The acceleration towards super-small desktop computers has been mainly in the past decade. It’s still possible to find small business boxes packed with powerful video cards and hard drives on multiple platters. Many desktops have changed dramatically since the advent of the “small-form factor” (SFF), PC revolution in the ’00s. They are now smaller than ever and can be as small as half-size towers or compact cubes.
Next up in size is a more dynamic model, which we may call the “NUC class”. NUC stands to represent “Next Unit of Computing”, an initiative of Intel to encourage the creation of small Windows-based desktop computers using its mobile-centric processors.
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NUC has launched a line of mini-PC kits under its own brand, and many other PC-component manufacturers have followed suit with similar models (Gigabyte with its Brix models and Asus with VivoMini lines). Mini PCs offer a more compact and quiet option than larger towers. They can be used for web browsing, gaming, and other tasks. Mini PCs are compact and can fit in your pocket.
They use the energy-efficient components of laptops to provide surprising power. Mini PCs are available for media streaming, gaming, and VR. The best mini computers for home entertainment, gaming, and professional workstations have been reviewed by us. Each review includes extensive testing and hands on evaluation to ensure that we can give you the best recommendations.
We’ve tested every mini-PC on this list and found the best models available today. You or someone you know might be looking for a mini computer if you are returning to school soon. Mini PCs are not always the first choice of teachers and students, but they can still be as useful as full-sized desktop computers, although they have less clutter. The M1-equipped mac Mini is a great choice for students.
This mac Mini offers more power than ever and is a great value. All you have to do is connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor. It’s compatible with Apple’s new Magic Keyboard TouchID sensor thanks to the M1 chip. The Acer Chromebox CXI3 desktop version of Chrome OS is ideal for schoolwork. The Chromebox CXI3 is ideal for classroom use or at work. I
t offers all that’s great in Chrome OS – simplicity, security, and all of the online capabilities you need – in a small, portable PC with great features and performance. The specifications are the most important thing about the ASUS P51. This mini computer is a great choice for productivity, light gaming, and media consumption. You can pair the CPU with DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz.
It comes in four, eight, sixteen, and 32GB capacities. There are many options for NVMe SSDs to store your data. You can upgrade the RAM and storage, so you can buy the lowest priced model with the processor that you require and then purchase the RAM and SSD needed. To increase the data storage capacity, you can install a 2.5-inch SSD like the GMK NucBox2. It’s easy to get inside the computer.
After four screws are removed, there is a panel under the chassis. The panel below the chassis reveals the two RAM slots and 2.5-inch mounting area. It also allows access to the M.2 slot. The brackets and screws included make mounting the computer to the back of a monitor easy. ASUS includes everything you need to get started. Although the ASUS PN51’s design is not exceptional, the ports are excellent.
We have an infrared sensor and microSD card reader. There are also USB-C ports, USB 3.0 ports, USB-A 3.0 ports, and a microphone array. A storage activity indicator is also included. The Ryzen 5 Pro 2500U that powers the UM250 makes it relatively affordable (not more than half of the Intel-powered U850).
Although the UM250’s 2500U has a much shorter lifespan than the Comet Lake i5 from the U850, it is still competitive with the more expensive Intel part in most benchmarks. The Ryzen even wins in certain areas. Minisforum cut down on costs by providing only one SATA port, compared to the U850’s 2. They also used a slower M.2 SATA Kingston SSD model.
The UM250 offers dual RTL8111 Gigabit Internet, whereas the U850 has RTL8111 Gigabit+ Intel 2.5Gbps Ethernet. These sacrifices are not likely to be felt by most people looking for this type of mini-PC, especially considering that they cost only $300 less than the retail price. The UM250 has a pleasant experience sharing an office, even if you don’t care about the raw specs.
Its cooling fan is quiet even in Cinebench R20 multithreaded testing and Time Spy. It will only be audible if you are close enough to it to hear it. But even so, the sound is a steady, clean whoosh with no bearing whine. The mini-PC’s RPM changes are slow and the spin up/down is not as frequent.
The Ryzen 5 Pro 2500U that powers the UM250 makes it relatively affordable (not more than half of the Intel-powered U850). Although the UM250’s 2500U has a much shorter lifespan than the Comet Lake i5 from the U850, it is still competitive with the more expensive Intel part in most benchmarks. The Ryzen even wins in certain areas.
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Minisforum also saved some money by providing only one SATA port, versus two for the U850. Minisforum also used a slower M.2 SATA version of the Kingston SSD to reduce costs. The UM250 offers dual RTL8111 Gigabit Internet, whereas the U850 has RTL8111 Gigabit+ Intel 2.5Gbps Ethernet.
These sacrifices are not likely to be felt by most people looking for this type of mini-PC, especially considering that they cost only $300 less than the retail price. The UM250 has a pleasant experience sharing an office, even if you don’t care about the raw specs. Its cooling fan is quiet even in Cinebench R20 multithreaded testing and Time Spy.
It will only be audible if you are close enough to it to hear it. But even so, the sound is a steady, clean whoosh with no bearing whine. The mini-PC does not spin up and down rapidly, but is slower to change RPMs. A removable VESA bracket is included in the packaging. It attaches to bottom of unit. The standard 1-year limited warranty applies. However, claims for warranty may not be possible due to shipping from overseas.
It is important to consider the size of your mini computer and the space it will take up on your desktop. While it is tempting to go for the smallest possible machine, you will find that it has less power and flexibility to add components. A tiny computer is fine if you are only going to stream music or video on your mini computer.
