The Mac Mini is a compact desktop computer from Apple that runs macOS. For buyers who want a small desktop that runs Linux, Thinvent's Treo Mini PC is a strong alternative. Several Treo configurations offer Ubuntu Linux and Thinux™ Embedded Linux as selectable operating systems, with Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors and up to 64 GB of RAM.
We could not confirm the Mac Mini's processor, memory, storage or operating system options from the details available to us, so the table below shows the Mac Mini column as "Not confirmed". The Thinvent figures are taken from the Treo product details.
Mac Mini vs Thinvent Treo Mini PC
| Feature | Mac Mini | Thinvent Treo Mini PC, Intel i5 12th 1240P | Thinvent Treo Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Not confirmed | Intel Core i5-1240P (12 cores, up to 4.4 GHz) | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U (6 cores, up to 4.3 GHz) |
| Cores/Threads | Not confirmed | 12 cores | 6 cores |
| RAM | Not confirmed | Up to 64 GB DDR4 | Up to 64 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | Not confirmed | Up to 2 TB SSD | Up to 2 TB SSD |
| Form Factor | Not confirmed | Mini PC, 199.5 × 181.5 × 29.5 mm | Mini PC, 199.5 × 181.5 × 29.5 mm |
| Operating System | Not confirmed | Windows 11 Pro preinstalled. Ubuntu Linux, Thinux™ Embedded Linux, Windows 11 IoT Value, Without OS and DOS selectable | Windows 11 Pro preinstalled. Ubuntu Linux, Thinux™ Embedded Linux, Windows 11 IoT Value, Without OS and DOS selectable |
| Ethernet | Not confirmed | 2 × 1000 Mbps Ethernet ports | 1 × 1000 Mbps Ethernet |
| Wireless | Not confirmed | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), dual band (in the Wi-Fi SKU) | No WiFi (in this SKU) |
| Mounting | Not confirmed | VESA mount | VESA mount |
Key differences
-
Linux choice: Thinvent Treo Mini PCs can ship with Ubuntu Linux or Thinux™ Embedded Linux selected, alongside Windows 11 Pro.
-
Memory: Treo configurations go up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 2 TB of SSD storage.
-
Ethernet: The Treo i5 12th 1240P configuration has two 1000 Mbps Ethernet ports. The Treo Ryzen 5 7430U has one.
-
Processor choice: Thinvent has Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 and AMD Ryzen 5 options in the Treo line, so you can match the processor to your workload.
-
Trade-off: The Treo Mini PC does not run macOS. Buyers who need macOS or the Apple software ecosystem should keep the Mac Mini.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Mac Mini if you need macOS or Apple software. Choose the Thinvent Treo Mini PC if you want a small desktop that runs Ubuntu Linux or Thinux™ Embedded Linux, with up to 64 GB of RAM and up to 2 TB of SSD storage.
