Introduction: Portable Gaming Meets High Performance

The Antec Core HS is a game-changing handheld device, blending portability with powerful performance. Designed for gamers who want the freedom to play anywhere, this handheld mini PC comes packed with high-end specs that challenge traditional gaming laptops. With its small form factor and powerful internals, the Core HS is making a significant impact in the world of mobile gaming, providing a balance between performance and portability.

As handheld gaming PCs continue to rise in popularity, the Antec Core HS positions itself as a premium option. The use of AMD Ryzen 7 processors — specifically, the 7840U and the newer 8840U on the latest models — offers robust performance for modern gaming needs. This power is packed into a sleek, lightweight frame that makes it easy to carry, making it ideal for gamers on the go who don’t want to compromise on performance.

Design and Build Quality: Compact Yet Premium

Antec has designed the Core HS to be compact without sacrificing build quality. Its small size and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold during long gaming sessions. The device is built from high-quality materials, ensuring durability, while the minimalist design emphasizes portability. Unlike bulkier gaming laptops, the Core HS offers a sleek and refined look, which is essential for users who need a device that performs well and looks good while doing it.

At just 20mm thick and featuring a curved body, the Core HS is light enough to carry anywhere without feeling cumbersome. Antec’s attention to detail is evident in the layout of the controls and the overall aesthetic, which is clean and modern. This handheld is clearly designed to be both functional and visually appealing, combining practicality with the style that gamers look for in high-end gear.

Display Quality: 6-Inch 1080p Display for Immersive Gaming

One of the highlights of the Core HS is its 6-inch 1080p display, which provides crisp visuals for gaming. The high brightness levels ensure that the screen is visible in a variety of lighting conditions, whether indoors or outdoors. With a 1920 x 1080 resolution, the display offers a sharp, vibrant picture, making it suitable for both fast-paced action games and more detailed, graphic-heavy titles.

The display’s compact size doesn’t compromise on quality. It offers wide viewing angles, and the pixel density ensures games look sharp and detailed. This makes it perfect for gamers who want a high-quality visual experience without the bulk of a larger screen.

Performance: AMD Ryzen 7 7840U and 8840U Processors

The Antec Core HS comes in two configurations: the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U and the newer 8840U model, both of which offer exceptional performance for a handheld device. These processors are designed to handle demanding AAA games, delivering smooth frame rates and fast load times. The 8-core, 16-thread architecture ensures that multitasking and intensive gaming are handled with ease, while integrated RDNA 3 graphics provide solid GPU performance for gaming and multimedia tasks.

In benchmarks, the Core HS performs admirably, running modern games at medium to high settings without significant slowdowns. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or even doing some light content creation, the Core HS offers the kind of power typically reserved for larger laptops.

Cooling System: Triple Copper Tubes for Efficient Heat Management

One of the challenges with powerful, portable devices is managing heat, and the Core HS handles this with an efficient cooling system. The device features triple copper heat pipes, which help dissipate heat during intensive gaming sessions. This design ensures that the device maintains optimal performance without overheating, even during extended periods of use.

The cooling system is critical for handheld gaming PCs, as they often struggle with maintaining consistent performance in a compact form factor. Antec has implemented a solution that works well, allowing users to enjoy longer gaming sessions without worrying about performance drops due to heat.

Battery Life: Designed for Gaming on the Go

Battery life is one of the Core HS’s standout features, offering several hours of gaming on a single charge. The device is optimized for power efficiency, which ensures that gamers can play for extended periods without needing to plug in. Whether you’re traveling or simply don’t have access to a power outlet, the Core HS offers a reliable battery life that keeps you gaming longer.

With gaming performance being demanding on battery resources, the Core HS strikes a balance by optimizing settings based on the game being played. While more intensive titles may reduce battery life faster, the overall performance is still impressive for a handheld device.

Connectivity: Dual USB-C Ports for Versatility

Unlike traditional laptops or gaming PCs, the Antec Core HS keeps it simple with two USB-C ports. These ports offer versatile connectivity options, including support for fast charging and high-speed data transfer. You can also connect external devices, such as monitors, storage drives, or controllers, through these USB-C ports, allowing the Core HS to adapt to a variety of setups.

While the device lacks additional USB-A or HDMI ports, the USB-C standard is becoming more widely adopted, and the flexibility of these ports means you can still connect a wide range of peripherals through adapters or hubs.

Customization: RGB Lighting for Personalization

A unique feature of the Core HS is the RGB lighting around its joystick and keyboard areas, which allows for a degree of customization. Gamers can adjust the lighting to suit their personal style, whether they want a subtle glow or a more vibrant display. This feature not only adds an aesthetic touch but also improves visibility in low-light environments, making it easier to game in darker settings.

The RGB lighting is fully customizable through the device’s settings, offering users the chance to match the lighting to their gaming setup or simply to create a more immersive atmosphere while gaming.

Gaming Performance: Handling AAA Titles

In terms of gaming performance, the Antec Core HS is capable of running a wide range of AAA titles at medium to high settings. Games like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Red Dead Redemption 2 perform well on this handheld device, delivering smooth frame rates and detailed visuals. While it may not match the performance of a high-end gaming desktop, the Core HS provides a remarkably solid experience for a portable device.

The combination of the Ryzen 7 processors and RDNA 3 graphics ensures that modern games run smoothly, while the device’s cooling system helps maintain performance during longer gaming sessions. For gamers who prioritize mobility without sacrificing too much in the way of performance, the Core HS strikes an excellent balance.

Conclusion: Is the Antec Core HS Worth It?

The Antec Core HS is a strong contender in the growing handheld gaming PC market. With its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processors, vibrant 1080p display, and efficient cooling system, it offers a premium gaming experience in a highly portable package. While it may lack some of the connectivity options found on larger devices, the dual USB-C ports provide enough versatility for most users, and the compact form factor makes it perfect for gaming on the go.

Overall, the Antec Core HS is ideal for gamers who want the power of a gaming laptop in a handheld device. Its combination of performance, portability, and customizable features makes it one of the top choices for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Ready to take your gaming anywhere? Check out the Antec Core HS and enjoy powerful handheld gaming today!