Our Test or Guide 2022
These cubes have it all: Mini-PCs also known as barebones. Are computers in a compact format that are either fully configured or offered as kits. They are an interesting option for passionate computer hobbyists because they come without a processor. Graphics card and operating system. This means that a mini PC can be put together inexpensively according to your own ideas in such a way that it is in no way inferior to a large desktop PC . The handicraft fun is free of charge.
The following comparison describes 6 mini PCs with their properties and special features. In the guide that follows those interested can find out what a mini PC. Actually is how it works and what to look out for when buying one. Finally the answers to frequently asked questions about mini-PCs are followed by a look at mini-PC tests at Stiftung Warentest and Oko-Test.
6 popular mini PCs in a big comparison
The NiPoGi GK3 J4125 Mini PC has an integrated Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor whose cores are clocked at 2 gigahertz with a boost function for up to 2.7 gigahertz. An Intel UHD Graphics 600 graphics card is installed. The mini PC has 8 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM and an integrated SSD hard drive with a storage capacity of 128 gigabytes.
Which can be retrofitted via the appropriate SATA connections. The manufacturer uses the 64-bit version of Windows 10 Pro as the operating system. The mini computer also supports dual-band WLAN on the 2.4 and 5 gigahertz band.
1. NiPoGi GK3 J4125 Mini PC with three screen display support
Constant noise is harmful to health: Representative studies have found that constant background noise can have a negative effect on health. The guide explains more about this after the product descriptions. The comparison magazine Öko-Test. For example dealt in detail with the health aspects of long-term PC work.
The multifunctional mini PC has two HDMI and one VGA connection to be able to connect up to three monitors at the same time. There are also two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports a DC port and an Ethernet port for the LAN connection.
According to NiPoGi connections for headphones. Mouse and keyboard are also integrated on the computer. According to the manufacturer the computer’s housing tower can be hung up behind a monitor or television using a wall mount. Now you can see this about arm pc manufacturer at Apcsilmic.
2. Apple Mac Mini with Apple M1 processor
The Apple Mac Mini is the first mini PC to feature the new Apple M1 processor. The CPU consists of four high-performance cores and four energy-efficient cores. According to the manufacturer the energy-efficient cores save a lot of power compared to a processor from the x86 series. A graphics unit developed by Apple is integrated into the M1. Which is equipped with eight shader clusters and achieves a performance of 2.6 teraflops.
Apple Mac Mini
The Apple Mac Mini is equipped with 512 gigabytes of SSD storage. There is also a variant with 256 gigabytes of storage. The LPDDR-DDR4X RAM has a capacity of 8 gigabytes (GB) and is responsible for normal work. In the office with the computer as well as for the graphics performance.
There are various ports on the back of the barebones: an HDMI port for a monitor. Two USB ports for peripherals or memory and a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. There are also two Thunderbolt ports and an Ethernet port.
The Apple Mac Mini weighs only 1.2 kilograms and with its compact dimensions of 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6 centimeters. It can easily be placed on the desk.
3. MegaComputerWorld Windows 10 Mini Slim 64-bit version
This device is a so-called silent PC which opens up many possibilities with the Intel quad-core processor and 2.3 gigahertz as well as integrated Intel HD graphics. The playback of high-resolution films or less demanding games is possible with this device.
Without any problems – according to the manufacturer it runs as quiet as a whisper. Silent operation is made possible by a special passive cooling system that does not require a fan. The mini PC is hardly bigger than a book but still comes with high-quality hardware.
240 gigabyte SSD hard drive.
4 gigabytes of DDR3 memory.
Graphics Intel HD up to 512 MB HDMI/VGA.
1,000 Mbit network output.
2x USB 2.0 and 3x USB 3.0 ports.
Mini PC
This device is also a mini PC that can be used immediately. Windows 10 64-bit version is already installed. In addition three fast USB 3.0 ports are built into the compact ITX housing of the computer. Which enable fast data transfer. The scope of delivery includes a WLAN AC stick with up to 600 megabytes per second in the 2.4 and 5 gigahertz frequency ranges. This means that a fast Internet connection is possible with this device.
Card reader and USB-C connection are attached to the front of the Windows Mini PC and open up extensive connectivity.
