HP Pro Mini 400 G9 Mini-PC review: NUC PC with good efficiency thanks to Intel Core i5-13500T and modular design

The well-known manufacturer HP sells a variety of Mini-PCs for every budget. The HP Pro Mini 400 G9 models start at just under 400 euros, while the most expensive devices are still within a reasonable range at just under 1,000 euros. All devices have one thing in common: only T-models based on the LGA-1700 socket are used as processors. In this test, we look at the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 with Intel Core i5-13500T a conventional, economical desktop processor with low power consumption. We will see in the test whether HP succeeds in holding its own against the wide range of Mini-PCs based on mobile processors. The working memory in our test sample comprises 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD is installed for the mass storage. The device can be purchased directly from the manufacturer in the online store for 870 euros. A Windows 11 Professional license as well as a keyboard and mouse are included.

As a compact office device, the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 has to compete against powerful Mini-PCs. We take a closer look at the duel with the HP Elite Mini 800 G9, which is equipped with the Intel Core i5-13500 ran through our test course. We have compiled all comparison devices in the following table.

Note: We have updated our rating system and the results of version 8 are not comparable with the results of version 7 here available here.

The HP Pro Mini 400 G9 is visually similar to the HP Elite Mini 800 G9 is very similar. However, a closer look reveals clear differences. The top of the all-metal casing is now completely closed and does not have any ventilation openings. We will take a look at the extent to which this affects performance and temperatures later. This design certainly has one advantage, as dirt and dust cannot get into the system so easily. A plastic panel is mounted on the front, which fits in perfectly with the overall look. The workmanship of the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 is high quality and offers no cause for criticism. The modular design, which makes it possible to quickly remove some components and carry out minor repairs yourself, should be emphasized.

The HP Pro Mini 400 G9 is always sold with RAM and a mass storage device. It is therefore not necessary to disassemble the device for the first start in order to install missing components, as is the case with barebone devices. The mini-PC can be opened easily and even without tools. The case cover is only held in place by a small knurled screw. Once this is loosened, the cover can be pushed back slightly and then removed upwards. The RAM is located directly under the CPU fan, which can simply be flipped upwards. In order to access the mass storage, you have to use a tool because the 2.5-inch bay has to be removed. In the HP Pro Mini 400 G9, however, the M.2 memory can only be replaced. It is not possible to install a second M.2 SSD. If you want to use a second mass storage device, you have to resort to a 2.5-inch model.

The modular design also makes it much easier to clean the device and the CPU fan. As a special feature, it should be mentioned that the CPU of the Pro Mini 400 G9 can be removed, as the Intel Core i5-13500T is a conventional desktop CPU and is installed in the LGA1700 socket.

HP packs the Pro Mini 400 G9 and the included accessories in a simple cardboard box. Individual components, such as the device itself and the power supply unit, are packed in separate plastic sleeves, which could certainly be saved in the interests of sustainability. The modular design, which allows minor repairs, is commendable. HP offers several parts in its spare parts store. The SSD, RAM, and CPU are not proprietary components and can also be purchased from third-party suppliers. As the manufacturer informed us, so-called ocean-bound plastic is used for the production of the devices, which would otherwise have ended up in the oceans. The manufacturer also relies on innovative recycled raw materials such as used cooking oil, fishing nets, and coffee grounds. This is underpinned by various certifications from external partners such as "Blue Angel", "EPEAT" and "TCO".

The HP Pro Mini 400 G9 presents itself as a compact office PC. With the Intel Core i5-13500T, HP installs an economical processor, which nevertheless delivers good multi-core performance due to its number of physical computing units. However, the biggest weakness is probably the 3D performance, as the iGPU of the desktop processor is inferior to most iGPUs of the mobile processors.

We use the "HP Optimized" energy profile for all performance tests with the HP Pro Mini 400 G9. HP itself does not offer any further options for customizing the system's performance. The processor's power limits can be adjusted via the XTU (Intel Extreme Tuning Utility) tool. However, we do not recommend increasing the values. This is because the power consumption is too high and the power supply unit is not designed for this.

The Intel Core i5-13500T is a conventional desktop processor and belongs to the Raptor Lake series. With 6 P and 8 E cores, the processor can process 20 threads simultaneously. Unlike conventional Mini-PCs, the processor in the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 is not permanently soldered. The abbreviation "T" reveals that the CPU installed is a particularly economical model, which is specially designed for use in compact systems. With this in mind, the choice of the Intel Core i5-13500T in combination with the small case is the right decision. Intel specifies a power limit of 35 watts under continuous load for the processor installed here, although up to 92 watts are possible in Turbo mode. However, HP cuts the maximum value and sets the limit at 74 watts. However, the Intel Core i5-13500T does not reach this value in the further course of the test. It doesn't have to, because the performance of the processor is good and compared to the HP Elite Mini 800 G9б which is equipped with the Intel Core i5-13500б our test sample only loses 9 percentage points in the average performance comparison.

All rivals offer more performance, which cannot be denied and the results do not lie. Nevertheless, one should not underestimate the performance of the HP Pro Mini 400 G9, which ensures good efficiency concerning the power consumption.

For further comparisons and benchmarks, please refer to our CPU comparison table.