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Dreamquest Mini PC, Intel N95 12th Gen CPU 16GB DDR4 512GB $216.71 Delivered @ Dreamquest Amazon AU

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Dreamquest Mini PC, Intel N95 12th Gen CPU 16GB DDR4 512GB $216.71 Delivered @ Dreamquest Amazon AUAffiliate
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repeat on 23/10/2023 - 07:48 amazon.com.au (2424 clicks)
Last edited 23/10/2023 - 10:28
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UPDATE: The N95 has sold out, but the link now goes to the (much older/slower) J4125 model - check that you have not bought the J4125 PC by mistake.
Your Amazon order should confirm N95 512GB 16GB

This is a good price for the specs in this Dreamquest Windows 11 Pro mini pc deal.

Make sure the model "N95 16 RAM 512GB ROM" is selected, and not the J4125 model which is a much slower, older and less capable model.

They are well packaged, have a metal outer enclosure, glass top with the "Dreamquest" logo illuminated when they are switched on.

These models use SATA M.2 storage (not NVMe) which may be a dealbreaker for some.

Note the WiFi 5 / BT 4.2 card is soldered on, and cannot be replaced or swapped out.

There is only a single SODIMM memory slot which is occupied.

What I like about this model:
There seem to be plenty of USB 3.2 ports.
3 HDMI ports are simple to use and accessible.
Micro SD card reader built in.
Dual Gigabit LAN.
Dual Band WiFi 2.4GHz / 5GHz
Bluetooth 4.2
16GB DDR 4 Memory
2.5 SATA can be added for additional storage.
They are fairly quiet at idle.
Windows 11 Pro is included.

Gaming: Note that the N95 CPU is not particularly suited for gaming. N100 is similarly not suited but better performing for games out of the two.

The UK reviews of the new model seem to be quite positive, with more than one reviewer mentioning quietness, and many surprised at it responsiveness and value for money.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
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closed Comments

  • Commodore64 on 23/10/2023 - 07:51

    ESXi + home assistant = Win

    • randomdude on 23/10/2023 - 08:14
      +1

      I agree but current, if not ongoing ESXi hardware compatibility can be a problem with these Chinese branded 'NUC's. Heck, I have an Intel NUC and I still dread ESXi upgrades.

      • Commodore64 on 23/10/2023 - 08:15
        +2

        Yes, particularly if they have Realtek NIC.
        Personally I use a NUC-11 i3, and it’s pretty awesome remotely creating VM.
        If you don’t need pass through or easy setup of complicated networking.. ProxMox or Beehive would work too

        • randomdude on 23/10/2023 - 08:20
          +1

          Still running my Bean Canyon NUC i5 but always on the lookout for its successor. I also run an old Mac Mini on demand as a spare ESXi copying the VMs over before upgrades. That's how scared I am of my wife.

          I usually follow this guy to keep up to date: https://williamlam.com/home-lab

          • rtfmoz on 23/10/2023 - 08:35

            @randomdude:

            Thats how scared of wife

            You too! I can't touch any gear she bought because she hates me changing anything at all. Drives me nuts.

      • duk242 on 23/10/2023 - 08:16
        +1

        Mayhaps Proxmox instead?

        (I've only just started my adventure down this path - decided on proxmox because of exactly what Randomdude said about hardware compatibiliy)

        • randomdude on 23/10/2023 - 08:22

          One day

        • RedHab on 23/10/2023 - 08:50

          Proxmox is also not so friendly to some Realtek NICs, but it can be got working with a bit of Googling.

          • resisting the urge on 23/10/2023 - 09:35

            @RedHab: Realtek NIC support is not the issue here. It is Realtek NICs.

            Just avoid any kit using them, FTW.

            Sadly this does mean avoiding devices built to a price, however look on the bright side:

            Every device you do buy lasts longer, and is less likely to suffer other compatibility, performance and cheapskate design-related limitations.

  • JoeJoog on 23/10/2023 - 08:12

    Thanks OP, been keen for a dedicated streaming PC or some sort for a while now.

  • m0tyrider on 23/10/2023 - 08:12
    +3

    What do people normally use these for?

    • randomdude on 23/10/2023 - 08:15
      +7

      24/7 servers (e.g Home Assistant), Home Camera file servers and Docker containers.

