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The best desktop mini PCs provide a strong substitute for laptops and desktop computers despite their small size. These covert devices, often referred to as NUCs or thin clients, are common for office work, streaming, and video conferencing. The most potent mini PCs may even do resource-intensive applications like gaming and video editing. However, choosing the best mini PC for you isn’t always simple because there are so many models and configurations available as the industry expands.
Over the last ten or so years, the trend toward ultra-small desktop PCs has accelerated the most. Naturally, one can still easily locate standard business boxes and massive power towers filled with several platter-based hard drives and large video cards. However, many desktop computers have seen drastic reductions, from half-size towers to tiny cubes to, in their most extreme form, sticks little larger than a USB flash drive, since the “small-form-factor” (SFF) PC revolution of the 2000s.
a significant cause for this? The CPU now houses graphics processing and other crucial functions that were formerly handled by distinct chips or large cards. These days, miniaturization has reached a point where further reduction is not possible.
Quick List
Here, we’ll examine the subtleties of the Mini PCs available today. According to the use case, we have first outlined the top mini PCs for 2024 that we have examined below. A thorough explanation of how to select the ideal model for you is provided after that. We close off below that with a hypothetical breakdown of all of our best choices shown like a chart.
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
MINISFORUM EliteMini UM780 XTX BEST OVERALL
- 【Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS】Powered with AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS,8C/16T (16M cache, up to...
- 【2*DDR5xPCIe4.0】MINISFORUM UM780 XTX uses 32GB DDR5 5600 SODIMM dual-channel memory,...
- 【Dual 2.5G Ethernet &One OP】Sleek design dual 2.5-gigabit ethernet port design provides...
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Outstanding performance with a power output of up to 70W
- Choices for more storage and memory
- A novel cooling mechanism for steady functioning
Cons
- High prices might turn off consumers on a tight budget
- Expanding storage is restricted while using the OCulink interface
Specifications
| CPU: | AMD Ryzen™ 7 7840HS, 8 Cores/16 Threads, up to 5.1 GHz |
| Graphics: | AMD Radeon™ 780M |
| RAM: | DDR5 Dual channel, upgradable to 96GB |
| Storage: | Dual M.2 2280 PCIe4.0 SSD slots |
| Rear Ports: | Dual RJ45 2.5G Ethernet, USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A, USB4, Oculink, HDMI2.1, DP1.4 |
| Front Ports: | USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A, USB4, Audio Jack, Clear CMOS |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5 |
| Audio Output: | HDMI, DP, Audio Jack |
| Camera: | None |
| Size: | 130mmx125mmx62mm |
| OS installed: | Windows 11 Home (64-bit) |
MINISFORUM UM780 XTX – Overview
The Minisforum UM780 XTX is a small mid-variety PC with AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and AMD Radeon 780M pictures, offering tremendous performance and connectivity at an less expensive price. Its OCulink interface lets in for external GPU aid, making it handy for acting, innovative work and commercial enterprise work.
A smooth configuration with a magnetic top cover permits for individualization, and mounting alternatives include vertical wall mounting for bendy placement Powered via a Ryzen™ 7 7840HS processor and Radeon™ 780M GPU, it excels in video enhancement, gaming, and photographs programming. DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 SSD slots allow for brief get right of entry to to three reports, even as a green cooling system continues performance smooth under load Dual 2.5G RJ45 ports for immediate nearby conversation, and the metal casing facilitates with warmth dissipation.
Benchmark results show its basic performance in a whole lot of obligations, making it a great proposition for specialists and gaming fanatics to gain compact but effective responsiveness Despite the excess, the UM780 XTX supplies your particular strengths, it redefines the energy of a mini PC.
Cost and Availability
The Minisforum UM780 XTX offers itself as an attractive alternative to the mid-range ultra-break small PC market, with a 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM version of the UM780 XTX with AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU and AMD Radeon 780M graphics lineup, . a jointly computing equipment in a small bundle Provides -level overall performance, making its pricing pretty competitive A wide range of customers including creative professionals, sports enthusiasts find the UM780 XTX desirable for its low price and power and lightning mixed strengths.
Design and Build
The Minisforum UM780 XTX capabilities an attractive layout with a magnetic header defend for personalization and offers flexible mounting alternatives consisting of vertical and wall mounting While not extraordinarily-compact, it packs high-quality electricity and growth alternatives. Connectivity is improved with two USB ports, HDMI, DPI, four USBs, and two local sockets. The all-steel production contributes to cooling, and the ease of get admission to allows for sincere enhancements. Overall, it combines functionality and customization in one compact package deal.
