The terms known as microcomputer and minicomputer may be confusing especially to those who started using computer parlance just a few times back. Both are names for distinct categories of computers which differ in size, performance, and purpose of their application. This article will provide a clear concept of Microcomputers and Minicomputers; this information will be useful, to those studying the evolution of computing devices, or those interested in the current generation of computing devices.
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A computer, as the name suggests, is a personal computer that is specially designed for personal use and generally consists of a single chip that is CPU, data memory, I/O buses, etc. It can be used by one person at a time. Its type includes tablet and smartphone microcomputers, desktop microcomputers, workstations, and server microcomputers, etc.
Example: Laptop, desktop, IBM-PC, etc.
Mini Computer, as the name suggests, is a type of computer that offers most features and capabilities that a large computer generally offers. It generally supports multiple users at a time so one can say that it is a multiprocessing system. It is a smaller computer designed for business applications and services and also can do time-sharing, batch processing, online processing, etc.
Example: AS/400 computers, Motorola , MV etc.
Micro Computer
Mini Computer
It is a personal computer introduced in and used for general purpose. It is small computer introduced in and used for operating business and scientific applications. These computers are used by people for education and entertainment. These computers are used by companies for manufacturing control of process. It is composed of single processing optimization. It is composed of double-processingand a optimization. It uses single microprocessor for single-processing purposes slow, processes CPU that performs all logic and arithmetic operations. It uses Multiple processors. Storage capacity is in terms of Gigabyte (GB). Storage capacity is in terms of Terabyte (TB). They are primarily used for word processing, managing databases or spreadsheets, graphics and general office applications. They are primarily used for process control, performing financial and administrative tasks, such as word processing and accounting.It is more cost effective and easy to use as compared to a a minicomputer. It is more costly and difficult to use as compared to microcomputers. It is very slower in speed and performance as compared to mini computers. It is faster in speed and performance as compared to microcomputers because it contains multiprocessing system that is capable of handling different users simultaneously. It uses tapes and disks as storage devices. It uses magnetic disks or tapes for secondary storage. It is less powerful as compared to mini computers. It is more powerful as compared to microcomputers. Typically designed for personal and small-scale computing tasks.Designed for larger-scale computing tasks that require high-performance computing and processing capabilities.Generally less expensive and more widely available than mini computers.More expensive than micro computers, but often more cost-effective for large-scale computing tasks.Examples include personal computers (PCs), laptops, tablets, and smartphones.Examples include mid-range servers, mainframe computers, and high-performance computing clusters.Generally have less processing power and memory than mini computers.Typically have more processing power and memory than micro computers.Often used for personal and small business applications, such as web browsing, , and word processing.Often used for scientific and engineering applications, large-scale data processing, network servers, and telecommunications.Typically run on a single processor, with limited capabilities for multi-tasking and parallel processing.Often have multiple processors and are designed for multi-tasking and parallel processing.Easy to set up and use, with a wide range of software and applications available.Typically require specialized knowledge to set up and use, with custom software and applications developed for specific tasks.Limited scalability, with less room for expansion and customization.Highly scalable, with the ability to expand and customize the system to meet specific needs.Microcomputers and mini computers differ in size, processing power, cost, user interface, and customization. Microcomputers are smaller, less powerful, less expensive, and designed for personal use, while minicomputers are larger, more powerful, more expensive, and designed for business or institutional use. Minicomputers require specialized training to operate and can be customized to meet specific requirements, while microcomputers are designed for ease of use and are not generally customizable beyond adding components.
With more than 100 mini computers tested, benchmarked, and reviewed, I've rounded up the best mini PC models you can get right now - whether you want a discreet PC for class or work or a small form-factor for video editing and content creation.
If you just need a mini computer that can effectively do it all, and doesn't need any tinkering, I recommend the Apple Mac mini (M4). This stunningly designed machine really impressed us during review, powering through everything from running office apps to image and video editing. I'm also a fan of the Geekom AX8 Pro for those who want a Windows mini PC that delivers high performance across the board. And for those looking for a cheap mini PC, I find the GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus offers a good mini computer with excellent specs for its price.
Every mini PC in this round-up has been personally reviewed by my team, comparing specs and benchmarking performance using industry-standard tools. You'll find a , from ready-made models, to barebones units that are perfect for upgrading and kitting out.
The Apple Mac mini is our top choice for users who want a smooth and powerful computing experience that won’t break the bank.
