Mini PCs are smaller in size compared to the standard versions. But they still provide enough power to meet basic needs like surfing the web, creating content, or playing games. The mini PC offers convenience and is extremely quiet compared to the other model.
But, what are the best minicomputers for budget, durability, high performance, or power saving? I have tested many different products to conclude the top 10 value-for-money options and detailed buying instructions.
Here is a detailed review of the top ten mini PCs for home entertainment, gaming, or professional design. I test extensively for each product to come up with the most unbiased judgments.
1. KAMRUI GK3 Plus
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Disk: 512GB
- CPU: Intel Alder Lake N95
- Weight: 1.72 lbs
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.1 x 1.96 inches
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What We Like
- Compact
- Save electricity
- High-speed transmission
- Effective noise cancellation
Things to Consider
- Only one USB-C port
Product’s highlights
It is the latest updated version of the KAMRUI brand. With the latest Windows 11 system, you can use it directly and get all its benefits.
I appreciate the product’s high-speed transmission. It’s almost four times faster than regular hard drive models in my testing.
I tried running many applications and found them smooth and power-saving. KAMRUI GK3 Plus meets diverse needs, including office, advertising, entertainment, and education.
Its overall design is smaller than my magazine, which is the perfect choice for travel and business trips. Especially with shallow noise, the operation provides a comfortable and quiet user experience.
2. Beelink SEi8
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Disk: 500GB
- CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H
- Weight: 2.86 lbs
- Dimensions: 5.98 x 8.2 x 0.39 inches
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What We Like
- Easy to move
- Quiet operation
- Convenient
- Stable Wi-Fi connection
Things to Consider
- Not effective for gaming
Product’s highlights
The Beelink SEi8 is a great model for improving wireless network performance and maintaining the most stable internet connection speed I have ever used. The device supports Wi-Fi and transmission speed up to 1000Mbps, reducing latency by about 75%.
So, I did not experience freezing during use. Processing my programming operations is also significantly faster and more efficient. It helps me finish my work early.
Due to its compact and ultra-lightweight design, it’s easy for you to fix on the stand anywhere. This advantage saves me multiple workspaces and makes everything cleaner and neater.
3. KAMRUI AK1 PLUS
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Disk: 512GB
- CPU: Intel Gen Alder Lake N100
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Dimensions: 5.04 x 5.04 x 2.05 inches
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What We Like
- Low latency
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Multiple connection ports
Things to Consider
- Error-prone to boot
Product’s highlights
KAMRUI AK1 PLUS is the ideal choice for those who often travel for business. With a compact design of just 5.04 x 5.04 x 2.05 inches and 1.9 lbs, it is so tiny that I can easily store it in a pocket or backpack.
The company has added a VESA mount to limit the cluttered computer screen. The included utilities also help me get things done more efficiently.
In particular, it integrates many ports to connect to keyboards, mice, speakers, monitors, and office equipment.
Thus, AK1 PLUS is suitable for home offices, digital security media centers, and conference rooms.
4. Beelink Mini S12 Pro
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Disk: 500GB
- CPU: Intel Alder Lake-N100
- Weight: 1.52 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.88 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches
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What We Like
- Cheaper
- More compact
- Flexible
- Quiet activity
Things to Consider
- Easy to heat
Product’s highlights
If you need a cheap model for simple everyday tasks, don’t miss the Beelink Mini S12 Pro. Its compact design still offers a solid build from the perforated plastic shell.
This model comes with four USB 3.3 ports, one DisplayPort, two USB 2.0, one, audio, one HDMI, and one Gigabit Ethernet. They allow me to handle delicate tasks pretty well. Its major drawback may be the performance is worse than what I expected. It is even prone to overheating if it is run continuously for many hours.
Even so, with its low price, what I get is also acceptable. Specifically, this model has low noise during operation and creates a comfortable working environment. Therefore, I often bring it with me on my short business trips.
5. HP EliteDesk 800 G2
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Disk: 240GB
- CPU: Intel Core i5-6500T
- Weight: 5.84 lbs
- Dimensions: 19 x 17 x 9 inches
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What We Like
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Quick integration
- Powerful processor
Things to Consider
- Renewed
Product’s highlights
Indeed you are not too unfamiliar with HP, which specializes in manufacturing technology and its products have particular popularity. So in these ten mini PCs, it is indispensable for the HP EliteDesk 800 G2.
Like other mini PCs, EliteDesk 800 G2 has a compact design for easy carrying on travel or business trips. Its streamlined port arrangement allows me to select and deploy functions quickly.
In general, the model not only helps to optimize the workspace but also increases work efficiency.
6. AWOW AK41
Important Specifications
- RAM: 8GB
- Hard Disk: 128GB
- CPU: Intel J4125
- Weight: 1.55 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.92 x 4.41 x 1.69 inches
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What We Like
- Energy saving
- Great performance
- Faster speed
- Full functional support
Things to Consider
- Does not support English instruction
Product’s highlights
AAWOW AK41 is the next model that I would like to recommend to you. It offers fast speeds, minimal latency, and powerful overclocking capabilities. So I am sure you will be satisfied with the extreme performance that the machine brings.
