SOYO Y5 Air

PRICE

• SOYO Y5 Air $154.99
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The SOYO Y5 Air Mini PC is an ultra-compact desktop computer that targets budget-conscious users who need basic computing power in a tiny footprint. SOYO, a Taiwanese brand established in 1985, holds the distinction of being Taiwan’s first self-branded motherboard manufacturer. In the early days of DIY computing, SOYO’s motherboards were highly regarded—during the Intel 440BX era, the SOYO-6BA+ was legendary among overclockers. Today, the company continues to produce entry-level and mid-range PC hardware.

The Y5 Air sits firmly at the entry-level end of the spectrum. It’s powered by a 4th-generation Intel Core i5 processor—a chip originally designed for laptops in 2013. This immediately tells you everything you need to know about the Y5 Air: it’s not a performance machine, but a bare-bones, no-frills computer for basic tasks.

Available through AliExpress and other online marketplaces, the Y5 Air typically retails for around $170–$230 depending on configuration. At this price point, it competes with other ultra-budget mini PCs and entry-level Chromeboxes. The question is: does it deliver enough value to justify the purchase, or are the compromises too steep?

Competitor Comparison

Summary

The SOYO Y5 Air Mini PC is a relic. It’s built around a 2013-era processor, uses outdated DDR3 memory, and offers performance that’s thoroughly outclassed by modern budget mini PCs at the same price point. For basic office work, web browsing, and video playback, it technically works—but it’s hard to recommend when better alternatives exist for the same money.

SOYO was once a respected name in PC hardware, but the Y5 Air trades on that legacy without delivering modern value. In 2025, buying a 4th-generation Intel processor for $170+ is hard to justify when the Intel N100—a processor that’s faster, more efficient, and a full decade newer—is available for the same price. The Y5 Air might make sense as a deeply discounted refurbished unit or a niche purchase for retro-computing enthusiasts, but for the average consumer, the smarter buy is a modern N100-based mini PC.

If you must go ultra-budget, look for deals on Beelink, GMKtec, or similar brands. They offer a much better experience for the same money—and you won’t be stuck with a decade-old processor that’s already obsolete.

SPECS