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The best mini PCs in 2024

These are the best mini PCs you can buy right now, based on our testing

Best mini PC overall
Best for creatives
Best for DIY
Best for office
How to choose
How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best for creatives 4. Best for DIY 5. Best for office 6. How to choose 7. How we test

The best mini PCs might be tiny in comparison to standard-sized rigs but they pack enough power to perform a wide range of tasks — including web browsing, content creation and gaming. These minuscule computers are not only more convenient than enormous PC towers, but they're also super quiet. For some folks, mini PCs could be the perfect personal computer.

Mini PCs range from smaller desktops to stick PCs you can slip into your pocket. Mini PCs also leverage the small, energy-efficient components of laptops to provide you with a surprising amount of power in sizes that can be hidden behind a monitor. With mini PCs made for everything from media streaming to gaming and VR, there are mini stick PCs and mini desktops for almost everyone.

Below, we've listed the best mini PCs for everything from home entertainment to gaming and professional workstations. We'll continue updating and adding to this list as we receive new units to review.

Tony is a senior staff writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iPadOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on Twitter. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

The quick list

Here's a quick overview of the best mini PCs you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews. Even if some of the machines listed aren't the latest models available, they still provide plenty of power for whatever you're working on.

The best mini PC overall

The Mac mini M2 is a pint-sized powerhouse that’s cheaper and faster than its predecessor thanks to the speedy M2 chip. The option to upgrade it with an M2 Pro ($1,299) sweetens the deal, turning this into a decent Mac for gaming or light photo/video editing. It’s a great mini PC for Mac fans.

The best mini PC for creatives

The Mac Studio M2 is an incremental improvement over its predecessor, delivering more power than ever before in a Mac desktop that still runs quiet and looks good on a desk. But that's not the pitch for the Studio. This is a high-performance Mac desktop that does everything a creative needs it to do.

The best mini PC for tinkerers

The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B pushes things to new heights with a more powerful processor, 4K video output and an improved part selection. It offers enormous value for projects ranging from simple to complex, from its enhanced processing and graphics to offering broad compatibility with older accessories.

The best mini PC for the office

Packing plenty of capability into its tiny size and offering a modular solution for offices that want to upgrade often, the Dell OptiPlex 7070 Ultra is a cool twist on the mini PC in the workplace. The mini PC itself is so slim it might get mistaken for a laptop battery pack or a desktop dock.

The best mini PCs to buy now

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

1. Apple Mac mini with M2

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Apple outdid itself with the Mac mini M2, a pint-sized powerhouse that’s cheaper and faster than its predecessor thanks to the speedy M2 chip. The option to upgrade it with an M2 Pro sweetens the deal, turning this into a decent Mac for gaming or light photo/video editing. Best of all, it barely takes up any space on your desk.

Of course, you get more than just speed when you pay for Pro: the entry-level Mac mini with M2 Pro is not only more powerful, but it also has more memory and storage than the entry-level Mac mini, as well as more ports. It’s a great mini PC for Mac fans, one that showcases macOS Ventura to good effect. It also looks great on almost any desk setup. A perfect balance of elegance and power.

Read our full Mac mini M2 review .

2. Apple Mac Studio

The Mac Studio can deliver more power than any Apple computer on the market save the Mac Pro, and it packs it all into a quiet, well-designed chassis that looks good on a desk. It's bigger than the Mac mini, but still discreet enough for any desk setup.

As much as we love seeing Apple silicon put to good use in MacBooks, where its power efficiency helps deliver some of the best battery life in the business, the Mac Studio with M1 Ultra proves that Apple’s chips have the chops to compete with the best desktop PC silicon from Intel and AMD. You're not sacrificing power with this small computer.

Since this is Apple, you’ll have to pay a premium. The Mac Studio’s $1,999 starting price isn’t too bad for what it offers, and that gets you the entry-level model with the same M1 Max chip that's in the 2021 MacBook Pros , which means this mini-computer packs a serious punch. To get a Mac Studio with Apple's top-of-the-line M1 Ultra chip will cost you at least $ 4k , though it's worth it if you want one of the fastest, most powerful Macs on the market.

Read our full Mac Studio review .

3. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

The Raspberry Pi ushered in a new era of DIY tech, and the latest model, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, pushes that to new heights with a more powerful processor, 4K video output and an improved part selection. This $35 Raspberry Pi 4 Model B offers enormous value for projects ranging from simple to complex, from its enhanced processing and graphics to broad compatibility with older accessories.

If you want to do something different with your technology, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the best mini PC for tinkering and experimenting. Whether you buy it alone or in a kit, the Raspberry Pi is hard to beat.

Since our review, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B has been updated with a new model that has 8GB of RAM, significantly improving on the 2GB memory of the base model. If you can, get that model over the one we reviewed since it'll run significantly faster.

If the Rasberry Pi is sold out, you can buy the Raspberry Pi 400 All-in-One .

Read our full Raspberry Pi 4 Model B review .

4. Dell OptiPlex 7070 Ultra

Our new favorite office desktop does a cool disappearing trick, with a funky design that hides the powerful mini PC inside a specially designed monitor stand that turns it into a low-profile all-in-one PC. Packing plenty of capability into its tiny size and offering a modular solution for offices that want to upgrade often, the Dell OptiPlex 7070 Ultra is a cool twist on the mini PC in the workplace.

The mini PC itself is so slim it might get mistaken for a laptop battery pack or a desktop dock, but inside it boasts an Intel Core processor, up to 64GB of RAM and as much as 1TB of storage. It has plenty of ports and performance that puts it squarely among the best productivity-focused mini PCs you can buy.

If the OptiPlex 7070 is sold out, you can purchase the 7090 for $889 at Dell .

Read our full Dell OptiPlex 7070 Ultra review .

How to choose the best mini PC

Mini PCs range from small project PCs for under $50 (£50/AU$75) to compact desktops that can cost $1,000 or more. Stick PCs are the most versatile, and generally cost between $100 (£100/AU$150) and $200 (£200/$AU300), and will work with most TVs or monitors. Mini PC prices vary considerably based on hardware.

Know what you want: Finding the right mini PC for you starts with knowing what you're looking for. Do you want something small enough to tuck behind a TV as a dedicated streaming box, or are you looking for something with gaming capability? Do you want a basic internet-browsing machine, or do you need serious processing and graphics capability? Our best picks above do a good job of highlighting the use cases different systems are best suited to.

Find the right size: Then there's the question of form factor. Mini PCs are all small, but there is a range of options within the category, from stick PCs small enough to slip in your pocket to desktop towers that are still compact enough to stow out of sight. You'll sacrifice power for a smaller system, but you can still get a capable desktop that's small enough to carry in a backpack, even if you're after gaming capability or workstation performance.

Make sure you like your configuration and upgrade options: Finally, you want to look at configuration options and upgradability. Many mini PCs have two or three configuration options, which can change everything from the amount of included storage to the presence of high-end processors and discrete graphics cards. There's also the question of upgrades. Many of the smallest mini PCs leave no room for future hardware changes, but others are designed to let you add memory or storage, or even outfitted with ports that allow for an external GPU for expanded capability. When in doubt, check our reviews, which include configuration details and will discuss the potential for future upgrades.

How we test the best mini PCs

We put every mini PC we review through a number of benchmark tests and real-world uses to get the clearest picture we can of how well it performs, what uses it's best suited to and what sort of capability you get for the price.

For performance, we use the Geekbench processor test to measure a system's overall processing capabilities. We run custom spreadsheets to see how long it takes to handle large data sets and number-crunching tasks. We also test the file transfer speeds, copying large files to see how long a system takes to copy multimedia files, documents and other content.

To test the graphics capability, we run a number of benchmark tests from 3DMark. When a system has the capability, we'll also run individual game tests and the SteamVR performance test to see how capable a system is at handling the demands of modern gaming.

Most importantly, we spend a ton of time simply using each mini PC for everyday activities. We watch movies, do work, play games, and blast music on the speakers, all to get a better sense of which ones are worth your money.

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Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

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The Best Mini Desktop PCs

Two of our picks for best mini pc, the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 and the Apple Mac mini, displayed side by side.

If you’re looking for a simple, small desktop computer that doesn’t take up much space in your home or office, consider a mini PC. These computers are best for everyday tasks like working on documents and spreadsheets, browsing the web, taking video calls, or watching TV. However, our top picks are also powerful enough to do some light media editing, and our upgrade pick is fast enough even for professional photo and video editors.

Everything we recommend

HP Pro Mini 400 G9

The best windows mini pc.

This simple Windows PC is small, quiet, and powerful enough for daily work.

Buying Options

Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023)

The best mac mini pc.

The Mac mini offers excellent performance, and the system’s fan is whisper-quiet even when you’re editing photos or videos or compiling code.

Upgrade pick

Apple Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023)

A tiny powerhouse.

The Mac mini with an M2 Pro and 32 GB of RAM can speed up most media-editing workflows, and it can connect up to three monitors.

For those who prefer Windows, the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 is the best choice, and macOS users should buy the Mac mini with Apple’s M2 processor . Both are capable little computers that you can stick under or behind a monitor, saving space on your desk. A more powerful upgrade is the Apple Mac mini with the M2 Pro processor , which competes with high-end desktops in photo and video editing capabilities.

The HP Pro Mini 400 G9 is a basic PC that’s perfect for home or office use. It runs on Intel’s latest generation of processors, which are energy-efficient and more than powerful enough for daily tasks. It has all the ports you need to hook up multiple monitors, and it offers the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. We love that the Pro Mini 400 is especially repairable; you can swap out and upgrade the storage drive, the RAM, and even the processor. And HP’s competitive pricing on this model means you can get more RAM and storage for $300 less than you’d pay for a similarly upgraded Apple Mac mini.

If you prefer macOS, get the Apple Mac mini with Apple’s M2 processor . This speedy little Mac desktop can integrate seamlessly with an iPhone or an iPad, as well as Apple services like FaceTime and iMessage. For everyday browsing and general use, an M2 Mac mini with 8 GB of memory is good enough, though if you plan to use yours for professional photo and video editing or app development, you should step up to 16 GB of memory. Keep in mind that you can’t upgrade the Mac mini’s memory or storage after you buy it, so you need to make that decision up front. Apple’s internal-storage upgrades are pricey enough that you should look at an external hard drive or a portable SSD if you need more space.

By upgrading the processor in Apple’s Mac mini to the M2 Pro, you get the same blistering processing speeds found in the new MacBook Pro for nearly half the cost. Compared with our previous upgrade pick, the Mac Studio with an M1 Max chip, the Apple Mac mini with an M2 Pro processor loses some convenient features, such as front USB-C ports and an SDXC card reader, but you pay substantially less—$700 less, to be exact—for a faster machine. It’s also whisper-quiet, even under a heavy processing load, so you can keep it on your desk and forget it’s even there.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: hp pro mini 400 g9, our pick: apple mac mini (m2, 2023), upgrade pick: apple mac mini with m2 pro, what about gaming mini pcs, what about other mini pcs not listed here, what to look forward to, the competition.

Dave Gershgorn has reviewed and covered technology since 2015 at publications such as Popular Science, Quartz, Medium, and now Wirecutter. As a senior staff writer, he covers all computer displays for Wirecutter and is a certified display calibrator through the Imaging Science Foundation. He has also built, repaired, and largely avoided frying his own computers since 2006.

Mini PCs are small computers that cram all the components of a desktop tower into a box the size of a paperback. There’s no attached display, mouse, or keyboard, so you have to buy your own. (Check out our guides to the best monitors for our recommendations on which one is best for you.) Despite these desktops’ small size, they’re more than powerful enough for browsing the web, handling basic photo and video editing, and working in documents or large spreadsheets.

Unlike ultrabooks or most all-in-one PCs, Windows mini PCs are easy to upgrade if you want to add more memory or storage, and they have all the ports you need to connect two or three monitors and your favorite keyboard, mouse, and webcam. The size of a mini PC prevents much expansion, but you can upgrade the storage and the memory on most Windows models, and some allow you to swap out the CPU, too. Instead of having a dedicated graphics card, you’re usually stuck with integrated graphics, so don’t expect a mini PC to have enough power to play many modern games; you can add an external graphics dock if your mini PC supports Thunderbolt 3 or higher, but such docks tend to be large and expensive .

Two of Apple’s flagship desktops fit into this mini PC category, and they’re a bit different from Windows mini PCs. They’re not upgradable and repairable—instead they contain desktop versions of the same powerful guts found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Their chips are power-efficient, and they’re nearly silent, since they don’t require much cooling from fans to keep running smoothly; the Mac mini has one, but it’s almost unnoticeably quiet.

You can find mini PCs for less than $250, but Windows PCs in that price range have unusably slow processors and less memory and storage than most people need. We did not look at cheap, single-board computers, such as those from Raspberry Pi , nor would we include them in our definition of the term “mini PC.” Those ARM-based computers are slow, geared toward hobbyists, and designed to use custom Linux software.

Here’s what we look for in a good mini PC:

Processor: A mini PC needs a processor powerful enough to handle basic web browsing, light photo editing, and any office programs you use. With the exception of our budget contenders and the Mac mini, all the mini PCs in our test group have a midrange 12th-generation Intel processor.
Memory: We recommend at least 8 GB of RAM for browsing the web and handling basic productivity tasks. If you spend lots of time in heavy-duty apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Premiere, or if you regularly edit several large spreadsheets or databases at a time, you may benefit from 16 GB; aside from the Mac mini, any of our picks allow you to upgrade the RAM if you decide that you need more.
Storage: A spinning hard drive can bog down an otherwise speedy computer, so a solid-state drive is a requirement here. A 256 GB SSD should be available as a standard feature, and upgrading the storage or adding a second drive later should be easy. Budget picks usually come with less storage, but Chrome OS relies more on cloud storage than Windows and macOS do, so local storage isn’t as big a deal for a Chromebox.
Wireless features: Every mini PC should come with support for Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless networking, as well as Bluetooth, so you don’t have to waste USB ports by adding dongles for Wi-Fi or your wireless keyboards and mice.
Price: Mini PCs are smaller than desktop PCs, but their size doesn’t make them cheaper—on the contrary, cramming everything into a small box is an engineering feat that you pay a small premium for. Expect to pay between $600 and $800 for a mini PC capable enough to last you the next few years.
Ports: A good mini PC comes with at least four USB ports. A great mini PC tosses in a USB Type-C and/or Thunderbolt port and an SD card reader. The ports should be split between the PC’s front and back so that you can access at least a couple of them without messing around at the back of the computer. A mini PC should have at least two ports for connecting to monitors—any combination of HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C is workable for most people.
Preinstalled operating system: We focus on computers that have either Windows or macOS. Each of our picks comes with the operating system preinstalled.
Size: A mini PC should be small enough to hide behind or under a monitor, taking up no additional space on a desk. Because mini PCs fit almost anywhere, many clever mounting options are available, and if a smaller mini PC model has a VESA mount (more on that below), you can tuck the PC behind a monitor or underneath a desk.
Ease of upgrades: You should be able to upgrade the memory and storage on any mini PC without much technical know-how. (However, our Mac picks are not upgradable in this way.)
Fan noise: Like laptops, mini PCs cram a lot of power into a small case. Although you don’t need to worry about burning your legs with a mini PC, you do need to make sure the case regulates temperature so that the computer doesn’t overheat. Due to the system’s size, you might hear the fan (if it has one) kick on more often than with other computers, so it’s important that the fan’s sound isn’t too annoying.
Warranty: Most mini PCs come with at least a one-year warranty, but the best have a two- or three-year warranty. The policy should cover any defects as well as tech support over the phone, chat, or email.