    • Commodore64 on 23/10/2023 - 08:17
      +7

      Smart home server (home assistant).
      Controlling a TV display such as in a shop.
      Basic desktop for browsing

      • BentoBento on 23/10/2023 - 09:04

        Hi! Would love to how - how do we control a TV display in a shop? I.e. do we just use remote connect or something?

        • stylsh on 23/10/2023 - 09:31

          Wireless Mouse would work

        • duk242 on 23/10/2023 - 09:32
          +3

          Depending what you want to do, check out Dakboard, Yodeck or Pisignage. There's lots of Digital Signage tools out there. You control them from a web interface and never even touch the computer running it once it's set up.

      • m0tyrider on 23/10/2023 - 09:10
        +2

        The home assistant stuff looks really cool, definitely going to look into getting this setup at some point.

  • shaybisc on 23/10/2023 - 08:14
    +1

    Anything that isn't gaming or video editing.

  • yolk on 23/10/2023 - 08:22

    What NIC does these units have? Will it be suitable for a router?

    • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:20

      I am not sure but suspect Realtek. I did not get a chance to check it out fully.
      MAC addresses printed on the interfaces were 00-E0-00 vendor code

      • phynicle on 23/10/2023 - 10:40

        You are right, it is Realtek

    • skittlebrau on 23/10/2023 - 18:03

      Generally speaking, if the NIC brand isn’t mentioned in the product specs, assume it’s Realtek. Usually a manufacturer will specifically mention when Intel NICs are used.

  • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 23/10/2023 - 08:24

    Do you know if this has USB-C port for output? Have a docking station that works on USB-C only.

    • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 08:28
      +3

      These do not have any USB-C ports.
      They have 3x HDMI for video, 1x microSD, and 4x USB 3.2

    • M00Cow on 23/10/2023 - 08:44
      +3

      https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C5WXL5D2

      1x full function USB Type-C (DP1.4 ) interface supports 4K display, data transmission (5Gbps) and Power input(With PD3.0 protocol,12-18V), all in one cable. The USB-C Power Input also support PD3.0 protocol, can be powered by a mobile power bank or laptop charger that supports USB C Power Delivery.

  • raydebug on 23/10/2023 - 08:33

    Is it suitable for 4k and arcade simulators

  • Jklaro on 23/10/2023 - 08:33
    +3

    Can these transcode 4k plex for a movie server.

    • tivot on 23/10/2023 - 09:28
      +1

      I would like to know the same

    • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:27
      +1

      The N95 CPU should be capable of transcoding, based on Michael's review:

      Michael's conclusion:
      "Ever since discovering the SR-IOV capabilities of Intel iGPUs, I've been tinkering with them to explore their true potential. In my latest experimentation, I'm pleased to find that even a 16 EU cut-down version on the N95 chip can perform admirably"

    • M00Cow on 23/10/2023 - 11:30

      I'd spend a few $'s more and go the intel n100 ones. The Beelink Pro 16/512gb has been below $260 a few times recently.

      Here's someone in Reddit (1st comment) claiming they were testing 4 x 4k-> 1080p transcoding and it was using 10-20% CPU & 50% GPU

      https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/s/3GoM1fnVwm

      • Jklaro on 23/10/2023 - 11:35

        The most id use it 2 x 4k at once locally in home. Surely the n95 would be capable of that?

    • skittlebrau on 23/10/2023 - 18:05

      It’d be fine for that, unless you’re burning in subtitles I think. That still seems to be a single-threaded process which requires a high clock speeds.

      • Jklaro on 23/10/2023 - 18:15

        So it wont do 4k with subtitles?

        • skittlebrau on 23/10/2023 - 19:25

          It won't, but the solution is to use a better player on the client end and not use image-based subtitles.

  • Kawaii on 23/10/2023 - 08:36

    Is that better than i5 6500

    • qwijibo on 23/10/2023 - 08:47
      +2

      Approximately the same in raw cpu grunt. N95 is a more recent cpu arch though (12th gen e-cores), and these things are pretty low on power (I've measured power consumption in a similar box with N100 cpu - 10.5W idle, 21W max load).

      For a tiny proxmox+firewall or plex/htpc setup, these things are great.

      Your next best option is the lenovo/dell/hp refurb slimline desktops that appear on ozbargain. They're cheaper, but older and consume a bit more power.

  • misticknight on 23/10/2023 - 08:38

    hi. how do you reckon this box will fare with emulation up to at least CEMU? Just want to replay TP/WW without having to dig out/hook up my wii u wherever it even is.

