Looking for the best mini PC to buy in 2023? You’re in luck! We’ve curated a list of the best mini PCs on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you need a mini PC for work or play, we have you covered. Keep reading to learn more about each mini PC and find the best mini pc that’s right for you.
What is a Mini PC?
Mini PCs are small form factor pcs, which are computers that offer the same features as a traditional desktop or laptop but in a much smaller package. Mini PCs are great for those who need a powerful yet compact machine. They take up less space and are often more energy efficient than their larger counterparts.
Minicomputers originated in the early days of computing when computers were large and expensive. Miniaturization was not yet possible, so these computers were much smaller than the desktop and laptop computers of today. They were often used in industrial or academic settings, where their smaller size was an advantage. Today, mini-computers have evolved into much smaller and even more powerful devices.
Mini PCs became popular in the early 2010s, as technology improved and miniaturization became possible. They are now available from a variety of manufacturers, ranging from tiny custom-built models to full-fledged pre-built systems.
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Mini PC
When shopping for a mini PC, you want to look at the following factors:
1. Size
Mini PCs come in a variety of sizes, from small stick-like models to larger ones with more ports and features. Consider where you plan to use the mini PC and how much space you have available.
2. Performance
Pay attention to the processor, RAM, and graphics card when considering performance. The best mini PC for you will depend on what tasks you plan to do with it.
3. Uses
Different mini PCs are best suited for different uses. If you plan to use your mini PC for gaming, you’ll want a model with a powerful graphics card. For office work or web browsing, look for a model with plenty of RAM and processing power.
4. Features
Some mini PCs come with additional features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB ports. Think about what features you need and which ones you can live without.
7 Best Mini PCs in 2023
- Beelink U59 Mini PC (Best Overall)
- Intel NUC 10 Performance Kit (Best for Gaming and Video Editing)
- Azulle Access4 Stick PC (Best for Portability)
- Apple Mac Mini (Best for Mac Users)
- Asus Chromebox 4 (Best for Chrome Users)
- GMK Nukbox (Best Budget Mini PC)
- Protectli Vault FW4B (Best for Security)
Now let’s take a look at the best mini PCs currently available on Amazon.
1. Beelink U59 Mini PC
Best Overall
The Beelink U59 mini PC is a powerful yet compact mini computer. It has an Intel Celeron Processor N5105 and 16GB of RAM and 2.9 GHz CPU speed. The relatively low price point makes this an affordable mini PC, but don’t let that fool you – the Beelink U59 is packed with features. It has a USB 3.0 port, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, HDMI output, as well as an optional VESA mount for mounting on the back of a monitor or TV.
2. Intel NUC 10 Performance Kit (NUC10i5FNH)
Best for Gaming and Video Editing
The Intel NUC 10 Performance Kit is a mini gaming PC powerhouse. It packs an Intel Core i5-10210U processor, and up to 256GB M.2 SSD storage into an impressively tiny package. It also has multiple front and back USB ports, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3 technology, a MicroSD slot, and Gigabit Ethernet for total flexibility. The best part? It has integrated 25W Intel UHD Graphics that make it great for PC gaming and video editing. The only downside is the limited amount of storage with only 8GB of RAM, so you may need to add RAM fairly quickly.
3. Azulle Access4 Stick PC
Best for Portability
The smallest option on our list, the Azulle Access 4 is a tiny stick PC that packs an Intel Atom X5-Z8350 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It’s the best choice if you need maximum portability and don’t need much processing power or storage. The best part? It comes with its own HDMI connection so you can plug it directly into your TV for a full mini PC experience.
4. Apple Mac Mini
Best for Mac Users
For those who need a mini PC but don’t want to sacrifice any of the Mac features they know and love, the Apple Mac Mini is the best choice. It comes with an Apple M1 chip, 8GB RAM, and up to 512GB SSD storage. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support as well as Thunderbolt, USB, HDMI, and ethernet ports for maximum expandability. The only drawbacks are that it does not go above a 16GB of RAM upgrade and you are not able to use external graphics cards (eGPUs), you will instead need a dedicated graphics chip.
5. Asus Chromebox 4
Best for Chrome Users
For Chrome users, the Asus Chromebox 4 is the best mini PC on the market. It has an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB RAM. It has plenty of ports for expansion including USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.0B, and USB c port. It comes with Google Chrome OS pre-installed and can handle all your favorite Chrome apps, making it perfect for everything from web browsing to streaming media. This mini PC is on the affordable end and great for office work and streaming, but wouldn’t be a great heavy-duty gaming option.
6. GMK Nukbox
Best Budget Mini PC
The GMK Nukbox is one of the best mini PCs you can buy on a budget. It has anIntel Celeron J4125 processor and 8GB RAM and up to 128GB SSD storage. It also has multiple connectivity options including 2 USB-3, 1 type C, HDMI, TF, and a headphone jack port. It’s best for basic tasks and casual gaming, but won’t be able to handle high-end gaming or multimedia tasks.
