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What is a mini PC. Features and benefits

The world of technology is evolving and innovation continues, surprising us with increasingly compact and powerful solutions. One of these solutions is mini PCs, a device that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its versatility, features, and compact size. But what exactly is a mini PC and how can it benefit you? Keep reading to find out.

What is a mini PC?

A mini PC, as its name suggests, is a small computer that contains all the essential components of a conventional PC, such as processor, RAM, storage, connection ports, and operating system, with the ability to run an operating system without the need to use other components and, all integrated in a compact and portable case. Also known as SFF (small form factor), below we will tell you everything about this great little invention that is already offering computer solutions at the home and professional level.

Main features.

  1. Compact size. One of the most notable features of mini PCs is their small size, which makes them ideal for small spaces or for those looking for a computing solution that does not take up much space on their desk.
  2. Portability. Due to their compact size, mini PCs are highly portable, meaning you can easily take them with you wherever you go, whether for work, study or entertainment. It is quite common for users to take the equipment with them, easily and comfortably, to their vacation spot or second home.
  3. Performance. Despite their small size, many mini PCs offer amazing performance, thanks to advances in hardware technology. Some models can even compete with traditional desktop computers in terms of power and processing capacity, as they include high-performance components.
  4. Versatility. Mini PCs come in a variety of configurations and specifications, making them suitable for a wide range of uses. From basic tasks like web browsing and document processing to more demanding applications like video editing and gaming. There is undoubtedly a mini PC suitable for every need, there are countless options by manufacturers and configuration.

Asus NUC 11 L6 Kit NUC11ATKC40000 Celeron N5105

The Asus NUC 11 L6 Kit NUC11 barebone offers powerful performance in a compact design. Equipped with an Intel® Celeron® N5105 quad-core, quad-thread processor and up to 32GB of 2933MHz DDR4-SDRAM memory, it ensures a smooth computing experience. With versatile connectivity including USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), along with advanced features like Bluetooth 5.0 and support for Windows 10 and 11, this barebone offers exceptional flexibility and performance in a compact size.

Gigabyte Brix Pro i3-1115G4 / Negro

The BRIX PRO models follow a modern design with metal and plastic parts. They are compact to fit perfectly into any environment, from the home to a retail store. They can be placed horizontally or vertically according to your needs. They have a VESA mount so they can be placed on the back of the screen or almost anywhere. With a wide variety of processors covering the entire performance spectrum, the BSi7-1165G7 can handle the most demanding applications with its high processing power and multi-display support.

Advantages and benefits of a Mini PC.

Mini PC Asus PN51-BB353MDS1 R3-5300U

The Asus PN51 Mini PC is a powerful compact solution with an AMD Ryzen 5000 series processor and Radeon Vega 7 graphics. With the ability to connect up to four 4K monitors simultaneously, it offers a stunning visual experience. Plus, it features Intel Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast and stable wireless connectivity. Its configurable port and memory card reader provide additional flexibility. With dual storage, including HDD up to 1TB and M.2 SSD up to 1TB, it offers ample space for your files. Enjoy exceptional performance in a compact size.

Components of a Mini PC.

Operating system.

Mini PCs can come with a variety of operating system options, depending on the manufacturer and the intended use of the device. Some of the common operating system options you can find on a mini PC include:

Windows. Windows is one of the most popular operating systems for mini PCs, especially those that are designed for general or professional use. The most common versions include Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and in some cases Windows 11.

Linux. Linux is a popular choice for those looking for an open-source, highly customizable operating system. There are many Linux distributions available for mini PCs, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Linux Mint, among others.

Chrome OS. Chrome OS is the operating system developed by Google and is designed specifically for cloud-based devices such as Chromebooks. Some mini PCs may also come preinstalled with Chrome OS, offering a web- and cloud-centric experience.

Android. Android is another operating system developed by Google, designed primarily for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Some mini PCs can run versions of Android adapted for use in a desktop environment, which can be useful for specific applications and multimedia.

Other specialized operating systems.  Depending on the manufacturer and the intended use of the mini PC, you may also find specialized operating system options, such as embedded operating systems for industrial applications, operating systems for multimedia centers, or even specific operating systems for retro game emulation, among others.

It is also worth highlighting here Apple’s mini PCs, such as the Mac Mini, which come preinstalled with the macOS operating system. MacOS is the exclusive operating system for devices manufactured by Apple and offers a unique and highly integrated experience in line with the rest of the devices marketed by this manufacturer.

Mini PC Apple Mac Mini M2 8GB 256GB

Discover the powerful Apple Mac mini with the revolutionary 8-core Apple M2 processor and an impressive 16-core Neural Engine. With 8GB of RAM and a fast 256GB SSD built into the board, this compact personal computer is perfect for demanding tasks. Enjoy exceptional graphics thanks to the 10-core Apple M2 graphics controller. Fast and reliable networking with GigE, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Includes Apple macOS Ventura 13.0 operating system.

Memory.

Mini PCs can come with a variety of RAM options, and it is important to know in advance the expansion possibilities, which will depend on the model and manufacturer. These are some common memory options that you can find in a mini PC.

Integrated RAM. Many mini PCs come with RAM integrated into the motherboard, which means that the memory is soldered on and cannot be replaced or expanded by the user. These mini PCs usually have fixed and limited RAM options.

SO-DIMM memory slots. Some Mini PCs are designed with SO-DIMM memory slots, allowing the user to expand RAM by installing additional modules. These mini Ps offer greater flexibility in terms of RAM capacity and configuration.

