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Small but mighty: what are the advantages of mini PCs?

2023-02-17T13:48:28.053Z


Mini PCs are small, fit anywhere and are still very powerful. This article shows the most important differences to the standard desktop.


Mini PCs are small, fit anywhere and are still very powerful.

This article shows the most important differences to the standard desktop.

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For most people, the choice falls on a desktop PC or laptop.

Mini-PCs are currently still more of a marginal phenomenon, but more and more computer users are dealing with the compact devices.

The obvious difference from the traditional desktops is the size.

A mini PC is much smaller and lighter, which is why it is also easier to transport and also takes up little space in the home office.

But can't you buy a laptop right away?

Mini PCs: what are the most important features?

Mini PCs have several advantages and disadvantages.

The main differences to the desktop are as follows:

  • Portability and size

    : As mentioned in the beginning, compactness is the most obvious advantage.

    With a mini PC you are more mobile than with a tower PC and you can, for example, move your home office to another room more quickly.

    You can also easily connect the small computer to the television, for example.

  • Low Power Consumption

    : Another benefit of mini PCs is that they typically use less power than traditional desktop computers.

    Since mini PCs are equipped with fanless processors, the noise level is often lower than that of conventional desktop computers.

  • Relatively powerful

    : Mini PCs are surprisingly powerful for their small size - but of course they can't compete with other high-end PCs.

    The computing power is usually sufficient for texts, tables, presentations or web surfing without the computer reaching its limits.

    Mini PCs are rather unsuitable for gaming or editing images or videos.

  • Low Prices

    : The initial costs for mini PCs are also usually lower than for desktops and laptops.

    However, this is also due to the fact that the scope of delivery usually does not include a monitor, mouse or keyboard.

The advantages and disadvantages of mini PCs in a compact overview

:

Advantages of Mini PCs

Disadvantages of mini PCs

✔️ saves space

❌ unsuitable for gaming and image editing

✔️ good for office and internet tasks

❌ Hardware usually not upgradeable

✔️ lower energy consumption than other PCs

❌ Less power than high-end PCs

✔️ relatively cheap

❌ no active cooling

✔️ many interfaces

✔️ very quiet

Who are mini PCs suitable for?

The small computers are ideal when performance is not the only thing that matters.

They are an option for people who need a computer that is easy to carry and space-saving.

Their size and low power consumption make them an attractive alternative.

If you're looking for a small PC for simple tasks and want to spend less money, they're worth considering.

Mini-PCs are also interesting for companies

that want to equip their employees with mobile work devices.

This gives them flexibility in the office, because they can set themselves up more quickly at another table that already has a monitor, mouse and keyboard.

Mini PCs: why not just a laptop?

Whether mini PC or laptop - with both types of computer you are particularly mobile.

The devices differ in a few points:

  • Transport in a bag

    : Larger laptops in particular need a suitable bag in which to fit.

    Mini PCs fit almost anywhere.

  • Connections

    : Mini PCs are often equipped with a variety of different connections and interfaces.

    This makes them a good choice for users who want to connect various devices and accessories - such as headsets or external hard drives.

  • Power Consumption

    : Mini PCs generally use less power than laptops because they tend to be fanless - which also makes them quieter.

    On the other hand, laptops can also work without a permanent connection to the power supply because they have an integrated battery.

  • Longer Lifespan

    : Since mini PCs tend to have fewer moving parts than laptops, they are less prone to damage and typically have a longer lifespan.

Mini PCs: which models are good?

The selection of mini PCs is large.

You can find some recommended models in the following section.

These have performed well in various tests and the users are also convinced of the listed devices.

Mini PC Geekom IT11

+

Mini PC Geekom IT11

© Geekom

Order Geekom IT11 Mini PC now

Price: €594.99 instead of €699.99 RRP

brand

geekom

operating system

Windows 11 Pro

Size

12x11x5cm

Weight

572g

processor

11th Gen Intel Core i7-11390H

random access memory

16 GB

storage space

512GB SSD

interfaces

USB-C

USB3.2

HDMI

Mini display port

3.5mm audio

SD card reader

Ethernet port

Mini PC CSL X300

+

Mini PC CSL X300

© CSL Computer

Order the Mini PC CSL X300 now

Price: €739 instead of €819 RRP

brand

CSL computer

operating system

Windows 11 Home

Size

15x15x7cm

Weight

3kg

processor

AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650G

random access memory

16 GB

storage space

1TB SSD

interfaces

USB3.1

USB3.2

HDMI

DisplayPort

HD audio

SD card reader

Ethernet port

Mini PC Apple 2023 Mac Mini

+

Apple Mac mini M2

©Apple

Order Apple Mac Mini 2023 now

Price: €668.99 instead of €699 RRP

brand

Apple

operating system

macOS

Size

20x20x3.5cm

Weight

1.18kg

processor

Apple M2 with 8 core CPU

random access memory

8GB

storage space

256GB SSD

interfaces

USB A

USB Thunderbolt

HDMI

3.5mm audio

Ethernet port

Mini PC HP Pro Mini 400 G9 6B240EA

+

HP Pro Mini 400 G9 6B240EA

©HP

Order the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 mini PC now

Price: €623.99

brand

HB

operating system

Windows 11 Pro

Size

18x17.5x3cm

Weight

1.42kg

processor

Intel Core i5 12500T

random access memory

8GB

storage space

256GB SSD

interfaces

USB3.2

HDMI

Audio

microphone

DisplayPort

Ethernet port

Mini PC Geekom MiniAir 11

+

Mini PC Geekom MiniAir 11

© Geekom

Order the Mini PC Geekom MiniAir 11 now

Price: €299.99

brand

geekom

operating system

Windows 11 Pro

Size

12x11x4cm

Weight

500g

processor

Intel Celeron N5095 quad core

random access memory

8GB

storage space

256GB SSD

interfaces

USB-C

USB A

HDMI

Mini DisplayPort

3.5mm audio

SD card reader

Ethernet port

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2023-02-17

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