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Dr.W 34.3K Views
Aug 25, 2026 10:36 AM

ACEMAGICIAN S3A Mini PC: Ryzen 7 H 255, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Radeon 780M

$477

$660

27% off
+ Free S&Hat Amazon
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Deal Details
Update: This popular deal is still available.

ACEMAGIC-Shop via Amazon has ACEMAGICIAN S3A Mini PC as configured below on sale for $529.98 - $53 off when you apply promo code E2HSPYT6 at checkout = $476.98. Shipping is free.
  • Note: You must be logged in to clip coupons and apply promo codes. If a code doesn't work right away, try applying it a few times across different interfaces such as mobile or desktop, as some codes may not apply consistently. If issues persist, refresh the page, re-enter the code, or revisit the cart before checking out.
ACEMAGIC Official Store via Best Buy has ACEMAGICIAN S3A Mini PC as configured below on sale for $469. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member Dr.W for sharing this deal.

Specs:
  • AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 8-Core / 16 Thread 3.8 GHz (up to 4.9GHz) Processor
  • AMD Radeon 780M Integrated Graphics
  • 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
  • 512GB NVME PCIe4.0 SSD
  • Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2
  • Triple display support
  • Active air cooling
  • 45W power consumption
  • Windows 11 Pro
  • Ports:
    • 1x USB4 Type-C (DP 1.4, 4K @ 120Hz)
    • 2x USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 2 (10Gbps)
    • 4x USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 1 (5Gbps)
    • 1x 2.5Gb LAN Ethernet
    • 1x DisplayPort 2.0 (4K @ 120Hz)
    • 1x HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60Hz)
    • 3.5mm Audio Jack

Editor's Notes

Written by persian_mafia | Staff
  • About this store:
  • Additional notes:
    • Our research indicates that this deal is $20 less than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $489 at the time of this post.
    • Please see the original post for additional details & give the wiki and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by Dr.W
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Update: This popular deal is still available.

ACEMAGIC-Shop via Amazon has ACEMAGICIAN S3A Mini PC as configured below on sale for $529.98 - $53 off when you apply promo code E2HSPYT6 at checkout = $476.98. Shipping is free.
  • Note: You must be logged in to clip coupons and apply promo codes. If a code doesn't work right away, try applying it a few times across different interfaces such as mobile or desktop, as some codes may not apply consistently. If issues persist, refresh the page, re-enter the code, or revisit the cart before checking out.
ACEMAGIC Official Store via Best Buy has ACEMAGICIAN S3A Mini PC as configured below on sale for $469. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member Dr.W for sharing this deal.

Specs:
  • AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 8-Core / 16 Thread 3.8 GHz (up to 4.9GHz) Processor
  • AMD Radeon 780M Integrated Graphics
  • 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
  • 512GB NVME PCIe4.0 SSD
  • Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2
  • Triple display support
  • Active air cooling
  • 45W power consumption
  • Windows 11 Pro
  • Ports:
    • 1x USB4 Type-C (DP 1.4, 4K @ 120Hz)
    • 2x USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 2 (10Gbps)
    • 4x USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 1 (5Gbps)
    • 1x 2.5Gb LAN Ethernet
    • 1x DisplayPort 2.0 (4K @ 120Hz)
    • 1x HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60Hz)
    • 3.5mm Audio Jack

Editor's Notes

Written by persian_mafia | Staff
  • About this store:
  • Additional notes:
    • Our research indicates that this deal is $20 less than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $489 at the time of this post.
    • Please see the original post for additional details & give the wiki and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by Dr.W

Community Voting

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Top Comments

allenXYZ
44Comments
10Reputation
The spyware concerns are legitimate and stem from a real 2024 incident that affected multiple ACEMAGIC models. Newer units, including recent S3A examples, appear clean in independent checks, but the brand's history makes a clean Windows reinstall non-negotiable if you buy one. If maximum peace of mind matters more than the price/performance of these mini PCs, consider more established brands with stronger track records (Beelink, Minisforum, etc., though even those benefit from a clean install).
Go to Comment
UniqueLeopard361
495Comments
58Reputation
It's soldered RAM. You can't take it out.
Go to Comment
MannishBoy
288Comments
38Reputation
ANY of these little Chinese mini-PC's should have drives wiped and Windows reinstalled immediately IMO.

