Mini computers are becoming more and more popular thanks to their modest size and impressive power. Creators are able to easily carry their mini PCs to and from the office, and still get the same specs as a normal desktop.
From Apple to Intel, tech companies continue to expand the abilities of the miniature computer. Here’s a roundup of 2020’s best mini PCs.
Intel NUC 10 ()
Features:
- Intel i5 processor, four-cores
- Intel UHD graphics
- Supports Windows 10
- Supports three separate displays
- Configurable for hard drive and memory
The Intel NUC 10 can be a powerful and compact unit when configured. This mini PC kit comes with a 10th generation Intel processor and Intel UHD graphics — the rest is available to build to fit your needs. The included processor is an Intel i5 with four-cores, and other builds have the option of two- or six-cores.
The NUC 10 can be configured with up to 64GB of memory; plenty RAM for hefty music production, complex video editing, or thousands of lines of code. The NUC 10 is compatible with both SSDs and HDDs — whichever fits your needs.
If you’re in hunt for monitor space, the Intel NUC 10 can support up to three displays via HDMI 2.0 or USB-C.
Apple Mac Mini ()
Features:
- New M1 Chip
- 8-core CPU
- 8-GPU
- 512GB SSD
- 8GB Memory
Apple users can’t go wrong with an Apple Mac Mini. The new models come with the innovative M1 chip that lends three-times faster processing and six-times faster graphics. This bundle comes with 512GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, an 8-core CPU, and 8-core GPU. It’s the perfect baseline of specs to handle heavy creative applications like Premiere Pro and Logic.
The Mac Mini has a small 7.7-inch-square design that can be easily carried in a backpack. In terms of inputs and outputs, the mini computer comes with two Thunderbolt ports, two USB-A, HDMI 2.0, and Gigabit ethernet. To top it off, the Mac Mini has a 16-core Neural Engine for advanced Machine Learning to speed up functions like image processing, vocal recognition, and more.
MSI Cubi N ()
Features:
- Intel Celeron N4000 processor
- 64GB SSD
- 4GB RAM
- Only 0.45L
- Fan-less design
- Supports dual monitor
The Cubi N from MSI one of the best cost-effective and space-saving mini PCs It measures at a mere 0.45 liters. Thanks to a crafty fan-less design, the Cubi N is practically silent and has a long life cycle. The mini PC does support dual monitors capable of 4K, so users can easily multi-task with plenty of screen space.
The specs fit the needs of those using small applications, browsing the internet, and streaming videos. The Intel Celeron N4000 processor can handle 4K playback, and the 4GB of memory is capable of photo editing and light video editing. It includes 64GB of storage, so consider connecting an external SSD if you’re holding a load of heavy files.
HP ProDesk 600 G4 ()
Features:
- Intel i5-8600T processor
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Windows 10 Pro
The HP ProDesk 600 G4 is a capable mini computer that can be further configured for more productivity. The G4 comes with 8GB of RAM but can be configured with up to 32GB of DDR4 memory — more than enough to smoothly run Final Cut Pro, Visual Studio Code, or Pro Tools. The 256GB SSD has reasonable read and write speeds, but users can link an SSD RAID via the dual M.2 slots.
The Intel Core i5-8600T has a decent clock speed of 2.3GHz and can be turbo boosted up to 3.7GHz. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 is good for simple graphics functions. To save space, the HP ProDesk 600 G4 can be attached to the back of your monitor.
Looking for more on-the-go computing? Check out our list of best travel laptops for creatives.
Feature image via Adorama