Since first getting an M-series chip, the Mac mini has been the best mini PC around, and equipped with the latest M4 chipset only makes it even better. This is a device that’s more than capable of everything from productivity tasks to photo and video editing. All on 16GB RAM, amazingly optimized by Apple.
Our expert reviewer used the M4 Mac mini for general office tasks, admin, browsing the web - what I’d call the essentials - and found the device worked perfectly. For 4K video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro and other intensive workloads, the machine still brilliantly kept pace, and remained virtually silent (perfect for shared workspaces). Playing games was fair, too, although you’d never mistake the device for a gaming mini PC. And what about Apple Intelligence? It’s been hyped to the Nth degree, but we found it…fine. It was good, capable, but evidently still in its infancy. One to watch.
But overall, powered by the M4, the Apple Mac mini retains its lead above rivals. For performance, price, and size, there’s just no beating it.
Read our full Apple Mac mini (M4) review
After an extensive review, we found the M5 Plus from GMKtec to be an affordable mini PC with plenty of positives and relatively few negatives considering the cost.
Available in a range of configurations, from the cheap barebones options to a fully fledged mini desktop running Windows 11 Pro and sporting the AMD Ryzen 7 U, 32GB, and 1TB storage. At its cheapest, it retails for around $230 / £190, up to around $400 for the higher-end model - although I’ve seen it regularly discounted.
Speaking of barebones, we were pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to open up the device and get inside - the top of the case can be easily prised away, and the four screws holding everything in place are clearly visible, unlike some we’ve reviewed. For anyone familiar with building PCs, it won’t take more than ten minutes to upgrade the RAM, storage, and reboot the system. For IT professionals, one of the best features here is the dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, making it a great pick for those creating a custom firewall with a suitable Linux distro.
Performance was good overall - in balanced mode, the unit was effectively silent, while the fans did start kicking in when we switched over to performance mode. As a budget mini PC, some corners have been cut. There’s no metal enclosure here (although the plastic casing did a good job of keeping components safe and fans kept everything cool during use). Nor does it feature the latest Ryzen 7 processor, and still has a Radeon Vega 8 GPU. Not one for gamers and power users, then, but for general office and server duties, presentations, and running firewalls, most boxes are ticked here.
For a cheap mini PC, also consider the Beelink U59 (see our Beelink U59 review), which is half the price, but only has an Intel Celeron processor.
Read our full GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus mini PC review
With its all-metal casing, stylish design, and high performance in our tests, the Geekom AX8 Pro is one of the best mini PCs running Windows, and a good pick for those that need a device for all-round use.
Performance across a host of software was impressive, even with apps that usually require extra compute like Photoshop, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. Check out the full review for our benchmark results, but needless to say, with the specs of this unit, it scored well across the board. It even proved solid for gaming - Fire Strike and Time Spy scores, especially for graphics and physics, prove that in medium settings, the AX8 Pro is well-equipped to tackle graphically intensive modern gaming titles.
The inclusion of USB 4.0 and 3.2 ports for connecting external monitors, external GPU, and storage for ultra-fast data transfers makes it suitable for photographers and video editors working with large data files. Having said that, we clocked some slowdown when we attempted to edit 4K video footage with a high bitrate, but nothing that interrupted our general workflow. In general, performance remained smooth and responsive whether conducting creative tasks or running basic office apps.
Under complex workloads, the fans did kick in, but the system remained cool and in any case, we didn’t find them especially loud. Overall, a great all-rounder, ideal for demanding office work and medium creative applications.
Read our full Geekom AX8 Pro mini PC review
Impressed by its size and strength, we found the Minisforum UM790 Pro is one of the best mini computers for video editing. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 HS CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, in our tests it excelled in processor and graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming and 4K video editing. A number of our recommended mini PCs are up to the task, but compared to the likes of the Apple Mac mini and the AX8 Pro, this model is comparatively well-priced and well-specced, making it a good pick.
For creatives dealing with large files, the machine’s 32GB DDR5 dual-channel RAM (expandable to 64GB) and dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots (1TB installed) are well up to the task. Elsewhere, we were pleased with the port selection here, which includes USB 4.0 and HDMI 2.1 for connecting high-res displays. And yes, there’s VESA mounting for those looking to tuck this mini PC away.
During benchmark tests, the UM790 Pro proved to be a solid performer - and those high scores (see full review for more) translated into outstanding real-world performance when we ran Photoshop and Premiere Pro. We could even run games in a medium setting on this mini-beast without any issues.
