Compact mini PC with desktop computer performance

The universe of computers has diversified in recent years and among the solutions created to replace classic desktop computers we find mini PCs .

When we talk about "mini" computers we must think of devices of the order of magnitude of a TV box which are able to carry out most of the functions which, until a few years ago, were reserved for fixed computers. Among the strong points of mini PCs we certainly have their modest dimensions , their great versatility and the economic factor .

Those looking for a computer to connect to their smart TV to play films, television series or music often choose to purchase these elegant "living room" PCs .
The most installed operating system is Windows 10 , but you will also find Linux or Android devices.
If you think that traditional computers are too bulky and you want to find out if a "mini PC" is capable of satisfying your needs, here's what you need to know...

What a mini pc can do

Let's briefly analyze the main functions that a mini PC is able to perform. These computers are ideal companions for surfing online and completing the most common office or leisure activities. Despite their compact dimensions, these devices are really high-performance and, by choosing their internal components well, we can reduce energy consumption while maintaining excellent performance.
But how can a PC be concentrated in such a small space? The form factor of its components, along with the absence of bulky fans and a dedicated video card, are the key. However, the lack of a GPU makes mini PCs unsuitable for gaming , with the exception of titles such as Minecraft, MOBA and similar.

How to choose a high-performance mini PC?

To orient ourselves among the many models on the market, it is best to first think about the use for which our new mini computer is intended. Only in this way will we be able to orient ourselves between the hardware components (CPU, RAM , disk space, etc.) and the different price ranges .
The time has come to move on to the technical aspect, here are some tips...

Processor:
The majority of mini PCs on the market are equipped with Intel processors, but there are also models with AMD processors. The acronyms used by Intel are: Atom, Celeron and Pentium for the cheaper products, while Intel Core i3, i5, i7 for the more performing ones. Let's move on to the AMD brand, the A series represents the most modest CPUs, while the Ryzen acronym indicates the CPUs with the best performance.

RAM:
We can evaluate RAM based on many factors, one of these is the size in terms of physical space occupied: SODIMM is the most popular in mini PCs, for obvious reasons, compared to DIMM type RAM.

Disk space:
This is the permanent memory on which our files are stored, although it is possible to connect external USB devices to increase the space in terms of Gigabytes, you should know that a computer can mount solutions such as: SSD, Hardisk, eMMC . The fastest reading device is the SSD, the longest-lasting one is the HardDisk, while the eMMC is the middle ground between the two technologies.

Ports and connectivity:
The input and output ports of the computer are one of the most underestimated aspects. It is very important before making a purchase to evaluate: how many new generation USB ports (3.1) we have, audio and video inputs/outputs, Bluetooth and WiFi versions in line with the latest standards, and similar.

This brief overview of the world of mini PCs ends here. If your goal is to save space by using a compact and elegant case, without sacrificing the performance of a desktop computer, you should consider purchasing a mini PC .

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