Can a small PC be used with a TV?
Yes. A mini PC connects to a TV through its HDMI or DisplayPort output and runs as a media player, streaming box, digital signage player or home display. The TV acts as the monitor. Thinvent mini PCs are compact enough to mount behind a TV or place on a shelf.
Key specifications to check
When choosing a mini PC for a TV, check these items:
-
Processor: Determines how smoothly 4K video, browser and app content play. Intel Core i5 and i7 models, and AMD Ryzen 5 models, have more cores for multitasking.
-
Memory: 8 GB is enough for media playback and light browsing. 16 GB suits multiple apps and heavier workloads.
-
Storage: A 128 GB or 256 GB SSD holds the operating system, apps and local media files.
-
Display output: Confirm the mini PC has an HDMI port that matches the TV input.
-
Wireless: Dual Band WiFi suits streaming on a wireless network. Models without WiFi need a wired LAN connection.
-
Operating system: Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux, depending on the model.
Thinvent mini PC options for TV use
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | RAM | Storage | WiFi | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Mini PC (i3-1215U) | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | No | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo Mini PC (N5095A) | Intel N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB DDR4 | 128 GB SSD | No | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7430U) | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro |
| Micro 6 Pro Mini PC | ARM Cortex A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 4 GB | 32 GB eMMC | Dual Antenna | Thinux Embedded Linux |
| Aero Mini PC (i5-1335U) | Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | No | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC (i7-1255U) | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | No | Windows 11 Pro |
The Thinvent range does not include a model with an Intel Core 5 120U processor for this use; the Intel Core 5 120U model in the range has 16 GB DDR4 RAM, 512 GB SSD and Dual Band WiFi.
Which model suits a TV
-
Media playback and streaming: Treo Mini PC with Intel N5095A, or the Micro 6 Pro for a low-power display player.
-
Browsing and office apps on a TV: Aero Mini PC with Intel Core i3-1215U, or Treo Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 5 7430U.
-
Heavy multitasking: Aero Mini PC with Intel Core i5-1335U or i7-1255U.
Thinvent mini PCs for TV and display use
Thinvent manufactures mini PCs, industrial computers, thin clients and all-in-one PCs for customers worldwide. The Aero and Treo mini PC ranges offer Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors, DDR4 memory, SSD storage and Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux. The Micro 6 Pro has an ARM processor with an HDMI port for embedded display use.
