F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop What's going on with portable desktop PCs? Are there any security concerns or issues?

What's going on with portable desktop PCs? Are there any security concerns or issues?

What's going on with portable desktop PCs? Are there any security concerns or issues?

K
KirraGaming
Member
61
12-19-2023, 09:33 AM
#1
Hello, I was thinking about purchasing one of these new portable computers.
Here’s an example and an expensive model. I’ve done my research and read many reviews. Some mention that the system comes pre-installed, while others warn about questionable processes and security concerns. Any opinions?
Are these portable PCs safe, or am I putting my personal data at risk?
Can I perform a fresh Windows installation? Will I be taking risks with the USB or my information?
Do they work well and have good build quality? Do they tend to malfunction?
Any advice would be appreciated, as I’d like one for travel purposes. Thanks.
K
KirraGaming
12-19-2023, 09:33 AM #1

Hello, I was thinking about purchasing one of these new portable computers.
Here’s an example and an expensive model. I’ve done my research and read many reviews. Some mention that the system comes pre-installed, while others warn about questionable processes and security concerns. Any opinions?
Are these portable PCs safe, or am I putting my personal data at risk?
Can I perform a fresh Windows installation? Will I be taking risks with the USB or my information?
Do they work well and have good build quality? Do they tend to malfunction?
Any advice would be appreciated, as I’d like one for travel purposes. Thanks.

W
Wixxgriffel
Member
191
12-19-2023, 02:05 PM
#2
No obstacles exist for a complete reset and system reinstallation.
Your satisfaction depends on meeting the requirements and scenario.
W
Wixxgriffel
12-19-2023, 02:05 PM #2

No obstacles exist for a complete reset and system reinstallation.
Your satisfaction depends on meeting the requirements and scenario.

L
LeCrafteur974
Member
174
12-22-2023, 09:31 PM
#3
In short, yes, this kind of setup allows you to install Windows from the ground up. There are potential security concerns to consider.
L
LeCrafteur974
12-22-2023, 09:31 PM #3

In short, yes, this kind of setup allows you to install Windows from the ground up. There are potential security concerns to consider.

S
softisA
Junior Member
47
12-23-2023, 03:16 AM
#4
I don’t see any need for a complete reset and fresh start.
I own a smaller, compact system—a Beelink—that functions as my HTPC.
Beelink | Beelink mini PC-Connect opens the door to a great experience
www.bee-link.com
S
softisA
12-23-2023, 03:16 AM #4

I don’t see any need for a complete reset and fresh start.
I own a smaller, compact system—a Beelink—that functions as my HTPC.
Beelink | Beelink mini PC-Connect opens the door to a great experience
www.bee-link.com

X
xXGl4diatorXx
Junior Member
24
12-26-2023, 06:01 PM
#5
No, you aren't exposing your information. In reality, China produces 90% of the PCs globally, even companies like HP, Dell, and IBM source from there. How can you steer clear of them? And when it comes to CPUs, they are either from AMD or Intel—what could be more concerning? They are brand new and come in excellent packaging.
The drawback is that mini PC Wi-Fi connections tend to be weak.
I’ve checked the links:
https://www.amazon.com/Bmax-3-4GHz-Type-...B0CY99CXJV
https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Mini-PC-Ry...B0CD7Y4C5Y
I haven’t attempted to wipe and reinstall Windows yet.
The N100 model should perform better than the N5105.
Both products I bought this summer have worked well.
X
xXGl4diatorXx
12-26-2023, 06:01 PM #5

No, you aren't exposing your information. In reality, China produces 90% of the PCs globally, even companies like HP, Dell, and IBM source from there. How can you steer clear of them? And when it comes to CPUs, they are either from AMD or Intel—what could be more concerning? They are brand new and come in excellent packaging.
The drawback is that mini PC Wi-Fi connections tend to be weak.
I’ve checked the links:
https://www.amazon.com/Bmax-3-4GHz-Type-...B0CY99CXJV
https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Mini-PC-Ry...B0CD7Y4C5Y
I haven’t attempted to wipe and reinstall Windows yet.
The N100 model should perform better than the N5105.
Both products I bought this summer have worked well.

K
kcaz56
Senior Member
664
12-27-2023, 07:39 PM
#6
I adjusted the bios and thank you for your thorough reply!
K
kcaz56
12-27-2023, 07:39 PM #6

I adjusted the bios and thank you for your thorough reply!

M
MLGGirl54
Senior Member
258
12-28-2023, 03:24 AM
#7
The issue preventing a clean installation of Win11 likely stemmed from partitioning the system drive and installing multiple operating systems—such as Windows 10, Windows Server, and Linux. I’m not sure exactly what I did when adjusting the BIOS, but here’s what I know:

Current setup:
- Fast boot turned off
- Secure boot disabled
- CPU in NX mode enabled
- OEM license embedded

When reinstalling Win11, no CD key is needed because it uses the recovery image. The factory recovery image is around 16GB and runs Windows PE as a recovery method. It begins the recovery process immediately after you insert the recovery USB and start the machine. Once active, it proceeds rapidly, erasing everything. You must back up all important files beforehand—there’s no way to revert!
M
MLGGirl54
12-28-2023, 03:24 AM #7

The issue preventing a clean installation of Win11 likely stemmed from partitioning the system drive and installing multiple operating systems—such as Windows 10, Windows Server, and Linux. I’m not sure exactly what I did when adjusting the BIOS, but here’s what I know:

Current setup:
- Fast boot turned off
- Secure boot disabled
- CPU in NX mode enabled
- OEM license embedded

When reinstalling Win11, no CD key is needed because it uses the recovery image. The factory recovery image is around 16GB and runs Windows PE as a recovery method. It begins the recovery process immediately after you insert the recovery USB and start the machine. Once active, it proceeds rapidly, erasing everything. You must back up all important files beforehand—there’s no way to revert!

K
kleinne_meid
Member
228
01-03-2024, 09:07 AM
#8
Thank you for the details. It was really useful.
K
kleinne_meid
01-03-2024, 09:07 AM #8

Thank you for the details. It was really useful.