Features and Performance
The Minisforum UM780 XTX is designed for gamers, creative professionals and power users who need a compact yet effective Mini PC.
Notable is the OCulink interface, which allows outside GPU connectivity for advanced photographs overall performance. Powered via an AMD Ryzen™ 7 7840HS processor with eight cores and sixteen threads, clocked at as much as five.1GHz, the AMD Radeon™ 780M GPU effects handles complex tasks from gaming to video editing AMD Radeon™ 780M The GPU guarantees easy rendering and speedy preview, ideal for innovative work and gaming. Dual-channel DDR5 reminiscence and M.2 2280 PCIe 4.Zero SSD slots provide quicker facts access and garage speeds, best for coping with large documents.
An advanced cooling gadget with liquid metallic CPU additives and an intelligent cooling fan prevents overheating for the duration of heavy workloads. Dual 2.5G RJ45 ports provide fast and stable community connectivity, crucial for collaboration and on line gaming.
The metal insert gives high and durable thermal insulation, allowing it to be portable for on-the-move use or for use in on-line gaming systems.
Beelink U59 Mini PC BEST ON A BUDGET
- ✔𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝟭𝟬𝙣𝙢...
- ✔𝘿𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 & 𝙒𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨...
- ✔𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝟭𝟬 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 &...
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Super small size
- VESA mount included
- Upgradable storage and RAM
- Very affordable
Cons
- M.2 slots are just SATA
- USB ports are all 5Gbps
Specifications
| CPU: | Intel Celeron Processor N5105 (4C/4T, 4M Cache, 2.0GHz up to 2.9GHz) |
| Graphics: | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM: | 16GB (2*8G)DDR4 RAM |
| Storage: | M.2 2280 512GB SATA SSD |
| Ports: | 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB-C, 4x USB3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x HDMI 1.4, 1 x universal audio jack |
| Connectivity: | Intel WiFi 6E, 2x Gigabit LAN adapter, Bluetooth v5.2 |
| Accessories: | Wall-Mounted bracket, Adapter12V/3A, HDMI cables |
| Size: | 112 x 112 x 41 mm (W x D x H) |
| OS installed: | Licensed Windows 11 Pro Pre-installed Without any bloatware, Supports Windows 10. |
BEELINK U59 MINI PC – Overview
The Beelink U59 is a NUC-sized PC based on the Intel Celeron Processor N5105 (4C/4T, 4M Cache, 2.0GHz to 2.9GHz). It may be configured with 8GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of SATA SSD storage.
Despite its low silicon, the U59 performs well in simple activities and has the ability to serve as a mini office machine or in embedded applications. Customers having 8GB RAM can upgrade to 16GB together with M.2 SATA storage. There is also a space inside for a 2.5-inch drive, providing more storage possibilities. What seals the deal are the cheap asking prices for both the 8GB and 16GB variants, as well as the bloatware-free Windows 11 installation.
The U59’s two HDMI outputs and dual gigabit LAN connections neatly position it for embedded use, making it suitable for delivering product presentations or serving as a standalone firewall. The Beelink U59 is certainly one of the best NUC-sized devices we’ve seen, and it’s affordable enough for even the most limited budgets.
Design and Features
The Beelink U59 carefully fits Intel’s NUC specifications, with a compact design measuring simply 112mm rectangular and 41mm high. In its plastic enclosure, it homes a widespread Intel Celeron PC with 2280 M.2 slots and socket reminiscence.
The the front panel has 3 USB ports, which includes one USB-C and a strength button, even as the rear gets additional USB-A ports, dual HDMI and Ethernet LAN ports Three monitors simultaneously through USB-C ports Can be connected some other place. However, it does now not have an SD or Micro SD card reader. A metallic bracket simplifies mounting the VESA at the monitor, presenting an all-in-one setup, inclusive of a brief HDMI cable for smooth access.
Although commonly plastic, the U59 offers splendid capabilities appropriate for a whole lot of shoppers.
Performance
Despite our concerns about the lack of hyperthreading and the overall performance of Intel’s terrible UHD graphics, the BeeLink U59 pleasantly surprised us with its overall performance although the GPU struggled in 3DMark’s opinion and although , the device is not exactly perfect for video video games or GPU- stronger obligations were displayed elsewhere But they no longer show three 4K displays that happen to rotate simultaneously. Beelink with the U59 includes RAM, multiple SSDs and a custom Windows gadget.