    • ahmeni on 23/10/2023 - 09:37

      This iGPU would struggle a lot with CEMU.

  • CriticalImpact on 23/10/2023 - 08:45

    Not a bad little box to use as a kubernetes node(where was this a week ago when I bought something more expensive for this exact purpose)

    • qwijibo on 23/10/2023 - 08:52
      +5

      Third rule of ozbargain. As soon as you stop procrastinating and hit buy on an item, someone will post a deal undercutting what you paid.

    • d4zz4 on 23/10/2023 - 10:24

      I went for an N100 CPU instead, from the quick bit of reading it seemed to be better bang for buck.

    • UsernameChecksIn on 23/10/2023 - 10:31

      You mean this https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/805605 ?

  • internet-stranger on 23/10/2023 - 08:54
    +1

    Waiting for the Beelink dual 2.5gbs Nic model to go on sale again….

    • cycleri3 on 23/10/2023 - 08:57

      what nics on this?

      • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:14

        I think they are realtek NICs

    • M00Cow on 23/10/2023 - 11:48

      Yeah, I'm banking on Black Friday deals.

  • garage sale on 23/10/2023 - 09:05
    +3

    Thanks for listing the Sata vs NVME issue, for me the availability of NVME means I'd pass on this one but same specs and price with NVME and I'd hit the buy button.

  • gretathunberg on 23/10/2023 - 09:17

    is it good for playing 4k movies?

    • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:13
      +2

      The built in graphics are capable of this.

  • BatmanAU on 23/10/2023 - 09:18

    Would this be any good for just normal windows use, word etc, browsing and movie here and there? Parent Dell needs replacing and they don’t have much room.

    • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:18

      Yes this good for a low cost Windows desktop computer.
      It may not be as reliable as a Dell Optiplex etc though.

      • BatmanAU on 23/10/2023 - 11:53

        Thanks repeat, in what way? Just so I have an idea if and when more become available

        • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 11:58

          The Dell Optiplex are made to corporate use spec, so the components are generally more robust and are designed to be used every day and not fail within the 3Y warranty.
          These mini PCs are made to a much lower price target, so it will be less likely to survive the same usage profile that the Dell Optiplex would.
          For example, opening the Dell case can be done many times without any negative impact - but opening the Dreamquest involves removing the base by unscrewing four self tapping screws which hold on the four rubber feet. Doing this many times risks stripping out the aluminium thread, the feet may not sit correctly etc.

  • thispasito on 23/10/2023 - 09:22

    How does the Intel n95 compare to Intel 9400t

  • kungfuman on 23/10/2023 - 09:29
    +1

    man why should I even both getting a pi 5 :D this woudl make a good retro machine for sure.

  • bargainhunter168 on 23/10/2023 - 09:35

    Celeron CPU is pretty bad

    • kungfuman on 23/10/2023 - 09:46

      would it be better than the pi 5 though? for retro gaming NES, arcade, ps1 etc etc.

  • jaycasanova on 23/10/2023 - 10:08

    Is this box capable of watching youtube and open multiple chrome tabs? and some excel works.

    • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:13
      +1

      It should be fine for those tasks.

    • kungfuman on 23/10/2023 - 10:21
      +1

      more than capable of doing this.

  • bar gain man on 23/10/2023 - 10:21

    Whats the power consumption like? I want to use it 24/7 as a file and print server

    • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:22

      My guess around 10W at idle, but this would need to be confirmed.
      Power supply is 12V 3A

  • citybargainhunter on 23/10/2023 - 10:26

    Is this good for general web surfing and office?

  • TheYeetDoe on 23/10/2023 - 10:26

    Does it show $187.82 for anyone else?

    • internet-stranger on 23/10/2023 - 10:27
      +1

      That’s the 8gb RAM model, with different CPU.
      Looks like they have swapped out the model on the listing.

    • thispasito on 23/10/2023 - 10:27
      +1

      Yea, but that's the J4125 one. The N95 doesn't seem to be available anymore.

    • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:31

      Don't buy that $187 one - it is very old and slow, J4125 (unless that model suits your needs for some reason of course)

    • Loot N Plunder on 23/10/2023 - 10:31

      Yes it has changed and the ram has halved to 8 gig so it looks like they ran out and are pushing the cheaper one

  • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:30

    Looks to be sold out - the link now only has the J4125 (Much much slower and older, less RAM/storage)\

    The $187 offer is for an awfully slow and old J4125 model.