I assume they could still have something nefarious in the bios, but I always wipe them.

IIRC, this brand was one of the first to have a scandal.

EDIT (Yep):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi0_wzdz7aY
Go to Comment

Community Reviews

This mini PC stands out as a compact Ryzen 7 H 255 and Radeon 780M box that is strong for emulation, retro builds, and light to moderate gaming, with better cooling and multicore performance than handhelds like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally. The 780M can handle many modern games at low settings, and the machine also looks appealing for Linux or local server use. The main cautions are the brand's spyware history, the need for a clean Windows reinstall, and soldered LPDDR5 memory that cannot be upgraded. At $480, 16GB also feels tight for the price.

Common Questions (5)

  • No. The S3A uses soldered LPDDR5 memory, so it cannot be removed or upgraded later. Some units are reported with 2x8GB LPDDR5, but the memory is still fixed to the board.

    UniqueLeopard361UniqueLeopard361gapottersomepunkmama

  • Yes. A clean Windows reinstall is the safest move because of ACEMAGIC's 2024 spyware incident and later concerns about custom firmware or preloaded modifications. Reinstalling Windows removes the OS-level risk, though it may not address any firmware-level changes.

    allenXYZMannishBoyMannishBoythinkbonobo

  • It sits between a Steam Deck and a Steam Machine for gaming. The Ryzen H255 is faster for CPU tasks, but the Radeon 780M iGPU is much weaker than a Steam Machine's dedicated GPU, so heavier games run better on the Steam Machine.

    homerzeppelinDiscostewcodemancerOrangeJulius

  • It can, but memory settings may need checking. One unit was trying to run RAM at 7500 instead of the advertised 6400, causing errors until it was manually set in the hidden BIOS menu with Ctrl+F1; another unit passed a 60-minute OCCT run with peak thermals around 83C.

    TerencePNoDaWiseSpaniel8225

  • Yes. The 780M is described as a good fit for retro emulation, and the S3A is considered a strong choice for arcade cabs if you can keep it offline by turning off Wi‑Fi.

    OrangeJuliusOnepagebook

AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago

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54 Comments

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Pro
Aug 25, 2026 10:02 PM
288 Comments
Joined Dec 2008
MannishBoy
Pro
Aug 25, 2026 10:02 PM
288 Comments
Quote from Dr.W View quoted comment :
The video is 2 years old and only highlights 3 specific models concerned with this. Not every product of theirs was affected, and certainly not this one which was released this year.
And again, what was labeled as "spyware" has been explained and clarified above.
You can trust them if you want. I'll get a fresh version of Windows on mine.

Whether it was an accident or not how that stuff got on those machines that were out there for awhile, it was still bad behavior that got that stuff there. Using hacks to get around MS's install policies may have introduced the malware, but it was still not something that engenders trust from an OEM.
1
Aug 26, 2026 12:29 AM
548 Comments
Joined Nov 2018
porksmugglersAug 26, 2026 12:29 AM
548 Comments
Quote from Dr.W View quoted comment :

By "spyware" you mean like Sony, with their rootkit, or Apple with their forced U2 album, Ford and Chevy both covering up fatality causing defects in their vehicles which they deemed cheaper to pay lawsuits than repair, that sort of "bad faith"? Spare me the fake outrage. It is just as bad to claim something is still happening when it isn't. That's bad faith as well.

