What Is the Best Mini Computer?
The best mini computer depends on the workload, operating system and connectivity needed. A mini PC is a compact desktop computer that runs full desktop software in a small chassis. Thinvent builds mini PCs with Intel, AMD and ARM processors, so buyers can match performance, power use and cost to the task.
Key Specifications to Compare
Mini PCs in this range differ mainly in processor, memory, storage and wireless support:
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Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U, Intel Core i5-1335U, Intel Core i7-1255U, Intel Core 5 120U and Intel Core Ultra 5 125U models offer 6 to 12 cores with boost clocks up to 5.0 GHz. AMD Ryzen 5 7430U models offer 6 cores with boosts up to 4.3 GHz. The Intel N5095A model has 4 cores with boosts up to 2.9 GHz for light tasks.
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Memory: Configurations include 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB. The Ultra 5 125U model uses 16 GB DDR5. Other models use DDR4.
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Storage: Options include 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB SSDs. The Micro 6 Pro uses 32 GB eMMC storage.
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Networking: Dual Band WiFi and Dual LAN are available on selected models. Some models have no WiFi.
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Operating system: Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux and Thinux Embedded Linux are available.
Mini PC Comparison
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | RAM | Storage | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR5 | 256 GB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo Mini PC | Intel N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB DDR4 | 128 GB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Micro 6 Pro Mini PC | ARM Cortex A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 4 GB onboard | 32 GB eMMC | Thinux Embedded Linux |
Use Cases
Mini PCs with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and 16 GB of memory suit office work, multitasking and business applications. Ryzen 5 models suit general computing and multitasking. The Micro 6 Pro suits embedded and digital signage projects that run Linux. Models with Dual LAN suit networked industrial and kiosk deployments.
Thinvent Mini PCs
Thinvent has Aero and Treo mini PCs with Intel and AMD processors, and the Micro 6 Pro with an ARM processor. Buyers can select the processor, memory, storage, wireless option and operating system that match their use.
