The 5 best mini PCs in 2021

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Staff, courtesy of Acer

As microchips have gotten more and more powerful, the need for a massive tower desktop has diminished, as has the size of the computers themselves. Nowadays, it’s possible to get a competent machine that is little more than the size of a hardcover book, and there are even computers that can fit in the palm of your hand, albeit considerably less capable. . Known as the mini PC, these machines can handle most everyday tasks while taking up little space on your desk. So if space is at a premium and your computing needs are modest, a minicomputer is a great way to get more for your money than with a laptop, especially if you don’t need portability ( although most of these computers are small enough to be thrown in a backpack if necessary).

What to consider

As when choosing a computer, the first thing that you need to consider are your needs. How you will use your computer will help determine things like the amount of RAM (if you plan to do more than just browse the internet and write emails, make sure you have at least 8 GB) and the type of inputs you need. Fortunately, most minicomputers offer a lot more flexibility than a laptop, and some come as kits that allow you to customize your machine to your exact specifications.

Cut

If you are considering a minicomputer, then the size and space your machine will take up on your desk are obvious considerations. Granted, it is worth trying to have the smallest machine possible, but generally with a smaller machine you will have less power and less flexibility to add components, simply because there is less room. to add them. But if you plan to use your minicomputer just for streaming music and videos, you should be able to get by with a small machine. Some mini-computers can even be mounted on the back of your monitor, so they don’t take up any space on your desk.

Scalability

Like other desktops, most minicomputers offer the option of adding components such as additional RAM and memory or a graphics card. If you are more technical, some models are sold as kits that allow you to customize your own processor, RAM, and storage. In such cases, you will need to look at the available locations to make sure they can meet your choices.

How we selected

We have reviewed a wide range of reviews from reputable sources like Thread Cutter, Lifewire, and PCMag to find consensus on the best minicomputers. While there are minicomputers specifically designed for DIY enthusiasts to build office machines from scratch that require above average technical knowledge, we searched for computers that most users would be easily able to put in. in place and make it work. We also looked for versatile computers for most day-to-day use and chose not to include small computers that were only suited for specific purposes and not powerful enough to meet the needs of the average user.

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Best overall

Apple Mac Mini with Apple M1 chip

Released last year, Apple’s latest Mac Mini sports the same M1 chip found on the latest MacBooks. As such, if portability isn’t a consideration (although at 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches and only 2.6 pounds, it’s very mobile), the Mini is just as powerful. at about half the cost of a MacBook Pro, although you do have to buy peripherals like a monitor and keyboard if you don’t already have them.

It has been praised for its performance in everyday tasks and on the web, and is even capable of light gaming and video editing. However, you won’t be able to upgrade it, so be sure to take this into consideration when selecting RAM (8 or 16 GB) and storage (256 or 512 GB) options.

  • Cheap
  • Very effective
  • macOS friendly
2

Best scalable

HP ProDesk 400 G6 Mini

While the 6.9 x 7 x 1.4-inch HP ProDesk 400 G6 Mini is fully configured and available in a plethora of iterations, one of the best things is how easy it is to swap components according to your needs. It also means that with a little know-how, you can buy the base model and then upgrade things like the SSD for less than what it would cost you initially from HP.

There are several different processors to choose from, but we recommend that you use the 10th gen i5 to run its Windows operating system and then select the RAM, storage, and ports options as you see fit.

  • More expensive than similar machines
3

Best budget

Acer Chromebox Premium CXI3 Mini PC

Like their Chromebook laptop brethren, the Chromeboxes run on Google’s Chrome operating system and provide an inexpensive option for those who primarily use their computers for web operations.

Measuring 5.9 x 5.8 x 1.6 inches, Acer’s one is a favorite among critics for its plethora of ports and the ability to sit horizontally or vertically, or be strapped to the back of the laptop. a monitor using its VESA mount kit. Acer offers a variety of configurations; you can choose between Celeron, i3 and i5 processors, 4 to 16 GB RAM and 32, 64 and 128 GB SSD, depending on your needs. Plus, it comes with a keyboard and mouse, so the only other extra expense will be a monitor.

  • Equipped with Google Assistant
  • Integrated Wi-Fi
  • Mountable
  • Chrome OS can be limiting
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Best DIY

Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit

Intelligence
amazon.com
$ 1,964.99

$ 1,155.02 (41% off)

Launched in 2013, Next Unit of Computing is Intel’s line of small form factor kits. Each barebones kit comes with the latest Intel processor, in this case you can choose between a Core i5-9300H, Core i7-9750H or Core i9-9980HK.

From there it’s up to you to buy your own RAM, storage, and other components, which means this computer will end up costing more than its already pretty steep price tag, but you’ll also end up with a purpose-built computer. for your needs. . (For those less inclined to DIY, the NUC 9 is also available preconfigured.) As such, the NUC 9 gives you a solid foundation on which to build the minicomputer you’ve always dreamed of.

  • Highly customizable
  • Can operate as a compact gaming machine
  • Internal power supply
5

Ideal for home offices

Lenovo ThinkCentre M90q

Lenovo
walmart.com

$ 969.00

Lenovo’s ThinkCentre M Series Tiny line of desktops have earned a reputation as the best minicomputers, especially for businesses with small offices. As such, they are a great choice if you are working remotely and have limited space in your home office.

One of its latest iterations, the 7.1 x 7.2 x 1.4-inch M90q comes equipped with a 10th generation Intel Core i9 vPro processor and plenty of easily expandable RAM and storage options. Best of all, it’s equipped with ThinkShield security from Lenovo so you can be sure all your business information is safe. In addition, it can support up to three monitors and it comes with a keyboard and mouse.

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