How to choose a mini PC
This guide helps you understand which criteria to compare before you buy a product. We do not claim to have tested any product, and the guide contains no price or stock information.
Checklist
- Decide what it is for: office work, a home media centre, a home server or light gaming.
- Compare the processor generation and its graphics, not only the brand name.
- Choose at least 16 GB of RAM for multitasking and check whether it can be upgraded.
- Prefer an NVMe SSD and check for a free slot for extra storage.
- Count the ports you need: HDMI/DisplayPort for screens, USB-C, Ethernet speed.
- Check fan noise and cooling in independent reviews if it will sit on your desk.
- Check the included operating system licence, the power adapter plug and the warranty in your country.
Before you head to the store
Confirm the exact model number, whether it can be delivered to your address, the final total price, shipping costs, the return period and the seller's reliability directly with the store. For cross-border purchases, taxes, customs and warranty terms may differ.