The Intel NUC 13 Pro might not be the cheapest option for compact computing devices, but it is from a highly trusted source and offers the absolute cutting edge in NUC technology. This isn’t a cheap NUC solution, but it does offer the potential for enhanced performance in the future for those who like to gamble a little. Initially, based on the CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4 scores, we wondered if the M.2 slots in the AMR5 were only PCIe 3.0 x2 lanes. We put the latest Samsung 990 Pro in this machine and revealed that the slots are indeed four lanes connected.

Testing conducted by Apple in November and December 2022 using pre-production Mac mini systems with Apple M2 Pro, 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU and 16GB of RAM, pre-production Mac mini systems with Apple M2, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU and 24GB of RAM, and production Mac mini systems with Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 8GB of RAM. Performance measured using selected industry‑standard benchmarks. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of Mac mini. More colourful than most office PCs and with more of a game console vibe, the AD08 might look less out of place in a child's bedroom. But despite looking like a powerhouse on paper, the AD08 doesn’t perform that well when presented with tasks that require heavy multi-threading or raw GPU performance.Cost is also a factor, as mini PCs tend to be cheaper than laptops - particularly high-spec or business laptops. How to choose the best mini PC for you Its processor, a brand-new Ryzen 5 4500U, blows away the likes of the Minix Neo JS0C-4 on both single-core and multithreaded performance, and its integrated graphics can even handle some light gaming. Dirt: Showdown ran at a playable 30fps at 1080p, even with graphics settings on Ultra. The other AMD Ryzen mini PC we’ve seen that uses the same Ryzen 5 5600U processor was the Bosgame U56, a chip that smashes the Intel N5095/5105 and N6211 to bits. That limitation suggests that the system inside is short of PCIe lanes, and we’ll discuss that more later on, and where those lanes might have been used. Connectivity is good, with enough USB ports for multiple peripherals alongside built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Plus, if you want to upgrade the RAM or storage yourself, it’s simply a matter of removing the base and adding components to the exposed slots beneath.

Laptops serve as a great all-in-one solution with everything you need to work and play. Accessories like keyboards and a dual monitor set-up are optional. They also come with a range of tech specs, with options for everyday computing tasks right up to high-powered gaming laptops.While the best mini PCs absolutely shine, they’re not without a few downsides. When it comes to specs, mini PCs pale in comparison to modern desktop computers and the very best laptops. This makes it difficult to use hardware-intensive apps and processes, like any of the best video editing software tools. Upgrading those lower-specced internals is usually out of the question. You won’t generally be able to upgrade the components in your mini PC (at least, not without some technical knowledge and skill). The inclusion of dual M.2 ports is a fantastic option since it allows the transfer from one M.2 to another without any other hardware or reinstalling the OS. As such, selecting a mini PC is no easy task. First, we had to filter them based on size. We started from the tiniest ones, the thumb drive-sized PCs, up to the palm-sized devices, then moving to the TV-box-sized machines. In each size jump, we looked for the usage scenarios for each based on the capabilities of the CPU and amount of RAM and included ports, then we weeded out the ones with sub-par specs; this removed several dozen entries with the same Celeron CPUs and low RAM.

If a mini PC is best, consider how you'll be using your machine. In addition to general computer usage, Mini PCs have been used as media servers, games emulators, and much more. In our review machine, both SODIMM memory slots were occupied, but these modules can be removed and replaced with larger capacities if required. What could have been better was the USB ports that are all blue in colour, though one is a USB 2.0, and both USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports are on the front and both Type-A ports. That the only USB-C port is Gen 1 was a definite oversight. Everyone will benefit from the more powerful CPU, of course, but combined with the added dual 4K monitor support (courtesy of two micro-HDMI ports), it’s a big boost to the Pi 4’s desktop credentials. Two of the four USB ports also now support Super Speed USB 3, Wi-Fi uses the faster 802.11ac standard instead of 802.11n, and even the power connector has been upgraded to a USB Type-C port. It depends how you intend to use your mini computer. While both are highly portable, mini PCs are more so, with a far smaller surface area. If you’re working on the go, be aware of the sometimes limited battery life on laptops - if you’re usually running off the mains, a mini PC may be the better choice.GMKtec has a reputation for making good quality small systems that won’t break the bank, and the NucBox M2 is a prime example of precisely that. As great as beefy desktop PCs are, there’s one problem: their size. Compared to other computing devices such as smartphones and laptops, PCs take up an awful lot of room. Even many compact designs can struggle to fit beneath a monitor or TV, and portability isn’t even considered. Separate from those is a host of PCs that are undeniably small but follow their own shape and size rules. Zotac, a major player in small PCs (and one of the category's unsung innovators), offers a huge range of Zbox PCs that range in size from a fat smartphone to a bulky Discman. Shuttle, too, is another small-PC pioneer, offering machines in a host of shapes. On the macOS side of things, the venerable Apple Mac miniis a sleek, square silver box with rounded edges that saw a big update in in January 2023. Like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, it received Apple's homegrown M1 and M2 processors, greatly increasing its performance. READ NEXT: The 10 best laptops you can buy The best mini PCs you can buy in 2021 1. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: The best mini PC for hobbyists Even with that modest silicon, the U59 performs well at basic tasks and has potential as a small office machine or for embedded applications. For 8GB customers, the RAM can be upgraded to 16GB, along with the M.2 SATA storage. There is also a bay inside for a 2.5-inch drive for even more storage options.

That this chip can achieve what it does with limited power is a testament to AMD’s chip design skills and the TSMC 7nm FinFET process that it is fabricated using. Most mini PCs only have room for the integrated graphics on their existing processor, rather than a separate GPU, so it’s rare to find one with serious gaming capability. Options do exist with discrete graphics, though – such as the Asus VivoMini, below – which can help with productivity tasks like image and video-editing. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a tiny workstation. How much storage do I need? Today's best mini PCs are a great alternative to bulky full-size desktops and all-in-one systems for all kinds of uses: from administrative workers doing data entry, to customer service specialists and call center offices, to creative professionals and students learning at home. What is the best use of a mini PC?

AMD and Intel PCs

As we’ve already mentioned, it is very easy to get inside the AMR5 and boost its potential with some extra RAM or M.2 storage. Ports aside, the AMR5 has some hard-to-ignore design elements that make it a bit more colourful than the standard Mini PC. Mini PCs excel at everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, video streaming, and light gaming. You can easily connect them to your TV to play games and watch movies either via a platform like Netflix or through your own media server, with the effectively set acting as a monitor. With specs comparable to mid-range laptops, they don’t have the necessary CPU and GPU to run more resource-intensive apps and games. In those circumstances, it may be worth investing in high-spec devices like the best laptops for photo editing, video editing laptops, and so on. What are the disadvantages of a mini computer?