Smallest Desk PC Yet!! - Vector Desk Mini Review

The video opens with Linus introducing the Vector Desk Mini as a compact, visually appealing desk PC case and teases the goal of fitting a full custom water cooling loop inside a small footprint. The hosts explain that the desk is designed for air cooling or all-in-one liquid cooling, but they push beyond a basic build by assembling a high-performance, multi-core gaming and content-creation machine without water cooling initially to hit a rough budget target. They describe selecting an AMD Ryzen 7 1800x, an Asus Crosshair VI Hero motherboard, and a powerful combination of components to maximize CPU performance, multi-GPU readiness, and fast NVMe storage, all while maintaining a quieter operation. They detail the process of fitting components into the compact chassis, noting the challenges of motherboard mounting, PCIe covers, and the need for careful cable management. The build evolves into a visually cohesive, monochrome aesthetic with custom sleeving, a modular EK water cooling setup, and a see-through GPU block, all aimed at keeping temps reasonable while preserving the desk’s footprint. Throughout, the hosts assess balance between size, performance, and noise, concluding that the Vector Desk Mini excels at being space-saving and visually impressive, yet its small size limits luxury gaming ergonomics and certain keyboard configurations. The video ends with a reflection on the product’s value, acknowledging its fair price given the alternative of a full PC case and separate desk, while hinting at future desk PC iterations that might push the boundaries further. The presenters emphasize the design philosophy behind the Vector Desk Mini, highlighting its lightweight yet rigid build once the hardware is installed, and they showcase how a compact form factor can house a capable, aesthetics-focused setup. They walk through critical build decisions, such as selecting a high-end GPU option, choosing a powerful but efficient PSU to avoid audible fan activity, and integrating an extensive water cooling loop from EK to achieve low noise levels. The video also covers practical build tweaks, including drive mounting, cable routing, and the decision to go with a bold yet clean black-and-gray cable appearance. In the closing analysis, they acknowledge the desk’s standout appeal and reasonable pricing but caution that the form factor compromises for gamers who require larger keyboards or more expansive mouse pads, suggesting that viewers might want to wait for improved iterations if they need more space for peripherals or future upgrades.

Topics · technology · hardware · product_review · gaming