We also consider the following features, but their presence has no effect on our recommendations:

Lack of bloatware: Nobody wants useless, poorly designed, complicated software—bloatware—preinstalled on their PC, and it’s annoying for people who can’t figure out how to remove it. A mini PC free of manufacturer cruft is more desirable.
Bundled keyboard and mouse: Some of the mini PCs we’ve looked at come packaged with keyboards and mice, while others don’t. This doesn’t affect our judgment one way or the other. The accessories that PC manufacturers bundle with their desktops are rarely very good—if you care about your keyboard and mouse, you’re likely to spend extra on a nice Bluetooth keyboard or mechanical keyboard and a good wireless mouse anyway.
VESA mounting support: Mounting a mini PC to the back of a monitor is a good way to save a little space on your desk and get some of the benefits of an all-in-one without having to pay for one (or dealing with its lack of upgradability). VESA support on a mini PC is nice to have but not something everyone needs.
Power consumption: Mini PCs use low-power desktop and laptop processors, so yours shouldn’t draw much power even when it’s working hard.

After we settled on the hardware criteria, we searched the websites of major PC manufacturers such as Acer , Apple , Asus , Dell , HP , Intel , and Lenovo —and poked around in the inventory of smaller manufacturers such as Gigabyte , MSI , Shuttle , and Zotac —to find models to test.

We started our tests by booting up each mini PC and then running all available updates to the operating system and hardware. We then ran the benchmarking program Geekbench 5 and ran the 10-minute single-core and multi-core benchmarks in Cinebench R23—this process gave us a good idea of how the computers would perform in general use and when running at full speed for an extended period of time.

We then connected each mini PC to a series of 24-inch, 27-inch, and 4K monitors to test its display outputs and used it for a few days of ordinary work. This process usually consisted of running a web browser with at least 15 tabs open at a time (Google Docs, Sheets, Gmail, Slack, and plenty more), streaming music through the Spotify desktop application, video chatting, and recording audio. The testing allowed us to get a feel for how each mini PC performed on a daily basis, and it also gave us time to discover any quirks related to bloatware or driver issues.

Our pick for best mini pc that is small, simple to use and repairable, the HP Pro Mini 400 G9.

The HP Pro Mini 400 G9 is a simple and repairable computer that’s fast enough for everyday work and general use. It’s small enough to mount behind a monitor, which you can easily do with the computer case’s included VESA mounting holes, and its fans aren’t too noisy.

Inside the Pro Mini 400 is a 12th-generation Intel Core i5-12500T processor, which in our tests felt fast to use and didn’t get bogged down running a bunch of apps at once. The model we tested also had 16 GB of RAM, which was more than enough for us to have a wealth of tabs open, to stream video, and to run applications with abandon.

In this guide we’ve linked to a configuration of the Pro Mini 400 that in our opinion provides the best value and options, but you can configure the PC on HP’s site to put in more RAM, a better processor, or even a better Wi-Fi antenna, if you want. (We didn’t have any problems with the standard antenna.) One upgrade that might be worthwhile is using the Flexible Port option to add one more USB-C port to the rear of the PC, as HP says this port can serve to power the whole mini PC if you have a monitor capable of outputting 100 W of power over USB-C. This means you would need to have just one power cable running to your display and then have one USB-C cable connecting your display to your Pro Mini 400, supplying video and power. If you then mount the PC to the back of that monitor, your setup would be especially clean and space-efficient.

Keep in mind that if you are configuring your own PC, you should make sure to include a wireless card for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, because that option isn’t selected by default.

If you’re agnostic as to which operating system your computer uses, one advantage of the Pro Mini 400 over the Mac mini is its front-facing ports. The computer has two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a headphone jack on the front, making it easy for you to plug in flash drives and other peripherals you might not want plugged in all the time. The back of the computer has more ports, including three USB-A ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 connections, one HDMI 2.1 port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Also available is a single HP FlexPort, which you can change into an extra DisplayPort, HDMI, or USB-C port if you customize your PC.

The Pro Mini 400 is extremely easy to open and upgrade yourself. You’ll find just one screw on the back of the computer, which you can open with a flathead screwdriver. You can then push the entire top of the computer case forward and lift it off, revealing the internals of the PC. Unlike on any Apple computer, in this mini PC, removing three screws that secure the heat sink allows you to upgrade the processor, an excellent feature that helps to ensure the repairability and long-term lifespan of your computer. The SSD inside is also readily accessible if you want to upgrade that yourself, and it requires the removal of only one more screw. The RAM is equally accessible, hidden under the PC’s fan; you lift the fan up from over the RAM using a clever hinge built into the computer’s heatsink, which cools both the processor and the RAM. This kind of design also lets you clean dust from the heatsink and fans, making maintenance a breeze.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Our only issue with the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 is a strength in disguise, much like an answer that an over-coached applicant might give in a job interview. The Pro Mini 400 is almost too configurable, in a way that makes it confusing to buy. For instance, if you want to change HP’s Flexible Port to the USB-C option that allows you to power the whole device from a compatible monitor, you have to go through HP’s customization menu. This menu is not intuitive, and you can’t configure the machine to be the same price as one of HP’s preconfigured options. This is more of an issue with HP’s website and price structure than anything else, but it’s still an annoying aspect of the purchasing process.

Our pick for best mini pc for people who prefer macOS to Windows, the Apple Mac mini M2.

If you prefer macOS to Windows, the Apple Mac mini with Apple’s M2 processor is the mini PC you should get. Apple’s M2 processor is about as fast as the speediest Intel processors available for our Windows pick, and thanks to its power efficiency, the Mac mini remains whisper-quiet even when the computer is working hard.

The 2023 Mac mini’s M2 processor makes it about as fast as an M2 MacBook Air, so it’s great for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document and spreadsheet work, and casual photo editing yet still usable in a pinch for professional tasks like app development and video editing. If you mainly plan to use it as a day-to-day computer, the basic $600 version with 8 GB of memory works just fine. If you want to run professional apps, getting 16 GB of memory is worth paying an extra $200, since you can’t upgrade the Mac mini yourself after buying it. Apple’s storage upgrades are similarly expensive, so we recommend buying an external hard drive or a portable SSD rather than paying Apple’s prices.

Despite its relatively larger size, the Mac mini actually comes with fewer ports than most of the Windows mini PCs we tested (and fewer than the old Intel-based Mac mini had). You get one Gigabit Ethernet port, a pair of USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, an HDMI 2.0 port, two Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and a headphone jack. You can use the Thunderbolt and HDMI ports in any combination to connect up to two external monitors, which is fewer than the three or four external monitors that Intel’s graphics support. But when you’re using a pair of high-resolution 4K-and-up monitors with the M2 Mac mini, macOS and its apps remain fluid and responsive, without any of the choppiness you could sometimes see if you were to hook the same pair of monitors to an Intel Mac mini.

The Mac mini is one of the larger mini PCs we’ve tested, at 7.7 by 7.7 inches and 1.4 inches high. It also lacks VESA-mounting options, so it needs room on a desk (unless you want to try a third-party mount ). But unlike the Windows PCs we’ve tested, the Mac mini doesn’t have an external power brick, so you don’t need to find room for one behind or under your desk.

The back of the Apple Mac mini M2, where all its ports are located.

One area where the Mac mini excels in contrast to our Windows pick is fan noise: The Apple M2 version of the Mac mini is barely audible even when you’re playing a game or encoding video files. Apple’s chips, originally designed to fit into small, fanless iPhones and iPads, are more efficient than Intel’s, so they generate less heat and use less power. In laptops like the MacBook Air, that manifests as a few extra hours of battery life. In a desktop computer like the Mac mini, it means that the system doesn’t need a loud fan, and your power bills will be a little lower. Most of the Intel-based systems in our tests consumed between 50 W and 60 W of power when encoding a video, a task that stresses all the cores on a processor at once. The M2 Mac mini, in contrast, used about 24 W of power to do the same task in a similar amount of time.

The Mac mini comes with Apple’s standard one-year warranty. Extending that coverage to three years with AppleCare+ costs $99; doing so also adds accidental-damage protection and three years of “priority access to tech support.”

Unfortunately, you cannot repair or upgrade the Mac mini yourself. This is in stark contrast to our Windows pick, which is one of the most repairable PCs that we recommend at Wirecutter.

Part of what makes Apple products compelling is the suite of great applications that sync across all its devices, such as iMessage and Photos. Unfortunately, the size of Apple’s default storage drives hasn’t grown as quickly as many people take photos and send them to their friends. And larger drives are extremely costly, adding hundreds of dollars over the typical market price to the cost of the Mac mini. Long-term Apple fans who have years’ worth of saved photos, videos, and messages who don’t want to pay for iCloud must now pay a premium to store all that data on their own drives.

This choice by Apple to make its devices non-upgradable means that if you run out of storage on your Mac mini, you won’t be able to swap out its storage drive to gain more space. Your only options are to buy an external hard drive (though some synced iCloud services like iMessage cannot be stored on external devices), buy Apple’s cloud storage for a monthly cost, or buy a new Mac mini.

For anybody who does processor-intensive work, the Apple Mac mini with an M2 Pro processor is a tiny powerhouse that can fit under a monitor. Its processor is wickedly fast for converting file types, rendering video, or working in 3D. Because the unified 16 GB of RAM works with either the central processing unit or the graphics processor, you can also more quickly handle enormous video files. The Mac mini with the M2 Pro also has two more USB-C ports than the standard model, so you can have peripherals aplenty.

The M2 Pro chip is the centerpiece of this upgrade pick, and in our tests it proved to be just as fast as the M2 Pro processor we recommend for the MacBook Pro line. The M2 Pro Mac mini exported our two-minute 4K test video in Adobe Premiere in just 2 minutes 8 seconds, and it resized and exported 330 high-resolution images in 5 minutes. That 4K-export time is a minute faster than what we got from the M1 Max–based Mac Studio, and 1 minute 20 seconds faster than the results from our M2-based top pick. These tests aren’t indicative of the performance you’re likely to get from every video- and photo-editing process, but they offer a good benchmark for how quickly you can expect the desktop to process similar media.

Apple has an even more powerful mini PC in the Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips. If you came here looking for a small desktop PC, we think these would be overkill. They’re intended for professional video and graphics editors, and those whose work includes processing gigabytes to terabytes of media.

The M2 Pro Mac mini’s 16 GB of RAM represents a notable difference from the configuration of every other Windows mini PC currently available. Apple calls this RAM “unified,” which means that it’s accessible to both the CPU and GPU cores on the M2 Pro chip. Traditionally, on Windows PCs, only the CPU accesses the RAM; this is why media editors and gamers typically buy dedicated graphics cards, or GPUs, which have their own processor for video as well as additional RAM. In the M2 Pro Mac mini, all of the RAM resides in one pool that the system can access for handling spreadsheets, managing Chrome tabs, and exporting video at the same time. This design also gives you a larger supply of RAM for graphics processing, which is generally a good thing when you’re working on larger projects consisting of many gigabytes of video files.

This processor and RAM configuration does have the downside of being completely soldered to one mainboard, which means that the system is essentially unrepairable.

Upgrading to the M2 Pro chip also upgrades the number of ports you get. The M2 Pro version of the Mac mini has two more USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports than the standard version, for a total of four, and the computer can support three monitors instead of two. It also has two USB-A ports, an SD Card reader, an HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a headphone jack. Thanks to this collection of ports, you should be able to connect just about any accessory, peripheral, storage drive, or monitor with little issue.

Measuring 7.7 inches wide, 7.7 inches long, and 1.4 inches tall, the Mac mini system is extremely quiet even under heavy load, and the noise is almost unnoticeable even when the computer is on a desk.

Gaming mini PCs promise full gaming capabilities in a package smaller than most game consoles, but they don’t make sense for most people. Gaming mini PCs are considerably pricier than the models in this guide, and buying one is usually much more expensive than building a larger PC yourself. They run hot, which can lead to a shorter lifetime for the components. The components are slower than what you get in a midrange gaming PC, and you’re usually limited in the kinds of CPU and GPU upgrades you can perform when you need more speed. In most instances, you should still stick to a gaming PC in a Mini-ITX case if you’re looking for something small, because such a PC will have better cooling, cost less to build, and be easier to upgrade later on. If you’re more concerned about portability, a gaming laptop is a better option.

You can also find a slew of mini PCs sold with more limited Intel Celeron and Pentium processors, which might be fine for emulating games from older consoles but don’t meet the processing-power threshold that we set for daily use. If you’re looking for a mini PC to emulate retro games, the reviews posted by the YouTube channel ETA Prime are thorough and widely sample the category.

A handful of other powerful barebones gaming mini PCs exist, but most of them come from smaller companies like ASRock and Zotac and have shorter warranties and worse support. They’re also harder to find and to buy, and their makers haven’t always updated them to use the newest processors and GPUs.

If you’re looking for a mini PC we haven’t mentioned for daily use or to replace a desktop tower, consider the recommendations we outline in the How we picked section as you shop for one. The configuration should include a 13th-generation Intel processor, at least 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of SSD storage.

Mini PCs have other uses, however, like acting as small servers to host websites or the Plex media-management app. For these specialized situations, you could relax our stated requirements for the latest processors and go down to 4 GB of RAM, and wind up saving quite a bit of money on an older mini PC. We don’t recommend going older than the 10th generation of Intel processors, however, since at that point you’ll start to miss out on critical security updates in just a few years. We also don’t recommend Celeron or Pentium processors, which are unlikely to be powerful enough to handle anything but the simplest computing tasks.

If you’re watching any company building mini PCs right now, watch Asus. Last year, it became the first company to license Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC), and at CES 2024, Asus released its first line of the new mini PCs.

Asus has launched three mini PCs under the NUC name: the NUC 14 Pro, NUC 14 Pro+, and the gaming-focused ROG NUC. All three are powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra processors, and the ROG NUC can be configured with an Nvidia RTX 4060 or 4070 for gaming. We’re especially interested in these, as they seem more consumer-focused compared to Asus’s enterprise-focused ExpertCenter mini PC line. Asus hasn’t released pricing for these NUCs yet, but they’re shipping in February, and we’re looking forward to putting them through their paces in a new round of testing for this guide.

Windows PCs

We tested the HP Z2 Mini G9 , a Windows mini PC built for creative work and any jobs that might require a bit more horsepower than the HP Pro Mini 400 G9 offers. You can outfit it with any of several 12th-generation Intel processors, a wealth of RAM, and large storage options. If you’re specifically looking for a more powerful Windows mini PC, this is a good choice. However, it had some drawbacks that prevented us from making it a pick. In our tests, our upgrade pick, the Apple Mac mini with an M2 Pro processor, proved to be more than 30% faster at certain tasks, especially multi-core tasks such as media editing. The Mac mini was also whisper-quiet, even under heavy load, whereas the Intel processor in the Z2 Mini required a fan, which audibly kicked on while it was handling that same workload. Although the Z2 Mini has a lot of DisplayPort connections, the model we tested didn’t have an HDMI display output or USB-C ports capable of video output by default. (You can add these by configuring the Flexible Port on HP’s site, however.) We don’t want to discount the Z2 Mini G9 entirely, though, as it could be a great machine for some people since its shortcomings are similar to those of many other Windows PCs. It’s worth checking out if you’re not in the Mac ecosystem.

We tested the Dell OptiPlex 3000 Micro and found it very similar to the HP Pro Mini 400 G9. The two computers are available with similar processors, RAM, and storage configurations, but the HP model is less expensive and more flexible in terms of configuration. Most important, the Pro Mini 400 also has a USB-C port. If the HP model is out of stock or wildly more expensive than $800, or if you don’t care about USB-C, this Dell model is a comparable purchase.

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M70q Tiny , M80q Tiny , and M90q Tiny are virtually indistinguishable, as they provide most of the same ports and processor options. Compared with the HP Pro Mini 400 G9, however, they cost more for less RAM, storage, and processing power, and Lenovo systems have had fluctuating pricing and availability this year, likely due to supply-chain issues.

As a general rule for any mini PC, you can skip models that use older 9th- or 10th-generation Intel processors, as those processors are aging and will receive support for a shorter amount of time.

Chromeboxes

We used to recommend Chromeboxes as a low-cost alternative to mini PCs for people who need only to surf the web and check email, and who mainly rely on Google services. However, new Chromeboxes with modern processors aren’t released as often as Chromebooks, and generally Chromebooks offer a better value for those people who don’t need a full PC.

For more details, read our guide to the best Chromebooks .