4. MeLE Quieter2 Fanless Mini PC with Kensington lock for anti-theft protection
The MeLE Quieter2 Fanless Mini-PC has an Intel Gemini Lake Celeron J4125 processor. The four cores of which are each clocked at 2.0 gigahertz with a boost function to 2.7 gigahertz. The manufacturer uses an Intel HD Graphics 600 as the graphics card.
The 64-bit version of Windows 10 Pro is preinstalled as the operating system. The mini PC has 8 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM and an integrated eMMC hard drive with a storage capacity of 128 gigabytes. English is set as the language of the operating system but according to the manufacturer. It can be switched to other languages such as German Spanish French or Italian.
Kensington
With Kensington lock to prevent theft: The MeLE Quieter2 Fanless Mini-PC has a Kensington lock i.e. A security cable with a lock. It is used to secure electronic devices from theft.
The innovative and Fanless heat dissipation design of the mini PC is quiet and energy efficient. According to the manufacturer and is also able to reduce malfunctions. The model offers dual-band WLAN and LAN with transfer rates of up to 1,000 Mbit per second. Bluetooth version 4.2 is also available.
According to MeLE the scope of delivery of the model includes a power supply unit. A user manual a Vesa mount and a silicone cooling pad for SSD heat dissipation. The Mini-PC has the following connections and slots.
4x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C
2x HDMI 2.0 for 4K, 60 Hertz,1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x SD card slot, 1x Gigabit LAN port, 1x power button, 1x Kensington lock for anti-theft protection.
5. Beelink SEi8 Mini PC with mounting bracket included
The Beelink SEi8 Mini PC has an 8th generation Intel Core i3-8109 processor with two cores clocked. At 3.0 GHz each with a boost function to 3.6 GHz. The manufacturer relies on an Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 graphics card. The mini PC has 8 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM and two additional DDR4 slots for an expansion of up to 32 gigabytes.
The integrated SSD hard drive has a storage capacity of 256 gigabytes and can be expanded by up to 2 terabytes. The reading speed of the hard disk is up to 1,900 megabytes per second. The 64-bit version of Windows 10 Pro is preinstalled as the operating system. According to Beelink Windows 11 and Linux are also supported.
With dual HDMI port: The Beelink SEi8 Mini PC offers a dual HDMI port for multitasking and connecting multiple monitors, projectors or TVs.
Beelink SEi8 Mini PC
According to the manufacturer, the mini PC has a first-class ventilation system and therefore works with a noise level of only 30 decibels. The model has an integrated antenna for Wi-Fi 5, a LAN port and Bluetooth version 5.0. According to the manufacturer, the mini PC supports several operating systems such as Windows and Linux and several languages.
According to Beelink, the model comes with two HDMI cables , a SATA cable in the PC, a 57-watt power supply unit and a manual. Thanks to a Vesa mount that is also supplied, it is possible to simply hang the mini PC on the back of a Vesa-capable monitor or smart TV .
6. Chuwi Herobox Mini PC with smooth 4K decoding
The Chuwi Herobox Mini PC has an Intel Gemini Lake N4100 processor with four cores clocked at 1.1 GHz each with a boost function to 2.4 GHz. For the graphics card, the manufacturer relies on an Intel HD Graphics 600 with 4K UHD decoding for 60 gigahertz videos. The mini PC has 8 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM and an integrated SSD hard drive with a storage capacity of 256 gigabytes. According to Chuwi, the latter can be expanded by up to 256 gigabytes with a microSD card and an additional SSD slot by 2 terabytes. The 64-bit version of Windows 10 Home is preinstalled as the operating system.
Chuwi Herobox Mini PC
With High Performance Heat Dissipation: According to the manufacturer, the Chuwi Herobox Mini PC adopts scientific design and adopts heat-dissipating aluminum alloy for continuous and effective cooling with numerous cooling holes.
The mini PC supports the display of up to three screens on the same device, two of them via a classic VGA output. This model also has two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports. The PC comes with a 12-month warranty from the manufacturer. It supports dual-band WiFi for the 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands and has an RJ45 Ethernet slot for a LAN connection. Thanks to Vesa compatibility, the mini PC can be attached to the back of a monitor or television that is also Vesa-compatible, according to Chuwi.