HP Mini 290 G9 — Quick Specs Summary
| Component | Specification | Upgradeable? |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3/i5 12th-gen (4–6 cores, 2.5–4.7 GHz) | No |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB DDR4 SO-DIMM (1–2 slots, max 32GB) | Partially — depends on config |
| Internal SSD | 128GB–256GB M.2 NVMe | Yes — replaceable |
| Ports | 2× USB-A 3.2, 1× USB-C, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet | Expandable via dock |
| Wireless | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | No |
| Power Supply | 45W USB-C PD | No |
| Price | £250–350 | N/A |
Mini 290 G9: Ultra-Budget Office Mini PC
Performance & Positioning
Intel 12th-gen i3/i5 (4–6 cores). Budget entry point for office work, web browsing, email. Performance adequate for light work; not for development or sustained tasks.
Upgrade Path Varies by Config
Some configs have 1 RAM slot (limited); others have 2 slots (expandable). Check product listing before buying. Storage single M.2 slot only (no hybrid option).
RAM Compatibility & Upgrades
Configuration-Dependent
- 1-slot models: Max 32GB (single module). Limited upgrade potential.
- 2-slot models: 2× SO-DIMM slots, max 32GB (2× 16GB).
Upgrade Path (2-Slot Models)
- Factory: 4GB or 8GB DDR4
- Upgrade to 16GB: £40–60
- Upgrade to 32GB: £80–120
Check before purchasing: Confirm slot count (1 or 2).
Compatible: Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM, Kingston ValueRAM DDR4-3200.
SSD & Storage
Single M.2 Slot
128–256GB factory. Replaceable with larger M.2 NVMe (up to 1TB practical). Cost: £30–50 for 512GB upgrade.
Compatible: Samsung 990 EVO M.2 NVMe, WD Blue SN580, Crucial P3 Plus.
Power & Cooling
45W USB-C PD; passive cooling (no fan); silent operation perfect for quiet offices.
Connectivity
Only 2× USB-A + USB-C. Minimal; consider USB hub for expansion.
Upgradeability Score
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| RAM Upgrade | 6/10 |
| SSD Upgrade | 8/10 |
| Ports & Connectivity | 4/10 |
| Display Support | 5/10 |
| Overall Upgradeability | 5/10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mini 290 G9 worth £250–350?
Yes, for office work only. Performance basic; not for development or sustained tasks. Excellent value for quiet office environment.
How many RAM slots does my Mini 290 G9 have?
Check product listing. Some models 1 slot (limited upgrade); others 2 slots (32GB max possible).
Can I upgrade SSD?
Yes. Replace M.2 NVMe with larger drive (512GB–1TB, £30–50).
Mini 290 G9 vs Mini Air12 Geekom?
Mini 290: Intel 12th-gen i3/i5 (better). Geekom Air12: Intel N100 (budget). Choose Mini 290 for better performance.
How long supported?
Intel 12th-gen through 2027–2028. Good long-term support.
Recommended Products
These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Best overall DDR4 upgrade kit | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Reliable alternative with tight latency | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM 16GB 3200MHz | Budget single-stick upgrade | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB 3200MHz | OEM-quality for business laptops | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 | Fastest consumer NVMe — ideal for gaming & editing | View on Amazon UK |
| WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe | Excellent Gen4 speed with heatsink option | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe | Great value Gen4 SSD | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe | Budget-friendly with solid reliability | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