Apple’s new Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra processors is geared toward media professionals rather than the average person. While the Mac Studio was previously an upgrade pick here, we now think the M2 Pro Mac mini offers most of the performance for nearly half the price.

If you want to learn more about the Mac Studio and how it compares to the Mac mini, check out our full guide to Mac desktops .

The latest version of this article was edited by Arthur Gies and Caitlin McGarry.

Chris Hoffman, How to Install Windows 10 on Your PC , How-To Geek , November 1, 2017

Meet your guide

Dave Gershgorn

Dave Gershgorn is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He’s been covering consumer and enterprise technology since 2015, and he just can’t stop buying computers. If this weren’t his job, it would likely be a problem.

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How-To Geek

The best mini pcs of 2023.

From tiny single-board computers to compact gaming machines with room for a full-sized graphics card.

Read update

We've reviewed our recommendations, and these are still the best mini PCs you can buy.

Are you looking to save some space on your desk? If you don't have the room on your setup for a full-sized PC tower, or simply want to go for a more minimalistic look, you should consider a mini PC .

UPDATE: 08/16/2023

Minisforum elitemini um690, apple mac mini m2 (2023), beelink u59 pro intel celeron n5105, intel nuc 13 extreme barebones kit (i9-13900k), raspberry pi 4 model b, buying a mini pc in 2023.

Mini PCs, as the name suggests, are compact versions of standard desktop PCs. Though that might sound like a simple definition, a huge variety of hardware is available within this category. These machines range from sub-$50 single-board hobby machines to desktop replacements that cost thousands of dollars.

Your intended usage and overall budget make a huge difference in picking the right mini PC. For small projects like tinkering with Linux, running a simple file or media server on your local network, or retro gaming, a cheap single-board machine may do the trick.

If you're hoping to replace a standard PC with a mini computer because you're short on space or would rather have a minimal desktop, you can spend a bit more and get something that will still fly through standard tasks like web browsing, responding to email, word processing, and other general office work.

At the pricier end of the spectrum are fully-fledged gaming PCs that can (just about) accommodate a full-sized graphics card. Not only are these expensive, but they may also run hotter than comparable full-sized PCs owing to their cramped innards and reduced airflow. You'll have to sacrifice space to fit a high-end GPU in your mini PC, which may mean stretching the definition of "mini" in this context.

Some mini PCs are available as a kit. If you go this route, you can buy a mini PC enclosure with a motherboard, CPU, and power supply and finish it yourself with your RAM, storage, and peripherals. Be aware that most mini PCs (even those sold as a kit) are not upgradeable in terms of motherboard or CPU, and most don't include the space or PCIe slots for a dedicated GPU.

If you're sticking with smaller form factors, you can do some neat things with your mini PC, such as hiding it from view completely. One solution is to mount the mini PC on the back of your monitor using an aftermarket VESA mount or even a DIY solution.

Despite being relatively budget-friendly, there are some hidden costs to consider when buying a mini PC. This includes the price of your peripherals (a mouse and keyboard), any monitors or TVs you want to use as a display, and any USB hubs you'll need to buy to add missing ports and functionality.

How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »

Best Mini PC Overall: MINISFORUM EliteMini UM690

Looking for a Windows-powered mini PC that ticks almost all of the boxes? Consider the MINISFORUM EliteMini UM690 . Powered by a Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU (with eight cores and 16 threads), this small box of tricks fuses a capable CPU with AMD's integrated Radeon 680M graphics. That means it won't be completely embarrassed regarding occasional 3D applications like light gaming.

Inside the box is 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 512GB of NVMe storage, which makes for a surprisingly peppy desktop machine that should tear through standard desktop tasks like web browsing, office work, coding, and even some photo and video editing work.

The UM690 features support for three simultaneous monitors via its two HDMI outputs and a single USB 4 output (the latter of which can handle up to 8K at 60Hz). On top of this, there are five USB 3.2 gen 2 ports and a single 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port, plus support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled out of the box, but you could wipe it and install Linux if you like.

Don't expect the UM690 to fly in games but for desktop tasks, as a media or file server, for emulating older console games, or anywhere you need a PC but don't have a huge amount of space, the UM690 is a solid buy.

A powerful Ryzen 9 6900HX lies at the heart of the MINISFORUM EliteMini UM690, with 32GB of RAM, a 512GB NVMe drive, with fast and plentiful I/O to boot.

Best Mini Apple PC: Mac mini M2 (2022)

The 2022 M2 Mac mini is a shockingly good-value small computer. Equipped with the latest Apple Silicon system-on-chip, the Mac mini could easily be on our list, considering its fantastic value for money. While technically speaking the Mac mini isn't a mini PC, this ARM-based machine can do almost everything its PC rivals can do and even excels in some tasks.

Notably, the M2 chip is far more power efficient than the x86 architecture found in most PCs. In terms of performance to watt, the Apple model will wipe the floor with most competitors, which makes the Mac mini ideal if you value efficiency in terms of both power and thermals. It runs a complete version of macOS and can even handle Windows on ARM using virtualization software like Parallels Desktop .

Be aware that the Mac mini isn't upgradeable, so you're stuck with the RAM and storage capacity you select at checkout. On the back of the unit are two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a gigabit Ethernet port, and a standard stereo jack. The machine also comes with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

The Mac mini is a particularly good buy if you don't own a Mac and simply want a budget-friendly entry point to Apple's ecosystem. Performance in video and photo editing is excellent, and the 10-core GPU flies in 3D applications optimized for Apple's Metal API.

With an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 8GB of unified RAM, a 256GB SSD, and Gigabit Ethernet on-board, the M2 Mac Mini is one of the best-value small computers you can buy.

Best Budget Mini PC: Beelink U59 Pro N5105

A solid mini PC with a surprisingly long list of features, the Beelink U59 Pro isn't going to knock your socks off, but it's one of the best-value mini PCs you can buy today. Beelink makes many different models, and this one is powered by an eleventh-generation Intel Celeron "Jasper Lake" N5105 processor with a modest four cores and four threads.

The chip is a few years old, but it should get you where you want to be if all you're doing is basic desktop computing like web browsing, responding to email, and word processing. Being a bit slow and old, the chip runs cool, which means it's virtually silent in operation. The U59 Pro also has 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 500GB solid-state drive.

Perhaps most impressive at this price point is the fact that Windows 11 Pro comes installed. Other noteworthy features include a display output of up to 4K at 60Hz, triple monitor support (with dual HDMI ports), dual gigabit Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, and a wall-mount bracket in the box.

The Beelink U59 Pro mini PC only has Intel HD graphics, which will struggle in all but the most basic graphical tasks, making it a poor choice for gaming (unless you're emulating retro consoles). If you need a bit more grunt, consider Beelink's other budget machines, like the Core i5-powered Beelink SEI11 .

With only 4 cores and 4 threads on its Intel Celeron N5105, the U59 Pro is a modest but highly affordable mini PC for general office and computing tasks. It comes with Windows 11 Pro installed, support for three montors, and is almost silent.

Best Mini PC for Gaming: Intel NUC 13 Extreme Kit

If you want a small gaming machine, the Intel NUC platform is an attractive prospect. The NUC 13 Extreme is the 2023 iteration of Intel's New Unit of Computing, available in both a barebones kit and "finished" forms. This particular model, the RNUC13RNGI90001 (which just rolls off the tongue) is a barebones kit, so you'll need to buy and install a few extra components yourself.

You get everything except RAM, storage, and a GPU. In the box, you'll find a 13th-generation Intel Core i9 13900K, an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 chip, and a 750W 80+ power supply. Everything comes installed on the included motherboard, which supports up to 64GB DDR5 5600MHz memory, three M.2 storage slots, 10Gb Ethernet, a Wi-Fi 6E wireless card, and a whole heap of USB 3.2 gen 2 and Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Perhaps most important is the Intel NUC 13 Extreme's support for full-sized, triple-slot GPUs that are up to 313mm long, 155mm high, and 63mm thick. This is essential if gaming is your primary use case since integrated graphics simply aren't going to cut it in the latest games.

NUC barebones kits allow you to finish your build to your own specification. You're paying a premium for the form factor and ease of installation, and if you're coming from another machine, you can recycle parts like storage drives, RAM, or even your GPU.

You don't have to worry whether everything will fit, fuss with cable management, or install components like a CPU or motherboard. You can even use the integrated graphics chip until you install your GPU.

This 2023 Intel NUC 13 Extreme kit comes with a Core i9-13900K chip, 750w power supply, and room for a full-sized three slot GPU. Simply add your own storage, RAM, and graphics card.

Best Mini Linux PC: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

Almost all of the mini PCs on this list (including our best overall pick ) could be Linux Mini PCs---you just need to install Linux on them. The main exception to this is the Mac mini, though Linux support for Apple's new chips is improving rapidly . With that said, we've gone for a "Mini Linux PC" here that doesn't ship with Windows preinstalled, which means you aren't spending anything on a Windows license (even a cheap OEM copy ).

With that in mind, we chose the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B as our Linux wildcard. It may be a few years old now, but it's absolutely tiny, available for less than $75, and its primary operating system---Raspberry Pi OS---is based on the Debian Linux distribution. The modest Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core ARM-based chip provides enough grunt for basic desktop tasks, and it's coupled with 8GB of DDR4 RAM.

That makes it ideal as a simple desktop computer for browsing the web and basic office tasks, as a means of powering your next retro emulator build , as a power-efficient server, or as a controller for some sort of whacky DIY project . You can use these machines as a networked Time Machine backup , as a proxy server , or simply as a desktop replacement with the 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS .

It's no wonder the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B got our top gong as the best overall Raspberry Pi kit you can buy .

This is peak Raspberry Pi, with all of the components and memory you need to for more advanced applications including use as a desktop replacement with Raspberry Pi OS.

We've reviewed our recommendations, and these are still the best xxxxxxx you can buy.

What are mini PCs?

Mini PCs are much smaller versions of standard desktop PCs. They can come with the same type of processors found in "standard" Windows laptops and desktops, or use ARM-based processors like the Apple M1 or similar. While some mini PCs can be powerful, many are underpowered compared to desktop and laptop alternatives on account of their thermal and power requirements. They are typically not user-upgradeable beyond a few basic components like RAM and storage.

Do mini PCs have graphics cards?

Most mini PCs don't have dedicated GPUs, instead opting for integrated graphics solutions like Intel UHD Graphics or AMD Radeon graphics. This saves on space, heat, and power requirements not to mention cost. That said, some mini PC format like Intel's NUC have enough room to house a full-sized graphics cards.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

A mini PC with a full-sized graphics card and comparable specifications to a desktop of the same specification should be just as good for gaming, though it's important to understand how smaller enclosures affect heat dissipation. You may find your machine runs hotter or louder than a comparable full-sized gaming desktop, and you'll also need to make sure that the power supply can handle the total power draw with your GPU installed.

Are mini PCs upgradeable?

Mini PCs are rarely upgradeable in terms of CPU and motherboard but many models support RAM and storage upgrades. If your mini PC has room for a full-sized graphics card, this is also upgradeable. There are exceptions like the Mac mini which isn't at all upgradeable or single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi which can only receive storage upgrades via a new SD card.

Best mini PCs in 2024

The best mini PCs are more powerful than you can possibly imagine

1. Best overall
2. Best on a budget
3. Best for offices
4. Best barebones
5. Best for creators
6. Best performance
7. Best for flexibility
8. Best Intel mini PC
9. Best for beginners
10. Best for basics
11. Best for conferencing
12. Best workstation
13, Best for ports
14. Best for editing
15. Best for gaming
16. Best tower
17. Best mobile CPU
18. Best for storage
How to choose
How we test

The quick list 1. Best overall 2. Best on a budget 3. Best for offices 4. Best barebones 5. Best for creators 6. Best for performance 7. Best for flexibility 8. Best Intel mini PC 9. Best for beginners 10. Best for basics 11. Best for conferencing 12. Best workstation 13. Best for ports 14. Best for editing 15. Best for gaming 16. Best tower 17. Best mobile chip 18. Best for storage

They may be small, but the best mini PCs offer a powerful alternative to laptops and desktops.

Sometimes known as a NUC or thin client, these discreet devices are popular for office work, video conferencing and streaming - while the most powerful mini PC can even handle resource-intensive tasks like video editing and gaming. But as the market grows, and with so many models and configurations, it's not always easy to determine which mini PC is right for you.

Our team of expert hardware reviewers wanted to know which was the top-rated mini PC So, we hand-tested each of them. Rigorously benchmarking overall performance, we compared everything from internal specs and connectivity to identify the best mini PCs for gaming, work, and the cheapest mini PCs for those working to a budget. As part of our review process, we've rated both Windows and Mac mini PCs for the home, office, and everywhere in between.

Aside from that big performance boost, the Mac mini is compact, relatively affordable compared to those other Macs, and perfect if you or your business have already bought into the Apple ecosystem.

Best mini PC overall

1. Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Apple Mac mini might not be the smallest around, but for the sheer power relative to its size, it’s our pick for best mini PC. Packing the incredibly fast M2 and M2 Pro chips, the Mac mini (‘mini’ in lowercase, just to emphasize its compact form) is perfect for running basic office apps, browsing, right up to intensive creative tasks like photo and video editing.

When it comes to performance, we had absolutely no issues with the Mac mini. It breezed through every task, every benchmark test, with results putting it not too far behind the similarly portable but not so mini MacBook Pro. The machine even offers good value for money for a mini PC, with prices around the $600 / £600 mark. If you’re not too concerned about the best processors, you can still occasionally find the M1 model, which is a very good alternative at a cheaper price.

However, this is an Apple device - and an excellent entry-point into its closed ecosystem. But unlike most mini PCs, there’s no barebones option here, no upgrading the system, switching distros, or any other tinkering. This is for those who want a mini PC ready to go from day one.

Read our full Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023) review .

Best mini PC on a budget

2. Beelink U59 Mini PC

The Beelink U59 is a NUC-sized PC built around the Intel Celeron Processor N5105 (4C/4T, 4M Cache, 2.0GHz up to 2.9GHz). It can come with 8GB or 16GB of RAM and up to a 512GB SATA SSD installed.

Even with that modest silicon, the U59 performs well at basic tasks and has potential as a small office machine or for embedded applications. For 8GB customers, the RAM can be upgraded to 16GB, along with the M.2 SATA storage. There is also a bay inside for a 2.5-inch drive for even more storage options.

What seals this deal is the relatively low asking price of both the 8GB and 16GB models and the bloatware-free Windows 11 installation. Including dual HDMI outputs and dual gigabit LAN ports neatly positions the U59 for embedded use, ideal for providing product presentations or as a self-contained firewall.

The Beelink U59 is easily one of the better NUC-sized machines we’ve seen, and it’s cheap enough for even the tightest budgets.

Read our full Beelink U59 review

Best mini PC for the office

3. Geekom AS 6

The AS 6 is a different beast compared to the AS 5. This NUC system might look identical from the outside, but the Zen 3+ processor and DDR5 in this system can deliver a dramatically improved performance.

Combining better bandwidth with DRR5 memory, a more power-efficient processor, a superior GPU and a PCIe 4.0 infrastructure, the AS 6 has almost everything going for it. If it has weaknesses, these include a noisy cooling system, all-plastic construction and the same Asus-designed interior layout where the motherboard is in two parts connected by a flexible ribbon cable.

However, it has USB 4.0, and the two 2280 M.2 NVMe slots are both Gen 4, allowing for plenty of performance storage to be added alongside a 2.5-inch SATA mechanism. Sadly, Geekom supplies the machine with only a Gen 3 NVMe drive, but swapping it for something faster is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward exercise.

With an asking price between $659 and $749, depending on the largely processor-optional SKU, this isn’t a cheap design, but it represents good value for a machine with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage as standard. For those wanting a high-performance NUC system that can take on most office challenges, the Geekom AS 6 is yet another practical option.

Read our full Geekom AS 6 review

Best mini PC with a barebones option

4. GMKtec NucBox K1

One of the best things about mini PCs is their upgradeability - it’s one of the joys of owning them. And while you can pick up plenty of ‘barebones’ mini PCs, in our experience, the GMKtec NucBox K1 is particularly outstanding here.

