What is a mini PC?
A mini PC is a complete desktop computer in a small chassis. It includes a processor, memory, storage, and I/O ports in a body that fits on a desk, behind a monitor, or in a rack. Mini PCs run standard operating systems such as Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu Linux, or embedded Linux on compact ARM boards. They suit office work, digital signage, kiosks, point-of-sale systems, edge computing, and light industrial control.
Key specifications to compare
Mini PCs in the Thinvent range differ mainly by processor, memory, storage, and wireless connectivity. The main specifications are:
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Processor: Intel Core i3, i5, i7, Core Ultra 5, Celeron, AMD Ryzen 5, or ARM Cortex-A55
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Cores and frequency: from 4 cores at up to 1.9 GHz to 12 cores at up to 5.0 GHz
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Memory: 4 GB to 16 GB, DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, or 4 GB onboard RAM on the ARM model
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Storage: 32 GB eMMC on the ARM model, and 128 GB to 512 GB SSD on the x86 models
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Wireless: No WiFi, Dual Band WiFi, or Dual Antenna WiFi, depending on the model
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Networking: Dual LAN on selected Aero models
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Power: 5V 2A, 12V 5A, 12V 7A, or 19V 3A adapters, depending on the model
| Model family | Processor | Cores | Max frequency | RAM | Storage | Operating system |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero (i3-1215U) | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux |
| Aero (Core 5 120U) | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero (i5-1335U) | Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero (i7-1255U) | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero (Core Ultra 5 125U) | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR5 | 256 GB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo (N5095A) | Intel Celeron N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB DDR4 | 128 GB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo (Ryzen 5 7430U) | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 8 to 16 GB DDR4 | 256 to 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Micro 6 Pro | ARM Cortex-A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 4 GB onboard | 32 GB eMMC | Thinux Embedded Linux |
Choosing a mini PC
For general office and business applications, an Intel Core i5 or i7 model with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD gives the most headroom. For basic tasks, kiosks, and thin-client-style use, the Celeron N5095A model with Ubuntu Linux is a low-cost option. For embedded and always-on devices where power draw and footprint matter most, the ARM-based Micro 6 Pro runs Thinux Embedded Linux. Choose a model with Dual Band WiFi when wireless networking is needed. Choose a model without WiFi when the device connects by cable.
Thinvent mini PCs
Thinvent has mini PCs in three families. The Aero series uses Intel Core processors, from the Core i3 to the Core Ultra 5, and runs Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux. The Treo series uses an Intel Celeron processor or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and runs Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux. The Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex-A55 processor and runs Thinux Embedded Linux. Each family has several memory, storage, WiFi, and power adapter options.
