What is a mini PC?
A mini PC is a small desktop computer. It has a compact chassis, a processor, memory and storage on a single board, and it runs a full operating system such as Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux. Mini PCs fit behind a monitor, on a desk or inside a cabinet. They use less power than a tower desktop and produce less heat. Buyers choose a mini PC for office work, kiosks, digital signage, point-of-sale, edge computing and embedded control.
Key specifications to compare
When you buy a mini PC, compare the processor, memory, storage and networking first.
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Processor: The processor sets the computing speed. The Thinvent range includes Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and Core Ultra 5 processors, an Intel Celeron N5095A, an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U and an ARM Cortex A55.
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Cores and frequency: The sample models have 4 to 12 cores. Maximum frequency ranges from 1.9 GHz to 5.0 GHz.
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Memory: Models ship with 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM. The Core Ultra 5 model uses DDR5 RAM. The other models use DDR4 RAM.
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Storage: Options include 32 GB eMMC, 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB SSD.
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Power: Adapters range from 5V 2A to 19V 3A, depending on the model.
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Wireless: Some models include Dual Band WiFi or a dual antenna WiFi module. Other models have no WiFi. Dual LAN is available on selected Aero models.
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Operating system: Choose Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux or Thinux Embedded Linux.
Comparison of the Thinvent mini PC range
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max frequency | RAM | Storage | WiFi | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | No | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | No | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | No | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR5 | 256 GB SSD | No | Ubuntu Linux |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | Dual Band | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo Mini PC | Intel N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB DDR4 | 128 GB SSD | No | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro |
| Micro 6 Pro Mini PC | ARM Cortex A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 4 GB onboard | 32 GB eMMC | Dual Antenna | Thinux Embedded Linux |
Choosing a mini PC by use case
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Office and business applications: Choose an Intel Core i5 or i7 model, or an AMD Ryzen 5 model, with 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD.
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Light office tasks and kiosks: An Intel Core i3 model with 8 GB RAM or an Intel N5095A model with 4 GB RAM is sufficient.
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Embedded and edge devices: The Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex A55 processor with 4 GB onboard RAM, 32 GB eMMC storage and an HDMI port. It runs Thinux Embedded Linux.
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Networked systems with redundant connections: Select an Aero model with Dual LAN, such as the Core i7-1255U or Core Ultra 5 125U model.
Thinvent mini PCs
Thinvent manufactures the Aero, Treo and Micro 6 Pro mini PCs described above. Aero models use Intel Core processors and offer Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux. Treo models use Intel and AMD processors for general office and business use. The Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex A55 processor for embedded deployments. Each model is available with the memory, storage and wireless options listed in the table.