7. Protectli Vault FW4B
Best for Security
The Protectli Vault FW4B is a mini PC that stands out from the crowd due to its high-level security. It has an Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 processor 8GB RAM, and 120GB SSD, making it perfect for everyday tasks but also powerful enough to handle more intensive workloads. It is ideal for network administrators, with four Intel Gigabit Ethernet NICs that can run pFsense and other popular firewalls. There is no operating system previously installed on the mini PC, so you can choose your favorite.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Mini PCs
Mini PCs offer a variety of benefits over a traditional desktop computer or laptop, but they may not be for everyone. Here are some pros and cons to consider when thinking of purchasing a mini pc.
Benefits:
Compact and Portable
Mini PCs are more compact and portable than regular PCs. They’re perfect for those who need to be able to work from any location.
Energy Efficient
Mini PCs consume less power than their full-size counterparts, meaning they are better for the environment and can save you money on your energy bills.
There are several factors that contribute to mini pcs’ energy efficiency. For starters, mini pcs use CPUs that are designed for low power consumption, meaning they don’t require as much power to run as traditional CPUs. Mini pcs also typically use Solid State Drives (SSDs) instead of hard drives, which consume less power.
If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to a traditional desktop PC, then a mini pc is the perfect solution.
Little to no Maintenance is Required
One of the best things about mini PCs is that they require little to no maintenance. This is because they use solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of traditional hard drives. SSDs have no moving parts, which means they are less likely to break down or fail. As a result, mini PCs with SSDs require less maintenance and are less likely to experience problems.
Quiet
Mini computers do not dissipate heat through the use of fans, so there is no noise produced when running. This makes mini pcs ideal for those who need to work in quiet environments.
Drawbacks:
Less Powerful
Mini PCs are less powerful than regular PCs. They typically have CPUs that are designed for low power consumption, which means they don’t offer the same level of performance as traditional CPUs.
Limited Storage
Most mini PCs come with SSDs, which generally offer less storage than traditional hard drives. This means that you’ll need to purchase an external drive if you want to store large amounts of data on your mini PC.
Heating
Mini PCs are not as good at dissipating heat as traditional desktop computers. This can cause the mini PC to overheat and potentially fail if it’s used for extended periods of time.
Upgrades Are Limited
Mini PCs are not as easy to upgrade as traditional desktop computers. It’s often impossible to upgrade the CPU or other components in a mini PC, so you’ll need to purchase a new one if you need more performance. Make sure your requirements for specs and usage will not change quickly before buying a mini PC.
Conclusion
Mini PCs are a great choice for those looking for a more compact and portable alternative to traditional desktop computers. They’re energy-efficient, require little maintenance, and are quiet when running. However, they are less powerful than regular PCs and offer limited storage capacity. Before purchasing a mini PC, make sure you understand your needs so you can select the best mini PC for your needs.
If you need additional help selecting the right mini PC, contact us today and one of our experts will be happy to help you find the best mini PC for your needs.
We hope this blog post has helped you understand the pros and cons of mini PCs so you can make an informed decision. Remember to consider your needs carefully before making a purchase and if you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out. Good luck with your mini PC purchase!
Thank you for reading! Be sure to check out our other blog posts and resources. Happy computing!
Further Reading
10 Best Ultrawide Monitors for Home Office
7 Best MacBook Docking Stations for Productivity
7 Crucial Features to Look for When Buying a Monitor
8 Best Monitors for Home Office Use
5 Best Laptop Docking Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a fully configured mini pc?
It depends on how you plan to use the mini pc. If you’re going to be doing basic tasks like web browsing and typing documents, then a fully configured mini pc is probably best for you. However, if you need more power or storage space, then it might be best to purchase a build-your-own mini PC and configure the components yourself.
Are mini pcs good for gaming?
Some mini PCs are powerful enough to play modern games. However, most mini PCs aren’t as powerful as traditional desktop computers and may not be able to handle more intensive games. If you plan on doing any serious gaming, then it’s best to stick with a traditional desktop or laptop computer.
Should I get dedicated or integrated graphics in my mini pc?
Integrated graphics are best for basic tasks such as web browsing and word processing. Dedicated graphics are best for more intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing. If you’re unsure, then it’s best to go with a mini pc that has integrated graphics and upgrade to a dedicated graphics card if you need more performance.
What is the difference between a desktop mini pc and a stick pc?
When it comes to mini PCs, there are two main categories: small desktop computers and stick PCs. Small desktop PCs are the best choice for those who need full-featured machines with plenty of storage and power. These mini PCs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from flat boxes to cubes to even fanless designs. Stick PCs, on the other hand, are best for those who need a lightweight and portable mini PC. They offer similar features as small desktop mini PCs but with less storage and power.
What is an eGPU?
An eGPU, or external graphics processor unit, is a device that enables you to connect an additional graphics card to your mini PC. This will allow you to take advantage of more powerful GPUs for gaming and other intensive tasks. However, you’ll need a compatible port and some other hardware requirements in order to use an eGPU.
