New
#1
pros and cons of mini PC?
I am very obsessed with mini desktop PC that is like a small box. It saves a lot of space. In addition to space saving, is there any obvious advantage and disadvantage of a mini PC?
pros and cons of mini PC?
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New #3
The problem with such comparisons is that "Mini PC" is a very generic term. These devices vary greatly in price, performance, size, serviceability, and internal and external expansion. If you could define specifically what you are interested in, preferably a specific product, meaningful comparisons could be made.
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New #4
https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-Comp...gateway&sr=8-3
I have worked on a couple of these for a customer. They are extremely compact but powerful, the price is right for Bare Bones models, which are the pros. The cons are there is very little you can upgrade or expand on. There is space for One drive, 2 RAM modules. 1 Mini-Display Port and 1 HDMI, But if you want something in between a laptop and a desktop, this is it.
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New #6
As is the case with all PC recommendations and Pros & cons, the question is:
What do yo want to do with it?
Facebook machine? passive cooling is enough, like the ZOTAC Z Box
Watch media? Fan cooling will be ok
Remote to it? Fan cooled again.
Real work? No way unless AIO/CLC liquid cool, which means a little bit larger for a radiator.
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New #7
Mini PCs can do everything but graphically-intensive tasks.
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New #8
@Tsw88
Hi folks
If you want a small footprint adequate PC - try going for things like HP Proliant GEN 10 Microserver -- being server grade hardware they will run properly 24/7 (built as a server and not as a quickly put together tiny consumer grade box that can overheat quickly etc etc) . I use one of these as a NAS --runs fine with a load of Windows VM's on it too.
With these you can have up to 4 HDD's in the internal Bays -- really easy to mount etc -- note though not hot swappable and these also have better LAN (X2) than domestic stuff.
Decent 4 core CPU , built in graphics (2 outport ports -- DVI but DVI-->HDMI adapter works for that too -- and HDMI sound out is fine as well. Enough space fo 2 small (1/2 size) expansion slots if you want. " 2 Memory slots so up to 32 GB RAM possible.
Minipc's are very limited and for what they are quite expensive -- go for the server and populate it with what you need -- boot from SSD possible too without having to boot from one of the HDD bays -- put SSD where the DVD drive is mounted and connect to Power / SATA on Mobo. You can alo use MOLEX connectors for power to the SSD.
Here's one of these microservers partially populated
HPE 873830-421 now 35% off ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 X3216, 8GB DDR4 up to 32GB, 4x LFF
I'd recommennd though just getting the plain Box with the relevant CPU you need and then populating it yourself. Memory, SSD and HDD's plug in easily.
Cheers
jimbo
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New #9
I would say the biggest con may be limited upgradeability? Amount of upgradable parts and expansion ports etc. I say "may be" because it all depends on what you buy, how much you spend on said mini PC etc.
I'm a big Raspberry Pi fanatic. Its a single board computer, about the size of a deck of cards. What you get is what you get. You can add hardware to it, but its not upgradeable without buying a newer faster model. On the plus side its only 35 bucks. =) (~46 CAD) Raspberry Pi 4 (1GB, 2GB, or 4GB) – Pimoroni
Mini PC, >> Raspberry Pi Zero WH (pre-soldered) – Pimoroni
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New #10
Those little things (pi's) do not come with Windows either.I would say the biggest con may be limited upgradeability? Amount of upgradable parts and expansion ports etc. I say "may be" because it all depends on what you buy, how much you spend on said mini PC etc.
I'm a big Raspberry Pi fanatic. Its a single board computer, about the size of a deck of cards. What you get is what you get. You can add hardware to it, but its not upgradeable without buying a newer faster model. On the plus side its only 35 bucks. =) (~46 CAD) Raspberry Pi 4 (1GB, 2GB, or 4GB) – Pimoroni
Mini PC, >> Raspberry Pi Zero WH (pre-soldered) – Pimoroni
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