What is the Best mini PC to buy in 2020
Recent advancements in computer technology have put the term ‘personal computer’ back into the lexicon of tech consumers. Considering many of us wrote off personal computers in favor of mobile devices and cloud clients, it’s refreshing to see the mini PC market is revitalizing the desktop computer world. Cutting-edge hardware and manufacturing have us at a point where the power required for most business and personal computing needs fits into a form factor no bigger than your hand. Nevertheless, since the technology relatively new, finding the best mini PC 2020 for your needs can be tricky.
Windows PCs come in all shapes and sizes, and whatever your needs there’ll be a computer out there to suit you. If you want an extreme space saver but need a little more get up and go from your machine, check out one of the best mini PC to buy in 2020, like the incredible Intel Hades Canyon.
Where To Buy
- Best For Space-Poor Architects, Engineers, Financial Analysts: HP Z2 Mini G4 Workstation — $867.38 at HP
- Best For Budget Buyers, Conference Rooms, Digital Signage: Intel NUC Kit NUC6CAYS — $225.00 at Newegg
- Best For DIY Types, Business Users Needing Customizable CPU Power: Asrock DeskMini 310 — at Amazon
- Best For Silent Running, Point of Sale: Azulle Inspire Mini PC — $189.99 at Newegg
- Best For Tinkerers, Businesses with Limited Space: Intel NUC Kit NUC8i7BEH (Bean Canyon) — $544.00 at Amazon
- Best For Light Gaming, Power Users, Multi-Monitor Display: Intel NUC Kit NUC8i7HVK (Hades Canyon) — $1,020.00 at Amazon
- Best For Space-Strapped Business Users: Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny — $549.00 at Newegg
- Best For Light Workloads, Where Limited Space, Quiet Running Matter: Lenovo ThinkCentre M90n Nano IoT — $359.00 at Lenovo
- Best For Kiosks, Streaming Installations: Azulle Access3 — $219.00 at Walmart
- Best For Space-Strapped, DIY-Minded Workstation Users: Zotac ZBox Q Series (QK7P5000) — $1,029.00 at Amazon
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Who need the best mini PC?
One of the best uses for a mini PC is as a video and music streaming device. If that’s what you’re after, then you’ll want to look for smaller, lower-powered devices. Some of these mini PCs are so small that they can fit into the palm of your hand and plug directly into an HDMI input on your television.
If you’re after a desktop replacement or a gaming rig, but you’re dealing with limited space, then you’re looking for what has sometimes been called a booksize PC. These mini PCs are very small, often the size of a book, but they can pack a lot of hardware in that space.
Mini PCs that are designed for basic productivity tasks and light gaming bridge the gap between the previous two categories both in terms of performance and size, and they’re often quite affordable.
Size: Is Bigger or Smaller Better?
The most important consideration when choosing a mini PC is size, and the size of a mini PC is largely dictated by the power of the hardware. Smaller is typically seen as better in the mini PC sector, but there’s a limit to the power of the hardware that you can squeeze into a mini PC that isn’t much larger than a USB stick.
If you’re after the smallest of the small, then you will have to temper your expectations in terms of system performance. The smallest mini PCs are capable of basic productivity tasks, like word processing, web browsing, and email, and some of them are even capable of basic gaming.
If your needs are a little more demanding than that, then you’ll have to step up to a slightly larger mini PC. The term larger is relative, of course, since powerful booksize mini PCs that are able to act as desktop replacements and even competent gaming rigs are significantly smaller than your average desktop PC.
Basic Hardware: Choosing a System on a Chip or Upgradeable System
The general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t plan on upgrading your mini PC after buying it, because most of the computers in this category just don’t provide that option. This is especially true of system-on-a-chip mini PCs, which represent the smallest of the small. These mini PCs are remarkably small due to clever engineering that most of, if not all of, the components necessary for the computer to run on a single chip.
If you have more space to work with, then you may want to look at mini PCs on the larger end of the scale that actually include some upgradeable components. Depending on the system, you may be able to upgrade the RAM, onboard storage, or even components like the graphics card.
Mini PCs built on Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboards are significantly smaller than standard PCs, but they typically allow you to upgrade at least some of the components over time to prolong the life of the device.
