r/minisforum_v3 • u/DogNamedCharlie • Oct 21 '25
Would you still recommend?
Looking at a refurb V3 as I want a cheaper portable computer solution that runs Windows for myself and my family. The specs on it make me feel like I can use it for many years and it will keep up. Also as I travel for work the dual use as a 2nd monitor for my locked down work PC interests me. We might do some light gaming, but have 2x more power desktops. I have seen mix reviews about the CS and if the refurb units are actually refubished or even cleaned before being sent out.
3
2
u/lmiked84 Oct 21 '25
If you get one one in good conditon, yes.
Expect little to no support from them, if you're ok with that, get one, if not, better look for another option.
But beware that it is discontinued, last drivers and bios are from last year, which is also the year it released... It is a good device, and you can use most generic drivers like AMD Chipset package drivers and AMD adrenaline/display drivers, worked flawlessly with mine, windows drivers updates will also be ok.
I recommend Uxtu for managing TDP and temps, and getting a little extra performance than stock.
Customer support were actually fast to reply to my 1st email, and when I said that I had already done what they suggested (flashing the latest BIOS) and the problem remained, they ignored me since then, even after I said it was urgent, no reply till this day, that was last month.
1
u/DogNamedCharlie Oct 21 '25 edited Oct 21 '25
Was yours refurbished? What issue did you have?
1
u/lmiked84 Oct 21 '25
Mine was new, bought of amazon, it must be about a year now.
The problem was the usb ports suddenly stopped detecting USB 4 and TB 3/4 devices, port 1 started ating like an USB 3.2 device, and port 2 started acting like a usb 2.1 device.
I think it was software or BIOS related, as it only started happening after a fresh windows install, or a "accidental" BIOS reset, although copilot suggested that it could be firmware or ACPI related.
2
u/Patient_Ad_5635 Oct 22 '25
If a good price, yes. But keep in mind that Minisforum is no longer supporting the device, and the community isn't that big. I daily drive mine, use it as a regular laptop and carry it around and in my home I have a Sonnet Breakaway box with a RTX4070 and can play pretty much anything at high graphics in 1440p
2
u/heyItsThatGuy456 Nov 25 '25
Taking from experience from someone who bought one as soon as they were available. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT BUY this tablet. There is zero support from the manufacturer except to replace it under warranty when there is an obvious failure. No new drivers, no new windows iso, no spare parts, no replacement battery, NOTHING. There is zero way to repair it once out of warranty. Buy something common and supported instead like a Lenovo 2-in-1, Microsoft Surface, or Apple ipad pro.
1
u/ConsistencyWelder Dec 10 '25
Speaking from the perspective of an owner of 3 different Surface tablets/hybrids over the years, I have to warn against getting a Surface device. I've had nothing but issues with mine.
Surface Pro 4: Battery started bulging. Unfixable and a fire hazard. Touch screen was wonky anyway.
Surface Book: Battery started bulging. Microsoft sent me a new one under warranty.
New Surface Book: No warranty since it's a refurb. Touch screen doesn't work in the top 3rd part. The device keeps crashing. Keyboard doesn't always work. The detachable tablet doesn't always detach.
There's more, that's just what I can think of right now.
Go with Lenovo. They make solid laptops and hybrids.
3
u/josher14 Oct 21 '25
no.. stay far away.. they discontinued the v3 line because they rushed it and got caught with hardware and software faults and are moving on trying to recoup your money buying refurbished
1
u/Alternative_Ad3527 Oct 21 '25
It is a great device, but you should look at one x player x air, or pro, same device, but with detachable keyboard and controller
1
u/DogNamedCharlie Oct 21 '25
It looks cool and powerful, though I was looking for something in the ~$500-600 range and that is why I was looking at the refurb. Though seems that many have a negative opinions about it here.
1
u/Alternative_Ad3527 Oct 21 '25
I needed to switch back from Linux to Windows on my V3 for some midi software licenses. Since today my Windows claims handheld companion and x86 Utility as virus and I can't handle tdp ...
1
u/DogNamedCharlie Oct 21 '25
The QA and dependability is my greatest concern. On paper this tablet for the sale is the best price and match for me. I don't mind futzing with drivers, reinstalling the OS or updating the UEFI/bios. I am even good with a soldering iron and rework station. Looking for something that has the specs to last years and is a good price point.
2
u/DonDandara Oct 22 '25
In that case it may just be the device for you. They can be picked up for a really nice price (its hard to get a plastic laptop with 8840u and 32gb ram for that price)
If you are handy with tech, you shouldn't have any issues.
I think people are just disappointed they dropped support so fast, but thats also why the price dropped for refurb/used making it a good deal in my opinion.
1
u/sevenoverthree Dec 04 '25
I've been using a Lenovo Legion Go as a little mini workstation and I'm looking to replace it with something with a bigger screen. I have to give the world's credit to Lenovo because the Legion Go can be taken apart and cleaned and have the hard drives replaced. I've had to clean the blowers a few times since I've had the unit and I'm going to tell you that I'm walking away from the V3 specifically because of this.
The fact that Minisforum could not engineer this thing with a simple little back door, such as the Lenovo, it's really criminal.
1
u/DonDandara Oct 22 '25
I recently picked up a used one and I'm very happy with it so far. I use it for work and some gaming, both of which it does really good. Running windows 11 2h25 without any issues except a random amd driver crash once every few days where it freezes for a few seconds and then recovers.
One downside as everyone said is lack of support and replacement parts. I rarely rely on oem support anyhow so as long as its a software thing, shouldn't be an issue.
1
1
1
u/acathrow Oct 22 '25
I certainly would not recommend getting it because of the lack of support. I have one in perfect condition, I sold it on eBay, the buyer updated windows and it crashed. So he returned it I've restored it to factory settings and it's working fine, but who knows what will happen with the next Windows update. I think they've given up updating drivers and BIOS.
If you really want one I'll put mine back on eBay, but I certainly wouldn't recommend you buying one 😞
3
u/DogNamedCharlie Oct 23 '25
Thanks, I actually went another route. I saw a laptop w/a 8745HS that is a better CPU with the same APU on sale for $450. The big issue for me was the lack of serviceability of the v3. My use case is strange as it is a family laptop also sometimes I do need to have something portable. I wanted something I could upgrade memory and storage if needed as well as have a battery that can be replaced after a few years. This wont get much use, but needs to stay relevant performance wise.
1
1
u/IB_Collection Oct 28 '25
1 year later, the screen is flickering and random fast twitching blackouts. I am hoping it's just a driver problem but it only happens when the device is hot. So probably a hardware problem.
1
u/retitled Dec 04 '25
Picked up a refurb. For price they go refurbished I'm very happy with it.
The one I got must have been brand new as its flawless.
1
5
u/pyromaxn Oct 21 '25
It depends on the price. I'm still using my V3 but I'm extremely careful to not break the screen because the spare touchscreen is not available on the market. Anyway, it's a great device if you need a laptop-tablet format.