What Is a Mini PC?
A mini PC is a small desktop computer built on a compact board and a low-power processor. It has the same core parts as a full-size PC: a processor, memory, storage, and I/O ports. Because it is small, it uses less desk space and less power. Many buyers use a mini PC as a home or office computer, a digital signage player, or a compact workstation.
Building Your Own Mini PC: Key Choices
When you configure a mini PC, you choose four main parts:
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Processor: The processor sets the speed and core count. Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and Core Ultra 5 processors are available, as are AMD Ryzen 5 processors and Intel Celeron processors for basic tasks.
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Memory: The Thinvent range has 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB of RAM. Models use DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
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Storage: Options include 32 GB eMMC and 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB SSDs.
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Operating system and connectivity: Choose Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux, or Thinux Embedded Linux. Select Dual Band WiFi or no WiFi, and choose Dual LAN on selected models.
Processor Comparison
| Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | Cache | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | Office and everyday computing |
| Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 12 MB | Multitasking and business apps |
| Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 12 MB | Demanding business workloads |
| Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 12 MB | High-speed general computing |
| Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 12 MB | AI-ready and multitasking tasks |
| AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 MB | Balanced performance and graphics |
| Intel Celeron N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 MB | Light tasks and basic kiosks |
| ARM Cortex-A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 1 MB | Embedded and low-power applications |
Use Cases
Mini PCs fit many roles. Office staff use them for documents, email, and browsing. Kiosks and digital signage use them for continuous display. Embedded and industrial projects use them for control tasks. Developers use them for Linux testing. Choose a higher-core processor and more RAM for multitasking, and a lower-power processor for simple, always-on tasks.
Thinvent Mini PCs
Thinvent manufactures mini PCs in the Aero, Treo, and Micro series. Aero models use Intel Core processors with up to 16 GB of memory. Treo models include Intel Celeron and AMD Ryzen 5 options. The Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex-A55 processor with Thinux Embedded Linux for compact embedded use. Use the configurator on this page to select a processor, memory, storage, and operating system that fits your project.