Processing Power: CPU and GPU
This is where you start to dig into system specifications, so it’s important to have a good idea of how you will use your mini PC if you want to make an informed decision. If you’re just looking for a basic productivity machine, then you can skimp on the CPU and go for a unit with integrated graphics.
If you want to use your mini PC as a streaming device, the CPU and GPU still aren’t that terribly important. You need a machine that’s powerful enough to stream, but you don’t really need to chase system specifications. Look for a mini PC that’s specifically designed to stream in full HD or 4K, depending on your television, and you’ll do just fine.
If you’re looking for a desktop replacement, or you want to play fairly new games, then you need to pay close attention to the CPU and GPU. Check the minimum and recommended system requirements for some of the games you’re interested in playing, and select a mini PC that meets or exceeds those requirements.
Memory and Storage: Internal Storage and RAM
Memory refers to random access memory (RAM), which is volatile memory that is used when the computer is on and lost when the computer is turned off. It’s useful for things like multitasking, because each program or app takes up memory while running, and it’s also essential for tasks like image and video editing, and gaming.
For a very basic mini PC that’s intended primarily for streaming, you want a minimum of 2GB of RAM, with a strong preference for 4GB or more. Basic productivity rigs should have at least 4 GB, with more required if you do tasks like image editing and video editing. If you want to play games, then look for a bare minimum of 8GB with a preference for 16GB or more, and check to see if there is any dedicated memory for the graphics. If there isn’t, the memory is shared, and it’s all the more important to go for a setup that includes 16GB or more of memory.
Storage refers to non-volatile memory that doesn’t go away when the mini PC is turned off. You may be familiar with this sort of memory as hard drive space, but most mini PCs don’t actually have hard drives. Solid-state drives take up less space, and some mini PCs have their non-volatile memory actually soldered right on to the mainboard.
The amount of storage you need in a mini PC depends on how you plan on using it. Mini PCs that are used primarily for streaming don’t need much memory at all, just enough for the operating system and a little left over to buffer videos.
More storage is needed if you plan on using your mini PC as a desktop replacement or gaming rig, although the specific amount is highly dependent on your own situation. Some people can get by just fine with 250GB of storage, while others will fill that up very quickly.
Check to see if the mini PC you’re interested in includes USB ports or a dedicated SD card slot. If it does, you can always add more storage with an external USB drive or an SD card.
Operating System: Windows, Linux, or even Chrome?
When choosing a mini PC, the operating system is really up to your own personal preference. If you’re familiar with Windows, then the path of least resistance is to choose a mini PC that comes with Windows preinstalled.
While Windows isn’t designed for use on streaming devices, and the interface is a bit cumbersome for that purpose, it works just fine if that’s what you’re used to. Linux has a steeper learning curve if you already aren’t familiar with it. It’s an acceptable choice for streaming devices, even if you don’t have a lot of Linux experience, but less so if you need to use your mini PC for productivity.
Chrome OS is a very simple operating system that’s built on Linux, so the learning curve is much gentler. If you use Google docs, Gmail, and the Chrome browser already, then you’ll find Chrome OS very easy to use for both streaming and productivity.
If you want to game on your mini PC, then Windows is the best choice. While a lot of games are available on Linux, Windows is still the platform of choice for PC gamers.
Ports and Connectivity: Accommodating Inputs, Outputs, Peripherals, and More
If you have a specific need for some type of port or connectivity, then it’s important to keep that in mind when looking at mini PCs. The smallest mini PCs typically have built-in Wi-Fi, and some have built-in Bluetooth, but that’s typically it. If you need to plug in headphones, any USB devices, or additional monitors, the smallest mini PCs simply can’t accommodate any of that.
Mini PCs that trend toward the larger end of the scale still don’t have as many ports and connectivity options as your average-sized PC, but they do provide a whole lot of other options. You can find mini PCs with standard USB ports, USB-C ports, Ethernet ports, headphone jacks, and auxiliary audio outputs, and more.
To avoid headaches down the line, identify the peripherals you need to connect to your mini PC, write down all of the ports required by those peripherals, and use that to guide your decision-making process. You can get around some obstacles by adding accessories like USB hubs, but try to find a system that can accommodate your needs right out of the box if possible.