The ‘barebones’ option is cheap, but you’ll need to provide DDR5 memory, NVMe, operating system - as you’d expect. Preconfigured models run up to 32GB RAM and 1TB storage capacity. So, plenty of options available, whether you’re a PC fixer or just need something to run (almost) straight out the box.

Like all the best mini PCs, it’s also an incredibly compact device. Easily one of the smallest NUCs we’ve tested, it’s not much larger than the motherboard it houses - without impacting performance. However, we would've liked to see more port selection - USB4.0 is great, but where's the Thunderbolt compatibility?

Speaking of performance, the K1 did well - and vastly improved once we swapped out the single 16GB module of our review model for a couple of Crucial DDR5 4800 SODIMMs. It brought performance up to Ryzen 7 7735HS levels. If you don’t choose the ‘barebones’ or 32Gb versions, then make sure you pick up a second memory module for best performance.

Read our full GMKtec NucBox K1 review .

Best mini PC for creators

5. Apple Mac Studio

If you’re a creative professional, the Apple Mac Studio is the best mini PC for you. A beefed-up version of the Mac mini, the Mac Studio is built from a single aluminum extrusion, with a square footprint of 7.7 inches and a height of 3.7 inches.

In our tests, the Mac Studio performed beautifully. It easily handled 8K video editing and the advanced AI-powered photo editing tools in Adobe Photoshop . We even saw the Mac Studio load a detailed 3D scene that took up more memory than most discrete professional PC GPUs come with. And it did all this in near-silence.

The bottom line is that you’re just not going to get another PC of this performance level in such a compact chassis. Its laser-like focus on creative professionals means it won’t be for everyone, but it packs plenty of ports, and if you want a powerful and compact creative mini PC, there’s a lot to love with the Apple Mac Studio.

Read our full Apple Mac Studio review

Best mini PC for performance

6. Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS

Those looking for the fastest NUC might head to the new Intel NUC 13 Pro, but that assumption might be premature. The Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS, as the name infers, is built around the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 mobile technology and can match or better the latest Intel 13th Gen silicon.

The AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor in this tiny computer has eight cores and can process sixteen threads, making it one of the most powerful small system platforms. Combined with 32GB of DDR5-4800, a Gen 4 NVMe drive and a chipset that includes Thunderbolt, a 2.5GbE LAN port and Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX2111, expect a very positive user experience.

At the time of writing, there is only one SKU that comes with 32GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. However, these machines can be upgraded to 64GB and at least 2TB of storage through drop-in replacements. Dismantling the machine to add these upgrades could be easier, but it's something most users will only do once. Our only other complaint is that the single Thunderbolt port is on the front, whereas the rear might have been a better option for those with docking stations.

The power and efficiency of this platform are distinctive, and we expect to see many NUC makers embrace this new silicon to deliver new high-performance options. Beelink got its machine out early, and this is now a no-brainer for anyone needing a NUC for demanding jobs lesser hardware might struggle with. It does all this for around $300 less than the Intel NUC 13 Pro, making it a bargain.

Read our full Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS review

Best mini PC for flexibility

7. Minisforum Venus NPB7

A powerful mini PC packing a 13th Gen Intel Mobile chip, Minisforum Venus NPB7 is fast, modern (yes, there’s USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt), and beautifully designed with its attractive aluminum chassis.

One of the big reasons why mini computers are popular is their upgradeability, letting you boost performance as better components become available. We like the flexibility on offer with the NPB7. It may not be the best mini PC with a ‘barebones’ option for upgradeability, but with incredibly easy access to the internals, it’s certainly worth considering if you enjoy tinkering.

During our benchmarking, we found performance was excellent - there’s no denying Intel’s processor is a beast, making short work of just about any task we tried. Even storage read/write speeds were respectable. Where the NPB7 falls down is in the graphics department. Not ideal, then, if you’re working on photo editing or other media creation and production. But for all other tasks, we found this mini PC to be exceptional.

Read our full Minisforum Venus NPB7 review .

Best Intel mini PC

8. Intel NUC 13 Pro

The latest, and arguably the greatest NUC yet. The Intel NUC 13 Pro takes the best silicon from the new 13th Gen mobile product lines and packages them in the classic Intel NUC cases.

What the customer gets is plenty of CPU performance with up to 12 threads and 64GB of RAM combined with Gen 4 NVMe storage and Thunderbolt 4 technology baked into the machine. Starting at around $320 for the Core-i3 models and going to over $1,000 for the top-of-the-range Core-i7 vPro processors, there is plenty of scope for both performance and price. All these machines are provided as ‘barebones’, meaning that you will need to provide RAM modules, NVMe storage and other peripherals (mouse, keyboard, screen, operating system, etc.) to make them fully operational.

In our testing, the NUC 13 Pro was much quicker at multithreaded tasks than its predecessors, but the performance of single-threaded benchmarks was only modestly better. The best aspects of the new NUC are the connectivity with Thunderbolt 4.0 and USB 3.2 ports and the near-silent operation.

The Intel NUC 13 Pro might not be the cheapest option for compact computing devices, but it is from a highly trusted source and offers the absolute cutting edge in NUC technology.

Read our full Intel NUC 13 Pro review

Best mini PC for beginners

9. Geekom AS 5

On paper, this looks like a very powerful NUC and a bargain price from Geekom. Based on the 2021 launched Ryzen 9 5900HX mobile processor, this tiny system comes in a single SKU with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of PCIe 3.0 NVMe storage.

The problem it faces is that it’s competing with systems that use either more recent Ryzen designs or the latest Intel 13th gen processors that use DDR5 memory. The DRR4 RAM in this design comes in copious amounts, but the bandwidth on offer is the Achilles heel of this platform, as it reduces the performance of the integrated Radeon RX Vega GPU.

All that said, this is a fully featured NUC system with three monitor outputs, seven USB ports and a 2.5GbE LAN port. Internally it has two M.2 2280 slots for storage, and a bay for a 2.5-inch SATA device, allowing it to be a tiny power-packed media system. If it weren’t for hardware like the Minisforum Venus NPB7 and the Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS, we’d be more impressed with a tiny computer with an eight-core and sixteen-thread CPU.

Still, at just over $600, this is plenty of mini PC for that investment, and it is a flexible solution that could easily be repurposed for one of many jobs.

Read our full Geekom AS 5 review

Best mini PC for basics

10. Acemagic AD08

The AD08 is built around an 11th Gen Intel Core-i9 processor and integrated UHD Graphics GPU to provide a platform that, in theory, has an eight-core and sixteen-thread capability.

The system is enclosed in an oddly wedge-shaped enclosure that is designed to sit on the desk rather than to be mounted on the rear of a monitor.

More colourful than most office PCs and with more of a game console vibe, the AD08 might look less out of place in a child's bedroom. But despite looking like a powerhouse on paper, the AD08 doesn’t perform that well when presented with tasks that require heavy multi-threading or raw GPU performance.

That it manages a multi-processing ratio of just 6.07 with sixteen threads might hint that the CPU doesn’t have the power budget or the thermal management to deliver its full potential. The GPU is also very lacklustre compared to the latest Intel Iris Xe integrated GPU, which is three times as fast in some operations.

Thankfully, Acemagic makes an AMD version of the same machine, the AM08 Pro, that has a Ryzen 9 processor and Radeon 680M GPU. It's not only cheaper but substantially quicker than the AD08. And, if you like this form factor, we’d recommend you get one of those.

Read our full Acemagic AD08 review

Best mini PC for conferencing rooms

11. GMKtec NucBox M2

GMKtec has a reputation for making good quality small systems that won’t break the bank, and the NucBox M2 is a prime example of precisely that.

Built around the Intel Core i7-11390H mobile platform, this tiny NUC-sized system is designed to sit on the edge of a desk or be monitor-mounted to provide access to office applications and other productivity tools, and it is available for under $400. That’s not for a barebones solution but a fully operational system with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage and Windows 11 pre-installed.

The highlights of this design are its metal case, easy access to the interior and relatively straightforward upgrades to memory and storage. It even has a spare M.2 2042 slot for adding additional space above that available through the main M.2 2280 slot.

What could have been better was the USB ports that are all blue in colour, though one is a USB 2.0, and both USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports are on the front and both Type-A ports. That the only USB-C port is Gen 1 was a definite oversight.

USB port confusion aside, this is a capable mini system that covers many of the typical roles these devices are used, but inexpensively. With its size and power, we found it ideal for conferencing rooms, but it could easily be used as a replacement desktop PC, media server, or firewall, to mention just a few.

Read our full GMKtec NucBox M2 review

Best mini PC workstation

12. Khadas Mind

With so many brands simply turning out NUC clones, the Khadas Mind machine is a radical departure but not a cheap option. The processor platform is the same as Intel put in the NUC 13 Pro, providing this system with good performance for a machine with a mobile CPU and integrated GPU.

However, the designers of this system decided not to follow the NUC pattern and created a modular design with a proprietary Mind Link connection that extends the PCI Express bus to other components. Initially, the Mind Dock adds lots of ports, but without the bandwidth limitations of Thunderbolt or USB-C. The Mind Graphics module will attach a discrete graphics card when it becomes available.

The examples of the Khadas Mind base and Dock we got sent to review were stunningly engineered and made, demonstrating a level of engineering normally reserved for aircraft or space capsules.

The catch, as with anything this nicely made, is the price. Khadas makes the pricing more complicated by launching the system through Kickstarter. Those who pledge now are promised that the machines will ship in October, and discounts can be found for bundle purchasers.

This isn’t a cheap NUC solution, but it does offer the potential for enhanced performance in the future for those who like to gamble a little.

Read our full Khadas Mind review

Best mini PC for ports

13. GMKtec NucBox K2

Brother of the GMKtec M2, the K2 is an AMD NUC that uses the excellent Zen3+ architecture of the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS. It is the same processor as the Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS uses, an ideal choice for a powerful and quiet NUC.

What the K2 offers is a minimalist case design with easy access to the memory and storage for upgrades and an excellent selection of external ports. It has four 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a single USB 2.0 and a USB 4.0 Type-C port that doubles as a Thunderbolt port and can transfer data at up to 40Gbps. This NUC has the port selection for maximum flexibility and connectivity, almost bar none. With those options, the K2 would make a great media centre with external drives, but there aren’t many jobs this machine couldn’t handle.

Internal access is via a lid that pulls off, and once inside, you can upgrade the RAM to 64GB and the M.2 slot to an NVMe of at least 4TB, and possibly bigger when they become available. The K2 is small, mostly silent and powerful for its tiny stature, and the only complaint we had with the review hardware was that it had a PCIe 3.0 NVMe pre-installed and not a PCIe 4.0 flavoured one.

Read our full GMKtec NucBox K2 Mini PC review

Best mini PC for video editing

14. Minisforum UM790 Pro

The Minisforum UM790 Pro Mini PC impresses with its compact design and powerful performance. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, it excels in processor and graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming and 4K video editing.

The machine's 32GB DDR5 dual-channel RAM (expandable to 64GB) and dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots (1TB installed) ensure fast data access and storage capacity. The UM790 Pro offers versatile connectivity, VESA mounting compatibility, and effective cooling. Its benchmark scores reflect its exceptional real-world performance, making it just as suitable for creative professionals and gamers as gentler office tasks.

The design might be plain, but it's practical, emphasizing functionality. While priced in the midrange for a high-end mini PC, its strong performance and features justify the cost, appealing to those seeking powerful performance in a compact form.

Read our full Minisforum UM790 Pro review

Best mini PC for gaming

Acemagician AM08 Pro on a desk during our tests

15. Acemagician AM08 Pro

The Acemagician AM08 Pro AMD Ryzen 9 Mini PC stands out for its distinctive triangular design, gaming aesthetics, and solid performance. Ideal for content creators and gaming, it features an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU and AMD Radeon 680M GPU, and in our experience, it handles graphics-intensive tasks and gaming well. Its 16GB DDR5 RAM (upgradeable to 64GB) and 512GB M.2 PCIe NVME SSD (expandable to 2TB) provide more than enough memory and storage.

The machine excels in cooling efficiency and connectivity, offering Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB 3.2 Type-A and Type-C ports, and HDMI outputs. Its triple 4K display support caters to both gamers and creatives. The design might not appeal to everyone, but it's practical with accessible ports.

We ran multiple benchmarks and real-world scenarios which you can read in our review. But overall, the AM08 Pro effortlessly handled the lot, with a real proficiency for multitasking and resource-intensive applications. While pricier than some competitors, we really liked the build quality on show here. And its cooling, expandability, and versatile performance make it a great pick for those seeking a mini PC best-suited to demanding content creation tasks and gaming.

Read our full Acemagician AM08 Pro review

Best mini PC tower

16. Chuwi CoreBox 5th

PC makers occasionally like to make cute miniature versions of recognizable hardware, and the Chuwi CoreBox 5th is a tiny mini tower, copying the previous CoreBox 4th. This styling makes the machine bigger than a typical NUC, but the extra space inside is occupied with an extensive cooling system and fan, delivering an almost silent system.

The only SKU sports a spritely Intel Core i5-13500H (12 cores, 16 threads), 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 512GB NMVe M.2 drive. While the CPU isn’t socketed, the memory and storage can both be upgraded, and it is possible to have 64GB of memory and 2TB of storage if desired.

The other desirable aspect of this design is that it has no less than seven USB ports, although they’re all USB 3.2 Gen 1, and there are no Gen 2 capable ports. It also has a 2.5GbE LAN port and WiFi6, providing plenty of potential for it to be a media server with external USB storage.

The Intel 13th-generation processor gives the Chuwi CoreBox 5th a significant performance edge over mini systems based on older architectures. However, it’s still not a match for the latest AMD Ryzen silicon used by other makers.

Read our full Chuwi CoreBox 5th Mini PC review

Best mini PC with Intel i9 mobile chip

17. Geekom Mini IT13

Geekom has a series of machines using the same case and general layout but different Intel chip generations. Therefore, on the outside, the Mini IT13 looks exactly like the IT12 and IT11, with the true differences being on the inside.

What makes this one stand out is that it uses the Intel Core i9-13900H (14 cores, 20 threads), one of the most powerful mobile chips Intel makes. From that standpoint alone, many people would be interested in the IT13, but before they rush off and buy one, there are a few caveats to this design that somewhat take the gloss off it.

For starters, we’ve seen faster machines, especially those using AMD Ryzen 7 and 9 CPUs, but we’ve also seen faster Intel-based mini PC systems. What all these high-performance machines had in common was DDR5 memory, whereas the IT13 only uses DDR4. That choice impacts the level of system bandwidth, which in turn limits GPU throughput.

As specifications go, this is an excellent unit, and the internal access allows for a good selection of upgrade options. But it isn’t as quick as the processor spec implies, making other machines in this series better value, and the asking price is on the high side. For even more higher performance, we recommend the similar but superior Geekom AS 6.

Read our full Geekom Mini IT13 review

Best mini PC with NAS

18. T-Bao MiniPC + NAS R3

The T-Bao MiniPC + NAS R3 offers a unique blend of compact computing and network storage capabilities. In our tests, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor proved to offer an excellent balance between price and performance for this style of machine. And while it might not be a powerhouse, it's a really versatile performer for everyday users.

We really like the design here, which seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics, and a small footprint that makes it perfect for just about any workspace. But for us, the highlight feature is the provision for two 3.5-inch HDDs, which lets you rapidly expand storage expansion without altering this stylish mini PC. During our testing, we attached two inexpensive 500GB WD Green Drives, effectively quadrupling the storage size in under two minutes - no tools required. However, we did feel the build quality could be better here, as some flexing of the outer case was needed to correctly align all ports.

While not designed for intensive tasks, its NAS feature and compact design make it suitable for home or small office setups. The T-Bao MiniPC + NAS R3 is an interesting choice for users seeking computing power and network storage in a single device.

Read our full T-Bao MiniPC + NAS R3 review

Best mini PCs: FAQs

Are there different types of mini pc.

