A mishap with capacitors in mini PCs leads to hardware failures, triggering memories of the widespread capacitor issue in the early 2000s, known as the capacitor plague.
In a recent announcement, Minisforum has initiated a recall for certain NAB9 mini PCs due to a capacitor issue, which can cause startup failures or abnormal shutdowns. The affected units were manufactured between September 19, 2024, and March 14, 2025.
To identify an affected unit, check the serial number on the underside of the device. The third to fifth digits should fall between 386 and 526 or 017 and 117. If these conditions are met and the device experiences startup issues, it might be eligible for replacement.
Only units within the specified serial number range experiencing startup or shutdown issues are eligible for replacement. Minisforum will replace affected units with new devices, which will include an additional 12-month warranty. Users are advised to back up data before returning the device, as data retention on the replacement unit is unlikely.
Minisforum has emphasised that only specific NAB9 units are affected, not the NAB9 Plus. The company has also highlighted enhanced quality control measures to prevent such issues in the future. However, details on return shipping costs for verification may need to be confirmed with Minisforum directly.
Jacob Fox, a hardware enthusiast, had his first gaming PC experience at the age of 12. Dissatisfied with the quality of a local PC repair store's build, he vowed never to let others build his rig again, leading to his interest in hardware and eventual career in the tech industry.
Jacob's career in the tech industry includes work as a freelancer and a full-time employee at PC Gamer. He has a self-proclaimed double-life as a hardware geek and a philosophy nerd, with a PhD in Philosophy pending a viva exam. Jacob worked as a Hardware Writer for PCGamesN in 2020 and also freelanced for sites such as TechRadar, Pocket-lint, and PC Gamer.
It's important to note that the NAB9 mini PC is not a gaming PC, as it lacks a dedicated GPU and doesn't have an integrated GPU capable of proper gaming. Faulty capacitors have caused issues for manufacturers of electronics in the past, including a widespread issue in the early 2000s known as the 'capacitor plague'.
Minisforum encourages all affected users to follow the replacement process and contact them directly for more information. For those unaffected, it's a good reminder to keep their devices in good working order and to regularly check for any recalls or updates.
- In light of the recent recall, Minisforum advises fans of their smart-home devices and gadgets to check the serial number of their NAB9 mini PCs, as units manufactured between September 19, 2024, and March 14, 2025, with serial numbers between 386 and 526 or 017 and 117, may be affected by a capacitor issue.
- If you find your NAB9 mini PC in this serial number range and it experiences startup or shutdown issues, you may be eligible for a replacement, as Minisforum will provide new devices, complete with an additional 12-month warranty.
- However, it's essential to backup your data before returning the device, as data retention on the replacement unit is uncertain. Details regarding return shipping costs need to be confirmed with Minisforum directly.
- Even though the NAB9 mini PC is not a gaming PC due to the lack of a dedicated GPU and an inadequate integrated GPU for proper gaming, it serves as a reminder to all tech enthusiasts about the importance of regulatory checks and keeping their devices in good working order.
- With an enthralling background in hardware, Jacob Fox uses his vast tech industry experience from working as a freelancer and a full-time employee at PC Gamer, and his self-proclaimed double-life as a hardware geek and a philosophy nerd, to provide valuable insights on theottseGaming industry, including his work as a Hardware Writer for PCGamesN and freelancing for sites like TechRadar, Pocket-lint, and PC Gamer.