MINISFORUM Venus Series UM690S BEST MIDRANGE
- 【Excellent Processor】： The MINISFORUM UM690 Mini PC is a small form factor Desktop Tower...
- 【Powerful Graphics】: The Venus Series UM690 Small PC equipped with AMD Radeon 680M Graphics...
- 【8K Video Output】: This Personal Computer has three video output, 2x HDMI(4K@60Hz) and 1x...
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Compact and sleek design
- Powerful AMD Ryzen processor
- Multiple connectivity options
- Supports dual-channel DDR4 memory
- Efficient cooling system
Cons
- Limited expension slots
Specifications
| CPU: | AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX (8 Cores/16 Threads) |
| Graphics: | AMD Radeon™ 680M (2400 MHz) |
| RAM: | DDR5 Dual channel(SODIMM Slots×2) |
| Storage: | M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Storage Expansion: | 2.5 inch SATA HDD Slot x 1 (SATA 3.0, 6.0Gb/s) |
| Connectivity: | M.2 2230 WIFI Support(Wi-Fi，BlueTooth) |
| Video Output: | HDMI x 2 (4K@60Hz) USB4 x 1 (8K@60Hz) |
| Audio Output: | HDMI 3.5mm Combo Jack |
| Peripherals Interface: | • RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Port × 1 • USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A × 4 • USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C × 1 (Data Transfer, Front, Right) • USB4 Type-C × 1 (Front, Left) • HDMI × 2 • Clear CMOS × 1 • DMIC × 1 • 3.5mm Combo Jack × 1 |
| Power: | DC 19V(Adapter Included) |
| System: | Windows 11 |
MINISFORUM UM690S – Overview
The redesigned UM690 builds on previous reviews of our Minisforum minicomputers. Unlike the last two reviews we now have RDNA2 models and Zen 3+ CPU cores, which should deliver significant performance improvements across the board. As you may remember from my UM480 review, I wasn’t really happy with the chassis that Minisforum chose for that PC. The UM690 uses the same chassis as before, but this time with a whopping 120W of power. Continuing the previous theme of comparing these mini-PCs to ITX APU designs, I will measure the UM690 against the HM90 and 5700G desktop APUs, to mix things up a bit, I will also include a 5700G + RX6400 LP card test Which is how the RDNA2 iGPU sweet 12CUs compare to the RDNA2 dGPU sad 12CUs.
Specifications and Ports
The Minisforum UM690 mini PC has a similar chassis to the UM480 but uses a more power hungry 6900HX mobile processor, which offers improved performance Supports dual-channel DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 for M.2 drives, improving overall speed. Next to USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports in the port list, the front support indicator includes USB4 ports. The USB Type-A port on the back has been upgraded to 3.2 Gen 2, while the HDMI port retains 4k 60hz capability. Disconnecting the connection for upgrades, including RAM, WiFi cards, PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs, and SATA drives, disturbs the rubber feet covering the access chain, although they are removable.
Editor’s Choice
Temperatures, Fan Noise, and Power Draw
The energy drawn via the UM690 mini PC is a whole lot decrease than the HM90 model, in spite of a barely higher TDP in each take a look at, which ends up in cooler temperatures at some point of the take a look at however better fan velocity, performance allows to cool In with the default TDP, the electricity spikes initially before stabilising, because the 6900HX Displays viable obstacles imposed with the aid of the chip or electricity brick.
Testing at 54W TDP indicates no sizable difference in power draw compared to 40W, indicating capability limitations from the energy brick. Although the blanketed energy bricks are lower than HM 90, they can be less dense, restricting performance. While the higher strength bricks could had been nice, the small length of the brick inclusion meant that the electricity requirements of the UM690 were compromised.
MINISFORUM EliteMini TH50 BEST PERFORMANCE
- 【High Performance Core Processor】: The MINISFORUM TH50 Mini PC comes with the 11th...
- 【8K Video Output】: This MINISFORUM i5 Desktop Computer has three outputs, HDMI...
- 【Large and Expandable Storage】: This TH50 comes with LPDDR4 16GB(onboard) + 512GB PCIe SSD....
