A pre-release engineering sample of the Ninkear M8_226V has surfaced online, revealing a new mini PC built around Intel's latest Lunar Lake silicon. The device appeared in a Reddit post by user u/Content-Doughnut7707, who shared photos and initial impressions of the hardware before official testing begins. This sighting offers early details on how Chinese manufacturer Ninkear plans to integrate next-generation mobile processors into compact desktop form factors.
Engineering sample reveals compact chassis with unique front-panel connectivity options for eGPU setups
The M8_226V centers on Intel's Core Ultra 5 226V processor, which sits at the heart of the Lunar Lake architecture. This chip combines four Lion Cove performance cores with four Skymont efficiency cores to handle varied workloads. An integrated Arc 130V iGPU handles graphics duties while a dedicated neural processing unit delivers 40 TOPS for AI tasks.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (Lunar Lake)
- CPU Cores: 4 Lion Cove P-cores + 4 Skymont E-cores
- GPU: Intel Arc 130V iGPU
- NPU Performance: 40 TOPS
- Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5x-8533 (on-package, non-upgradeable)
Ninkear equips the system with 16 GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM that is soldered directly to the package, making memory upgrades impossible. The processor operates at a base thermal design power of 17 W but can boost up to 37 W under heavy load. The compact chassis measures 128 by 128 mm and weighs approximately 675 grams.
Connectivity features an unusual front-panel OCuLink port alongside USB4, which simplifies connecting external graphics enclosures compared to rear-mounted alternatives. The back of the unit includes two HDMI outputs, a DisplayPort, a 2.5GbE network jack, and additional USB-A ports. Power delivery relies on a 100 W adapter providing 20 V at 5 A.
The poster confirmed that this is strictly an engineering sample with full performance benchmarks still pending review. No official pricing or release date has been established for the final retail version of the M8_226V.
Source: NotebookCheck
