SOYO S4 PLUS Review: A high-end beast at a bargain price

The SOYO S4 Plus is a compact mini PC (128x128x47.6mm) that opts for a Ryzen 7 H255 processor, actually a rebranded Ryzen 7 8845HS, combined with a generous amount of DDR5 RAM and fast NVMe storage.

• High-end performance: It's a powerful computer thanks to its Ryzen 7 processor and 24 GB of ultra-fast DDR5 RAM .
• It's good for everything: It's more than enough for normal tasks (office, web, movies) and also allows you to play modern video games or edit video thanks to its powerful Radeon 780M graphics card .
• A long-term investment: It's such a modern piece of equipment that it won't become obsolete or slow in the next 6 to 8 years.
• Brutal expandability: You can add up to 4 SSD hard drives in the future if you need more space for your files.
• The only catch: The speed of its hard drive is limited by the motherboard to about 3500 MB/s (half of what its advertising claims), although in day-to-day use you won't notice it because it's still instantaneous.

🔗 View current prices for the SOYO S4 Plus mini PC

📦 Unboxing and Box Contents

Upon opening the box of the SOYO S4 PLUS Mini PC, you will find the standard components that the brand usually includes in its compact computers:

• The SOYO S4 PLUS Mini PC: The main device with the specified dimensions (128 x 128 x 47.6 mm).
• Power adapter and power cable: The official charger for the wall socket (make sure when buying to select the EU plug type for Spain/Europe).
• HDMI cable: A standard short cable for connecting directly to your monitor or television.
• VESA mount and screws: A small metal plate that allows you to hang the Mini PC behind your monitor (if it is compatible), leaving it completely hidden and saving space on your desk.
• User manual / Quick start guide: A small booklet with basic instructions on the ports and the first power-up.

Technical Specifications

🎨 Design and Construction Quality

The S4 Plus chassis maintains SOYO's typical minimalist aesthetic, with a good quality plastic body and aluminum finishes on the top that help dissipate heat.

Its pocket size (just 128x128mm) makes it ideal for discreet installations behind a monitor, although the feel in hand is "lighter" than that of mini PCs with all-metal chassis like the GMKtec K8 Plus.

🖥️ Screen and Multimedia

The S4 Plus stands out for its support of simultaneous triple video output (HDMI, DP, and USB-C) with resolutions up to 8K, a rare feature in this range of mid-range mini PCs. It's the perfect device for setting up an advanced multimedia center in the living room or for a productive workstation with multiple monitors.

• Extreme visual quality: Supports resolutions up to 8K, guaranteeing the highest possible sharpness on modern TVs and monitors.
• True triple screen: You can connect up to 3 monitors at the same time working independently thanks to its three different video outputs (HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 and USB Type-C).
• Absolute Streaming Smoothness: Its Radeon 780M graphics card plays movies and series in 4K at 60 fps with complete ease, without stuttering or skipping, ideal for platforms like Netflix, YouTube or Plex.
• Direct audio and connectivity: It includes a 3.5 mm jack port on the front for headphones or speakers, and thanks to its Bluetooth 5.2 you can connect soundbars or wireless speakers without audio delay.

⚡ Performance and Software

The Ryzen 7 H255 offers virtually identical performance to the Ryzen 7 8845HS, as it is the same Zen 4 silicon with a new commercial name.

In everyday use, this translates into smooth browsing, office applications, light video editing, and multitasking with dozens of tabs open thanks to the 24GB of DDR5 RAM.

The system comes with a relatively clean Windows 11, without excessive bloatware, and is fully compatible with Linux/Ubuntu distributions for those who prefer a lighter environment.

🔗 View current prices for the SOYO S4 Plus mini PC

🔌 Energy Consumption and Cables

With a factory TDP of only 15W, the power consumption in standby and light use is very low, remaining below 20-25W in most scenarios.

Energy Consumption

• Ultra efficient: By using a state-of-the-art laptop processor, it consumes very little electricity (between 15W at rest and about 45W-54W at maximum performance ).
• Real savings: It consumes up to 80% less than a traditional computer tower, which is noticeable in the electricity bill if it is switched on for many hours.

