AMD Empowered PC Envision S13 SFF Review

The Empowered PC Envision S13 is a compact, budget desktop with a strong focus on small size and dual 4K display support. Its Ryzen 3 5300G CPU and integrated graphics are fine for basic tasks, but the skimpy 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD severely limit its usefulness for modern multitasking. It's a niche pick for space-constrained, light-duty use only.

If you're hunting for a small, affordable desktop for basic office work, the Empowered PC Envision S13 SFF Desktop is worth a look. It's built around AMD's Ryzen 3 5300G processor, which packs integrated Radeon graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD into a compact 13-liter case. At around $340, it's positioned as a budget-friendly, small form factor PC for tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking. People searching for a 'small business desktop' or a 'cheap SFF PC' will find this on their radar, especially with the included Windows 11 Pro license and a wireless keyboard and mouse.

Let's talk numbers. The Ryzen 3 5300G is a 4-core, 8-thread CPU that lands in the 26th percentile for processing power in our database. That means it's fine for basic productivity but will feel sluggish if you push it with heavier workloads. The real story is the integrated graphics, which surprisingly rank in the 97th percentile. Don't get too excited, though—that's compared to other basic office PCs, not gaming rigs. It means you can smoothly handle dual 4K displays for spreadsheets and presentations, but gaming performance is a non-starter, scoring a dismal 14 out of 100 in our tests. The 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD are the clear weak spots, ranking in the bottom 10-15 percent. You'll feel that limit quickly if you have more than a few browser tabs open.

At $340, the Envision S13 is cheap, but you get what you pay for. The price gets you in the door with a full Windows 11 Pro system, which is a plus. However, the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage are bare minimums in 2024. You could arguably build a similar system for a bit less, but you'd lose the convenience of a pre-built, tested system and the US-based support. For the price, it's an okay value if your needs are extremely basic and space is tight.

This isn't a gaming PC, so comparing it to the HP Omen or Alienware towers listed is like comparing a scooter to a sports car. A more relevant competitor is something like a used or refurbished business desktop from Dell or Lenovo. You can often find models with an Intel Core i5, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD for similar money, though they'll be in larger cases. If you absolutely need the small form factor, the Envision S13's main trade-off is its anemic RAM and storage versus its compact size and decent multi-monitor support.

Skip this if you need a primary computer for general use, multitasking, or any kind of creative work. The 8GB RAM and tiny SSD will hold you back. Also, avoid it if you have any interest in gaming or media editing. Instead, look at refurbished business desktops from major brands or budget pre-builts that offer 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD as a starting point, even if they're in a larger case.

Should you buy this? Only if your needs are very, very specific. If you need the absolute smallest footprint for a reception desk, a point-of-sale terminal, or a dedicated kiosk that just runs one or two basic apps, and you value US assembly and support, it's a consideration. For anyone else—especially if you plan on using this as a primary computer for general office work—the limited RAM and storage will become frustrating quickly. You're better off spending a little more for a system with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, even if it means a slightly bigger box.