ARCTIC Senza Review: Passive PC for under the desk, silent but not listless and on a well-known platform

1 - Introduction, unboxing and technical data 2 - The built-in hardware in detail 3 - Windows 11 N problems, a workaround and BIOS settings 4 - Assembly and commissioning 5 - Performance, temperatures and conclusion

With the Senza, ARCTIC has taken a relatively bold step and ventured into the phalanx of mini PC manufacturers. However, they have chosen a partner for the hardware that is already established in this market and whose platform can be symbiotically used and expanded with their own cooler skills. But more on that later, first we come to the inevitable: unpacking and marveling at the relatively large shipment. With a total of 3 equipment versions, which include a total of two AM4 APUs from AMD and 2 operating system versions, the part starts at around 600 euros RRP and ends at around 730 euros, which is quite sporty, but due to later street prices, it certainly doesn’t have to be the last word. And, by the way, you also save on the year-round subscription for the earplugs you no longer need.

The ARCTIC Senza wants to score points with purely passive operation, WiFi 6E, a fast 2.5 GBit/s Ethernet and good connectivity, which I can already confirm, because all of this works as advertised. But there are also a few minor pitfalls, which of course have to be written about if you want to judge objectively. But everything will be fine, I can spoil that in advance. I’m testing the mid-range version with the Ryzen 5700G and Windows 11 Home N.

Today you will not only read how I squeezed myself under my desk, screwed this PC together and turned it into a really full-fledged side-kick for my rather power-hungry workstation using a KWM switch, but also how ARCTIC made a mistake with the operating system of two models and scored a nasty own goal in the process. The necessary workaround is of course included free of charge, even though it took me more than an hour to find the actual solution. And of course there are all the technical details and a little more background information on the manufacturers involved under the desk. But first, let’s get the good thing out of its packaging.

Unboxing and scope of delivery

When we open the somewhat larger box, we see the cushioning foam, a marking template for screwing, three boxes (power supply unit, power cable and accessories) and the passive PC hidden at the bottom. This is all packaged very appropriately and the entire outer packaging is reduced to the two dark gray foam buffers. Thankfully, the otherwise obligatory PET bags have been almost completely dispensed with.

The actual mini PC is already completely pre-assembled and therefore requires no assembly skills whatsoever. The front panel is also pre-assembled and connected to the PC via four sufficiently long cables. The strain relief on the PC case is exemplary, something you don’t often see, because often enough it is only solved via a soft grommet and cable ties on the inside. The outer filling of the transport box with recycled paper and cardboard can be criticized, as these shreds are extremely dusty and crumble and have even made it inside the original packaging. Dyson is your best friend….

The accessories in the box are functional and absolutely sufficient. In addition to the Arctic-labeled power supply unit from Shenzhen Meigao Electronic Equipment Co., Ltd. including a protective contact-free connection cable, you also get lots of useful things such as a cable duct, ties with Velcro fasteners and an adapter plate for mounting the power supply unit, cable holders for gluing and various screws. I used the Torx screws (but you should have a longer and sturdy T15 screwdriver), but normal PH2 wood screws are also included. A matter of taste, as always.

The three versions: Important technical data and prices

I will of course go into more detail about the hardware later, but I’ll list the general technical data here because it will naturally suit the reading habits of most readers. I have already mentioned that there are three versions of the Senza. The smaller and cheapest version for around 600 euros RRP is based on an AMD Ryzen 5 5500GT, which I have to criticize at this point because only a 16 GB memory bar (SO-DIMM) has been installed. AMD with integrated graphics and single channel is deadly. You definitely have to upgrade here, but it’s easy to do. The two other versions for 700 and 730 euros RRP rely on the full memory expansion and an AMD Ryzen 7 5700G. The 30 euro surcharge only results from the Windows Pro version.

Which brings us to a not quite so nice circumstance concerning the operating system version of the other two models. ARCTIC advertises Windows 11 Home here, which is unfortunately wrong, as it is only the stripped-down Home N version, which I will have to write an important paragraph about later, including a workaround. This is because the end user will very quickly reach the limits of this rather questionable operating system in its delivery state. But I have a suitable section for that later.

The front panel is limited to the necessary buttons and connections, the I/O panel on the PC is suitably equipped and you can recognize the signature of MINISFORUM, the brand of Micro Computer (HK) Tech Limited, whose Mini-PCs we have already tested several times. The proprietary mainboard is also no stranger. But more on that in a moment when it comes to the built-in hardware.