    • internet-stranger on 23/10/2023 - 10:32

      Yup. Probably going to catch a few people who didn’t double check before clicking buy.

  • repeat on 23/10/2023 - 10:36
    +1

    For those who have ordered just make sure your order detail shows something like
    "Dreamquest Mini Desktop Computer Windows 11 Pro Preinstalled, Intel 12th N95 (up to 3.4GHz) Mini Pc with 16GB RAM 512GB M.2 SSD, USB3.2, BT4.2,WiFi 5"

    If it mentions something else like
    "Mini Pc Windows 11 Pro Intel Celeron J4125 4Cores 8GB DDR4 RAM 128GB EMMC M.2 SSD 2.4G/5G Dual WiFi BT4.2/4*USB 3.0/2.5G Gigabit Ethernet HDMI&VGA" (or similar)
    then you have ordered the old one - you should be able to cancel it if you do it quickly.

  • chromium on 23/10/2023 - 10:45
    +1

    Looks good for the price. I got an Optiplex 7060 micro with an 8500T, 16GB and 500 sata m.2 for $250 a few weeks ago, this might be better.
    I was able to add another16GB to mine though and the m.2 slot supports nvme
    Currently playing around with proxmox and the extra RAM is appreciated

    • internet-stranger on 23/10/2023 - 10:47

      Did you buy it off eBay? lol you might of bought mine off me.

      • chromium on 23/10/2023 - 10:49

        Lol. I did, but I got it from Australian Computer Traders.

        What were you using yours for and why did you sell it?

        • internet-stranger on 23/10/2023 - 10:54

          I bought 5, made a proxmox cluster.
          After a few months I realised I don’t need a cluster even though it was fun and went back down to a single.
          Proxmox running HA, PiAware (for aircraft tracking) and SunGather (for getting solar data from inverter)

          • chromium on 23/10/2023 - 11:19

            @internet-stranger: Haha ok. I only bought one. Playing around with proxmox for the first time. Installed an ubuntu server VM + docker and have a few containers running like MS SQL Server and Portainer.Also got Turnkey File Server an Pi Hole running as LXCs plus another Linux Mint VM. Need more things to play with!

  • erasimos on 23/10/2023 - 11:03
    +2

    These things are going to kill the second hand market.

    I accidently bought a Dell SFF with 4th gen i5 for $76 delivered. (it was an auction and I never win auctions.) and scored a 1030 off facebook for $40 so my box is cheaper but I am sure this thing would give it a run for the money for speed and kill it on size and quietness. It also has windows 11 pro which would not be supported by my device. (yes I know you can install it but.)

    • Wonderfool on 23/10/2023 - 11:21
      +1

      Possibly. But the lack of io and only 1x sata slot and 1x 2240m.2 slot makes it a poor or pricier fit for most application. 2nd hand ssfs are still the cheaper option overall.

    • lambaus on 23/10/2023 - 12:40

      I bought a lenova 4th gen with 16 gb ram and 256 ssd with no operating system for $85. should I return to get something like this or the one I bought seems okey for the price? Any advice is appreciated

      • Loot N Plunder on 23/10/2023 - 13:33

        What are you going to use it for?
        What cpu is the 4th gen?
        What operating system are you going to use?

        • lambaus on 23/10/2023 - 15:28

          Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p Tiny Intel i7 4785T 2.20GHz 16GB RAM 256GB SSD Wi-Fi NO

          Will use it for normal surfing, YouTube n all

          I think I can only have windows 10 in that. Haven’t opened the box yet.

          • WhyAmICommenting on 23/10/2023 - 15:52

            @lambaus: Not sure of the appeal of Windows 11 fwiw

          • Loot N Plunder on 23/10/2023 - 16:06

            @lambaus: I think I can only have windows 10 in that

            You would be better off putting some sort of linux flavour in that unless you want to pay for windows 11 and stuff around trying to install it especially if that is all you intend to use it for

            For $85 and a free operating system you cant go wrong so save your coin for another bargain

            Use rufus to make a live cd of linux on a usb and try them to see what suits you it wont install it on the hard drive it will just run it from the usb and ram

            https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/Linux_Di…

      • s12321 on 23/10/2023 - 23:31

        n100 is like gen 8 i5/i7 mobile u. and use 50% of the gen 8 power.

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