10 Things About Mini PCs You Should Consider Before Buying

If you're in the market for a new desktop PC, it makes sense to consider the new line of mini PCs over a giant tower.

Computers are getting smaller. If you're in the market for a new desktop PC, it makes sense to consider the new line of mini PCs over a giant tower. But apart from their serious power in a compact package, there are a few things you should know.

For years, mini PCs have been mocked as something that would never hold up to the computing power a typical consumer needs. And that was true for several years. But the recent strides in technology have changed that. For now, the things that make mini PCs small don't make them any less powerful.

That said, there are still some changes, improvements, and trade-offs that you should be aware of before buying one.

Barebones vs. Ready To Go

Typically, you will find several variants of any mini PC you look at, like the Intel NUC—the most popular choice. But read the finer details before you buy. Mini PCs come in two flavors: Barebones and Ready To Go.

A barebones kit includes the case, the motherboard, and the processor. You will need to buy and install the hard drive and RAM separately. Typically, these are far cheaper than Ready To Go units. However, if you want to reuse old computer parts or buy specific parts, the barebones system is the way to go.

A Ready To Go kit also includes the hard drive and RAM, as well as an operating system of your choice. This type of mini PC is ready to be used as soon as you take it out of the box. The Ready To Go mini PC is ideal for anyone who wants to start afresh. With Intel NUCs, you'll mostly get these from third-party vendors like the E-ITX Intel NUC5i5RYK Core i5 NUC System. Both types of units come with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and other such parts pre-installed.

No Keyboard, Mouse, or Monitor

When you buy a mini PC, you only get the mini PC, nothing else. You will need to buy a keyboard and mouse, a monitor to hook it up to, and speakers to get sound. Of course, those are the basic peripherals you will need, but you can go wild and get much more. Again, you can reuse your old monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers as long as they are compatible with the mini PC.

For monitors: The mini PC only has a mini-HDMI output, so your monitor will need an HDMI port. Also, check if your mini PC comes with a mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable. Otherwise, you'll need to buy that. If your monitor doesn't have an HDMI port, you'll need an HDMI-to-DVI converter. If that sounds like gibberish, here's a quick explanation of video ports. Also, if you are buying a new one, look for a VESA-compatible monitor in case you want to mount your mini PC on your monitor in the future.

For keyboards and mice: You can't use an old keyboard or mouse with a PS/2 port. Mini PCs only support USB-based or Bluetooth-based keyboards and mice. If you are buying something new, we would suggest buying a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse since that frees up a USB port on your unit. For recommendations, check out some of the best wireless keyboards.

What You Can Upgrade and What You Can't

Unlike a tower PC, the number of things you can upgrade in a mini PC is severely limited. The smaller size means that the motherboard does not have as many slots for different parts, nor is there any physical room available to fit them. In fact, if you open up a mini PC, you'll find it is perfectly packed with no room for anything more.

So while you would normally buy a Core i3 CPU now and upgrade to Core i7 later, that's not the case with mini PCs. The CPU can't be upgraded. Well, that's not entirely true—you could technically upgrade it if you're up for a bit of soldering, but that voids your warranty, and no manufacturer recommends it. Besides, if you want to upgrade, it would make sense just to buy the next version of the barebones kit, transfer the parts you can, and sell your old mini PC online.

What parts can you upgrade or transfer? Simple. The RAM and the hard drive.

Laptop RAM, Not Desktop RAM

Please keep in mind that mini PCs support only laptop RAM and not desktop RAM. Laptop RAM is smaller than desktop RAM and typically costs slightly more—the price difference isn't huge though.

Also, before you buy RAM for your mini PC, check how many DIMM slots it has. Most mini PCs come with two slots, but some support only a single slot. You don't want to be stuck with three RAM sticks and no place to fit one of them. For the typical two-slot config, 16GB of Corsair Memory Kit is sufficient for most folks. Ensure you know how much RAM you really need so you don't overspend.

Hard Drives: M.2 vs. 2.5"

Image Credit: Samsung

Mini PCs typically support one of two sizes for hard drives: M.2 and 2.5-inch. The M.2 is only flash storage, while the 2.5-inch format allows for flexibility between an SSD and a traditional HDD. It's important that you know which one you are buying.

M.2 is the new version of what was earlier called "mSATA." These SSDs are a bit longer and narrower than a standard SSD. They look a lot like RAM sticks. M.2 is typically a bit faster than a standard SSD. The preferred choice is the 1TB Samsung 980 PRO M.2.

2.5-inch drives are cheaper and available in larger capacities than M.2. A 2.5-inch SSD is faster than a 2.5-inch HDD, but an HDD usually offers more storage capacity than an SSD. Go with an SSD if you want speed and capacity. Pick an HDD when capacity is what matters, not speed. We would again recommend the 1TB Samsung EVO 870, as well as the 2TB Seagate BarraCuda 2.5-inch HDD.

CPUs: Intel vs. AMD

Let's go back to the part you can't upgrade easily: the processor. On the desktop front, competition between AMD and Intel has heated up heavily in recent years, and there's no clear winner yet. There's also no clear winner between AMD and Intel in the laptop world, and things are changing pretty fast.

