Space can come at a premium, and that’s often the case with home office setups. If you want to save a bit of real estate, you can invest in a mini PC to keep things a little more compact. From gaming PCs to everyday workstations, there’s a mini PC to suit every budget. Our top pick is the MSI MEG Trident X2 which boasts an impressive design, 13th-gen processor, and RTX 4070 graphics card. And now that Black Friday deals have arrived, there’s no better time to look for a mini PC.
Remember, mini doesn’t mean these PCs are any less powered or premium than the best gaming PCs, for example. The only thing you’ll need to splash out on is a decent keyboard, mouse, monitor, and any other PC peripherals you want to indulge in.
If you're hoping to find a discount on any of these models, keep an eye on the latest Black Friday gaming PC deals for 2023.
CPU: Intel i9 13700KF | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD | Weight: 32.19 pounds | Dimensions: 19.17" x 8.76" x 17.86"
Though the MSI MEG Trident X2 is not our most compact option, it’s at the top of the pile in terms of sheer performance. In fact, our hardware editor has been using it daily for three months, and she loves it. With this option, you get a 13th gen Intel i7 processor paired with RTX 4070 Ti graphics, which should be more than enough for most gamers. Add in 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, and your games are all but guaranteed to run smoothly and load up quickly. There are very few of the best PC games this mini rig can’t conquer at their moderate to highest settings. But should you feel the need for even beastlier internals, the machine is easily upgradable.
Given this PC packs some powerful hardware in a smaller-than-usual form factor, cooling needs to be a top priority. MSI doesn’t disappoint with a special tech that utilizes independent air chambers to dissipate heat and a unique design to direct cool air toward the GPU. There’s also 280mm AIO liquid cooling, so things should stay relatively frosty. To top it off is a handful of ports for peripherals and a handy HMI touch LCD.
CPU: 10-core Apple M2 Pro | GPU: 16-core GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512TB | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Dimensions: 7.75” x 7.75” x 1.41”
The M2 Pro-powered Mac mini is every content creator’s dream. With it, you get a 10-Core CPU that offers six performance and four efficient cores, a 16-Core GPU, and a 16-Core Neural Engine. When you pair that with 16GB of memory and 512 GB of storage, this machine is powerful enough to edit multiple streams of ProRes, H.264, and HEVC video at an 8K resolution and support up to three high-res displays. For even more oomph, it’s possible to boost the RAM to 32GB and storage up to a wild 8TB.
Beyond being one of the fastest, quietest, and smoothest machines available, the Mac mini somehow manages a compact, lightweight design making it easy to toss in a carry-on bag—a detail that nomadic creative professionals can appreciate. Even though this beast is tiny, it’s still packing all the ports you need, including four Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A, an HDMI, a headphone jack, and a 10Gb Ethernet for faster network speeds. It's also a pretty decent budget Mac for gaming thanks to the power of the M2 Pro chip.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U | GPU: AMD Radeon 680M | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Weight: 0.53 pounds | Dimensions: 3.15” x 3.15” x 1.57”
The MinisForum EM680 ticks the right boxes as it’s affordable yet powerful, palm-sized yet thermal-efficient—thanks to a high-performance, low-noise cooling system. Powering it all is an exceptionally-fast AMD Ryzen 7 6800U with integrated graphics, giving your PC enough oomph to handle demanding needs and even some PC gaming, albeit at low settings. The 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage pair perfectly with that processor and should be plenty for the average user, making it a multitasking maven.
Somehow, MinisForum squeezes all that into a compact box, measuring 1.57 inches thick and weighing just over half a pound. While you’re stuck with most of the components, you can upgrade the SSD storage up to 2TB, and there’s an SD card slot. Beyond that, this machine packs tons of connectivity, including support for up to three 4K@60Hz display outputs via HDMI and USB4 ports.
CPU: Intel Celeron 7305 | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128GB NVMe SSD | Weight: 1.8 lbs | Dimensions: 6.56” x 6.53” x 1.81”
If you’re a student living in a dorm and are tight on space, a mini PC can be helpful, especially to those who prefer a desktop computer over a laptop. The lightweight and compact Asus Chromebox 5 is a great solution, easily fitting on a desk or in a backpack. Thrifty students will also love the under $300 price tag, so you can grab a great budget monitor and other peripherals to pair with it.
