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Seamless Computing, Redefined: Khadas Mind 2 Modular Mini PC Review

  • River
  • 4 days ago
  • 6 min read

Introduction: This article is part of the Khadas Mind review program organized by SSPAI. You’ll find more information about the program at the end of this article.


For years, mini PCs have represented an appealing idea that often collided with real-world limitations. Their compact interiors impose strict constraints on both performance and thermal design, while also challenging craftsmanship and engineering precision. Despite being positioned differently from laptops, mini PCs are inevitably compared to them—after all, consumers expect similar versatility and polish in a smaller footprint.


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Khadas takes a different path with its modular design philosophy. The Khadas Mind 2 modular mini PC, through its modular structure and a set of versatile accessories, bridges the gap between home, office, and travel, seamlessly connecting your workflow across spaces while offering a new dimension of portability.


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After spending more than ten days with it, my first impression is clear: Khadas Mind 2 has carved out a unique niche in the crowded mini PC landscape.


Performance and Craftsmanship: You Can Have It All


Before diving into specs, Mind 2’s craftsmanship deserves attention. Measuring 146 × 105 × 20 mm and weighing around 435 grams, its CNC-milled, anodized aluminum body feels solid yet refined. The precision of its seams and buttons, coupled with the subtle edge chamfering, strikes a satisfying balance between visual sharpness and tactile comfort. Each time I switch setups and pick it up, I can’t help but linger on its smooth edges.


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Compact Size, Serious Performance


Inside this slim form factor, Mind 2 packs impressive power. It’s built on Intel’s Core Ultra platform, featuring a unified CPU, GPU, and NPU architecture. The model I tested uses the Ultra 7 155H, with 16 cores and 22 threads, running at about 45W TDP. In Cinebench tests, it scored roughly 14,500 in multi-core, nearly doubling the previous generation’s i7-1360P.


Paired with an integrated Intel Arc GPU, 64GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, it handles daily productivity, creative workloads, and even light video editing with ease.


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For gaming, it comfortably runs Counter-Strike 2 and League of Legends at over 60 FPS at 1080p on high settings, and even Cyberpunk 2077 can reach 30 FPS at 1080p low—more than enough for typical office tasks or a break between work sessions.


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Thermal and Acoustic Balance


Mind 2 uses a custom cooling system combining VC vapor chamber, pure copper heat fins, and a maglev fan. With a dual-inlet, single-outlet airflow, it keeps the CPU below 90°C under full load—well within Intel Ultra’s spec limit of 110°C. Even at maximum load, fan noise stays surprisingly low, preserving a quiet workspace.


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Connectivity and Expandability


Rear I/O includes two full-featured USB-C ports (one Thunderbolt 4, one USB4), each supporting 100W PD, DP 2.1 video, and 40Gbps data. You’ll also find one HDMI 2.1 TMDS, two USB-A 3.2 Gen2, and a bottom M.2 2230 slot with a tool-free press latch.


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Expansion Modules Designed for Different Needs


For heavier workloads, users can choose the Ultra 7 255H variant or connect one of Khadas’s two expansion modules—both matching the main unit’s minimalist metal design.


Khadas offers two modular companions:

  • Mind Dock – a multifunctional expansion hub for general productivity and convenience.

  • Mind Graphics – an eGPU module with a desktop-grade RTX 4060 Ti, built for creators and gamers.


Both share the same CNC aluminum body, ensuring a consistent aesthetic and premium feel.


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Mind Dock


Up front, it features a 200MB/s SD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack, and USB-A port. On the back—two more USB-A ports, dual HDMI 2.0 outputs, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, and USB-C power input.


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It also integrates thoughtful extras: a notched volume knob, dual speakers, and Windows Hello fingerprint login. Though not audiophile-grade, the speakers are good enough for everyday playback, and the Dock’s compact layout fits well in tight desk setups.


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Mind Graphics


For power users, Mind Graphics raises the bar. Along with its RTX 4060 Ti (165W) GPU, it includes front audio jack, USB4, SD 4.0 reader, and rear triple USB-A (10Gbps), dual HDMI 2.1a, DP 1.4a, and power port. It also comes with an integrated speaker system featuring a dedicated bass unit, delivering louder volume and deeper low-end performance than Mind Dock. The chassis also retains the physical volume button and fingerprint reader.


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In 3DMark Time Spy, the RTX 4060 Ti GPU scored 12,750, close to the desktop 4060 Ti’s 13,400. In Black Myth: Wukong at 4K high settings (DLSS off), it averaged 40 FPS, and over 60 FPS with DLSS enabled. Cyberpunk 2077 delivered similar results: the average frame rate reaches 52 FPS at the same settings without DLSS and stays above 60 FPS when DLSS is enabled. The acoustic control is excellent, making it a stealthy yet powerful desktop solution.


