Vendors now seem to be prioritizing DDR4 platforms, which is obvious since DDR5-based systems have become unaffordable.
Minisforum Launches Elite Mini NAB9S, Featuring Intel Core i9 13900HX, SO-DIMM DDR4 Memory, and Support for SATA Driver at $399 for Barebones
Despite being nearly 12 years old, DDR4 isn't going anywhere. It took a lot of time for the market to transition from DDR4 to DDR5 properly, but right when DDR5 became the norm, the RAMpocalypse hit the market like a truck. Since DDR5 memories have become 4-5X more expensive than July 2025 levels, it's understandable that vendors might be struggling with sourcing cheaper DDR5 memory modules for the consumer market.
As a large inventory of DDR5 chips is shipped for AI servers, many vendors are trying to build new product lineups on previous-generation DDR memory modules. Minisforum, which is a popular mini PC maker, has just introduced a new mini PC called Elite Mini NAB9S. While the official X handle of the company didn't list out the specifications on the launch post, the specifications speak loudly about the current market on the official website.
Minisforum NAB9S is aimed at the entry-level market, but boasts a powerful 24-core/32-thread chip called Intel Core i9 13900HX. Since it's not adopting the latest Arrow Lake or Panther/Wildcat Lake chips, it's obvious that there must be a valid reason for going back to the 13th gen family. The major reason is cost, and while cheaper mobile SKUs from Panther Lake and Wildcat Lake are available, the company opted for 13900HX since it's easier to save money on processors than on memory.
The NAB9S is built using DDR4 memory, specifically SO-DIMM, since it uses a mobile platform. There are dual SO-DIMM DDR4 slots in the system that can support up to 32 GB of memory capacity and up to 3200 MHz of frequency. For storage, it boasts a single M.2 2280 SSD slot with Gen 4.0 interface and supports up to 4 TB SSD drives. But there is a single SATA 3.0 slot as well, which allows adding a 2.5-inch SATA drive for expanding the storage easily.
That said, it's still quite expensive, even when the company opted for DDR4 memory. The barebone alone costs $399 while the 32 GB + 1 TB SSD configuration is listed at a whopping $759. You can just imagine how costly it would have been with DDR5 memory. Nonetheless, the NAB9S targets users who have "demanding work, productivity, and everyday multitasking" needs and will be available in four different regions: the US, the EU, the UK, and JP.
News Source: Minisforum
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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