Acemagic: "Our software developers, in an effort to enhance user experience by reducing initial boot time, made adjustments to the Microsoft source code, including network settings, without obtaining software digital signatures, and the RGB lighting control software was also without one. This oversight led to isolated reports of virus-infected mini PCs manufactured before November 18, 2023."
They were lax in their digital signature network security a couple of years ago when trying to make their slow devices faster. That resulted in viruses able to get onto systems. There was no hardware or software "malware" installed, the digital security software has long since been strengthened, and there have been no repeats of the problem. Fake outrage over things like this when trying to get a computer on the cheap is silly.

The magic word here is unaware. Clearly, you provide no proof when asked about the spyware being legitimate or currently present as well. All you do is repeat the same redundant thing as if you're knowledgeable on the matter and confuse others. How about sticking to facts in the present tense, with the present device, such as information on whether it lives up to its stated specs and prices. Regardless, it's good practice to wipe the OS on any Mini-PC that one buys.
That's a cute bit of whataboutism, as expected from you. Regurgitating the company line as usual too. Good to see you still have that ready to copy and paste. This spring is current, ACEMAGIC is still up to the same old tricks (positive for RedLine), but no matter to you, as long as you get your deal post quota in.

Don't be fooled forum members, this one has that company statement ready for every ACEMAGIC post, for which they've made hundreds for the brand. https://slickdeals.net/f/19471179-prime-acemagician-kron-k1-mini-pc-ryzen-7-7735hs-24gb-lpddr5-512gb-ssd-386-1?p=183984357#post183984357
Last edited by porksmugglers August 25, 2026 at 05:44 PM.
1
6
Aug 26, 2026 12:54 AM
367 Comments
Joined Nov 2009
madmallardAug 26, 2026 12:54 AM
367 Comments
Quote from MannishBoy View quoted comment :
Whether it was an accident or not how that stuff got on those machines that were out there for awhile, it was still bad behavior that got that stuff there. Using hacks to get around MS's install policies may have introduced the malware, but it was still not something that engenders trust from an OEM.
true, but there is a categorical difference between defective and malicious. If there is malicious intent, its not beyond believable but does require some evidence to support the claim. That is what is being claimed, and the evidence is thin, currently pointing more toward defect than maliciousness.

Hell, what would we call the Cloudstrike debacle a little while ago that a 3rd party vendor broke like a major chunk of business computers globally because the 'legitimate security company' had elevated access privilege to hardware?
2
Aug 26, 2026 2:54 AM
548 Comments
Joined Nov 2018
porksmugglersAug 26, 2026 2:54 AM
548 Comments
Same level of astroturfing here that ACEMAGIC still engages in on numerous forums. This is no accident or defect. The units I've tested in '25 and '26 had the same Redline clone malware, same custom install of Chrome with browser hijackers, same custom Windows with exploits on the recovery partition. ACEMAGIC continues to use multiple attack vectors, this is layered malware, and very much intentional. Here's another review of the same that I found, https://youtu.be/nwOsvO2uYHA?si=58KJvkX5Mk1PS2Tb
1
4
Aug 26, 2026 5:08 AM
438 Comments
Joined Apr 2010
gapotterAug 26, 2026 5:08 AM
438 Comments
Quote from UniqueLeopard361 View quoted comment :
No, it's soldered
Incorrect! It's got two LPDDR5 slots. Comes with two sticks of 8GB.
https://acemagic.com/products/ace...s3a-minipc
3
Aug 26, 2026 5:40 AM
282 Comments
Joined Nov 2010
xanekkaAug 26, 2026 5:40 AM
282 Comments
Quote from gapotter View quoted comment :
Incorrect! It's got two LPDDR5 slots. Comes with two sticks of 8GB.
https://acemagic.com/products/ace...s3a-minipc
Incorrect! You were looking at the wrong specs.
Aug 26, 2026 5:50 AM
25 Comments
Joined Jul 2008
somepunkmamaAug 26, 2026 5:50 AM
25 Comments
Quote from katracho81 View quoted comment :
you know RAM is crazy expensive now? 16gb = $200.
Yeah, RAM prices are rough right now. My bigger issue is that 16GB is soldered, so there's no upgrading it later. I'd rather pay a little more upfront for 32GB.