More than just affordable and portable, this ChromeOS-based PC is secure and doesn’t need excessive power, seeing users through research, writing papers, and movie streaming when taking a break from studying. Support for up to four 4K displays through Dual HDMIs, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a Thunderbolt 4 can come in handy, while a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet and WiFi 6E ensure a reliable and speedy internet connection. However, for those looking to do more graphics-heavy tasks like video editing or gaming, you may want to grab something with more oomph under the hood.
CPU: Intel Core i7-10610U | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256GB | Weight: 1.34 pounds | Dimensions: 5.8” x 5.9” x 1.6”
More powerful than most Chromebooks out there, the ChromeOS-based Acer Chromebox CXI4 is fantastic for home, work, and school use—as well as mobile games. Though several generations behind, the Intel Core i7-10610U processor is still a solid option. And when you combine that CPU with 16GB of RAM, it can chug through almost everything you throw at it.
Acer Chromebox CXI4 is great for casual users, but it’s even better for professionals who can maximize its features. You get support for up to three external displays, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1, along with a decent number of ports for peripherals. Though it’s already supremely compact and weighs under two pounds, you can save even more space using this rig’s multiple mounting options attaching it to things like a monitor stand.
CPU: Intel Core i9-12900 | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 770, PCIe Gen5 slot for a discrete GPU | RAM: Up to 64GB | Storage: 3x M.2 slots | Dimensions: 14” x 7.44” x 4.72”
PC builders and DIYers will instantly fall for the next level Intel NUC 12 Extreme. This barebones setup leaves ample room for customizations without forcing you to start from scratch. You begin with a high-end 12th-gen Intel Core processor, a mini PC case, the latest ports, the newest connectivity standards, and three 92mm fans to keep everything chill.
However, this modular mini PC leaves the rest to your discretion, so a monstrous RAM up to 64GB can come pre-installed, while three M.2 slots leave plenty of space to add in SSD storage. It even totes a PCIe Gen5 slot for a discrete GPU and customizable RGB lighting if you're building a gaming PC. But remember that all those customizations won’t come cheap and things get cramped quickly, so think about what components you absolutely need before buying.
CPU: Intel Core i5-12500T | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 770 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Weight: 2.76 pounds | Dimensions: 7.2" x 7" x 1.4"
Lenovo is a master in creating business machines, so it’s hardly surprising that the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90q Tiny Gen 3 gets our vote for the best mini PC for work. It’s compact, lightweight, and durable, so you can throw it in your bag to take to and from work or even travel. Naturally, you get security protocols, including a TPM 2.0 chip for password encryption, BIOS-based Smart USB Protection to deter unauthorized users, and a Kensington lock slot for good measure.
Besides ultra portability and ample security, the ThinkCentre M90q Tiny Gen 3 is high performing machine thanks to a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 chip paired with 8GB of memory, ensuring it breezes through all your workflows. But if you want to upgrade that RAM to something beefier or add in more SSD storage, both slots are easily accessible and ready for expansion. And this rig’s even packing tons of ports to plug in up to four displays and additional peripherals.
There’s no reason why a mini PC wouldn’t work for your at-home setup. These compact machines are more capable than ever, offering impressive CPUs, a good deal of memory, and ample storage opportunities. You’ll have no problem getting online, editing spreadsheets, and doing all your everyday tasks. And, of course, you’ll save space by not having a big tower case to deal with. It’s even possible to mount some of these rigs on the back of your monitor, while it’s simple to take the computer with you when you need to head into the office.
Many mini PC options have integrated GPUs, making them better for less graphically intensive tasks. But there are gaming and editing alternatives offering the latest and greatest graphics cards. Just note that it’s much harder to upgrade components, and cooling can also become issue due to the small form factor, similar problems that plague some laptops.
Although it depends on the actualy hardware specs, mini PCs can be an excellent choice for gaming. If it has a decent GPU and a powerful processor will be able to handle even the latest AAA games. However, if it you buy a more affordable mini PC, you may have to lower the settings to play those same titles.
ALSO SEE:
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
Continue reading...
TL;DR – These are the Best Mini PCs of 2023:
- MSI MEG Trident X2
- Apple Mac mini
- MinisForum EM680
- Asus Chromebox 5
- Acer Chromebox CXI4
- Intel NUC 12 Extreme
- Lenovo ThinkCentre M90q Tiny Gen 3
Remember, mini doesn’t mean these PCs are any less powered or premium than the best gaming PCs, for example. The only thing you’ll need to splash out on is a decent keyboard, mouse, monitor, and any other PC peripherals you want to indulge in.