Expandability. The expandability of RAM in a mini PC may vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Some mini PCs can support up to 32GB, 64GB, or even more of RAM, while others may be limited to lower capacities.

Supported memory type. It is important to take into account the type of RAM supported by the mini PC when considering expansion. Mini PCs can support DDR3, DDR4 or even DDR5, depending on the generation and hardware specifications.

Ease of expansion. The ease of expanding RAM in a mini PC may vary depending on the design and casing of the device. Some mini PCs may require specialized tools and case disassembly to access the memory slots, while others may offer easier and more convenient access. In short, the equipment you choose must allow you this expansion in order to be able to upgrade and give more power to the mini PC in the future.

Processor.

Mini PCs can come with a variety of processor options, ranging from low-power processors to high-performance CPUs. We detail some of the common processor options that you can find in a Mini PC.

Low-consumption Intel Core processors. These processors, such as the Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 series U line (ultra-low power) or the Intel Core Y series processors (previously known as Core M processors), are popular in mini PCs due to their efficiency. energy and performance adequate for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document processing, and multimedia playback.

Intel Core desktop processors. Some mini PCs are designed to offer more robust performance and may come equipped with Intel Core i5 or i7 series desktop processors. These processors offer higher performance compared to low-power models and are suitable for more demanding tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and light gaming.

AMD Ryzen processors. Mini PCs can also come equipped with AMD Ryzen processors, which offer competitive performance and energy efficiency. The Ryzen 3, 5, and 7 series models are popular options for mini PCs, offering a balance between performance and price.

ARM processors. Some mini PCs use processors based on ARM architecture, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series chips or Samsung’s Exynos series processors. These processors are known for their energy efficiency and are popular in mini PCs designed for specific applications such as multimedia, IoT (Internet of Things), and embedded systems.

Mini PC MSI Cubi 5 12M-257ES i5-1235U 8GB 256GB W11H Blanco

The  MSI Cubi 5 12M redefines efficiency in small spaces, fusing minimalist design with powerful performance. This compact PC, in a black and white finish, is the perfect ally for professionals and entertainment fans looking to maximize their space without sacrificing power.

Storage.

Mini PCs can offer a variety of storage options, both in terms of drive type and capacity. Here are some common possibilities for storage drives that you can find in a mini PC:

Solid State Drives (SSD). SSDs are a popular choice for mini PCs due to their speed, reliability, and compact size. Mini PCs can come with M.2 format SSDs, which plug directly into the motherboard and take up little space, or with 2.5-inch SSDs, which install into internal drive bays.

Hard drives (HDD). Some mini PCs may come with traditional hard drives (HDD) for data storage. Although HDDs are slower than SSDs, they can offer greater storage capacities at a lower price, making them suitable for storing large amounts of media files or data.

SSD/HDD combo. Some mini PCs may offer the option of having both an SSD and HDD, allowing you to take advantage of the speed of an SSD for the operating system and applications, while using an HDD to store additional data.

External storage. In addition to internal storage drives, mini PCs can also support external storage devices, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, or external solid state drives, which can be connected via USB or Thunderbolt ports.

Expansion possibilities. Some mini PCs may offer storage expansion options, such as additional M.2 slots or additional internal drive bays, allowing you to add more storage drives in the future as needed.

Connections.

Mini PCs, like any other conventional desktop computer, can offer a wide variety of connections to allow connectivity with other devices and peripherals. The choice of connections will depend on your specific needs and the intended use of the mini PC. We list some of the common connections that you can find on a mini PC.

USB ports. Mini PCs are usually equipped with USB ports for connecting peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, USB flash drives, and other external storage devices. These ports can be of different types, such as USB-A, USB-C, or micro USB, and can support different data transfer speeds.

Video ports. Mini PCs can have a variety of video ports for connecting external monitors, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, or DVI. These ports allow for multiple display configurations and can support different resolutions and refresh rates.

Network connectivity. Mini PCs are typically equipped with Ethernet ports for connecting to wired networks, as well as built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to wireless networks. Some mini PCs may also offer Bluetooth connectivity to connect wireless peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, and headphones.

Audio ports. They may also have audio ports for connecting headphones, speakers, and microphones. These ports can include standard 3.5mm audio jacks or optical ports for high-quality audio.

Storage ports. Mini PCs may have ports for connecting external storage devices, such as external hard drives, USB flash drives, or memory cards. These ports may include SD card slots, SATA ports, or USB ports for external storage devices.

Other ports and connections. In addition to the connections mentioned above, mini PCs can offer you a variety of other connections, such as Thunderbolt ports, RS-232 serial ports, PS/2 ports for older keyboards and mice, and other specialized ports for specific applications. As you can see, just because they are mini devices doesn’t mean they can’t offer you a full computing experience.

Mini PC MSI Cubi 12M-001EU i7-1255U 16GB 512GB W11H

The MSI Cubi 5 12M mini PC is an ultra-high-performance device with a 12th generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor, offering powerful features to run multiple applications smoothly. Capable of up to 8K UHD displays and the ability to connect three displays simultaneously, it ensures a stunning viewing experience. Plus, Thunderbolt 4 technology allows you to transfer large files at amazing speeds. WiFi 6E technology provides a fast and reliable Internet connection.

In conclusion, a mini PC, and here we have selected a small sample, is a compact and versatile computing solution that offers all the functionalities of a conventional computer in a small size. From their portability to their surprising performance, mini PCs are an excellent option for those looking for a powerful PC that does not take up much space or, as we have already told you, it can be that first computer to get started in the world of computing. Discover the world of mini PCs, and at COOLMOD we offer you a few, and take your computing experience to a surprising level.

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