Things are not so different in the world of mini PCs, as mini PCs use the same processors as laptops. However, low power consumption takes a back seat since battery life isn't a concern. And recently, AMD's Radeon-powered laptop processors have stepped it up in the graphics department, outperforming Intel's offerings at the same price.

Naturally, you can't buy an Intel NUC with an AMD processor. But several third-party manufacturers use AMD processors, which offer better gaming and image processing performance, like with the HP ProDesk 405. In fact, if you plan to use a mini PC as a Home Theater PC (HTPC for short) for your TV, several experts recommend going with AMD over Intel. Besides AMD and Intel, Apple also has its mini PC series, the Mac mini. While previous Mac Minis were powered by Intel's Core i-series processors, Apple now uses its in-house chips.

Related: What Is a Mac mini? A Guide to Apple's Tiny Desktop Computer

Mini PCs Aren't Great for Gaming

While AMD's processors are arguably better than Intel's when it comes to gaming, the world of mini PCs isn't great for gamers. Even powerful mini PCs struggle to run the latest games well. So if you're an avid gamer, we'd suggest you avoid a mini PC as the experience just won't be good enough to justify the investment.

If you're a casual gamer and aren't picky about getting the highest graphics settings available, then sure, a mini PC will get the job done. While this was the situation in 2015, mini PCs are now a suitable option for gaming.

For instance, in our list of the best mini PCs for gaming, the Corsair ONE I164 runs Intel Core i9-9900K, Nvidia's RTX 2080 Ti GPU, 32GB DDR4 RAM, and either a 960GB M.2 SSD or 2TB HDD. But mini PCs have their limitations, of course, which is why they can't stand a chance against full-fledged desktop PCs.

Check If It Has Windows & Consider Linux

Because of their nature, Barebones PCs don't come with Windows or Linux or any operating system pre-installed. After all, there is no hard drive.

But even with non-barebones mini PCs, you will find that some come with an operating system, and some don't. You need to check that before you purchase. The item's description will state clearly whether it "supports Windows" or "comes with Windows." As a thumb rule, the word "Supports" means that it can work but isn't pre-installed.

Mini PCs also work perfectly with Linux, so you might want to consider that. In fact, it's the better way to go if you're making a media center since it's completely free.

Also, know that if you want to get the free Windows upgrade on your new mini PC and it doesn't come pre-installed, it's not as simple as installing Windows 11 directly. You will first need to install Windows 10, depending on which one you have with the original key, and then upgrade to Windows 11. If you want macOS, you only have one option; buy a Mac mini.

Check Size and Option to Mount

One of the coolest parts about the mini PC is that its small size makes it perfect for mounting behind your monitor or TV, hidden away discreetly. However, online buyer reviews have several people with 20-20 hindsight suggesting that you check the size of the mini PC before you buy it.

Mini PCs come in different sizes, and the amount of space available between your TV and your wall might not allow for it. Similarly, the mounting plate behind monitors won't fit every single size. So grab a measuring tape and check before you buy—you don't want to regret this later. The magic words you are looking for are "VESA compatible"—both on your monitor and on your mini PC.

Is It Wise to Wait?

One question everyone has when they are changing their PC or laptop: Should I wait? Is there something better coming along? Well, when it comes to technology, there is always something better coming along. Like with any computer or mobile technology, if you are willing to wait more than a month, you will always find a better deal. The question really becomes how long you are willing to wait. If you can wait a month, wait it out. If you need it sooner than that, buy it now and forget about the regret factor.

Buying the Right Mini PC

Similar to buying a full-fledged desktop or laptop, there's always the question of what you should look out for. For mini PCs, consider all the factors above, and you'll be in the right direction of finding the best value for your money.

Compact Desktop PC for Sale

Details

The Velocity Mini packs stunning performance into a case that’s almost as small as a paperback book. Compact and reliable, the Mini compact desktop PC can easily drive digital signage, kiosks, or as a full desktop for the home or office.

With this kind of capability and size, you’ll have to rethink what’s possible. The only thing more amazing than the Velocity Mini is what you’ll be able to do with it.

Mist Blue PC Computer i3910-5870BLU-PUS

Windows 11 Home Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC. 12th Generation Intel® Core i5-12400 Smart six-core, twelve-way processing performance. The Intel Turbo Boost technology delivers dynamic extra power when you need it, while increasing energy efficiency when you don't. 12GB system memory for full-power multitasking Plenty of high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.

256GB solid state drive (SSD) While offering less storage space than a hard drive, a flash-based SSD has no moving parts, resulting in faster start-up times and data access, no noise, and reduced heat production and power draw on the battery. Plain DVD+/-RW Reads and writes to a variety of media formats, including DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW. Bluetooth Interface Syncs with Compatible Devices Wirelessly transfer photos, music and other media between the desktop and your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or MP3 player, or connect Bluetooth wireless accessories. Wireless and Wired Network Connectivity Built-in high-speed wireless LAN connects to your network on the most common Wi-Fi standards.

1x10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN port plugs into wired networks. Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer Supports SD memory card format. Basic Software Package Included 1-month trial of McAfee LiveSafe. 1-month trial of Microsoft