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Solid performance with Intel Tiger Lake SoC
- Configurations offer ample RAM and SSD options
- Compact design suitable for display mounting
- Supports additional 2.5-inch storage devices
Cons
- Barebone version lacks SSD and Windows license
- Soldered RAM limits memory upgrade options
Specifications
| CPU: | Intel Core i5-11320H 4 x 3.2 – 4.5 GHz, 35 W PL2 / Short Burst, 35 W PL1 / Sustained, Tiger Lake-H35 |
| Graphics: | Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs, 30.0.101.1191 DCH |
| RAM: | 16 GB, DDR4-3200 |
| Storage: | 512 GB, M.2-2280 NVMe |
| Connections: | 2 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 4.0 40 Gbps, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, and 1 Kensington lock Audio Connections: 3.5 mm Audio Jack |
| Connectivity: | MediaTek MT7921 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4; ac = Wi-Fi 5; ax = Wi-Fi 6); Bluetooth 5 |
| Size: | 55.5 x 149.6 x 149.6mm |
| Operating System: | Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit |
| Weight: | 763 g |
MINISFORUM ELITEMINI TH50 – Overview
Known for its mini-PCs, Minisforum expands its architecture beyond AMD-based systems by introducing the EliteMini TH50 with an Intel Tiger Lake SoC powered by an Intel Core i5-11320H, the TH50 for performance enough for projects. It has a configuration of 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 512 GB SSD. Notably, the barebones variant lacks SSD and Windows licenses. The system comes with 16 GB of RAM soldered on board. The package includes a compact 65 W USB-C power supply and VESA mounts for easy attachment to displays. Inside, there are two additional 2.5-inch multi-storage devices, giving it plenty of versatility.
Design and Features
The Minisforum EliteMini TH50 capabilities an aluminum chassis paying homage to the Elitemini HM90, making it stiffer and greater long lasting. While the layout doesn’t provide any notable visual outcomes, the capability shines thru. The cooling follows the same effective principle as its predecessor, soaking up oxygen from the surface and freeing the warmth through the cooling section.
Unlocking the tool is simple, presenting access to WLAN modules, SSDs and other additives, with room for an additional 2.5-inch drive. External connectivity alternatives are plentiful, along with six USB-A ports, Thunderbolt 4 assist for docking solutions, and 2.5G Ethernet ports. HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt ports permit triple display configuration, and outside GPU testing discovered its gaming abilities, enhancing its versatility.
Performance
The Minisforum EliteMini TH50 features an Intel Core i5-11320H processor, paired with sixteen GB of DDR4 RAM, and a fast NVMe SSD with 512 GB of storage. This mixture gives a strong foundation for quite a few applications. The Core i5-11320H, part of the Tiger Lake collection, gives 4 cores and eight cables with a 35 W TDP. While its unmarried-core performance is commendable, it can lag competition with greater cores after multi-threaded benchmarks. Despite a rated power consumption of 35 W, the SoC can momentarily spike as much as 48 W under load way to the faster raise. But unlike preceding AMD-based totally systems from Minisforum, there aren’t any BIOS options to alter the strength restrict.
Geekom AS 6 BEST FOR OFFICES
- [Excellent Performance] GEEKOM AS6 Mini PC is equipped with Newest AMD Ryzen 7 7735H...
- [AMD Radeon 680M GPU] Equipped with AMD Radeon 680M Graphics which built on the latest RDNA 2...
- [32GB 4800MHz DDR5&1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD] The mini gaming pc is equipped with 32GB 4800MHz DDR5,...
