What is the best mini PC?
The best mini PC depends on the workload. For everyday office work, web browsing and video streaming, an Intel Core i3 or Core i5 is enough. For heavier multitasking, development and content editing, a Core i5 or Core i7 with 16GB of memory or more is the better choice. A mini PC is a compact computer that fits on a desk or behind a monitor and uses less space and power than a full tower PC.
Key specifications to compare
Processor generation, core count and memory determine most of the performance difference between mini PCs. The Thinvent Aero Mini PC with the Intel Core 5 120U has 10 cores, a maximum frequency of 5.0 GHz and 12 MB of cache. The Thinvent Treo Mini PC with the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U has 6 cores, a maximum frequency of 4.3 GHz and 16 MB of cache. The Thinvent Treo Mini PC with the Intel N5095A has 4 cores, a maximum frequency of 2.9 GHz and 4 MB of cache, and suits basic office tasks and light use.
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | Cache | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 MB | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD |
| Treo Mini PC | Intel N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 MB | 4 GB | 128 GB SSD |
Use cases
Choose a mini PC with a Core i3 or Core i5 for office applications, spreadsheets, video calls and web use. Choose a model with 16GB of memory or more for software development, photo and video editing, and running several applications at once. A compact model with a Celeron or Core i3 processor fits kiosks, digital signage and classroom computers where a low power draw matters.
Thinvent mini PCs
Thinvent has the Aero Mini PC and the Treo Mini PC in several processor and memory configurations. The Aero Mini PC is available with the Intel Core i3-1215U or Intel Core 5 120U, with 8GB or 16GB of DDR4 memory. The Treo Mini PC is available with the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U or the Intel N5095A. Both lines include a 12V or 19V power adapter and support Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux.