There is a lot of variety when it comes to mini PCs: various sizes are available and they are designed for various use cases.

Some mini PCs are designed to lay flat under a desk while others have a unique vertical design that allows them to be placed on top of your desk next to your monitor and within arm's reach. You can also completely conceal them behind your monitor if they come with VESA mounting holes.

Today's best mini PCs are a great alternative to bulky full-size desktops and all-in-one systems for all kinds of uses: from administrative workers doing data entry, to customer service specialists and call center offices, to creative professionals and students learning at home.

What is the best use of a mini PC?

Mini PCs excel at everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, video streaming, and light gaming. You can easily connect them to your TV to play games and watch movies either via a platform like Netflix or through your own media server, with the effectively set acting as a monitor. With specs comparable to mid-range laptops, they don’t have the necessary CPU and GPU to run more resource-intensive apps and games. In those circumstances, it may be worth investing in high-spec devices like the best video editing laptops , which are built for heavy workloads.

What are the disadvantages of a mini computer?

While the best mini PCs absolutely shine, they’re not without a few downsides. When it comes to specs, mini PCs pale in comparison to modern desktop computers and the very best laptops . While you shouldn't have trouble using most as a space-saving alternative to the best laptops for graphic design or the best laptops for photo editing , it can make it difficult to use hardware-intensive apps and processes, like any of the best video editing software .

Upgrading those lower-specced internals is usually out of the question. Even some of the best mini PCs can't be expanded with better components (at least, not without some technical knowledge and skill).

They also need to be run from the mains, so while they’re an excellent portable option, you lack the built-in batteries found in laptops. Due to their form, some users may also experience issues with overheating. Mini PCs also lack peripherals, from screens to optical drives.

How much RAM do you need for a mini PC?

As with desktop computers and laptops, the best RAM is the most amount of RAM you can get within budget. It will make performance much more fluid, especially if you’re using the mini PC for a lot of tasks. We recommend a bare minimum of 8GB memory, although 16GB and above is preferred.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

It all depends on which games you want to play. The very best mini PCs can ably run lightweight or older games - in fact, many use them as emulators. However, they will typically struggle with newer games, like the triple-A offerings from the likes of Rockstar. They simply don’t have the required CPU and GPU to handle them.

Can you connect a mini PC to a laptop?

Yes, you can connect your mini PC to a laptop and use it as a monitor - but it’s also easy, as many mini PCs lack the required HDMI ports to output to the laptop screen. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by using remote desktop software.

Are the best mini PCs better than laptops?

It depends how you intend to use your mini computer. While both are highly portable, mini PCs are more so, with a far smaller surface area. If you’re working on the go, be aware of the sometimes limited battery life on laptops - if you’re usually running off the mains, a mini PC may be the better choice.

Laptops serve as a great all-in-one solution with everything you need to work and play. Accessories like the best office keyboards and the best monitors for a dual set-up are optional. They also come with a range of tech specs, with options for everyday computing tasks right up to the best gaming laptops .

Like a traditional desktop computer, a mini PC is best when used in spaces with easy access to monitors (or TV), keyboards, and other peripherals on hand. For this reason, mini PCs are great for office use, allowing multiple users to access the device in a variety of locations.

Cost is also a factor, as mini PCs tend to be cheaper than laptops - particularly the best business laptops .

How to choose the best mini PC for you

When choosing which mini PC is best for you, there are several factors to consider - but first, it's important to be sure a mini PC is right for your needs.

Mini PCs, sometimes known as think clients or NUCs, are ideal for light use, such as web browsing and video streaming. Some can even handle casual gaming sessions. But you won't find the raw power offered by the likes of the best mobile workstations .

Despite their name, mini PCs come in a range of sizes, from tiny machines like the Acemagician T8 Plus to the Apple Mac mini, which on the larger size. But they're all considerably smaller than a desktop, so if you're looking for a space-saver, they're ideal. You'll find plenty that even include a VESA mount for attaching the device to monitors to de-clutter the desk.

If a mini PC is best, consider how you'll be using your machine. In addition to general computer usage, mini PCs have been used as media servers, games emulators, and much more.

For smooth performance. a good CPU, GPU, and RAM are essential. We've included a selection of AMD- and Intel-powered thin clients here, all capable of delivering speed and performance for a range of uses.

However, be sure to check your device's ports and connectivity. Some of the best mini PCs pack in plenty of Thunderbolt and USB ports, memory card slots, and HDMI connections, but some are less generous. If portability is a consideration, remember to check dimensions and weight. You'll find these details in our full mini PC reviews.

How we test the best mini PCs

We've tested thousands of devices, from the best photo editing PCs to best business computers , including small form NUCs and thin clients.

A lot of time and care goes into selecting the best mini PCs. Appliance-type mini-PCs often have a metal enclosure to help with passive cooling and more than one wired Gigabit Ethernet port. The best mini PCs are perfect for leaving unattended in a small network cabinet, rack, or locker, where they can be used as fixed-function mini-servers, such as a firewall for an office network or file storage for a small shop.

There's also a class of mini PCs that are small. These range from palm-sized to slightly more significant than a thumb drive, often with an HDMI male connector and built to be attached to the back of a TV or monitor for entertainment or web browsing on a big screen.

As such, selecting a mini PC is no easy task. First, we had to filter them based on size. We started from the tiniest ones, the thumb drive-sized PCs, up to the palm-sized devices, then moving to the TV-box-sized machines. In each size jump, we looked for the usage scenarios for each based on the capabilities of the CPU and amount of RAM and included ports, then we weeded out the ones with sub-par specs; this removed several dozen entries with the same Celeron CPUs and low RAM.

Once we got to the higher-spec entries, the winners started to show up either by expansion capabilities, unique features, or suitability for the purpose. Final filtering by brand name and support considerations is how we ended up with our selection of picks for the best mini PC for home and office.

As such, when testing which mini PC is best, we study several key areas. This includes build quality and form-factor - we want to see a robust machine, and the best materials available for the cost. This is especially true with mini PCs, as they're designed to be easily carried and used in multiple locations.

We explore the internal specs of each device, and how they compare with some of the other best mini PCs on the market. As part of this process, we also assess the upgradability of the device - from the options on offer to the ease of creating your perfect mini PC. This includes benchmarking performance of the CPU, GPU, and RAM. We're not necessarily looking for the most powerful mini PC. But we want to see suitable performance relative to a range of uses and budgets.

Ports and connectivity are another area where we look at what's on offer - and how it compares with rival devices. Not everyone will need Thunderbolt 4, but we expect to see adequate slots on a mini PC to increase functionality and flexibility.

Price is always a consideration. Depending on how you use it, the most expensive mini PC you can buy may not offer genuine value for money. We've curated a selection of mini PCs here, from premium machines to the cheapest mini PC with great performance.

You can read more about our comprehensive testing methods in our guide How we test laptops and desktops: Our review process explained .

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Steve is TechRadar Pro’s B2B Editor for Creative & Hardware. He explores the apps and devices for individuals and organizations that thrive on design and innovation. A former journalist at Web User magazine, he's covered software and hardware news, reviews, features, and guides. He's previously worked on content for Microsoft, Sony, and countless SaaS & product design firms. Once upon a time, he wrote commercials and movie trailers. Relentless champion of the Oxford comma.

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Best mini PCs and NUCs 2023: Compact and affordable computers

Find the perfect pint-sized PCs and Intel NUCs with plenty on offer.

Best overall

Best all-rounder

Best budget

Best office mini PC

Best for gaming

Mini PC FAQ

Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8) in front of screen.

- The list in brief 1. Best overall 2. Best all-rounder 3. Best budget 4. Best office 5. Best for gaming 6. Best all-rounder ★ Mini PC FAQ

The best mini PCs and NUCs come in all shapes and sizes. Whatever your needs, there's a compact computer out there to suit you. Mini PCs are an excellent choice for a variety of uses thanks to their relatively inexpensive pricing and ability to pack into small spaces due to their compact sizes. Not to mention, they're a great if you need to add a PC covertly to an area in your home like the kitchen or living room, without wanting to draw attention to it.

Some mini PCs are even designed to handle light to more intensive gaming, so if you love playing video games, you might just find getting the right mini PC will let you play what you want to play without costing nearly as much as a full gaming desktop or gaming laptop. Whatever you're looking for, our collection contains some of the best mini PCs and NUCs to help you out. Let's take a look.

Rebecca reviews laptops, desktops, and gaming handhelds to see how well they function in a variety of different areas. Being a gaming enthusiast, she also always checks to see how well a mini PC can handle video games in addition to basic office tasks.

The quick list

Here's a quick look at the mini PCs available right now. Additional information for each device is available further down this page and you can click the 'read more below' link to be taken directly to these details.

Intel is arguably the world's most trusted semiconductor chip brand and a company that produces reliable tech products. So it's not surprising at all to say that the NUC 13 Pro mini PC's performance is impressive (even though ASUS is now the company that sells them). It comes with a 13th Gen Core i5-1340P processor inside with Iris Xe graphics to handle a wide range of tasks. What's more, it can be equipped with up to 32GB of RAM and up to a 1TB SSD depending on the configuration you choose. This is the perfect mini PC for students, office work, or personal use.

Best gaming mini PC

Intel's NUC 12 Enthusiast comes with an 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H CPU and I ntel Arc A770M discrete GPU with 16GB of VRAM, and various RAM and storage options. It also utilizes Intel Xe Super Sampling technology (XeSS) to upscape graphics via AI for better visuals while you game. With plenty of ports, you can connect various monitors and accessories for the perfect gaming expereince. Plus, the included stand allows you to decide whether it is laid on your desktop or propped up to save room. You can also buy a barebones kit if that's what you prefer. Read more below

ASRock DeskMini B660 Series Barebone Mini PC

Best build it yourself

There are plenty of barebone mini PC kits out there for you to choose from when building your own device. However, we highly recommend this ASRock DeskMini kit because it supports Intel 12th Gen through 14th Gen Core Processors (LGA1700 with up to 65W). This purchase gets you the chassis and the motherboard with an external power brick while supplying your CPU, storage, and up to 32GB of RAM. There are also plenty of ports to help you connect the monitors, accessories, and other devices that you want to use.

Best overall mini PC

1. Intel NUC 13 Pro

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

My recommended Intel NUC 13 Pro configuration:

Intel Core i5-1340P | 16GB RAM |  512GB SSD

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BYNCF3K5%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank"> Intel Core i5-1340P | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD

Made with a trusted Intel Core i5-1340P and sold by ASUS, this configuration offers steady and reliable performance to handle a wide range of tasks. The larger amount of RAM and storage helps it work more smoothly and efficiently than other configuration options.

Intel is by far one of most trusted semiconductor manufacturers in the world, so it's safe to put your trust in the mini PCs it produces. Now, it's worth noting that Intel started its NUC line a few years ago and has since shifted the actual sales of the Intel NUC to ASUS. But the product continues to impress with each new iteration.

The NUC 13 Pro mini PC, specifically, is built for business with a reliable 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1340P that fits nicely into a compact chassis. It's small 4.6-by-4.4-by-2.1 inch form makes it very easy to place in limited spaces. Plus it features two HDMI 2.1 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi 6E to meet your various connection needs. With all of this, its ready and able to handle any basic tasks you put to it. Just note that it is not designed for gaming or graphically intensive creative software.

There's even a barebone option for anyone who wants to build their own mini PC.

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Best all-rounder mini PC

Geekom AS6 on a white table with RGB lighting in the back

2. Geekom AS 6

Our expert review:

My recommended Geekom AS 6 configuration:

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FGEEKOM-AS6-Graphics-Computers-Bluetooth%2Fdp%2FB0CF22SLYG%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank"> R7 7735H | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD

Anyone who specifically wants a mini PC that can handle a bit more gaming should go with the R7 7735H CPU configuration. You'll get 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD regardless of what option you choose.

As my colleague Harish Jonnalagadda explains in his Geekom AS 6 review , anyone looking for a slight step up from standard mini PC, which is mostly intended for office work, will want to check out the Geekom AS 6. This fantastic mini PC features either an AMD Ryzen 7 7735H or a Ryzen 7 6800H depending on the configuration you choose. Thanks to the integrated AMD Radeon Graphics 680M, it's also ready and able to handle simple to mid-level gaming or creative programs. Just don't expect it to be able to handle intensive graphics like the most advanced ray tracing.

At any rate, the Geekom AS 6 is ideal for people who want a compact device that can handle their basic work or office tasks while also offering a bit more oomph for programs that require a bit more graphical intensity. While there are plenty of ports to help you connect various devices, it's important to note that this mini PC only offers HDMI 2.0 rather than the newer HDMI 2.1, though.

Best budget mini PC

AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01 under monitor.

3. AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01

My recommended AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01 configuration:

AMD Ryzen 7 5700U | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD

<a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ayaneo-retro-mini-pc-creator-of-mini-pc-2-0-era#/" data-link-merchant="indiegogo.com"" target="_blank"> AMD Ryzen 7 5700U | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD

This configuration allows for a solid office or simple gaming experience. These specs are similar to what is found in popular Windows gaming handhelds like ROG Ally, Legion Go, and AYANEO 2S.

Despite being designed with the retro look of an original Macintosh computer, the AM01 is, in fact, a Windows 11 PC. So, while the cute design might be a bit confusing at first, it also helps this device stand out from the standard black bricks that most mini PCs look like. Additionally, this is a rather inexpensive mini PC for all that it offers, which makes it our pick for the best budget mini PC. Just note that like all AYANEO products, it can only be purchased from Indiegogo, but ships worldwide. The AM01 is also a great value since it can be used for gaming as well as basic office work.

There are plenty of ports to help you get the devices and monitors connected to the AM01 that you want to use. However, it's worth noting that it does have HDMI 2.0 ports rather than the newer HDMI 2.1 ports. I was also surprised to find that it comes with two screwdrivers and two plastic picks, which is a thoughtful thing to include in case you want to open it up and upgrade it.

When I did my AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01 review , I paid particular attention to how well it performed with gaming since AYANEO is a gaming handheld company. Suffice it to say that while this compact mini PC isn't as powerful as ROG Ally or Legion Go that it does offer solid performance when playing simpler video games. But the biggest downside is that the included AYASpace software that helps you access your game library or adjust settings is rather unrefined and clunky to use. Still, if you want something that can handle day-to-day office tasks and retro or streamed gaming then this is the best budget option for the job.

Best mini PC for office use

4. Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8)

My recommended Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8) configuration:

i5-13500H CPU | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD (90W2000HUT)

<a href="https://lenovo.7eer.net/c/221109/218864/3808?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lenovo.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fp%2Fdesktops%2Fideacentre%2F500-series%2Fideacentre-mini-gen-8-%281l-intel%29%2F90w2000hut" data-link-merchant="lenovo.com"" target="_blank"> i5-13500H CPU | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD (90W2000HUT)

As tempting as picking the top-spec for any computer can be, the Intel Core i5-13500H mid-range option will save you hundreds of dollars without significantly affecting performance. Storage can be easily upgraded, and even RAM can expand with some tinkering.

For those specifically on the market for a simple computer that's ideal for student work or office tasks, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8) is a fantastic option. This mini PC comes from a trusted computer brand and either has an Intel Core i7-13700H or an Intel Core i5-13500H that works with the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. On top of that, the IdeaCentre Mini provides all of the ports you need to connect your various accessories and devices.

During our own Ben Wilson's Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8) review , he found that this mini PC did have some bloatware and pop-ups that you'll want to get rid of to keep it running smoothly. However, it also comes with the Lenovo Vantage app. which makes it easy to keep tabs on the system and ensure it is on the latest updates. Once updated, the IdeaCentre Mini can boot up programs quickly, but don't expect it to handle graphically intensive tasks like intense gaming or creative software.

It's worth noting that this is the slimmest mini PCs on this list, but it's also wider than some of the other options. To make things easier, it comes with a stand, so you can position vertically to save room on your desk if needed.

5. Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast

My recommended Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast configuration:

Intel Core i7-12700H | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FEnthusiast-NUC12SNKi72-Serpent-i7-12700H-Thunderbolt%2Fdp%2FB0BYZ56Y9J%2Fref%3Dsr_1_4%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank"> Intel Core i7-12700H | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD

As with any gaming system, the more RAM and storage space you have the more games you can have running efficiently. But at a minimum, I recommend getting the 32GB RAM with 1TB SSD. This ensures you don't have to uninstall and rearrange game data too often while also maintaining a more affordable price.

The best gaming laptops and best gaming desktops are expensive so it's no wonder that many video game fans seek alternate means of playing their favorite titles. That all being said, the mini PC best suited to more graphically demanding tasks is the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast. It features a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H with up to 4.7GHz. Alongside the processor, the Intel Arc A770M discrete graphics uses AI to upscale visuals, provide real-time ray tracing, and DirectX12 Ultimate support.

Now, the NUC 12 Enthusiast can't keep up with the likes of the latest (and extremely powerful) NVIDIA RTX GPUs for local gaming, but it does offer impressive performance that is perfect for simple local games, game streaming, and creative work with programs like Adobe Photoshop .

Best build it yourself mini PC

6. ASRock DeskMini B660 Series

My recommended ASRock DeskMini B660 Barebone configuration:

MOSFET Heatsink | LCA1700 slot | Up to 4 Displays

<a href="https://www.asrock.com/nettop/Intel/DeskMini%20B660%20Series/index.us.asp#Specification" data-link-merchant="asrock.com"" target="_blank"> MOSFET Heatsink | LCA1700 slot | Up to 4 Displays

This is a relatively large mini PC chassis that's designed to take in some impressive hardware. While ASRock does offer plenty of different mini PC kits, we recommend this one since the processor slot is compatible with newer Intel Core 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors.

For anyone who prefers to build their own rigs, going with a barebone mini PC or a mini PC kit is usually the best option. Anyone looking to build an heftier mini PC that can house some impressive internals will want to go with the ASRock DeskMini B660. This casing offers an LGA1700 processor slot that supports 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core processors. Of course, if you don't need the mini PC to be compatible with the latest Intel Core processors, you might want to check out our older ASRock DeskMini review which works with an Intel 8th Gen.

Now let's get back to the DeskMini B660. It also offers two SO-DIMM DDR4-32000MHz memory slots that can hold up to 64GB of RAM. As far as storage goes, there are two SATA3 6Gb 2.5 inch hard drive sockets — one Blazing M.2 Socket that supports 128GB/s and a Hyper M.2 Socket that supports 64Gb/s. It's a great little playground to setup the mini PC of your dreams, but it is still somewhat costly on its own.

Choosing the best mini PC or NUC

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Despite their size, all these mini PC machines are capable Windows computers. But when it comes to compact devices, Intel continues to lead the way with its NUC line. The latest NUC 13 Pro packs in 13th Gen Intel CPUs for excellent performance, plus it's built into a chassis that's compact and easy to manage. You can buy it barebones, or you can go with a model that also includes RAM and storage.

Now, if you're a fan of DIY, ASRock's DeskMini B660 Series Barebone supports Intel 12th Gen through 14th Gen (socket LGA1700) processors with built-in graphics, but you need to provide a chunk of the components yourself. The attractive little case comes with an external power supply and motherboard to get you started. Be sure to check out our collections of the best desktop computers and best Windows laptops for a bunch of great full-size PC options.

What is an NUC when talking computers and mini PCs?

Next Unit of Computing (NUC) is something that the tech company Intel specifically named its mini PCs. It's also important to know that Intel NUCs can also refer to the company's small motherboards customizable chassis, and certain laptop kits. Still, in most situations, NUC means mini PC. It's also worth noting that although Intel was the original creator and manufacturer of the Intel NUC, that Asus is now the company that sells them.

What is the point of a mini PC?

Mini PCs are extremely small and compact computers compared to laptops and desktops, so they are easier to fit into limited spaces. What's more, they also tend to cost a whole lot less than laptops and desktops, making them far more affordable while still being able to handle office tasks and even some gaming depending on the configuration of the mini PC.

Is a mini PC better than a laptop?

That really depends on what you intend to use the mini PC or laptop for. Depending on the configurations, both types of devices can be used to handle office work, a variety of programs, and even some gaming. Laptops are easier to take on the go since a monitor is included, but mini PCs don't take up much room and they tend to be more affordable.

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Self-professed gaming geek, Rebecca Spear, is one of Windows Central's editors and reviewers with a focus on gaming handhelds, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn't checking out the latest games on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She's written thousands of articles with everything from editorials, reviews, previews, features, previews, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. You can follow her @rrspear on X (formerly Twitter).

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Meet the hp mini desktop.

You may think you know all the perks of a desktop PC, but there's something new to explore with the HP mini desktop. This innovative, compact PC has all the features you love in a traditional computer along with enhanced security and lots of extras. See what's packed into the tiny size of this robust, modern machine.

What is a mini desktop?

The mini desktop, also known as a "mini PC," is a computer that fits into an exceptionally small case. It's no larger than around 6.97 x 6.89 x 1.34 inches, and it weighs around 3 lbs. Just like with a larger PC tower, you will need to connect the mini PC to a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers for the full computing experience. And because these small computers take up just a few inches, you can mount yours under a desk or place it on a shelf.

Mini desktops are popular for business and enterprise applications because they also come with additional security and network management features, as well as high-performing processors. These small form factor PCs are also excellent for remote workers and employees who need a reliable PC option at home that's on par with what's offered at the office.

Best mini PC features offered today

Getting a business workstation that fits your budget can be a challenge, but most HP mini PCs strike an incredible balance of features and price. In fact, their value makes them a leading choice for cost-conscious work teams where everyone needs the same tech. While the small package certainly earns praise, there's much more to these mini PCs than meets the eye.

The exact technical specifications vary by model, but let's look at the overall highlights.

1. Energy efficient

These tiny machines make good use of power consumption. Many HP models are EPEAT® registered and ENERGY STAR® certified, so you can feel good knowing they're easier on your electric bill and the planet.

2. Excellent performance

While you could certainly use these devices for play, they're ideal for serious businesses, with specs for handling multiple processes and the latest Windows-based applications. Choose between the Windows 11 operating system or the Windows 10 OS.

Other perks include:

Up to 512GB solid-state drive storage or 1TB hard drive storage

64GB of RAM

A variety of Intel® chips, including Intel Core™ i5, i7, and i9 (or similar AMD Ryzen™ processors)

Integrated Intel graphics or NVIDIA® and AMD discrete graphics

While the security features on each affordable mini PC vary, they typically include upgraded wireless networking tools and the HP Manageability Integration Kit to make hardware, BIO, and security maintenance a breeze.

The HP Sure Sense protection against malware and viruses is powered by AI, so it gets smarter over time and thwarts new threats as they happen. Even web browsing is more secure than ever, and each HP Wolf Pro Security Edition PC is equipped with 1-year or 3-year HP Support user licenses for ongoing IT management and support.

4. Expandable

Like other desktop PCs, these computers allow you to connect your best accessories and peripherals, whether it's secure external storage or a 4K monitor. For those looking forward to some PC gaming, you'll love the generous number of ports. Some models include an HDMI port or DisplayPort slots, USB ports (including a USB-C port), ethernet ports, and a place for your headphone and microphone. We designed these Windows mini PCs to give you the freedom to work the way you want, anywhere you want.

Some options come with a bundled keyboard and mouse, making it easier to get up and get working right out of the box. Just add your choice of display at checkout.

5. Portable

These versatile desktops are so small that you can take them with you anywhere you go. It's possible to transport your entire business workstation in your briefcase or bag, then mount it onto a shelf or desk when you return to the office. Durable design and space-saving features make mini PCs one of the better ways to make sure you have enterprise-level security and performance when a laptop just won't do.

How to buy the best mini PCs for your team

If the idea of a small form factor computer sounds ideal, you can be sure that any of the models HP offers will give you a great mini PC experience. With enough power to handle the daily tasks of your job, as well as an affordable price that's competitive with the best laptops, the best mini PC is the one that meets your technical specs for Intel processors, storage, graphics, and memory.

You can order a variety of mini PC models from our website, with several customization options to get just the right fit for your lifestyle. And of course, you can always enjoy fast, free shipping with your purchase.

Offers subject to change, not combinable with all other offers, and exclusions may apply, while supplies last. HP may impose a purchase quantity limit (for example, 3 units per order). Taxes, shipping, and other fees may apply as applicable. HP reserves the right to cancel orders arising from pricing or other errors. Prices, specifications, availability, and terms of offers may change without notice. Price protection, price matching or price guarantees do not apply to Intra-day, Daily Deals or limited-time promotions. These terms apply only to products sold by HP.com; reseller offers may vary. Items sold by HP.com are not for immediate resale. Orders that do not comply with HP.com terms, conditions, and limitations may be cancelled. Contract and volume customers not eligible.

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beyond pi —

What i learned when i replaced my cheap pi 5 pc with a no-name amazon mini desktop, pi 5 is still an odd fit for day-to-day desktop use; cheap mini pcs come closer..

Andrew Cunningham - Apr 1, 2024 1:39 pm UTC

Two cheapo Intel mini PCs, a Raspberry Pi 5, and an Xbox controller for scale.

I recently tried to use a Raspberry Pi 5 as a regular desktop PC . The experiment wasn't a failure—I was able to use a Pi to get most of my work done for a few days. But the device's performance, and especially the relative immaturity of the Linux Arm software ecosystem, meant that there were lots of incompatibilities and rough edges.

One of the problems with trying to use a Pi 5 as a regular desktop computer is that, by the time you've paid for the 8GB version of the board, a decent active cooler and case, and (ideally) some kind of M.2 storage attachment and SSD, you've spent close to a couple of hundred dollars on the system. That's not a ton of money to spend on a desktop PC, but it is enough that the Pi no longer feels miraculously cheap, and there are actually other, more flexible competitors worth considering.

Oops! All E-cores

Junky, low-performance, generic mini PCs have been a thing for a long time, but within the last year or so, they've gotten a lot better because Intel's cheapest, slowest processors have also gotten a lot better.

The one you'll see the most often is the Intel Processor N100 (remember, Intel now uses "Intel Processor" for Intel processors that might have been called Pentium or Celeron in years past). They're quad-core chips that use a cluster of four small, high-efficiency E-cores, the exact same cores Intel uses in most of its current-gen desktop and laptop processors. Unlike the Intel Core chips, these Intel Processors don't include any large, fast P-cores to do heavy lifting.

But those E-cores are surprisingly decent compared to the old Atom or Celeron chips that used to go into these kinds of systems.

Intel has compared its E-cores’ performance to those of its 6th-generation Core CPUs, codenamed Skylake (head-to-head performance comparisons show the N100 running a bit slower, generally). But Skylake-ish performance is plenty for browsing and office work even in 2024, and the N100 is faster than older 4000-through 6000-series Pentium and Celeron chips by double-digit percentages in both single- and multi-core benchmarks, and they're significantly faster than a Pi 5. All this while still being considerably more power-efficient than Skylake (or its many, many iterations) ever was.

The GPU is also an improvement; with just 24 of Intel’s GPU execution units (EUs), it’s significantly slower than the three-year-old Intel Iris Xe integrated GPU (80 or 96 EUs, depending on the processor you get), and even an eight-year-old integrated GPU like the Intel HD 520 can beat it sometimes. But it’s at least a reasonably modern graphics architecture that benefits from the same ongoing driver improvements as other Intel GPUs.

reader comments

Promoted comments.

I think that a used mini PC from a reputable vendor is probably a better choice in a lot of scenarios. Cheaper and faster than a new N100 system, no concerns about malware (something this article didn't address: what about persistent malware enabled by the UEFI? Even Lenovo has done that.) Power usage would be the only real concern I could think of, but compared to a typical desktop the difference would be negligible.

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NiPoGi AK1 Plus Mini PC Intel 12TH Alder Lake-N95(hasta 3.4GHz,15W), 16GB DDR4 512GB M.2 SSD,Ordenadores de Sobremesa,2xHDMI/4K@60HZ/BT4.2/RJ45-LAN, Mini Computadora Torre PC para Negocios/Escuela

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NiPoGi AK2 PLUS Mini PC, 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N100(bis zu 3,4 GHz), 16GB RAM 512GB M.2 SSD Mini Computer Windows 11 Pro mit 4K Dual Display/2x HDMI/WiFi 5/BT 4.2/Gigabit Ethernet für Zuhause/Büro

NiPoGi AM02 Mini PC,AMD Ryzen 7 3750H,16 GB DDR4 / 512 GB SSD Mini Ordenadores de sobremesa,Home Office Mini Ordenador con Graphique Radeon RX Vega 10/4K 60 Hz HDMI+VGA/5G Business PC

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Quels sont les meilleurs mini-PC ? Comparatif 2024

Les progrès des puces « APU », portés par AMD, ouvrent de nouvelles voies aux mini-PC, mais ne rendent pas le choix de la meilleure machine plus simple pour autant. Des PC aussi compacts que polyvalents ont vu le jour sans que cela fasse disparaître les modèles d’entrée de gamme. Un secteur plus en forme que jamais.

Geekom MiniAir 11

Le petit prix

Compact, discret, fonctionnel
DisplayPort et HDMI à la fois
Pas mal d'USB, Type-C en façade

Apple Mac mini M2

Le moins cher des Mac

Les performances de la puce M2, excellentes
Maîtrise énergétique du tonnerre (chauffe très réduite, consommation limitée)
Connectique complète

Zotac Magnus One ERP74070W

Le plus esthétique

Volume d'à peine 8 litres
Design et conception réussis
Composants très accessibles

Des mini-PC plus séduisants que jamais

Apple mac mini m2 : les charmes d'une pomme plus à croquer que jamais, geekom miniair 11 : quand le prix est encore plus mini que le pc, beelink eq12 n100 : un excellent rapport qualité/prix, msi cubi 5 10m : sécurité de la grande marque, polyvalence du core i5, inwin chopin max : le charme d'un mini-pc monté de toutes pièces, zotac magnus one erp74070w: beau et puissant, mais pas seulement…., choisir son mini-pc : les critères à observer.

L'idée de concevoir des ordinateurs tout à fait capables, mais bien plus compacts que nos grosses tours, n'a rien de novateur. Un fabricant comme Shuttle en proposait dès le début des années et n'était déjà pas le premier.

Aujourd'hui, nous profitons donc de ces APU signées AMD pour davantage de performances et une polyvalence de bon aloi. Pour autant, notre sélection ne se limite pas à des machines dotées d’APU. Nous avons à cœur de montrer l’étendue de ce secteur en plein renouveau.

Certes, Intel a décidé d'arrêter la production de ces NUC, mais les petites machines ont été reprises par ASUS et qu'il s’agisse de petits fabricants chinois (Geekom, Xulu) ou de grosses sociétés bien implantées (MSI, Zotac), il y en a pour tous les goûts. Sans oublier l’inévitable Apple.

Pourquoi se tourner vers un mini-PC ?

Avant de détailler nos critères de sélection/notation, il est important de se poser la question « pourquoi un mini-PC » ? D'emblée, on peut très bien voir le mini-PC comme un complément à une machine plus standard, souvent plus puissante, même si ce rôle est souvent dévolu à un PC portable.

Forcément, le mini-PC a pour lui une taille réduite. Il est plus simple à poser sur un coin de bureau ou à côté du pied de l’écran qu'un ordinateur en grande tour. Il ne gêne pas, ne prend que peu de place et n’est pas difficile à déplacer… même pour un bête coup de plumeau. Le plus souvent, on peut le fixer derrière l'écran via le système de montage norme VESA.

Par ailleurs, un mini-PC a l'avantage de la discrétion. Attention, de plus en plus d'ordinateurs – petit format, mais bien équipées – sont de vraies turbines. Le plus souvent, le mini-PC reste moins puissant qu'un ordinateur standard, il est moins calorifère et génère des nuisances réduites tout en consommant moins d'énergie. Autant de points pour faire pencher la balance.