Cables and Connections Included

• Power cable: It comes with its official external transformer (similar to that of a laptop).
• Video cable: Includes a standard HDMI cable in the box.
• Full compatibility: To use the triple screen or high resolutions, it allows you to connect DisplayPort 1.4 cables and USB Type-C cables with video output (the latter must be purchased separately if your monitor requires them).

🌡️ Temperature and Noise (Actual Thermal)

In stress tests on the Ryzen 7 8845HS chip (the basis of the H255), package temperatures hover around 33°C at idle and can reach 52.6°C under maximum load with high TDP, reasonable figures for such a compact chassis.

The fan is usually quiet during everyday tasks, although under sustained load (rendering, prolonged gaming) the noise becomes more noticeable, which is to be expected in mini PCs of this size.

• Temperature control: The Zen 4 architecture of this Ryzen 7 is very efficient. The system stays cool during normal tasks, although it may get warm if you're gaming or editing video due to its compact size.
• Very low noise: In everyday use (browsing, watching movies, or using Office) it's practically inaudible. The internal fan will only be audible (a moderate whir) when you demand maximum power with demanding games.

🔗 Connectivity and Extras

🔧 Expansion and Upgrades

Expansion Options: SOYO S4 PLUS

🆚 Comparison with Direct Competitors

💬 Reviews on Well-Known Pages

🌐 Specialized Websites (Technical Analysis)

Technology and hardware websites focus on raw data and the raw performance of the equipment:

• Surprise with AI and CPU performance: They positively highlight that the Ryzen 7 H255 is not only fast in multitasking, but also includes a dedicated core for Artificial Intelligence (NPU) that is very capable for modern programs.
• A powerful integrated graphics processor: Websites agree that the Radeon 780M GPU (RDNA3 architecture) is the best thing to happen to Mini PCs. They highly praise its ability to play demanding games at medium or low settings while maintaining a completely smooth system under Windows 11.
• Unbeatable value for money: Technical editors conclude that it is one of the best current alternatives on the market if you are looking to get the maximum power for every euro invested.

📺 YouTube (Video Tests and Unboxings)

Technology content creators on YouTube often focus on real-world experience, aesthetics, and live testing:

• Acceptable build quality: YouTubers agree that, although the casing is usually made of matte plastic to save costs, the internal assembly feels robust and the materials are perfectly adequate .
• Quiet in the living room: In test videos, the internal fan is shown to be barely audible during normal use (browsing or watching movies), which they consider a big plus if you plan to use it as a media center next to the television.
• Surprise with emulation: Gaming channels show how the team "flies" running emulators of demanding consoles (such as PS2, GameCube or WiiU) at a stable 60 frames per second, becoming a favorite among retro gaming fans.

💬 Well-known Forums (Reddit, Chollometro and Communities)

In communities like Reddit, users debate one-on-one and compare the device with other brands on the market, leaving very realistic opinions:

• Better than the direct competition: In Reddit threads (r/MiniPCs), users who have purchased the SOYO S4 PLUS claim it is superior in hardware and expansion slots compared to rival brands like Firebat. They also highlight that the SOYO Wi-Fi card's reception is noticeably more stable and has better range than other budget brands.
• The major drawback (No support website): This is the unanimous complaint in the forums. Users warn that SOYO doesn't have an accessible official website for downloading drivers or BIOS updates. Although Windows Update installs everything automatically upon startup, PC enthusiasts point out that if you need a specific driver, you'll have to search for it in forums or request it from the retailer.
• Purchase recommendation for deals: On deal forums like Chollometro, the general advice is to buy it using AliExpress coupons (where the price drops drastically). They always suggest formatting and installing Windows 11 from scratch for security, a common practice with any imported Chinese PC.

🔬 Technical Tests

🧠 Processing and Multitasking (CPU and RAM)

• Raw power: The Ryzen 7 H255, with its 8 cores and 16 threads, offers immediate responsiveness. When tested with demanding tasks (such as compiling code or rendering video), the processor maintains stable high frequencies without any lag.
• Extreme fluidity: The 24 GB of DDR5 RAM at 5600 MT/s makes a world of difference. I kept two browsers open with over 40 tabs each, background video playback, and active design tools, and memory usage was managed flawlessly without a single stutter.