If you're hoping to find a discount on any of these models, keep an eye on the latest Black Friday gaming PC deals for 2023.
Best Mini PCs of 2023
1. MSI MEG Trident X2
Best Mini PC
- See it on Best Buy (Sold Out)
CPU: Intel i9 13700KF | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD | Weight: 32.19 pounds | Dimensions: 19.17" x 8.76" x 17.86"
Though the MSI MEG Trident X2 is not our most compact option, it’s at the top of the pile in terms of sheer performance. In fact, our hardware editor has been using it daily for three months, and she loves it. With this option, you get a 13th gen Intel i7 processor paired with RTX 4070 Ti graphics, which should be more than enough for most gamers. Add in 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, and your games are all but guaranteed to run smoothly and load up quickly. There are very few of the best PC games this mini rig can’t conquer at their moderate to highest settings. But should you feel the need for even beastlier internals, the machine is easily upgradable.
Given this PC packs some powerful hardware in a smaller-than-usual form factor, cooling needs to be a top priority. MSI doesn’t disappoint with a special tech that utilizes independent air chambers to dissipate heat and a unique design to direct cool air toward the GPU. There’s also 280mm AIO liquid cooling, so things should stay relatively frosty. To top it off is a handful of ports for peripherals and a handy HMI touch LCD.
2. Apple Mac mini
Best Mini PC for Content Creators
CPU: 10-core Apple M2 Pro | GPU: 16-core GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512TB | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Dimensions: 7.75” x 7.75” x 1.41”
The M2 Pro-powered Mac mini is every content creator’s dream. With it, you get a 10-Core CPU that offers six performance and four efficient cores, a 16-Core GPU, and a 16-Core Neural Engine. When you pair that with 16GB of memory and 512 GB of storage, this machine is powerful enough to edit multiple streams of ProRes, H.264, and HEVC video at an 8K resolution and support up to three high-res displays. For even more oomph, it’s possible to boost the RAM to 32GB and storage up to a wild 8TB.
Beyond being one of the fastest, quietest, and smoothest machines available, the Mac mini somehow manages a compact, lightweight design making it easy to toss in a carry-on bag—a detail that nomadic creative professionals can appreciate. Even though this beast is tiny, it’s still packing all the ports you need, including four Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A, an HDMI, a headphone jack, and a 10Gb Ethernet for faster network speeds. It's also a pretty decent budget Mac for gaming thanks to the power of the M2 Pro chip.
3. MinisForum EM680
Best Mini PC for Everyday Tasks
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U | GPU: AMD Radeon 680M | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Weight: 0.53 pounds | Dimensions: 3.15” x 3.15” x 1.57”
The MinisForum EM680 ticks the right boxes as it’s affordable yet powerful, palm-sized yet thermal-efficient—thanks to a high-performance, low-noise cooling system. Powering it all is an exceptionally-fast AMD Ryzen 7 6800U with integrated graphics, giving your PC enough oomph to handle demanding needs and even some PC gaming, albeit at low settings. The 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage pair perfectly with that processor and should be plenty for the average user, making it a multitasking maven.
Somehow, MinisForum squeezes all that into a compact box, measuring 1.57 inches thick and weighing just over half a pound. While you’re stuck with most of the components, you can upgrade the SSD storage up to 2TB, and there’s an SD card slot. Beyond that, this machine packs tons of connectivity, including support for up to three 4K@60Hz display outputs via HDMI and USB4 ports.
4. Asus Chromebox 5
Best Mini PC for Students
CPU: Intel Celeron 7305 | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 128GB NVMe SSD | Weight: 1.8 lbs | Dimensions: 6.56” x 6.53” x 1.81”
If you’re a student living in a dorm and are tight on space, a mini PC can be helpful, especially to those who prefer a desktop computer over a laptop. The lightweight and compact Asus Chromebox 5 is a great solution, easily fitting on a desk or in a backpack. Thrifty students will also love the under $300 price tag, so you can grab a great budget monitor and other peripherals to pair with it.