Design toujours aussi sobre et compact
Le rapport équipement / prix du modèle de base
L’accès parfois pénible aux connectiques et au bouton de démarrage (à l’arrière)
L’évolutivité inexistante (RAM et SSD soudés)
Le prix de certaines options, comme souvent chez Apple
Le SSD raplapla du modèle 256 Go

Performances de haut niveau, consommation énergétique contenue, chauffe restreinte, nuisance sonore inexistante et compacité extrême… difficile de ne pas l’aimer ce nouveau Mac mini M2. L’appareil marque aussi les esprits par son placement tarifaire agressif : une caractéristique presque troublante chez Apple. Avec un prix de départ de 699 euros, le nouvel ordinateur de bureau miniature du géant de Cupertino est à la fois l’un des meilleurs et l’un des plus abordables du marché à l’heure actuelle.

Les seuls reproches que nous avons à lui faire concernent son design. Ce dernier n’a pas bougé depuis des années. Il conserve donc son inattaquable sobriété, mais aussi l’inconvénient de connectiques uniquement regroupées à l’arrière (et donc pas toujours faciles d’accès). Par rapport aux versions Intel et aux modèles plus anciens, le Mac mini M2 souffre par ailleurs d’une évolutivité inexistante, puisque la mémoire vive et le SSD sont soudés à sa carte mère — et donc impossibles à remplacer. Il est loin de temps où Apple prônait l’accès facile aux composants et les mises à niveau matérielles aisées par l'utilisateur lui-même.

Plutôt extensible (RAM, SSD)
Chauffe limitée, faible conso
Puissance logiquement limitée
SSD de seulement 256 Go
Pas un seul USB 4 à l'horizon

Petite machine, complète, mais facturée moins de 200 euros, voire moins de 180 euros, le MiniAir 11 n'est pas conçu pour atteindre des sommets de performances, Intel Celeron oblige. Pour autant, même à ce niveau de prix, il faut que la machine reste exploitable. C'est le cas du MiniAir 11, mais il ne faut pas être exigeant.

Windows 11 tourne correctement, mais l'on sent que chaque sollicitation monopolise d'importantes ressources pour le petit Celeron N5095 d'Intel. On apprécie l'idée de pouvoir passer sa RAM à 16 Go à l'aide d'une seconde barrette pour profiter, en plus, du double canal. Cela dit, il ne sera de toute façon pas question de faire du montage ou d'appliquer de lourds filtres photo sur ce mini-PC.

Geekom nous livre ici une machine certes modeste, mais qui « fait le job », se permet de rester extrêmement discrète et dispose d'un chouette rapport qualité-prix.

Compact, réactif, fonctionnel
RAM et stockage extensibles
Jusqu'à 4 moniteurs gérés
2x RJ45 dont un en 2,5 GbE
Puissance graphique limitée
Un seul port RAM SODIMM
Pas d'USB4, de lecteur SD

La mode des mini-PC semble partie pour durer et Beelink entend bien se placer parmi ses concurrents chinois comme Geekom ou NiPoGi. S’il ne se démarque pas outre mesure des nombreuses machines de ce type, l’EQ12 N100 reste un candidat sérieux dès lors que l’on veut s’offrir une machine compacte pour la maison.

Le volume très réduit de l’EQ12 N100 est évidemment son atout premier, mais on conserve une réserve de puissance suffisante pour de nombreuses tâches du quotidien. La bureautique ne lui pose aucun problème, pas plus que de modestes travaux de retouche photographique. La lecture vidéo 4K ne pose aucun problème et l'on salue le décodage AV1 matériel.

Pour le jeu vidéo, c’est nettement plus compliqué et en dehors du rétrogaming ou de jeux modestes, il faut davantage s’attendre à des diaporamas qu’à des séquences action. Enfin, n’oublions pas la possibilité de le transformer en petit NAS ou d’en faire un routeur pourvu que l’on accepte de mettre les mains dans le cambouis. Cet EQ12 N100 est donc une machine qui a du potentiel et que l’on trouve plutôt bien positionnée.

Mini-PC vraiment mini
Très silencieux
Ne chauffe pas
Intel Core i5 bien exploité
Connectique fournie
Intel Core de 10e génération

Sur le principe, ce mini-PC est quasiment irréprochable et vient cocher les cases taille, silence, connectivité. La puissance est logiquement plus limitée, mais l'Intel Core i5-10210U fait le job, parfaitement secondé par 8 Go de DDR4-2666 et un SSD de 256 Go.

Il reste possible d'opter pour plutôt costaud avec un Core i7 ou, au contraire, plus silencieux avec un Core i3, tous signés Intel et de 10e génération. C'est d'ailleurs un peu le regret : on aurait aimé que le processeur soit plus moderne, plus proche des ordinateurs de bureau. C'est le seul véritable défaut d'une machine, sinon, rudement bien pensée.

Tout petit, tout mimi
Bloc Gold 200 Watts intégré
3 x USB (façade), 2 x SATA (interne)
Éléments toujours accessibles
Un tout petit peu cher
Pas de port PCI Express

Pièce maîtresse de notre « configuration mini-ITX », le Chopin MAX nous a donné envie de monter ce petit dossier sans prétention. L’idée était de montrer qu’il reste possible de se monter un ordinateur gaming certes modeste, mais de très petite taille et, finalement, pas très onéreux. Au-delà des seuls jeux PC, notre solution est d’ailleurs tout à fait à son aise sur l’émulation.

Le Chopin MAX est un produit assez remarquable dont on regrette simplement que le tarif ne soit encore un peu plus attractif. In Win ne se moque cependant pas du monde avec un boîtier en aluminium doté d’excellentes finitions et ne faisant pas l’impasse sur l’USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2. Pour ne rien gâcher, le montage est simple et les composants restent accessibles. Du beau travail !

Évolutif : CPU, RAM, SSD
Alim 500W 80+ Platinum
Tarification élevée
Seulement deux USB en façade
Rapidement bien bruyant
Carte mère non standard

Sur un plan esthétique, le Magnus One ERP74070W est une superbe réussite. Rares sont les mini-PC ou les barebones à être aussi élégants. Il est agréable à l’œil et aucune honte à le laisser trôner, bien en évidence, sur le bureau. De plus, l’ouverture et la conception interne de la machine sont des modèles du genre avec un accès très simple à tous les composants essentiels : RAM, SSD et même carte graphique ou processeur.

La fiche technique du Magnus One inspire confiance et force est de constater que cela nous donne une belle machine pour du jeu vidéo en 1 440p. Grâce au DLSS, même un jeu comme Cyberpunk 2077 est parfaitement jouable avec les options de ray tracing activées. Pour des tâches sollicitant davantage le Core i7-13700 d’Intel, le bilan est plus contrasté. Certes, le CPU a du coffre, mais son refroidissement est mal assuré.

De fait, il a souvent tendance à réduire sa fréquence pour faire baisser la chauffe. Non seulement cela a un impact négatif sur les performances, mais cela n’empêche pas le ventilateur de faire pas mal de bruit. À chacun son seuil de tolérance, mais cela nous a semblé suffisamment gênant pour que l’on sanctionne Zotac. Au-delà de la délicate question du prix, pour que le Magnus One soit plus directement recommandable, il serait bon de lui trouver un meilleur ventirad.

Comment testons-nous les mini-PC du comparatif ?

Tous les mini-PC de ce comparatif ont été testés en toute indépendance pas notre expert mini-PC, Nerces. Ce protocole est le même pour toutes les marques et modèles. Chaque critère est évalué sur 10, et une note générale de 0 à 10 est attribuée.

Évaluation du design : conception, assemblage et qualité des matériaux.
Évaluation des performances : sous-système mémoire, puisance de calcul du CPU, performances graphiques, rapidité du SSD. Nous utilisons des outils comme AIDA64, 3DMark, PCMark, CrystalDiskMark, en plus de l'usage réel.
Évaluation du logiciel : version de l'OS, nouvelles fonctionnalités, logiciels offerts, bloatwares (les logiciels sponsorisés non désirables).
Évaluation de l'évolutivité : mise à jour CPU/GPU, changement de la mémoire, amélioration des capacités de stockage.

Le format : volume global et surface monopolisée

Il est souvent question de « mini-PC » sur Clubic. Pourtant, au même titre qu’il existe des PC « standards » de forme et taille très différentes, les mini-PC ne constituent pas un tout uniforme. Avant de se poser la question de quel mini-PC choisir, il convient donc de se pencher sur le format de la machine.

On peut opter pour quelque chose de relativement « étendu », mais très plat, à la manière des Mac Mini. D’autres fabricants optent plutôt pour un boîtier très ramassé, presque cubique, c’est le cas chez Xulu par exemple. Il existe aussi des châssis en forme de tour, mais évidemment bien plus compact que les tours PC. Et, au milieu de tout ça, on trouve des modèles intermédiaires à toutes ces catégories.

Nous ne vous dirons pas que tel format est le meilleur : ils ont tous leurs avantages et leurs défauts. La question à se poser, c’est celle du devenir de la machine : un mini-PC tout fin sera évidemment plus pratique à glisser dans une étagère alors que le mini-PC format mini-tour trônera fièrement à côté du moniteur. Enfin, si vous envisagez l’intégration VESA à l’arrière du moniteur, il faut prendre en compte le (léger) surcroît de profondeur que cela induit.

Le CPU ou processeur central : nombre de cœurs et fréquence en GHz

En optant pour un mini-PC, on fait forcément une croix sur le « maximum de puissance ». Jamais une toute petite machine ne sera en mesure de rivaliser avec un PC grande tour correctement équipé. En revanche, il ne faut pas croire qu’un mini-PC implique de se contenter d’une configuration lente et peu confortable. Ces dernières années, les progrès ont été assez remarquables.

On trouve des machines à base de processeurs Intel i5, i7 voire i9. AMD est de la partie avec des Ryzen 5, 7 ou 9 basse consommation. Enfin, si Apple n’emploie pas son plus puissant M2 sur les plus récents des Mac mini, la puce embarquée a beaucoup d’arguments à faire valoir.

En dehors de tâches particulièrement lourdes, il ne faut pas s’inquiéter de la puissance possible dans un mini-PC. La vraie question est plutôt celle de la puissance nécessaire : qui dit composants puissants dit aussi consommation, chauffe et nuisances sonores en hausse. Le juste équilibre – déjà important sur un PC tour – l’est encore plus sur un mini-PC.

Le GPU ou processeur graphique : solution intégrée au CPU

Au-delà de la seule puissance de calcul du CPU ou processeur central de la machine, il faut se préoccuper de la question de l'affichage. Dans certains (rares) cas, il est possible d'insérer une carte graphique au mini-PC. Vous aurez alors un large choix de cartes pour le meilleur rapport qualité/prix.

Bien souvent toutefois, il faut se contenter de ce qu'on appelle l'iGPU ou solution graphique intégrée au CPU. L'iGPU a fait d'énormes progrès et, chez Intel, l'UHD Graphics a été troqué pour le Xe Graphics : le jeu vidéo devient envisageable. Des progrès qui impliquent de se focaliser sur les dernières générations de mini-PC.

Notons qu'ici, AMD dispose d'atout supplémentaire : les APU. Ce sont des processeurs comme les autres à ceci près que leur iGPU est bien plus musclée. Ces APU servent d'ailleurs de base à la plupart des consoles/PC portables comme le Steam Deck, preuve que le jeu vidéo est possible.

La mémoire vive : exprimée en gigaoctets (Go)

La machine a beau être petite, elle doit réaliser des tâches sensiblement similaire à celles d'un ordinateur « normal ». Il ne faut donc pas négliger les aspects aussi basiques que la quantité de mémoire vive embarquée. Nous vous suggérons ici un strict minimum de 8 Go.

En réalité, en 2023, il est sans doute préférable de viser 16 Go, même si cela dépend tout de même pas mal de l'usage qui sera fait. Nous y reviendrons, mais la mémoire vive adopte le plus souvent un format différent – et plus onéreux – que sur les machines de bureau. De plus, la DDR5 arrive tout juste.

La capacité de stockage : exprimée en teraoctets

Au même titre que la mémoire doit être très similaire à ce que l'on utilise sur un PC standard, les mini-PC ont besoin d'un stockage du même acabit. Il ne faut négliger ni la capacité de stockage de la machine ni la technologie employée pour éviter une belle déception.

Forcément, une unité SSD doit être de la partie, les disques durs à plateaux ont inévitablement disparu des mini-PC. Il est aussi préférable que le SSD soit en NVMe, un protocole plus rapide et plus réactif : bien souvent les premiers prix de PC sont en SATA.

Enfin, la question de la capacité est importante, surtout que – nous allons le voir – les mini-PC sont généralement peu évolutifs : il nous semble intéressant de viser au moins 512 Go d'espace. Ici, le plus n'est pas l'ennemi du bien.

Les possibilités d'évolution : pour voir l'avenir sereinement

Un format réduit vient logiquement limiter les possibilités d'évolution et les mini-PC sont largement handicapés à ce niveau. Certains (rares) modèles disposent d'un vrai connecteur PCI Express, mais ils sont généralement à la limite haute du volume d'un mini-PC.

Dans l'immense (la totalité ?) des cas, le processeur Apple, Intel ou AMD est soudé à la carte mère. Impossible donc de le remplacer pour quelque chose de plus moderne. Même chose donc pour la partie graphique qui est le plus souvent un iGPU comme nous l'avons expliqué.

En revanche, il y a eu des progrès de faits sur la question de la mémoire vive et du stockage. Pour la RAM, tous les mini-PC n'ont pas leurs puces soudées sur la carte mère : privilégier ceux reposant sur des barrettes de SO-DIMM, le format employé sur ordinateur portable. Deux ports est un minimum.

Pour le stockage, de rares machines sont dotées de deux ports M.2 pour des SSD. Le second est souvent en SATA. On peut aussi compter sur la présence d'un emplacement 2,5 pouces : là, ce sera forcément du SATA plutôt pour un SSD, mais un « vieux » disque dur peut y trouver une seconde vie.

La connectique : pour un maximum d'ouverture

Puisque nous venons de voir que l'évolutivité des mini-PC n'est pas leur force première, il est important de compenser avec une connectique fournie. Les fabricants l'ont bien compris et ces petites machines sont souvent très bien équipées, très modernes.

Dans de rarissimes cas, il est possible de connecter ce que l'on appelle une carte graphique externe. Celle-ci étant au sein d'un second boîtier, le volume total du mini-PC est largement augmenté. Mais, qui sommes-nous pour juger ce que finalement, vous considérez être un mini-PC ?

Plus sérieusement, les machines s'appuient sur le duo USB/Thunderbolt pour offrir un large panel d'options. Pour être le plus tranquille possible, il convient donc d'allier un maximum de ports USB à la technologie la plus moderne : un ou deux ports USB4/Thunderbolt 4 est très intéressant.

Attention, dans le cas de l'USB3, il existe de nombreuses variantes : de l'USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 sera le garant des meilleurs débits. Il n'y a toutefois pas que l'USB et un mini-PC a besoin de ports DisplayPort et/ou HMDI pour l'affichage. L'USB-C peut d'ailleurs passer la vidéo. Enfin, des ports Ethernet 2,5 GbE voire 5 GbE ou un lecteur de cartes SD peut vent compléter l'offre.

Le système d'exploitation : Windows ou macOS, surtout

Quand nous parlons mini-PC, nous parlons bien d’une configuration complète à laquelle il manque un écran et des périphériques d’entrée (clavier/souris), mais équipée d’un système d’exploitation (OS). Bien sûr, il convient d’être sûr que le logiciel est fourni correspond à vos besoins.

On retrouve le plus souvent des machines sous Windows ou macOS, parfois sans aucun OS et, dans des cas plus rares, qui tournent sur une distribution Linux. Il est généralement envisageable de changer d’OS, mais cela complique forcément un peu la mise en œuvre de la machine alors qu’un mini-PC est souvent acheté pour être « prêt à l’emploi ».

De plus, il est possible que certains OS – de vieux Windows par exemple – n’aient pas les pilotes pour faire tourner tel ou tel composant. C’est aussi vrai dans le cas de Linux, pas toujours bien considéré par les fabricants. Enfin, beaucoup de fabricants ont tendance à livrer des logiciels en plus de l’OS.