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Modularity, Refined for the Desktop


As a hardcore gamer and industry professional with various consoles and a gaming laptop, I naturally couldn’t resist comparing this setup with them. When paired, Mind 2 and Mind Graphics measure just 133 × 199 × 110 mm (≈2.5L)—about the size of two Nintendo Switch docks stacked together, but worlds apart in power.


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In a home gaming setup, the Mind system’s compact 2.5L form gives it a clear edge over traditional gaming laptops with quieter operation, fewer cables, and a far cleaner desk setup. Rear-facing ports keep everything tidy, and the system can sit neatly under your monitor for easy access—freeing up space and avoiding the risk of accidental bumps.


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Placement also makes a big difference in everyday use. Gaming laptops usually sit to the side of your display, with speakers and fans both blasting in one direction, which is hardly ideal for sound quality. And monitor speakers rarely fare much better. The Mind system, by contrast, sits at the center beneath your screen, and when paired with Mind Graphic’s built-in speakers, it delivers a more balanced audio-visual experience.


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While compact ITX builds can achieve similar specs, they often come with compromises. Building such a system usually requires custom parts, limited GPU choices, and a more complex setup. Most ITX cases also lack built-in speakers or SD card readers, adding cost and clutter.


A comparable ITX build costs around $1,400, while the Mind 2 + Graphics combo reviewed here is over $2,400 (top config: 64GB RAM + 2TB SSD; cheaper options exist). Admittedly, from a price-to-performance standpoint, Mind isn’t the only choice. Yet beyond its compact size, Mind’s real strength lies in its Mind Link expansion and built-in 5.55Wh battery, which enable modular design and versatile use—all in an elegant, out-of-the-box form.


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Seamless Work and Play Powered by Mind Link & Built-in Battery


Mind 2 comes with a dedicated app that intelligently manages CPU power, switching between Power-saving, Balanced, and Performance modes based on input voltage. When unplugged, its built-in battery can maintain sleep mode for up to 25 hours, making it easy to carry between home, office, or long trips while keeping work seamless.


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The Mind Link interface provides PCIe 5.0 x8 bandwidth with a maximum transfer rate of 256 GT/s, supporting both high-speed data transfer and power delivery. Both Mind Dock and Mind Graphics feature precisely aligned grooves and magnetic connectors for quick placement and secure attachment. Removing Mind is as simple as a gentle lift.


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To reduce wear, connectors on both Mind 2 and the docks are chamfered, minimizing friction. Even after dozens of attachment cycles, they remain as good as new.


Note that the GPU does not support hot swapping, so Mind must be powered off before detaching Mind Graphics to avoid hardware damage. A physical lock on Mind Graphics prevents accidental removal and only disengages when the device is off. An unlock button on the back triggers the app to remind the user to disconnect and shut down.


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In daily use, the modular design proves highly convenient. Commuting no longer requires a laptop bag or power cables—just slip the host into a coat pocket. At home or the office, placing it back onto the dock instantly resumes work or entertainment, offering a seamless transition that traditional laptops can’t match.


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Who It’s For


So, who is this product really for?


It’s perfect for anyone who values data security, works in multiple locations, and needs a portable, easy-to-use system—business professionals and tech users, for example. Carrying the host keeps your accounts safe from public machines, and at about a quarter of the weight of a similarly sized aluminum MacBook, it slips into a pocket without any extra cables.


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The two expansion modules take things further. For commuters, the grab-and-go convenience saves time on cable management and setup. For gamers, Mind 2 paired with Mind Graphics delivers a smooth experience. The 165W RTX 4060 Ti, quiet design, and compact, integrated form factor tackle the usual headaches of noise, heat, and space that come with high-performance PCs.


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Final Thoughts


Khadas Mind isn’t for everyone, but it stands out in the mini-PC market. Thoughtful design, precise craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of its users’ needs give it a unique edge. With modular expansion and built-in support for future upgrades, it’s a system that grows with you.



Author: Deleike


Closing Note

This review was created for SSPAI’s Khadas Mind community testing initiative. Twenty SSPAI contributors will spend 30 days with Khadas Mind and share their hands-on impressions with honesty and transparency.


About SSPAI (sspai.com)

SSPAI is a leading digital lifestyle and consumer-tech platform in China. Built on a professional creator–driven model, it stands for objectivity, clarity, and editorial independence. SSPAI is committed to helping people improve productivity and quality of life through thoughtful methods and better digital tools.

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