What is a mini PC?
A mini PC is a complete desktop computer in a small, compact chassis. It runs a full operating system such as Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux or an embedded Linux distribution. Mini PCs use less desk space than tower computers and draw less power. They suit office work, digital signage, kiosks, point-of-sale systems, edge computing and light industrial control.
Thinvent mini PCs use processors from Intel, AMD and ARM. Each model lists its processor generation, core count, maximum frequency, cache size and RAM. Buyers choose a model by matching these specifications to the workload. Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors and AMD Ryzen 5 processors suit multitasking and business applications. The Intel Celeron N5095A suits basic tasks and kiosk use. The ARM Cortex A55 suits embedded and always-on applications.
Key specifications
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Processor: The range includes Intel Core i3, i5, i7, Core Ultra 5, Celeron N5095A, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U and ARM Cortex A55 processors.
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Cores: Core counts range from 4 cores on the Celeron N5095A and ARM Cortex A55 to 12 cores on the Core Ultra 5 125U.
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Maximum frequency: Frequencies range from 1.9 GHz on the ARM Cortex A55 to 5.0 GHz on the Intel Core 5 120U.
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Memory: RAM options are 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB. The Core Ultra 5 125U model uses DDR5 RAM. Other models use DDR4 RAM.
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Storage: Storage options are 32 GB eMMC on the ARM model, and 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB SSD on the other models.
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Wireless: Some models include Dual Band WiFi or dual antenna WiFi. Other models have no WiFi.
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Networking: The Aero Core i7-1255U model includes Dual LAN. The Aero Core Ultra 5 125U model also includes Dual LAN.
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Power: Adapters range from 5V 2A to 19V 3A, depending on the model.
Mini PC comparison
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max frequency | RAM | Storage | Wireless | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | No WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo Mini PC | Intel N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB DDR4 | 128 GB SSD | No WiFi | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Micro 6 Pro Mini PC | ARM Cortex A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 4 GB | 32 GB eMMC | Dual Antenna WiFi | Thinux Embedded Linux |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | No WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | Dual Band WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | No WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR5 | 256 GB SSD | No WiFi | Ubuntu Linux |
Choosing a mini PC
For office and business work, choose a model with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and 16 GB of RAM. For kiosks and basic display tasks, the Celeron N5095A model suits light workloads. For embedded and always-on devices, the ARM Cortex A55 model runs Thinux Embedded Linux. Choose Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux based on the software the application needs.
Thinvent mini PCs
Thinvent has the Aero, Treo and Micro 6 Pro mini PC families. The Aero range covers Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and Core Ultra 5 processors. The Treo range covers Intel Celeron and AMD Ryzen 5 processors. The Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex A55 processor. Every model in the range is available with a choice of RAM, storage, power adapter and operating system.