Also, the model advanced in its excellent performance in energy saving. It only consumes 10W of power when working and 0.88W in sleep mode, which saves a lot on my monthly electricity bill.
Like other products on the list, it has a compact and flexible design. So I can quickly bring it to the office, friends’ house, or business trip.
7. Beelink SEI12 PRO
Important Specifications
- RAM: 32GB
- Hard Disk: 500GB
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12650H
- Weight: 3.47 lbs
- Dimensions: 7.36 x 5.39 x 4.61 inches
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What We Like
- Strong activity
- High performance
- Efficient heat dissipation
- Intel UHD Graphics 1.4GHz
Things to Consider
- Noisy activity
Product’s highlights
Mini PCs often cannot handle graphics-heavy games because of their limited hardware capacity. Yet, the Beelink SEI12 PRO completely changed my mind because of its cooling system and equipment.
The device has an Intel i7-12650H processor and UHD graphics card that deliver excellent performance. It allows web pages to load quickly, providing a great user experience.
Plus, this model comes with a large fan with a rotational speed of 1000 rpm for increased heat dissipation efficiency. So, it stays cool and avoids problems caused by overheating.
8. Beelink SER5
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Disk: 500GB
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
- Weight: 2.29 lbs
- Dimensions: 9.06 x 5.43 x 2.44 inches
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What We Like
- Solid texture
- Multi-interface
- Quiet activity
- Good heat dissipation
Things to Consider
- Loose screws
Product’s highlights
Another great design you cannot miss is the Beelink SER5. It supports a multi-screen display so that I can easily monitor multiple programs simultaneously with clear images.
The CNC has a small shape that ensures durability. Moreover, it is fixed on the back of the screen to help optimize the adequate working space.
I appreciate the cool Beelink heat pipe, which gives me silence and focuses on getting things done more efficiently.
A stable connection is also a big plus for the product. While using it, I found the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection to be fast and stable. I don’t have any problems with network congestion.
9. GMKtec G3
Important Specifications
- RAM: 8GB
- Hard Disk: 256GB
- CPU: Intel Alder Lake N100
- Weight: 2.03 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.48 x 4.17 x 1.67 inches
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What We Like
- Quiet activity
- Price matching
- High-speed network
- Excellent for a long time
Things to Consider
- Not enough for gaming
Product’s highlights
Different from the above models, the GMKtec G3 offers excellent cooling efficiency. The manufacturer has integrated a large fan and dual heat pipes to prevent overheating.
This combination can also cool the computer hardware quickly to reduce hardware loss and limit lag. Even when the device works for a long time, it does not make noise and provides an unprecedented experience.
10. MeLE Quieter 4C
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Disk: 512GB
- CPU: Intel Alder Lake N100
- Weight: 1.04 lbs
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches
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What We Like
- Quiet
- Stable connection
- High mobility
- High compatibility
Things to Consider
- Fanless design
Product’s highlights
The last recommendation on my list is MeLE Quieter 4C. This model has powerful hardware that ensures a more stable and robust connection.
In this version, the manufacturer also added HD graphics, allowing two screens to connect simultaneously. So, I can improve work efficiency.
The compact design and quiet cooling system make my business trips or travel much more convenient. And yet, it is also compatible with many devices such as office equipment, speakers, monitors, TVs, and projectors anywhere.
Buying Guides
Know what you want
When searching for any product, you must first know what you want. After all, you’re looking for something small to tuck behind a TV, like a dedicated streaming box or the perfect gaming companion.
In addition, some features such as an internet browser or graphics card are also crucial for gaming or graphic design.
Find the right size
All mini PCs are small, but in the selection, you can find small stick PCs to keep in your pocket. I recommend choosing a template with the right size for your needs and workspace for maximum efficiency.
Make sure you like your configuration and upgrade options.
Finally, consider the appropriate upgrade and leveling options. Configuration allows you to change everything from capacity to graphics card.
Many models do not support hardware changes, while some allow more memory or external GPUs in the future.
FAQs
Which is the most powerful mini computer?
Gigabyte is confident with the Brix Extreme mini PC model, considered the most powerful mini computer in the world. It is the company’s bold statement in the face of the Mac Studio mini, which many users recognize as its strength.
Is a mini PC better?
Although mini PCs are not as powerful as desktop PCs, they are usually not upgradeable. However, it is beneficial because of its ultra-portable design and is suitable for everyday tasks.
Which is the most popular mini computer?
Apple Mac mini is the most popular and compact computer version today, and It is one of the first Mac versions equipped with Apple’s M1 processor. As a result, the device offers excellent power at an affordable price.
Can Mini PCs connect to Wi-Fi?
They can connect to dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. New products are now increasingly improving stability and higher connection speed.
Do mini PCs overheat?
They tend to get hotter than regular PCs. But, it depends on the build and the device’s use. When the mini PC overheats, it will slow down or cause problems.
Conclusion
Above are the in-depth reviews on the top 10 minicomputers. All have value-for-money advantages for you to consider based on your needs.
If you are on the hunt for power-saving models, HP EliteDesk 800 G2 is what you should consider. In addition, Beelink SEi8 also offers versions with high performance and robust connectivity.
I hope you have found the perfect version for yourself after this article.
Thank you for reading!