HP Elite 805 Mini PC Review: Compact Power with Limits
A surprising finding from user feedback is that the HP Elite 805 Mini PC Desktop Computer, AMD Ryzen 5, Windows 11 Pro consistently delivers strong business-grade performance in a form factor smaller than many external hard drives, yet owners caution that its upgrade potential is constrained by its ultra-compact design. Across platforms, it scores a solid 7.5/10, with praise centering on its quiet operation and security features, and criticism focused on limited expandability.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — best suited for business users prioritizing space efficiency and security over future hardware upgrades.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact, space-saving design | Limited upgrade options |
| Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 performance | Flex ports may not support all peripherals |
| Whisper-quiet operation | Some prefer Intel CPUs for compatibility |
| Advanced HP Wolf Security suite | Base storage can be modest for heavy workloads |
| Multi-display support with integrated Radeon graphics | Higher-end configurations can be costly |
| Energy-efficient and portable | Not ideal for heavy gaming |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the Elite 805 Mini as “powered to thrive” with AMD Ryzen performance and “whisper quiet” operation. Digging deeper into user reports, the quiet operation claim is validated repeatedly. Reddit user feedback highlights that “the optimized cooling keeps noise low enough that it blends into normal office background,” making it suitable for open workspaces where noise control matters. However, while officially rated for up to 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD, multiple owners note that accessing internal components to upgrade can be cumbersome due to the tight chassis.
Another marketing point is “premium connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and multiple display support.” Amazon buyers confirm stable Wi-Fi in dense office environments, yet some Reddit discussions reveal that the included flex ports may not cover all niche peripherals without adapters. One business IT manager shared: “We had to order extra DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters for conference room setups — not a dealbreaker, but something to plan for.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Performance is a standout. Reddit user reviews of the Ryzen 5 5700G configuration describe it as “handling demanding tasks with ease,” from large spreadsheet manipulation to light video editing. The integrated Radeon graphics draw particular praise for supporting dual or even triple displays without a discrete GPU, making it an attractive solution for analysts or designers who need visual real estate without extra hardware. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Runs multiple monitors in 4K without hiccups — perfect for my trading desk.”
Portability and size are equally lauded. Trustpilot reports emphasize that its sub-3 lb weight and roughly 7-inch footprint allow mounting behind monitors or under desks, freeing up workspace in crowded offices. For remote workers, this means easy relocation between home and office. One IT deployment lead described rolling out “50 units for a new branch office — fit them behind monitors, zero desk clutter.”
Security features are another area of consensus. HP Wolf Security, Sure Click, and Sure Sense earn praise from corporate buyers who manage sensitive data. A Quora contributor explained: “It’s the kind of hardware-enforced security stack that lets compliance teams sleep at night,” referencing firmware-level protections against BIOS attacks.
Common Complaints
Limited upgrade options surface in nearly every community thread. While the specs allow RAM and SSD expansion, the process requires careful disassembly. Reddit user reports say, “Upgrading is possible but nerve-wracking — not like popping open a desktop tower.” This affects IT departments planning long-term lifecycle use, especially if workloads may grow beyond current hardware.
Flex port limitations also frustrate some. Certain configurations omit HDMI, relying on DisplayPort adapters. A NeweggBusiness listing notes rear ports are DisplayPort-only, leading one buyer to comment: “Had to buy adapters for older projectors — wish HDMI was standard.”
Price creep is a concern for higher configurations. While base units are cost-effective compared to Intel mini PCs, adding more RAM or SSD quickly narrows the gap. A Trustpilot reviewer remarked: “The value is there at entry level, but top-tier builds push into premium territory without discrete GPUs.”
Divisive Features
The AMD processor choice sparks debate. Enthusiasts praise its multi-threading and integrated graphics, but some Intel-loyal IT teams express concern about application compatibility. One Reddit comment reads: “Our accounting software vendor only certifies Intel — though it runs fine on Ryzen, support could be tricky.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns show few scam concerns; most buyers receive exactly what’s advertised. Reliability over time is strong — Reddit posts from owners using the Elite 805 for over six months report no performance degradation, with one noting: “Still boots in seconds, no thermal issues.” HP’s MIL-STD-810H testing and multi-year warranty bolster confidence for business deployment.
Long-term durability stories highlight its resilience in varied environments, including dusty warehouses when paired with optional dust filters. An IT manager shared: “We’ve had units running in a production floor for a year — no failures, just occasional cleaning.”
Alternatives
The primary competitor mentioned is Intel-based mini PCs. Community comparisons reveal that while Intel units may have broader peripheral compatibility and certain software certifications, the Elite 805 delivers better value-per-performance at entry level. A Reddit user summarized: “For the same money, the AMD variant gives you more cores and better integrated graphics — unless your workflow demands Intel-specific features.”
Price & Value
eBay listings show used G6 generation models selling around $295–$400, indicating moderate resale value retention. New G8 units with Ryzen 5 5600GE and 256GB SSD start near $460–$550. The community’s buying tip: opt for mid-tier configurations with 512GB SSD to avoid early upgrade needs, as expansion is possible but awkward.
FAQ
Q: Can the HP Elite 805 Mini handle triple monitor setups?
A: Yes, with its integrated Radeon graphics and multiple DisplayPort outputs, many users run two 4K monitors plus an HDMI via adapter, though you may need passive DP-to-HDMI cables for certain displays.
Q: Is it suitable for gaming?
A: Light gaming and older titles run fine, but without a discrete GPU, it’s not built for modern AAA gaming. Users report smooth performance in strategy games and indie titles.
Q: How quiet is “whisper quiet”?
A: HP’s Run Quiet design keeps idle noise around 28–29 dB, comparable to a whisper. Even under load, fan adjustments prevent disruptive noise in office settings.
Q: How hard is it to upgrade the RAM or storage?
A: Possible but tricky — requires careful opening of the compact chassis. IT staff recommend planning upgrades at purchase rather than relying on later expansion.
Q: Does it come with a keyboard and mouse?
A: Most configurations include a basic USB keyboard and mouse, though some business resellers omit them in favor of custom peripherals.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a business or remote professional who values compact size, quiet operation, and strong integrated graphics for multi-display work. Avoid if you anticipate frequent hardware upgrades or require Intel-certified software support. Pro tip from the community: choose a configuration with ample storage upfront to bypass the challenges of aftermarket expansion.
