What is a mini PC?
A mini PC is a complete desktop computer built into a small chassis. It has a processor, memory, storage and the ports needed to connect displays, keyboards and networks. Mini PCs take up little desk or rack space and draw less power than full-size towers.
Mini PCs suit offices, digital signage, kiosks, point-of-sale stations and light industrial control. Buyers choose a mini PC when they need a full computer that fits in a small footprint. Processor choice sets the performance level, so the processor is the first specification to compare.
Key specifications
Thinvent mini PCs use processors from Intel and AMD, and an ARM processor in its thin client. The main specifications are:
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Processor: Sets speed and core count. Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, Intel Celeron processors and AMD Ryzen 5 processors are available across the range.
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Cores and frequency: More cores run more tasks at once. Maximum frequency sets peak single-task speed.
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Memory: Thinvent has 2 GB to 64 GB of RAM. 8 GB or 16 GB suits most office and business workloads.
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Storage: Solid-state drives from 16 GB eMMC to 1 TB SSD.
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Connectivity: HDMI outputs, USB ports, Ethernet, and WiFi options.
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Operating system: Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT Value, Ubuntu Linux, or Thinux embedded Linux.
Mini PC comparison
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max frequency | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinvent Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD |
| Thinvent Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD |
| Thinvent Treo Mini PC | Intel Celeron N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB | 128 GB SSD |
| Thinvent Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD |
| Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client | ARM Cortex A53 | 4 | 2.0 GHz | 2 GB | 16 GB eMMC |
Choosing a mini PC
Choose a processor based on the workload. Celeron processors handle basic office tasks, web access and digital signage playback. Core i3 and i5 processors handle multitasking, business applications and light development. Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 5 processors handle heavier workloads. Thin clients use an ARM processor and run a managed desktop from a server.
Select memory and storage to match the software. Windows 11 Pro needs more memory than embedded Linux. Choose an operating system that matches the software your team already runs.
Thinvent mini PCs and industrial PCs
Thinvent builds a range of mini PCs, industrial PCs, thin clients and all-in-one PCs. The Thinvent Aero Mini PC, Thinvent Treo Mini PC, Thinvent Industrial PC IPC3, Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5, Thinvent 15" Industrial Panel PC and Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client cover the range shown on this page. Models with Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors suit office and industrial use, the AMD Ryzen 5 model suits business desktops, and the Micro 5R suits managed thin client deployments.
