Software: Which operating systems is the Peladn HA-4 compatible with?
The Peladn HA-4 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro version 22H2. Initially, the computer is set to Chinese by default, but the switch to German isn’t consistently applied across all system levels. For example, the advanced recovery options we access to boot our Linux USB drive are still in Chinese. We’ve seen this before on other mini PCs. We can still navigate the interface using the icons, though. Additionally, during setup (unless we want to use this CMD workaround), we must establish an internet connection; otherwise, the process won’t proceed.
Peladn HA-4: Chinese Recovery Menu – Top Picks
In testing, the Ubuntu-based Tuxedo OS ran without any issues. The resolution was detected correctly right away, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio all worked. The only problem was that the computer wouldn’t wake up from standby mode; while the PC itself powered on, it didn’t output a video signal. That’s a shame, and this feature is unusable in Linux without further troubleshooting.
Design: What is the build quality of the Peladn HA-4?
The build quality of the Peladn HA-4 is definitely among the best in the mini-PC category. The case is primarily made of aluminum—silver in our model—though the manufacturer also sells a black version under the name Trycoo. It consists of several individual aluminum panels held together with screws; only the side panel on the back is made of plastic. Visually, this gives it a rather angular and rugged look, which is refreshing amid the sea of black, sleek plastic cases or the typical Mac Mini-inspired systems.
A nice detail is the LED strip embedded between the aluminum panels, covered by a glossy, transparent plastic cover. This runs all the way around the PC, effectively filling the gap between the metal panels. The color can also be adjusted via a button on the back; a simple click cycles through the following modes: white (pulsing), white (steady), orange (pulsing), orange (steady), color-changing, or rainbow gradient. You can also turn the lighting off completely this way.
The HA-4 measures 136 × 128 × 52 mm and weighs just under 1 kg. That’s quite a lot for a mini PC, but it’s likely due to the all-metal case. The case opens from the bottom, for example to service system components or upgrade the system. Here, the screws to be removed are not hidden in the rubber feet but are located next to them and are therefore easy to reach. After that, you can simply remove the bottom panel without any additional tools. Cables do not get in the way. Due to the protruding edge of the case, some components are partially obscured, such as the CMOS battery. A heat sink is attached to the SSD, which must first be removed. Additionally, an extra component fan with a heat shield covers the area underneath.
Conclusion
The Peladn HA-4 delivers a consistently impressive performance in testing. While the Ryzen 9’s performance isn’t quite as high as expected, it’s still solid. The build quality of the mini PC is excellent. The only area for improvement is the range of ports, which could be enhanced with a dedicated DisplayPort or an additional USB-C port—preferably one that supports power delivery. An additional LAN port would also be practical, for example for firewall solutions.
Under load, the somewhat loud fan is particularly noticeable. However, it reliably keeps the processor cool. It’s a shame that only Wi-Fi 6 is supported—more current standards would be desirable. Apart from that, the system is impressive. The price is also very fair: getting a Ryzen 9 with this level of performance for 500 euros is truly impressive. This places it alongside models like the Beelink SER8 (review) or the Awow HA7 (review), which it even surpasses in some areas, while lagging behind in others.
If you buy from a Chinese retailer, you’ll often pay less. However, there’s a risk of poorer service if you need to make a warranty or guarantee claim. Additionally, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) can be difficult or even impossible. We’ve linked retailers here with whom we’ve generally had good experiences.
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