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Aug 26, 2026 6:02 PM
475 Comments
Joined Sep 2021
JollyLanguage1998Aug 26, 2026 6:02 PM
475 Comments
Quote from allenXYZ View quoted comment :
The spyware concerns are legitimate and stem from a real 2024 incident that affected multiple ACEMAGIC models. Newer units, including recent S3A examples, appear clean in independent checks, but the brand's history makes a clean Windows reinstall non-negotiable if you buy one. If maximum peace of mind matters more than the price/performance of these mini PCs, consider more established brands with stronger track records (Beelink, Minisforum, etc., though even those benefit from a clean install).
Spyware is also in your iPhone via Siri.
4
Aug 26, 2026 6:59 PM
518 Comments
Joined Dec 2015
Eguy5555309Aug 26, 2026 6:59 PM
518 Comments
How does this compare to a Steam Machine? My initial research says this has a 3-year old mobile iGPU, and I'm confused with some of the product photos showing WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E (the latter which is what the Steam Frame would use) and HDMI 2.0 or 2.1
Aug 26, 2026 7:34 PM
24 Comments
Joined Aug 2026
DRtoneAug 26, 2026 7:34 PM
24 Comments
Interdasting comments
Aug 26, 2026 8:38 PM
468 Comments
Joined Apr 2014
homerzeppelinAug 26, 2026 8:38 PM
468 Comments
Quote from Eguy5555309 View quoted comment :
How does this compare to a Steam Machine? My initial research says this has a 3-year old mobile iGPU, and I'm confused with some of the product photos showing WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E (the latter which is what the Steam Frame would use) and HDMI 2.0 or 2.1
For gaming, this would sit right between the steam deck and the steam machine.

This would be faster a tiny bit faster for cpu tasks (single core), and quite a bit faster for multicore.

But for heavier gaming, the steam machine will whoop it.
Aug 27, 2026 1:24 AM
19 Comments
Joined Jan 2020
FloppyllamaAug 27, 2026 1:24 AM
19 Comments
Any mini pcs with similar spec and price but shaped less weird?
Aug 27, 2026 2:42 AM
138 Comments
Joined Oct 2013
C0LT45SONAug 27, 2026 2:42 AM
138 Comments
Honestly didn't expect the spyware question to start such a flame war.

I'm considering it for a friend but didn't have time to research. I just know ACEMAGIC is one of the brands with a questionable track record.
Aug 27, 2026 3:12 AM
290 Comments
Joined Jan 2015
HiroxAug 27, 2026 3:12 AM
290 Comments
I tried to be open minded and bought a discounted pc when their reputation was in the trash and prices were down. Specs were incredible for the price but internal parts were super generic. Windows license was dubious. PCwas buggy and clean install was not easy because there was no way to get some of the device-specific drivers. Tech support was not helpful. I couldn't clear out a couple of the bugs and had to return it to Amazon. Got a super shady offer for $$ off a device off their website if I changed my Amazon review to 5 stars.
Last edited by Hirox August 26, 2026 at 08:15 PM.

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Aug 27, 2026 5:36 AM
137 Comments
Joined Dec 2016
DiscostewAug 27, 2026 5:36 AM
137 Comments
Quote from homerzeppelin View quoted comment :

For gaming, this would sit right between the steam deck and the steam machine.

This would be faster a tiny bit faster for cpu tasks (single core), and quite a bit faster for multicore.

But for heavier gaming, the steam machine will whoop it.
Right. Steam Machine has a separate GPU with over twice the CUs, so even if that is clocked a little lower (2.45Ghz vs 2.7Ghz), SM has the advantage. Plus it has 8GB of dedicated VRAM, so it's not using main RAM like this mini pc does, and that VRAM also has much greater bandwidth. So there isn't such a heavy bottleneck in that department.

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