What is Mini PC? Should I buy a Mini PC or not?

Mini PC is a new, new type of microcomputer that is receiving a lot of attention from today’s technology followers. Let’s find out with Tnhelearning.edu.vn what a mini PC is and whether to buy a PC or not through the article below!

What is mini PC?

Mini PC is a type of computer with a much smaller size compared to the traditional PC set. The size of a mini PC is only about the size of a notebook or a pen box and can be seen as a combination of a normal desktop computer with a laptop.

A mini PC is a very small computer

Types of mini PCs

Barebone

Barebone type mini PC has a simple structure consisting of only components: case, motherboard and processor . Other components such as RAM or hard drive will be purchased and installed by users themselves.

Thanks to its simple structure, the price of a Barebone mini PC is also considered “softer” than another mini PC, Ready To Go.

Barebone mini PC includes case, motherboard and processor only

Ready To Go

True to the name Ready To Go, this mini PC has a complete structure including a hard drive and RAM along with an operating system so you can use it right away without having to install anything. In return, the price you pay for a Ready To Go will be higher.

Ready To Go with finished construction ready for you to use right away

What’s outstanding about mini PC?

Compact size, does not take up much space

With an ultra-small size equivalent to an external hard drive, mini PC allows users to maximize installation space. You can perfectly mount it behind a monitor or on a VESA-mount wall mount.

Mini PC is about the size and thickness of an external hard drive

Low power consumption

Thanks to its small size and moderate power consumption, mini PCs consume up to 90% less power than conventional desktops ( ranging from 6.2W to 30W ). This helps maximize energy savings and save a lot of energy costs in the house.

Using mini PC helps you save maximum power

Mini PC RAM is the same as Laptop RAM

A special feature of mini PC is that it is only compatible with Laptop RAM, not running RAM of normal desktop computers. The use of Laptop RAM helps mini PCs promote their compact advantages, on the contrary, the price of Laptop RAM is also higher and users have to check more closely to find the right RAM for their machine.

Mini PC compatible with Laptop RAM

Using M.2 and 2.5-inch hard drives

Mini PCs typically use M.2 and 2.5-inch hard drives.

• M.2 drive: Looks like a RAM stick, is an SSD upgraded from mSATA, a bit longer and narrower than a regular SSD and has a faster speed.
• 2.5 inch drive: There are 2 types: SSD and HDD. In general, 2.5-inch drives are cheaper and have more capacity than M.2 drives.

M2 hard drive in mini PC

Integrated Intel and AMD CPUs

The CPU is an important part of the mini PC and the two most common CPUs found in the mini PC are Intel and AMD CPUs. With Intel NUC mini PCs, the CPU should definitely be Intel, but if you are using a mini PC that allows other CPU integration, then AMD is also a good choice thanks to its superior graphics processing capabilities.

Mini PCs usually have CPUs from Intel or AMD

Using Windows and Linux operating systems

For mini PCs with hard drives, you can choose between Windows and Linux operating systems. Besides the well-known Windows operating system, the Linux operating system with the advantage of being completely free is also an option worth considering. If you are a follower of MacOS, the good news is that Apple has also launched the Mac mini to meet your needs.

Common operating systems of mini PCs are usually Windows, Linux and MacOS

Diverse connection ports

Despite its compact design, a mini PC still possesses a full range of LAN connection ports, HDMI, Bluetooth, USB connection ports, etc.

Mini PC has a variety of connection ports

Some limitations of mini PC

No equipment included

When you buy a mini PC, you only get the body part, and other parts like the keyboard, mouse and monitor will be provided by you.

• Monitor: The monitor of the mini PC must be a monitor with an HDMI port or used with an adapter.
• Mouse and keyboard: Mini PC only integrates with keyboard and mouse with USB port or wireless connection by Bluetooth. Using a wireless connection using Bluetooth can also help free up USB ports for other devices.

Wireless mouse and keyboard will be best for mini PC

Many parts cannot be removed for upgrades

Mini PCs with a small block structure will be more difficult to disassemble the internal components than traditional PCs. When removing the mini PC case, you will see that the details and components are tightly arranged to save space and therefore it is difficult to manipulate.

Mini PC has a complicated structure, difficult to disassemble

Mini PC is not suitable for gaming

For users who need to play heavy games that require high graphics, mini PCs will not be the right choice because the mini PC’s processing capacity has been limited by its small size.

However, if you just want to play light games, don’t need excellent graphics, the mini PC can still meet well.

Mini PC is best suited for simple office work and entertainment

Low heat dissipation

With its compact size, the mini PC has almost no high heat dissipation, so you should be careful not to push the CPU clock speed beyond the rated limit.

Mini PC because it’s so compact, it doesn’t have a heat sink like a traditional PC

Relatively high price

Although it is much smaller in size than a traditional PC, the price of a mini PC is much higher because it is a product with a specific size and replacement parts.

The price of a mini PC is relatively high due to its specific structure

Should I buy a mini PC?

If you have a need to save your computer installation space and only use it for basic office tasks and light entertainment, a mini PC set will be a unique choice, just meeting your needs. requirements are both unique than traditional PCs.

You can also save money on your mini PC by reusing old computer parts that still work in conjunction with the Barebone mini PC.

Mac mini 2020 M1 8-core/8GB/512GB/Silver (MGNT3SA/A) is being sold at Tnhelearning.edu.vn with genuine warranty up to 1 year

Please refer to some of the best-selling mini PC models at Tnhelearning.edu.vn

Above is an overview of mini PC and the answer to whether to buy a mini PC or not. Hope these contents will help you better understand the mini PC. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!