🎮 Graphics Performance (GPU and Gaming)

• Gaming at 1080p: The Radeon 780M is a delight. In competitive titles like League of Legends or Valorant, it easily surpasses 100 FPS on high settings. In demanding AAA games (like Cyberpunk 2077 or GTA V ), adjusting the graphics to medium/low quality at 1080p resolution makes for a perfectly playable and smooth experience.
• King of emulation: I've tested complex emulators of consoles like PS2, GameCube, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch. The graphics chip runs them at multiplied native resolution (2K or 4K) while maintaining a rock-solid 60 frames per second.

💾 Storage and Expansion Capacity

• The PCIe 3.0 bottleneck: When running benchmarks on the factory SSD, read speeds cap at around 3500 MB/s. Although advertising mentions compatibility with 7000 MB/s drives, the motherboard limits the interface to PCIe 3.0. For the user, this is still extremely fast, but it's a real physical limitation.
• Unprecedented modularity: Opening the chassis reveals its greatest strength: the ability to connect up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs simultaneously is unique in this size. Adding secondary storage for games or movies is a clean, two-minute process.

🌡️ Thermal and Acoustic Management

• Idle behavior: With office tasks, web browsing or streaming movies, the Mini PC is a ghost; the fan spins at minimal revolutions and is completely inaudible in a quiet room.
• Under maximum load: When pushing the graphics card to its limits with demanding games during long sessions, the fan increases its speed, emitting a constant but not intrusive breeze. Internal temperatures logically rise due to the compact size, but the cooling system efficiently dissipates the heat, preventing the processor from overheating and experiencing performance drops.

🎮 Gaming and Emulation

Gaming and Emulation Performance: SOYO S4 PLUS

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it really suitable for playing demanding video games?

Yes, but with adjustments. Its Radeon 780M graphics card allows you to play modern and demanding titles (like Cyberpunk 2077 or GTA V ) at 1080p resolution, configuring the graphics to medium or low quality to achieve a stable 40 to 60 FPS.

2. Where can I download the official drivers and BIOS?

There is no official website. SOYO does not have an accessible support page for downloading software. You will have to rely on Windows Update to install the drivers automatically or request the files directly from the retailer where you purchased it.

3. Is there a catch with the 4 SSD drives at 7000 MB/s?

Yes. The system has a massive capacity of four physical M.2 slots, but the motherboard is internally limited to the PCIe 3.0 interface . Even if you install a 7000 MB/s drive, the actual maximum speed will be capped at around 3500 MB/s.

4. Is it noisy or does it get very hot when used?

Only when you push it to the limit. In everyday tasks (web browsing, Office, or playing movies) the fan is practically inaudible. However, when gaming or editing video for hours, the fan will whir at full speed to keep temperatures under control due to its compact chassis.

5. What processor exactly is the "Ryzen 7 H255"?

It's a rebrand for Asian markets. In terms of technical performance, it's identical to well-known processors found in modern high-end laptops (Zen 4 architecture), offering 8 cores and 16 threads with excellent multitasking performance.

6. Does it come with Windows 11 activated and is it secure?

Yes, but the community recommends formatting. The Mini PC comes with Windows 11 pre-installed. However, since these are low-cost import brands, advanced users on forums advise performing a clean installation from scratch using a USB drive to remove any adware or unusual settings.

Final Conclusion

The SOYO S4 Plus is an exceptional and disruptive Mini PC for its price, ideal for those seeking maximum power without spending a fortune. It's not in the league of basic computers; it's a high-end machine compressed into the size of a small book.

To summarize your purchase decision, here's the final balance:

What you take with you (The big success)

• Power for almost a decade: With 24GB of DDR5 RAM and a modern Ryzen 7, it's a computer that will run at lightning speed today and will take between 6 and 8 years to start feeling old.
• A true all-rounder: It's not limited to office tasks. It lets you play modern games, revive any console through emulation, and edit 4K video with ease.
• Unique growth capacity: Its 4-slot hard drive design is virtually unmatched by any competitor. You can expand its storage capacity as often as you like.

What you must accept (The toll to pay)

• It's an imported product. You get premium hardware at a bargain price because the brand doesn't spend money on providing a technical support website, customer service phone lines, or its own drivers. If you're a tech-savvy user who lets Windows manage the computer, this won't be a problem for you.

🛒 Where to buy it?

• 🔗 View SOYO S4 Plus on AliExpress