The design might be plain, but it's practical, emphasizing functionality. While priced in the mid-range for a high-end mini PC, its strong performance and features justify the cost, appealing to those seeking powerful performance in a compact form. Alternatively, we’d recommend the Apple Mac Studio for professional video editors.
Read our full Minisforum UM790 Pro review
Well-suited to office environments, the Dell Optiplex Micro Plus boasts a compact size that belies its power and abilities. It’s worth noting that, after testing, we found this desktop to be designed - almost tailored - to the business use case. It’s not a mini PC for graphics-based projects or heavy workloads and processing.
With that in mind, it performed remarkably well. It capably tackled multi-tasking and ran business apps with absolute ease. We tried it out by opening a multitude of spreadsheets and multiple windows while browsing the web, and saw no noticeable performance issues. Charts, graphs, images were all handled well. While lightweight, build quality feels robust enough to endure life in a busy office, or carried on the commute.
Port selection is where we felt this mini PC was lacking. Yes, there’s the usual array of USB-C ports, three DisplayPorts, but HDMI is an optional extra (we didn’t have one on our review unit). If that’s a deal-breaker, I strongly recommend checking out our Minisforum Venus NAB9 mini PC review, which we found also well-suited to the office environment and has two HDMI ports. We were also disappointed with the built-in 512GB storage, which is far from generous these days, and will likely require an external SSD or cloud storage back-up.
Still, for business-grade performance, the Dell OptiPlex Micro Plus does everything you’d need it to do, with a couple of configurations bumping the base unit’s Intel Core i5 to Core i7 and switching 16GB RAM to 32GB, for those who need more power.
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Read our full Dell OptiPlex Micro Plus mini PC review
Not all mini PCs are capable of handling modern games - but the Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT doesn’t have that problem. We ran the likes of Cyberpunk and Tekken 8 without any problems at all, and overall we found gaming performance was excellent.
That’s not all it can do, of course - this isn’t a one-trick pony, after all - and the machine also tackled the Microsoft Office suite well, too. Web browsing, word processing, and spreadsheet editing felt smooth. And when we turned our attention to content creation, Photoshop and Premiere Pro both performed well. However, we recommend taking advantage of the USB-C port to attach an external SSD, because there are storage limitations.
Specs-wise, the AtomMan G7 PT features an AMD Ryzen 9 HX chip, AMD Radeon RX M XT GPU, and 32GB DDR5 dual-channel memory, which is expandable up to 96GB. You’ll also find a 1TB M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSD slot, with an extra M.2 PCIe 4.0 slot for expanding storage, too.
The design may be more gamer-oriented than a lot of other, subtler mini PCs, but beyond that, we don’t have any real issues with the machine. Alternatively, the Asus ROG NUC 970 is a good p gaming mini PC (see our Asus ROG NUC 970 review) - but it does have a higher price-tag.
Read our full Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT mini PC review
Assuming you’re a content creator avoiding the usual Apple suggestions of the Mac mini and Mac Studio, we really liked what’s on offer from the Geekom A8 Max. In appearance, the Geekom A8 Max is fairly similar to the Mac mini, with its sleek, silver, matte aluminum casing (imitation being the highest form of flattery). But it’s got the specs most creatives will need, even at pro-level.
This mini PC comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 chip with AMD Radeon 780M graphics (A Ryzen 7 variant is available). Rounding out the core specs is a 2TB SDD and 32GB DDR5- MT/s RAM, expandable up to 64GB.
In our benchmark and real-world tests, performance was good. It’s more than capable of running office apps, browsing the web, checking emails - as you’d expect. But it’s also perfectly equipped for editing photos or video editing up to 8K. Overall, we were impressed with the overall performance of the A8 Max - particularly how the AMD AI-enhanced processor handled the AI tasks accessible through the Adobe Creative Suite.
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Having said that, with its integrated GPU, it’s still going to struggle to power through any pro-grade 3D modeling or for playing games at max settings. And of course, while it will effortlessly run all your basic office apps and media streaming, if that’s all you’re intending to do, you’ll find cheaper mini PCs capable of doing that.
Overall, though, this one ticks the boxes most general content creators are going to need. Check out our Geekom AE8 mini PC review for a good alternative that’s not dissimilar in specs or design.
