logo
le drapeau le drapeau

Détails du blog

Created with Pixso. Maison Created with Pixso. Le Blog Created with Pixso.

What to Prioritize When Buying a Mini PC

What to Prioritize When Buying a Mini PC

2025-10-04

When purchasing a Mini PC, you need to consider multiple factors such as performance, heat dissipation, and ports. Below are the key points to focus on:

 

1. Performance Configuration

  • Processor: The core component that determines the Mini PC’s operating speed and processing power. Mainstream options include Intel Core series and AMD Ryzen series. For daily office use, low-voltage Intel Core i5/i7 processors are suitable; for gaming or running large-scale software, high-performance standard-voltage AMD Ryzen processors (e.g., Ryzen 7 7840H) are better choices.
  • RAM: Its capacity and frequency affect the PC’s performance. DDR5 RAM is currently mainstream, and a dual-channel configuration is recommended—its performance can be nearly 75% better than that of a single-channel setup. 16GB of RAM meets basic daily office needs; if you frequently run large software, consider 32GB or even 64GB. In terms of frequency, 5600MHz offers approximately a 7-8% improvement in gaming performance compared to 4800MHz.
  • Storage: Most Mini PCs use M.2 interface solid-state drives (SSDs) for fast read/write speeds. For example, the Samsung 980 PRO has a sequential read speed of up to 7000MB/s. For storage capacity, 512GB is sufficient if you’re on a budget; if you often store large files, 1TB or more is recommended.
  • Graphics Card: Critical for gamers and users needing graphics processing. Some Mini PCs use integrated graphics cards (with relatively weak performance); if you have high graphics requirements, opt for models equipped with discrete graphics cards.

2. Heat Dissipation Design
Mini PCs have a small size and limited heat dissipation space, so a good heat dissipation design is essential for stable performance. Common heat dissipation methods include air cooling, liquid cooling, and vapor chamber (VC) cooling:

  • Air Cooling: Relies on fans and heat sinks. Many Mini PCs use large-sized quiet fans paired with large-area metal heat sinks.
  • Liquid Cooling: Offers excellent heat dissipation but has higher costs and a complex structure.
  • Vapor Chamber (VC) Cooling: Quickly and evenly distributes heat, making it suitable for the limited internal space of Mini PCs.

3. Port Types and Quantity
The variety of ports determines the convenience of connecting external devices. Common ports include USB ports (USB-A and USB-C), HDMI ports, DisplayPort (DP) ports, audio ports, and Ethernet ports. Among them, USB4 ports support a maximum data transfer speed of 40Gbps and can also be used for video output; when paired with HDMI and DP ports, multi-monitor output is achievable.

 

4. Operating System
Common options include Windows and Linux. For most users, the Windows system is preferred for its good compatibility and ease of use, but some Mini PCs may not come with a pre-installed Windows license (requiring separate purchase). If you are not a tech enthusiast, it is recommended to choose models with the latest Windows 11 pre-installed.

 

5. Brand and After-Sales Service
Mini PCs from well-known brands usually have more reliable quality and better after-sales support. Before purchasing, check the manufacturer’s after-sales policies and warranty terms to ensure timely assistance if the product has issues.

 

6. Wireless Network Performance
Pay attention to the wireless network standard—currently, 802.11ac and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) are mainstream. The latter offers faster speeds and more stable signals. Additionally, Bluetooth functionality is essential for conveniently connecting external devices.

 

7. Appearance and Size
The Mini PC’s appearance should match your aesthetic preferences, and its size should be moderate for easy portability or placement. Some Mini PCs also support wall-mount installation, which can be chosen based on actual needs.

le drapeau
Détails du blog
Created with Pixso. Maison Created with Pixso. Le Blog Created with Pixso.

What to Prioritize When Buying a Mini PC

What to Prioritize When Buying a Mini PC

When purchasing a Mini PC, you need to consider multiple factors such as performance, heat dissipation, and ports. Below are the key points to focus on:

 

1. Performance Configuration

  • Processor: The core component that determines the Mini PC’s operating speed and processing power. Mainstream options include Intel Core series and AMD Ryzen series. For daily office use, low-voltage Intel Core i5/i7 processors are suitable; for gaming or running large-scale software, high-performance standard-voltage AMD Ryzen processors (e.g., Ryzen 7 7840H) are better choices.
  • RAM: Its capacity and frequency affect the PC’s performance. DDR5 RAM is currently mainstream, and a dual-channel configuration is recommended—its performance can be nearly 75% better than that of a single-channel setup. 16GB of RAM meets basic daily office needs; if you frequently run large software, consider 32GB or even 64GB. In terms of frequency, 5600MHz offers approximately a 7-8% improvement in gaming performance compared to 4800MHz.
  • Storage: Most Mini PCs use M.2 interface solid-state drives (SSDs) for fast read/write speeds. For example, the Samsung 980 PRO has a sequential read speed of up to 7000MB/s. For storage capacity, 512GB is sufficient if you’re on a budget; if you often store large files, 1TB or more is recommended.
  • Graphics Card: Critical for gamers and users needing graphics processing. Some Mini PCs use integrated graphics cards (with relatively weak performance); if you have high graphics requirements, opt for models equipped with discrete graphics cards.

2. Heat Dissipation Design
Mini PCs have a small size and limited heat dissipation space, so a good heat dissipation design is essential for stable performance. Common heat dissipation methods include air cooling, liquid cooling, and vapor chamber (VC) cooling:

  • Air Cooling: Relies on fans and heat sinks. Many Mini PCs use large-sized quiet fans paired with large-area metal heat sinks.
  • Liquid Cooling: Offers excellent heat dissipation but has higher costs and a complex structure.
  • Vapor Chamber (VC) Cooling: Quickly and evenly distributes heat, making it suitable for the limited internal space of Mini PCs.

3. Port Types and Quantity
The variety of ports determines the convenience of connecting external devices. Common ports include USB ports (USB-A and USB-C), HDMI ports, DisplayPort (DP) ports, audio ports, and Ethernet ports. Among them, USB4 ports support a maximum data transfer speed of 40Gbps and can also be used for video output; when paired with HDMI and DP ports, multi-monitor output is achievable.

 

4. Operating System
Common options include Windows and Linux. For most users, the Windows system is preferred for its good compatibility and ease of use, but some Mini PCs may not come with a pre-installed Windows license (requiring separate purchase). If you are not a tech enthusiast, it is recommended to choose models with the latest Windows 11 pre-installed.

 

5. Brand and After-Sales Service
Mini PCs from well-known brands usually have more reliable quality and better after-sales support. Before purchasing, check the manufacturer’s after-sales policies and warranty terms to ensure timely assistance if the product has issues.

 

6. Wireless Network Performance
Pay attention to the wireless network standard—currently, 802.11ac and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) are mainstream. The latter offers faster speeds and more stable signals. Additionally, Bluetooth functionality is essential for conveniently connecting external devices.

 

7. Appearance and Size
The Mini PC’s appearance should match your aesthetic preferences, and its size should be moderate for easy portability or placement. Some Mini PCs also support wall-mount installation, which can be chosen based on actual needs.