Accessories: Some Systems Need More Than Others
Mini PCs typically come with everything you need to get up and running right away, but there are some exceptions. Some systems are more barebones than others, so it’s important to check what comes in the box.
If your mini PC isn’t designed to plug directly into a TV or monitor, make sure it comes with an HDMI cable, and that the cable is long enough. Otherwise, you’ll want to pick up an HDMI cable of sufficient length.
Similarly, you’ll also want to make sure that your mini PC comes with an ethernet cable and that the cable is long enough, if it actually has an ethernet port.
If you’re starting from scratch, the bare minimum you’ll need to add to your mini PC to get it operational is a mouse, a keyboard, and a monitor. Some mini PCs have built-in Bluetooth for a wireless mouse and keyboard, or you can use a USB mouse and keyboard if the mini PC has enough free USB ports.
The best mini PC to buy now in 2020
1. Apple Mac mini (2018) [New version has double storage] – The best mini PC 2020 overall
Size (Inches): 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 | Weight: 2.6 pounds | CPU : Intel Core i3-8100B | Storage: 128GB SSD | Geekbench 3 Score: 12,844
Apple took its sweet time updating the smallest of Macs, but the Mac mini (2018) was well worth the wait. The latest Mac mini has a slick new look with it’s darker space grey anodized finish, despite retaining the same dimensions and unibody design as the previous model. It also picks up some improvements, like a speedy collection of ports, including four Thunderbolt 3 ports for connecting displays, storage and anything else. It even offers (a bit) of upgradability, with traditional SO-DIMM slots for adding memory, though other hardware and storage are not user-serviceable.
Despite rocking an older 8th-generation Intel Core i3 processor, the littlest Mac managed to put up numbers that bested better-equipped systems, and offers a surprising amount of power in a pleasantly compact design. Based on our testing, it’s the best mini PC overall, delivering excellent power and value in a compact package.
2. Azulle Byte3 – The best mini PC for home theaters streaming
Size (Inches): 5.6 x 4 x 1.5 | Weight: 14 ounces | CPU: Intel Celeron J3455 | Storage: 32GB eMMC | Geekbench 4 Score: 4,011
The Azulle Byte3 is the best mini PC for home entertainment, with a compact fanless design that will easily fit into your entertainment center. It’s a great tool for media streaming and provides a full PC experience on your TV. With an Intel Apollo Lake Celeron processor, it’s perfect for streaming 4K video and offers all the connectivity you need with a healthy selection of ports.
The small size of the Byte3 (5.6 x 4 x 1.5 inches) will easily mount to the back of a TV or monitor. The compact design still offers options to upgrade after purchase, and the slick looks means that even though you can easily hide it away, you might not want to. If you want a great mini PC for home entertainment use, the Azulle Byte3 mini is our favorite.
3. Intel Hades Canyon NUC – Best mini PC for gaming 2020
Size (Inches): 8.7 x 5.6 x 1.5 | Weight: 4.75 pounds | CPU : Intel Core i7-8009G/AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH | Storage: Bring Your Own
Intel’s Hades Canyon NUC is a mini PC that delivers desktop-gaming-grade performance in a chassis that’s about the size of a book. Thanks to its Intel Core i7-8009G/AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH hybrid chip, which combines processing and discrete graphics on a single chip, the Hades Canyon NUC can handle AAA games and VR in a small, black brick that can be tucked into a backpack or added to a home entertainment center.
Despite its small size, the Hades Canyon NUC is loaded with ports, including Thunderbolt 3 ports and HDMI output. If you buy the barebones kit, you’ll need to provide memory and storage, and your own installation of Windows, but this pint-sized gaming machine can go toe-to-toe with an Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti-powered gaming tower, and it even handled a bit of VR. It’s the best mini PC you can get for gaming without compromise.
4. Azulle Access3 – The best stick mini PC 2020
Size (Inches): 5.5 x 2.36 x 0.76 | Weight: 5.12 ounces | CPU : Intel Celeron N4100 | Storage: 32GB | Geekbench 4 Score: 4,541
The Azulle Access3 takes our favorite tiny stick PC and makes it even better. With a compact design that’s almost small enough to put on a keychain, and flexible enough to be used with any monitor or TV, the Access3 gets a faster processor, speedier USB 3.0 ports and adds Gigabit Ethernet for better performance and connectivity than any other stick PC we’ve reviewed. The zippy performance even supports 4K video output, making it great for streaming.