Il s’agit parfois d’applications bien utiles pour, par exemple, réaliser une sauvegarde de la machine ou assurer sa protection sur le Net. Il y a aussi pas mal de bloatwares – en plus de ceux de Windows, oui ! – des logiciels dont on se moque éperdument et qui ne font qu’encombrer le système.

La marque : qualité du suivi et service après-vente

Le plus connu des mini-PC est sans doute le Mac Mini signé Apple. Dans ce cas, il s'agit clairement d'une grande marque vers laquelle il est simple de se tourner en cas de panne ou, plus simplement, pour un conseil.

Dans le monde Windows, des constructeurs comme Dell ou HP ont aussi leurs gammes de mini-PC. On trouve également des marques ayant pignons sur rue même si elles sont moins connues (ACER, Corsair, Zotac). En revanche, on trouve de plus en plus de petits fabricants chinois ou taïwanais.

Nous ne vous déconseillons pas ces machines, au contraire même, mais il est important de garder à l'esprit que leur service après-vente n'est logiquement pas aussi développé. Cela peut avoir son importance lorsqu'il faut faire jouer la garantie par exemple.

Spécialiste Hardware et Gaming

Tombé dans le jeu vidéo à une époque où il fallait une belle imagination pour voir ici un match de foot, là un combat de tanks dans ces quelques barres représentées à l'écran, j'ai suivi toutes les évolutions depuis quarante ans. Fidèle du PC, mais adepte de tous les genres, je n'ai du mal qu'avec les JRPG. Sinon, de la stratégie tour par tour la plus aride au FPS le plus spectaculaire en passant par les simulations sportives ou les jeux musicaux, je me fais à tout... avec une préférence pour la gestion et les jeux combinant plusieurs styles. Mon panthéon du jeu vidéo se composerait de trois séries : Elite, Civilization et Max Payne.

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Microsoft Announces Xbox Game Pass April 2024 Wave 1 Lineup

Lego 2k drive, harold halibut, and more..

Microsoft has announced the first wave of games coming to Game Pass in April 2024. Highlights include Lego 2K Drive, EA Sports PGA Tour, and Harold Halibut. PSA: Game Pass memberships are also 10% off right now at Target .

Out today, April 2, is Superhot: Mind Control Delete (Cloud, Console, and PC), which returns to the Game Pass library. Tomorrow, April 3, Lego 2K Drive (Cloud and Console) hits Game Pass. IGN’s review returned an 8/10: We said: “LEGO 2K Drive is a wild and whimsical all-ages kart racer with an incredible custom vehicle creation tool that’s just about worth the price of admission alone.”

Two games hit Game Pass on April 4: Lil Gator Game (Cloud, Console, and PC), and EA Sports PGA Tour (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) via EA Play. Moving on, two games launch on Game Pass on April 9: Kona (Cloud and Console), which makes a return to the Game Pass library, and Botany Manor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S), which is a day-one Game Pass release.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) hits Game Pass on April 11. This is the final chapter of Lara’s origin trilogy, and includes all seven DLC challenge tombs, as well as all downloadable weapons, outfits, and skills. IGN’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider review returned a 9/10.

Wave 1 ends with the day-one Game Pass release of Harold Halibut (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) on April 16. Harold Halibut is a handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean.

Here's the Xbox Game Pass April 2024 Wave 1 lineup in full:

Superhot: Mind Control Delete (Cloud, Console, and PC) - April 2
LEGO 2K Drive (Cloud and Console) – April 3
Lil Gator Game (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 4
EA Sports PGA Tour (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) EA Play – April 4
Kona (Cloud and Console) – April 9
Botany Manor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 9
Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) – April 11
Harold Halibut (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – April 16

Six games leave Game Pass on April 15. As always, you can save up to 20% off your purchase to keep them in your library. They are:

Amnesia Collection (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Amnesia: Rebirth (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Back 4 Blood (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Phantom Abyss (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Research and Destroy (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Soma (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

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There’s a little something for everyone in Xbox Game Pass’ April lineup

Eight games in total, including Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Superhot: Mind Control Delete

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Shadow of the Tomb Raider screenshot, showing Lara Croft in front of a scene of destruction, holding onto a pillar

Shadow of the Tomb Raider , Eidos-Montréal’s 2018 sequel to Rise of the Tomb Raider , headlines Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass lineup in April. It’s backed by a solid, well-rounded lineup including the likes of Botany Manor , Lil Gator Game , Superhot: Mind Control Delete , Lego 2K Drive , and EA Sports PGA Tour . There’s a little something for everyone!

Tomb Raider classics Tomb Raider , Tomb Raider 2 , and Tomb Raider 3 were remastered in February as Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered , and a new entry in the franchise started development in 2022 — no word on a release timeline there. If you’ve got the itch to play more Tomb Raider after playing the remastered originals, Rise of the Tomb Raider is a perfect option for your next adventure. But if you’re not up for Tomb Raider, there’s plenty more. Want something cute? Try Lil Gator Game. A unique shooter? That’s Superhot: Mind Control Delete .

Let’s go over everything coming to Xbox Game Pass in April, including where to play the games.

Superhot: Mind Control Delete — April 2 (Cloud, console, and Windows PC)
Lego 2K Drive — April 3 (Cloud and console)
Lil Gator Game — April 4 (Cloud, console, and Windows PC)
EA Sports PGA Tour — April 4 (Cloud, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X)
Kona — April 9 (Cloud and console)
Botany Manor — April 9 (Cloud, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X)
Shadow of the Tomb Raider — April 11 (Cloud, console, and Windows PC)
Harold Halibut — April 16 (Cloud, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X)

With these eight games arriving, six others are leaving on April 15.

Amnesia Collection
Amnesia: Rebirth
Back 4 Blood
Phantom Abyss
Research and Destroy

Xbox Game Pass costs $10.99 a month, while PC Game Pass costs $9.99 a month. PC Game Pass includes EA Play access, which offers another 70 games on PC. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, at $16.99 per month , gives subscribers access to everything — the PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass libraries, EA Play on both console and PC — as well as access to online multiplayer. Xbox Game Pass Core (formerly called Xbox Live Gold) costs $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year.

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Best Mini PC of 2024
Best for performance. 6. Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS. Check Amazon. The SE6 Pro 7735HS might not have as catchy a name as the Mac Studio, but, with an AMD Ryzen 7000 CPU and SKUs now offering up to ...
Best mini PCs and NUCs 2023: Compact and affordable computers
4. Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8) View at Amazon. Best office mini PC. With up to an Intel Core i7-13700H and Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics that together offer excellent performance, the ...
mini pc 2tb
Mini PC NAB6 Windows 11 Intel Core i7-12650H Processor up to 4.7 GHz 32GB RAM DDR4 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD Dual 2.5 G RJ45 LAN, 7x USB, ,2 x HDM, WiFi 6,BT5.2 Desktop Computer
iKOOLCORE R2 Review: A 3 inch mini PC with four 2.5 GbE ...
The new iKOOLCORE R2 is just 75 x 75 x 52 mm (2.96 x 2.96 x 2.05 inches), but despite its diminutive size, it is equipped with four 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports and support for up to an Intel Core i3 ...
The Best Windows Mini PCs for 2024
Geekom's AS6 delivers better-than-expected performance in a small package, with the supporting features to back it up. We rarely say many users shopping for a mini PC don't need as much muscle as ...
Amazon.fr : Mini Tour Pc
NiPoGi Mini PC 16Go RAM 512Go ROM, Intel Celeron N5105 (jusqu'à 2,9 GHz) Mini Ordinateur de Bureau, AK1 Pro Mini Tour PC 4K UHD Double Display/HDMI 2./LAN/Dual-Band WiFi pour Bureau,Étude, HTPC. Livraison GRATUITE mar. 9 avr. Ou livraison accélérée demain 4 avr.
Mini Desktop PCs: Small Gaming Solutions
Explore our range of mini desktops designed for quality and convenience. Free Shipping available. 72 Hours Flash Sale. Save up to 54% on select HP tech and get FREE shipping storewide. ... HP Elite Mini 600 G9 Desktop PC. Windows 11 Pro Intel® Core™ i5-13500T (up to 4.6 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 24 MB L3 cache, ...
Mini PC
Avec un design élégant et une technologie avancée, le Mini PC se présente comme la solution idéale pour allier efficacité et gain de place. Mini PC au meilleur rapport qualité/prix ! Livraison Offerte* - Retrait 1h en Magasin* - Retrait Drive* - Garantie 2 ans* - SAV 7j/7.
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The best mini PCs in 2024. These are the best mini PCs you can buy right now, based on our testing. Best mini PC overall; Best for creatives; Best for DIY; Best for office; How to
Mini PC Intel 12th N95 (Up to 3.4GHz) 8GB RAM 256GB M.2 2242 NGFF with
【Unleash Your Productivity with a Powerful Mini PC】Experience unparalleled performance with the CTONE T8 PLUS Mini PC. Despite its small size of only 3.5,3.5,1.7-inch, this mini computer packs a punch with its Intel 12th generation N95 chip processor, boasting a main frequency of up to 3.4GHz, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 256GB M.2 SSD.
MINISFORUM HN14X mini PC is made for gaming (Up to Core i9 ...
The upcoming MINISFORUM HN14X is a small desktop computer with the guts of a powerful gaming laptop. Measuring 397 x 236 x 33mm (15.6″ x 9.3″ x 1.3″), it's smaller than a PlayStation 5 ...
Amazon.com: Beelink SER5 Mini PC,AMD Ryzen 5 5560U (6C/12T,up to 4.0GHz
Buy Beelink SER5 Mini PC,AMD Ryzen 5 5560U (6C/12T,up to 4.0GHz),Mini Computer with 16GB DDR4/500GB NVMe SSD,Support Dual Screen Display (2*HDMI/4K),WiFi6E,BT5.2,Type-C,Gigabit LAN: CPU Processors - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
The Top 2.5GbE Proxmox Mini PCs
MINISFORUM DeskMini UM580. MINISFORUM DeskMini UM580D Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 5800H DDR4 32GB RAM+512GB NVMe SSD Desktop Computer, 2xHDMI+1xUSB-C 4K@60Hz Outputs, 2.5G LAN, USB 3.2, AMD Radeon Graphics Mini Computer. 【Powerful Performance】： The MINISFORUM UM580 Mini PC is a small form factor Desktop Tower Computer with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H ...
What I learned when I replaced my cheap Pi 5 PC with a no-name Amazon
Consider the selection of sub-$200 mini desktop PCs that litter the online storefronts of Amazon and AliExpress. Though you do need to roll the dice on low-to-no-name brands like Beelink, GMKTec ...
All Product
NIPOGI. Mini PC Intel Alder Lake-N100 (jusqu'à 3,4 GHz) NiPoGi AK1 Plus 16Go DDR4 512Go M.2 NVMe SSD, Mini Ordinateur de Bureau,Mini Tour PC 4K UHD/HDMI 2./LAN/Dual-Band WiFi 6/BT 5.2/VESA pour Bureau,Étude. €600,00 €400,00. NIPOGI. Mini PC Intel Alder Lake-N100 (Max 3.4GHz,6W) 16 Go DDR4/1To M.2 NVMe SSD (Max 2To) NiPoGi AK1 PLUS ...
Quels sont les meilleurs mini-PC ? Comparatif 2024
La mode des mini-PC semble partie pour durer et Beelink entend bien se placer parmi ses concurrents chinois comme Geekom ou NiPoGi. S'il ne se démarque pas outre mesure des nombreuses machines ...
Boitier Mini Tour Micro ATX AeroCool CS-103 (Noir)
Product Description. This fully affordable mini tower features a compact design perfect for office use. It is equipped with a brushed aluminum front panel that offers a professional and stylish look. Supports front, back and side vents to boost your cooling on and comes equipped with a 80mm black fan on the back.
Mini PC Celeron N4020(up to 2.8GHz), Windows 10 DDR4 4GB/64GB eMMC Mini
Running Worry-freeN40 Mini PC Intel Celeron Processor N4020 Pre-installed, which is the upgraded version for N4000 , operating frequency up to 2.8 GHz. N40 PC computer supports 2.4G+ 5.8G dual Band Wi-Fi, BT4.2 and 1000Mbps LAN, running faster brings you a good use experience.
Mini Tour Pc Sleeves
Mini Tour Pc Sleeves (1 - 5 of 5 results) Estimated Arrival Any time. Any time By Nov 28 By Dec 1 ... Premium Mini Tour Photocard Sleeves - 73mm x 103mm (Pink Label) - Pack of 50 Sleeves - PVC Free - Acid Free - Archival Safe (771) $ 6.95. Add to Favorites ...
Xbox Game Pass adds LEGO 2K Drive, EA Sports PGA Tour, Harold ...
EA Sports PGA Tour (Cloud, PC, Xbox Series X|S) EA Play - EA Sports PGA Tour is coming to The Play List with PC Game Pass and Ultimate via EA Play. Become a Major champion, tee off on the Par 3 ...
Microsoft Announces Xbox Game Pass April 2024 Wave 1 Lineup
Here's the Xbox Game Pass April 2024 Wave 1 lineup in full: Superhot: Mind Control Delete (Cloud, Console, and PC) - April 2; LEGO 2K Drive (Cloud and Console) - April 3; Lil Gator Game (Cloud ...
Boitier Mini Tour Micro ATX KLM-002 (Noir)
Boitier Mini Tour Micro ATX KLM-002 (Noir) Brand: KOLINK. 8. | Search this page. $5286. Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt. Size: KLM-002. Brand. KOLINK.
Xbox Game Pass free games April 2024: Shadow of the Tomb ...
EA Sports PGA Tour — April 4 (Cloud, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X) Kona — April 9 (Cloud and console) Botany Manor — April 9 (Cloud, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X)

The best mini PCs in 2024

The quick list

The best mini PC overall

The best mini PC for creatives

The best mini PC for tinkerers

The best mini PC for the office

The best mini PCs to buy now

1. Apple Mac mini with M2

Specifications

2. Apple Mac Studio

3. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

4. Dell OptiPlex 7070 Ultra

How to choose the best mini PC

How we test the best mini PCs

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Most Popular

The Best Mini Desktop PCs

Everything we recommend

HP Pro Mini 400 G9

Buying Options

Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Upgrade pick

Apple Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023)

The research

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Windows PCs

Chromeboxes

Meet your guide

Further reading

How to Shop for a Used Laptop or Desktop PC

How to Buy a Mac Desktop

The Best Laptops for Video and Photo Editing

The Best Laptops

How-To Geek

Read update

UPDATE: 08/16/2023

Best Mini PC Overall: MINISFORUM EliteMini UM690

Best Mini Apple PC: Mac mini M2 (2022)

Best Budget Mini PC: Beelink U59 Pro N5105

Best Mini PC for Gaming: Intel NUC 13 Extreme Kit

Best Mini Linux PC: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

What are mini PCs?

Do mini PCs have graphics cards?

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Are mini PCs upgradeable?

Best mini PCs in 2024

Best mini PC overall

1. Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Specifications

Best mini PC on a budget

2. Beelink U59 Mini PC

Best mini PC for the office

3. Geekom AS 6

Best mini PC with a barebones option

4. GMKtec NucBox K1

Best mini PC for creators

5. Apple Mac Studio

Best mini PC for performance

6. Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS

Best mini PC for flexibility

7. Minisforum Venus NPB7

Best Intel mini PC

8. Intel NUC 13 Pro

Best mini PC for beginners

9. Geekom AS 5

Best mini PC for basics

10. Acemagic AD08

Best mini PC for conferencing rooms

11. GMKtec NucBox M2

Best mini PC workstation

12. Khadas Mind

Best mini PC for ports

13. GMKtec NucBox K2

Best mini PC for video editing

14. Minisforum UM790 Pro

Best mini PC for gaming

15. Acemagician AM08 Pro

Best mini PC tower

16. Chuwi CoreBox 5th

Best mini PC with Intel i9 mobile chip