Mini PC Review 2023
Small, but still fast and powerful: Mini PCs don't need a lot of space on the Desk and often bring good equipment with them. If you don't want to buy a large desktop computer or a notebook, you should look around in the Mini PC area.
You don't have to dig deep into your pockets here, because the mini computers are available for little money. We compare current models to make your decision a little easier in the end. We also answer the most important questions about small PCs.
Mini PC Test: The best mini computers at a glance
Small PCs are a dime a dozen and, depending on the equipment, they are aimed at different user groups. Some have only just enough hardware installed, while others could almost pass as a replacement for desktop PCs. In our comparison of four systems, there should be something for everyone - and they are also inexpensive.
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| 1 |
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ACEMAGICIAN Mini PC, Ιntel Celeron N5105 2.9GHz... |
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| 2 |
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HP 18cm Silent Mini PC Business Office Multimedia... |
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Buy now " |
| 3 |
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Lenovo ThinkCentre M715q Mini PC Business Office... |
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Buy now " |
| 4 |
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NiPoGi AK1PLUS Mini PC Ιntel Alder Lake-Ν95 (up to... |
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Buy now " |
| 5 |
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Trycoo WI-6 Mini PC 16GB RAM 512GB M.2 SSD,... |
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Buy now " |
| 6 |
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Fujitsu Esprimo Q920 0-Watt Intel Core i5 240GB ... |
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Buy now " |
| 7 |
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Trycoo WI-6 Mini PC 16GB RAM 512GB M.2 SSD,... |
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Buy now " |
| 8 |
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Veriton N4640G 800g 20cm Silent Mini PC Business... |
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Buy now " |
| 9 |
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Blackview Mini PC, Intel 12th Gen N95(up to... | Buy now " | |
| 10 |
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DreamQuest Mini PC Windows 11 Pro 16GB RAM 512GB... |
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Buy now " |
The hard drive is a normal SSD hard drive, which can also be exchanged for a larger one if necessary. Windows 10 is already pre-installed on the computer in the Pro version. Nevertheless, the weight is very reasonable: the small PC weighs just 300 grams.
Three USB ports are available to connect a keyboard, a mouse and other peripherals to the device. Two displays can be connected to the computer via HDMI and VGA, and the manufacturer has also thought of a connection for 3,5 mm headphones.
In one of the versions, there is the Intel x5-Z8350 processor as the heart, it is supported by 4 GB of RAM and an internal storage capacity of 64 GB, which can of course be expanded. Windows 10 is already pre-installed on the MINIS FORUM Mini-PC. You can connect a monitor via HDMI to the connections. There is also an older VGA port, three USB ports and a LAN port. The Mini PC also knows how to transmit via WLAN and Bluetooth. Displays can be controlled with up to 4K resolution.
One of the special features here is that no active fans are used despite the high resolution. At work or while surfing the MINIS FORUM Mini-PC stays cool and doesn't make a sound. A rotating hard disk is also dispensed with in favor of flash memory.
If you want even more performance, you have to opt for the more expensive version with 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage and a more powerful processor. The memory can be expanded in all variants via a microSD card. Displays can be connected to the Beelink BT3Pro via HDMI and even via VGA. The maximum supported resolution for HDMI is 4K, but a second HDMI port is not available. Keyboard, mouse and other devices are connected via USB. Four USB ports are available here. Bluetooth is also supported by the small PC.
MINI PC Guide: Everything you need to know about it
Basically, Mini PCs are almost full-fledged computers, but when making your selection you should think carefully about which model it should be. In the following we answer the most important questions about the mini computers.
What is a MINI PC and what are the advantages?
The name itself already reveals what a mini computer is: It is a computer that is much smaller than conventional desktop systems. Also notebooks or Netbooks are larger and usually heavier than the small PCs. They also fit on the smallest desk and hardly take up any space.
The small size and the low weight are probably the biggest advantages of a mini PC. The small computer is easy to transport - although of course peripherals such as a mouse and keyboard also have to be considered. A display must also be connected to the mini PC, plus cables and possibly other devices such as one external hard driveto expand the capacity of the Mini PC.
The small computers can also be used as servers for your own home. They are designed to save energy and, with the appropriate storage space, films and music can be stored centrally. The content may then be retrieved from a notebook that is in another room - and at the same time from a desktop PC, which does not have to be in the same room.
How does a mini PC work?
A mini PC works just like any other computer, except that it is much smaller. So there is one mainboard, a processor, random access memory, a hard drive and many ports for peripherals. A display is not part of the package, nor is a mouse and keyboard. They must be purchased and connected separately.
Due to the small size, Mini PCs do not use a dedicated graphics card. Instead, the graphics are provided via the mainboard and the processor. But that also means that complex games with small PCs are not possible.
How much does a mini computer cost me?
Since they are not high-end computers, mini PCs are always cheaper than a desktop computer or a comparable notebook. Prices start at just over 100 euros and are basically open-ended. At around 400 euros, however, we come to an area where it is sometimes more worthwhile to buy a notebook or a large computer.
In any case, there will be additional costs for the display, mouse and keyboard if you do not already have these devices. A memory expansion via micro SD card can also be worthwhile under certain circumstances, since SD cards do not have to dig deep into your pocket.
What should I consider when buying a Mini PC?
Above all, it is important to be aware of what the small PC is supposed to do before you buy it. If gaming is on the program, then you should rather keep your hands off it. If the costs play a major role, then the situation is different. No notebook or PC can offer such high performance for so little money.
Nevertheless, the cheapest device should not necessarily be bought. As so often, the truth lies in the middle.
You should also pay attention to the connections of the mini PC before you buy it. If several displays are to be connected, two HDMI or VGA connections must be available accordingly. The number of USB ports should also not be taken lightly, since two of these ports are occupied by the mouse and keyboard alone.
If, for example, an external hard drive is added via USB, all connections are quickly blocked. After all, there is still Bluetooth, for example to connect the cell phone or tablet to the mini PC.
Mini PC test: Our conclusion about the small computers
Small, powerful computers for little money – what could possibly go wrong? It is clear that cheap does not always mean good. You should stay away from the cheapest offers if the Mini PC is the only computer you own. To really qualify as a possible replacement for a desktop PC, you have to dig a little deeper. The investment is then much more worthwhile.
Mini PCs are of particular interest when there is not enough money for a "real" computer - and when you can do without gaming. Although they are often powerful enough for a 4K resolution (assuming the appropriate display), they do not have a separate graphics unit on board.