Whether it’s for use in your home theater, powering digital signage or just giving you a way to watch Netflix on your hotel TV, the Access3 presses forward in a form-factor that larger manufacturers have largely forgotten. The Azulle Access3 is our new favorite stick PC, and the best mini PC you can slip into your pocket.
5. HP Z2 Mini G4 – The best workstation mini PC 2020
Size (Inches): 8.5 x 8.5 x 2.3 | Weight: 4.85 pounds | CPU : Intel Xeon E-2176G | Storage: 1TB HDD + 256GB SSD | Geekbench 3 Score: 25,064
The HP Z2 Mini G4 is an ultrasmall workstation PC, cramming workstation-level components and ISV-certified graphics into a desktop PC that’s smaller than some books. It’s got stylish looks and a surprisingly accessible (and upgradable) interior, but the real draw is the high-powered processing and graphics options. It’s also the best mini PC you can get for workstation performance while maintaining that compact size.
Equipped with a beefy 6-core Intel Xeon E-2176G processor, 32GB of RAM and Nvidia Quadro P1000 graphics, the Z2 Mini easily handles workloads that other mini PCs struggle with, and is certified to work with a variety of mission-critical programs, from vendors like Autodesk, Avid, Siemens, Solidworks and Vectorworks. If you’re an engineer or designer that wants a workstation desktop that won’t take up your whole desk, this is the powerful mini PC we recommend.
6. Lenovo ThinkCentre M710q Tiny – The best mini PC 2020 for the office
Size (Inches): 7.05 x 7.20 x 1.36 inches | Weight: 2.91 pounds | CPU : Intel Core i5-7500T | Storage: 256GB SSD | Geekbench 3 Score: 10,007
The Lenovo ThinkCentre M710q Tiny desktop puts full-sized, business-grade productivity into a compact package that’s smaller than a paperback book. It offers all sorts of business-friendly features into it’s small, square chassis, with plenty of ports, speedy Wi-Fi, and options to add an optical drive or even transform the mini PC into an All-in-One desktop using Lenovo’s Tiny-in-One monitors.
Our review unit offered solid performance thanks to an Intel Core i5-7500T processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB Opal-compliant solid-state drive. With decent performance and plenty of flexibility, it’s the best mini PC for most office users. The small size belies the capabilities inside, with configurations that offer up to an Intel Core i7 processor, as much as 32GB of memory, choices of HDD or SSD storage (with Opal-compliant options), and accessories for added functionality.
7. Acer Chromebox CXI3 – Best Chrome desktop mini PC 2020
Size (Inches): 5.9 x 5.9 x 1.6 | Weight: 1.2 pounds | CPU : Intel Core i5-8250U | Storage: 64GB SSD | Geekbench 3 Score: N/A
The Acer Chromebox CXI3 may be the best desktop version of Chrome OS available. Made for use in the classroom or in the office, the Chromebox CXI3 delivers everything that’s great about Chrome – ease of use, simple security, and all the online capability you want – in a mini PC that boasts great features and performance.
The compact Chromebox can be mounted almost anywhere, and boasts plenty of ports, including several USB 3.0 ports, HDMI output and a USB-C port. Our model was outfitted with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD, combining to offer speedy performance and easy multitasking. Plus, it’s cheaper than any similarly equipped Windows machine. For one of the best mini PC designs without the bloat of Windows, there’s no beating the Acer Chromebox CXI3.
8. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B – The best mini PC 2020 for projects and tinkering
Size (Inches): 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.4 | Weight: 1.6 ounces | CPU : ARM Cortex A72 | Storage: No onboard storage | Geekbench 3 Score: N/A
The Raspberry Pi ushered in a new era of DIY tech, and the latest model, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, pushes that to new heights with a more powerful processor, 4K video output and an improved part selection. The latest model, the $35 Raspberry Pi 4 Model B offers enormous value for projects ranging from simple to complex, from its enhanced processing and graphics to offering broad compatibility with older accessories. Advertisement
If you want to do something different with your technology, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the best mini PC for tinkering and experimenting. Whether you buy it alone or in a kit, the Raspberry Pi is hard to beat.