What Is a Mini PC?
A mini PC is a complete desktop computer built into a small chassis. It has a processor, memory, storage, and I/O ports in a box that is often smaller than a hardcover book. Mini PCs run standard operating systems such as Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu Linux, so they can be used as desktop computers, kiosk systems, digital signage players, and office workstations.
Key Specifications
Mini PCs in the Thinvent range use Intel Core processors from the 11th to 14th generations, and one AMD Ryzen 5 7000 Series processor. Processor core counts range from 4 cores on the Intel Celeron N5095A to 12 cores on the Intel Core i5-1240P. Main memory ranges from 4 GB to 64 GB DDR4, and storage ranges from 128 GB to 1 TB SSD. Most models use a 12V or 19V DC adapter. Several models include Dual Band WiFi, and some do not. The range includes both Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu Linux options.
Mini PC Processor Comparison
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | Cache | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i5-120U (14th gen) | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i5-1240P (12th gen) | 12 | 4.4 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U (12th gen) | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB or 64 GB |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U (12th gen) | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | 8 GB |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 MB | 16 GB |
| Treo Mini PC | Intel Celeron N5095A (11th gen) | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 MB | 4 GB |
Use Cases
Mini PCs suit environments where space is limited. Common uses include point-of-sale terminals, digital signage, factory floor monitoring, machine vision controllers, and office desktops. Models with 12th-generation and newer Intel Core processors, or the AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, handle everyday office work, multitasking, and light data processing. The Intel Celeron N5095A model suits basic computing tasks and kiosk applications.
Thinvent Mini PCs
Thinvent has mini PCs in the Aero Mini PC and Treo Mini PC series. The Aero Mini PC series includes models with Intel Core i3-1215U and Intel Core 5 120U processors. The Treo Mini PC series includes models with the Intel Celeron N5095A and AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processors. Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 models, which use Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, are also suited to compact deployments in harsh environments. The Thinvent range does not include mini PCs with ARM processors; the Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client uses an ARM Cortex A53 processor and is a thin client rather than a mini PC.