More than just affordable and portable, this ChromeOS-based PC is secure and doesn’t need excessive power, seeing users through research, writing papers, and movie streaming when taking a break from studying. Support for up to four 4K displays through Dual HDMIs, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a Thunderbolt 4 can come in handy, while a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet and WiFi 6E ensure a reliable and speedy internet connection. However, for those looking to do more graphics-heavy tasks like video editing or gaming, you may want to grab something with more oomph under the hood.
5. Acer Chromebox CXI4
Best Chrome Box
CPU: Intel Core i7-10610U | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256GB | Weight: 1.34 pounds | Dimensions: 5.8” x 5.9” x 1.6”
More powerful than most Chromebooks out there, the ChromeOS-based Acer Chromebox CXI4 is fantastic for home, work, and school use—as well as mobile games. Though several generations behind, the Intel Core i7-10610U processor is still a solid option. And when you combine that CPU with 16GB of RAM, it can chug through almost everything you throw at it.
Acer Chromebox CXI4 is great for casual users, but it’s even better for professionals who can maximize its features. You get support for up to three external displays, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1, along with a decent number of ports for peripherals. Though it’s already supremely compact and weighs under two pounds, you can save even more space using this rig’s multiple mounting options attaching it to things like a monitor stand.
6. Intel NUC 12 Extreme
Best Mini Barebones PC
CPU: Intel Core i9-12900 | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 770, PCIe Gen5 slot for a discrete GPU | RAM: Up to 64GB | Storage: 3x M.2 slots | Dimensions: 14” x 7.44” x 4.72”
PC builders and DIYers will instantly fall for the next level Intel NUC 12 Extreme. This barebones setup leaves ample room for customizations without forcing you to start from scratch. You begin with a high-end 12th-gen Intel Core processor, a mini PC case, the latest ports, the newest connectivity standards, and three 92mm fans to keep everything chill.
However, this modular mini PC leaves the rest to your discretion, so a monstrous RAM up to 64GB can come pre-installed, while three M.2 slots leave plenty of space to add in SSD storage. It even totes a PCIe Gen5 slot for a discrete GPU and customizable RGB lighting if you're building a gaming PC. But remember that all those customizations won’t come cheap and things get cramped quickly, so think about what components you absolutely need before buying.
7. Lenovo ThinkCentre M90q Tiny Gen 3
Best Mini PC for Businesses
CPU: Intel Core i5-12500T | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 770 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Weight: 2.76 pounds | Dimensions: 7.2" x 7" x 1.4"
Lenovo is a master in creating business machines, so it’s hardly surprising that the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90q Tiny Gen 3 gets our vote for the best mini PC for work. It’s compact, lightweight, and durable, so you can throw it in your bag to take to and from work or even travel. Naturally, you get security protocols, including a TPM 2.0 chip for password encryption, BIOS-based Smart USB Protection to deter unauthorized users, and a Kensington lock slot for good measure.
Besides ultra portability and ample security, the ThinkCentre M90q Tiny Gen 3 is high performing machine thanks to a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 chip paired with 8GB of memory, ensuring it breezes through all your workflows. But if you want to upgrade that RAM to something beefier or add in more SSD storage, both slots are easily accessible and ready for expansion. And this rig’s even packing tons of ports to plug in up to four displays and additional peripherals.
Mini PC FAQ
Is a mini PC good for working from home?
There’s no reason why a mini PC wouldn’t work for your at-home setup. These compact machines are more capable than ever, offering impressive CPUs, a good deal of memory, and ample storage opportunities. You’ll have no problem getting online, editing spreadsheets, and doing all your everyday tasks. And, of course, you’ll save space by not having a big tower case to deal with. It’s even possible to mount some of these rigs on the back of your monitor, while it’s simple to take the computer with you when you need to head into the office.
Many mini PC options have integrated GPUs, making them better for less graphically intensive tasks. But there are gaming and editing alternatives offering the latest and greatest graphics cards. Just note that it’s much harder to upgrade components, and cooling can also become issue due to the small form factor, similar problems that plague some laptops.
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Although it depends on the actualy hardware specs, mini PCs can be an excellent choice for gaming. If it has a decent GPU and a powerful processor will be able to handle even the latest AAA games. However, if it you buy a more affordable mini PC, you may have to lower the settings to play those same titles.
ALSO SEE:
Michelle Rae Uy is a freelance tech and travel writer, part-time production editor, and a full-time traveler from Los Angeles, California. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles, London and the rest of the world. Follow her on Instagram @straywithRae.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
Continue reading...