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Ryzen 9 mobile CPU
- Dual M.2 2280 slots
- USB 4.0
Cons
- Plastic case
- Noisy fan
- Flexible ribbon cables
Specifications
| CPU: | AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX (8 cores, 16 threads) |
| Graphics: | AMD Radeon Graphics 680M |
| RAM: | 32GB Dual-channel DDR5-4800 SODIMM |
| Storage: | 1TB GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, free Gen 4 slot, free SATA 2.5 bay |
| Rear Ports: | 1x USB4 Type-C (Support DP1.4, 7680 x 4320 @60Hz), 3x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x HDMI 2.1 Port (4096 x 2160 @60Hz), 1x Display Port 1.4 (5120 x 2160@60Hz), 1x 2.5G RJ45 LAN, 1x DC-in,1x Padlock ring |
| Front Ports: | 1x USB4 Type-C (Support DP1.4, 7680 x 4320 @60Hz), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 1x Audio Jack (Line out/Mic in/Headphone out) |
| Connectivity: | Intel WiFi 6E + Bluetooth v5.2 |
| Audio: | 1x DMIC, no speakers |
| Camera: | None |
| Size: | 120 x 130 x 58 mm (W x D x H) |
| OS installed: | Licensed Windows 11 Pro |
| Accessories: | Adapter 20V/7.5A 150W |
GEEKOM AS 6 – Overview
The Geekom AS 5 proved to be a paper tiger, and our interest was piqued while Geekom gave us the AS 6. A small, high-spec PC that solves a number of the overall performance challenges we discovered in earlier layout AS 6 AMD Ryzen nine 6900HX ( 8 cores, 16 threads). It is going on, which debuted in early 2022 and boasts a Zen 3 structure instead of the Zen 3 used in the new 5900HX Platform has various advantages, along with extra bandwidth because of DDR5 reminiscence assist, higher GPU integration, and compatibility for USB 4.0 and PCI Express 4.0.
Design & Features
The Geekom AS 6 mini PC bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the AS 5, with the same external case design and dual 2280 M.2 slot layout but although the exterior is mostly plastic it remains For AS 5, however, there are subtle differences in the allocation of internal ports.
Access to the contents has removed four screws holding the legs in place, revealing a simple DDR5 SODIMM module and M.2 NVMe drives Unfortunately the second M.2 slot has a separate daughterboard connected to the motherboard with a flexible ribbon cable, providing increased power issues with durability issues. It also has a robust cooling system.
The AS 6 features an upgraded AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, which offers improved performance compared to its predecessor, especially in video processing tasks, thanks to the Radeon 680M GPU Moreover, a USB 4.0 port the inclusion offers faster data traffic, where via a Thunderbolt 4 dock Tested Compatibility Demonstrated Although AS 6 offers promising improvements over AS 5, there are concerns about ribbon cable durability with Gen 4 lack of storage despite support for PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slots.
Performance
Geekom AS 6 mini PC has a quicker processor within the shape of Ryzen 9 6900HX, which offers marvelous performance in comparison to its predecessor AS 5.
Though it features the identical power consumption and warmth generation problems just discovered even though, the 6900HX’s 6nm creation facilitates alleviate some of these worries. Graphics performance has been substantially stepped forward via the Radeon 680M GPU subsidized by DDR5 memory, making it suitable for lightweight gaming obligations and portraits duties however bandwidth remains an issue because of using PCIe 3.0 interfaces for NVMe drives for numerous motives, restricting its normal operational capacity.
Despite this shortcoming, the AS 6 stands proud within the NUC system with its USB 4.0 ports and extremely good computing strength, making it a stable preference in spite of the plastic case and noisy fan.
How to Choose the Best Desktop Mini PC
How We Test the Best Mini PCs
FAQs: The Best Desktop Mini PCs
- What Is a Mini PC Used For?
Mini PCs are largely chosen for their small and compact size. Unlike standard tower desktop PCs, which take up a lot of space, mini PCs can be tucked away in a small spot on your desk or even carried in your luggage. - Do Mini PCs Overheat?
Even despite the fact that smaller PCs are smaller so greater stuff fits proper right into a smaller region, they’re designed to have good sufficient cooling and air waft for their size. - Are Mini Pcs Better Than Laptops?
Mini PCs tend to be more powerful than laptops. They are more customizable, allowing you to upgrade components that you would not be able to accomplish with a laptop. - Is a Mini PC suitable for working from home?
There’s no reason why a small PC can’t work for your home setup. These small devices are more capable than ever, with powerful CPUs, more memory and more storage. You won’t have trouble surfing the internet, editing spreadsheets and doing all your daily tasks. In fact, you will save space by not dealing with a large tower. Some of these rigs can even be mounted on the back of your monitor, making it easier to transport the computer to the office.
Many Mini PC alternatives include integrated GPUs, making them more suitable for less graphically heavy tasks. However, there are gaming and editing options that provide the most advanced graphics cards. Just keep in mind that upgrading components is considerably more difficult, and cooling can be an issue due to the compact form factor, both of which are common difficulties with laptops.
Why Trust Factic
Berry Alex has been evaluating, testing, and reviewing tech, Household and travel items for several decades. He compiled all of the testers’ input, conducted extra research to assess each phone mount’s essential features and overall functioning, and reviewed professional profiles and verified customer reviews for each product.