Read our full Geekom A8 Max mini PC review
Let’s get this straight - if you want the power of a true workstation, you’ll absolutely want to opt for a traditional desktop or even a mobile workstation laptop. But if you’re looking for a compact alternative, then the Beelink GTi12 Ultra with the company's external GPU dock is a good option.
As a standalone device, there’s much to like about this large mini PC, which comes equipped with a Intel Core i9-H processor with double the power limit found on most laptops featuring the chip, 1TB SSD, and 32GB RAM expandable to 96GB. And for standard mini PC usage - running servers, office software, streaming media - it proved more than capable in our tests. Build construction also impressed us, the design and engineering perhaps matching the likes of Apple devices (well, almost). Port selection is also good, and includes one Thunderbolt 4 port, five USB-A, and one USB-C.
But this Nuc comes into its own when paired with the optional Beelink Multi-Functional EX Docking Station, letting you connect and power an external GPU. This ability to hook up PCI cards is, at present, the most unique approach we’ve seen to beefing up the specs of a mini PC. We paired the device and dock with a Sapphire RX graphics card and benchmark testing showed it had about twice the speed of a mobile workstation like the Dell Precision with an Nvidia RTX .
Costs will begin to stack up here, as you’ll need to buy the mini PC, the dock, and an external graphics card. So, for those on a budget, it’s not going to be suitable. Nor can it really compete with the latest workstations with the highest-spec components. We should also note the dock only supports dual-slot video cards, so not every card will fit. But if you want a well-constructed mini PC with a graphics boost, it’s worth exploring.
Read our full Beelink GTi12 Ultra mini PC review
Looking for one of the smallest mini PCs around? Then you’ll want to see the MSI Cubi NUC 1M. Measuring 135.6 x 132.5 x 50.10mm, it’s one of the most compact devices we’ve tested - although it’s not technically the smallest mini PC on our books (for that, check out our Minisforum Mercury EM780 review).
Still, as far as a saving on space goes, there’s plenty to recommend here, with the device boasting up to an Intel Core 7 chip, a maximum of 64GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. A barebones model is also available for those who want more freedom to build and upgrade their own unit.
In our tests, we found this machine effortlessly ran as a media server, streaming videos, supported multiple displays, and all the usual office software most people will need. With a raft of features, we’d also suggest this mini PC would work for digital displays and as a data back-up device. During the two days of dedicated use, we experienced no problems at all.
Possibly the best part about this mini PC, beyond its small size, is the port selection, where you’ll find dual HDMI ports, two Thunderbolt ports, two 2.5G ethernet lines, four USB-A ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD Card reader.
It’s not really designed for creative use, so don’t go expecting it to be a space-saving mini PC for high-resolution photo and video editing. For everything else, we found performance was excellent.
Read our full MSI Cubi NUC 1M mini PC review
There is a lot of variety when it comes to mini PCs: various sizes are available and they are designed for various use cases.
Some mini PCs are designed to lay flat under a desk while others have a unique vertical design that allows them to be placed on top of your desk next to your monitor and within arm's reach. You can also completely conceal them behind your monitor if they come with VESA mounting holes.
Today's best mini PCs are a great alternative to bulky full-size desktops and all-in-one systems for all kinds of uses: from administrative workers doing data entry, to customer service specialists and call center offices, to creative professionals and students learning at home.
Mini PCs excel at everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, video streaming, and light gaming. You can easily connect them to your TV to play games and watch movies either via a platform like Netflix or through your own media server, with the effectively set acting as a monitor. With specs comparable to mid-range laptops, they don’t have the necessary CPU and GPU to run more resource-intensive apps and games. In those circumstances, it may be worth investing in high-spec devices like the best video editing laptops, which are built for heavy workloads.
While the best mini PCs absolutely shine, they’re not without a few downsides. When it comes to specs, mini PCs pale in comparison to modern desktop computers and the very best laptops. While you shouldn't have trouble using most as a space-saving alternative to the best laptops for graphic design or the best laptops for photo editing, it can make it difficult to use hardware-intensive apps and processes, like any of the best video editing software.
Upgrading those lower-specced internals is usually out of the question. Even some of the best mini PCs can't be expanded with better components (at least, not without some technical knowledge and skill).
They also need to be run from the mains, so while they’re an excellent portable option, you lack the built-in batteries found in laptops. Due to their form, some users may also experience issues with overheating. Mini PCs also lack peripherals, from screens to optical drives.
As with desktop computers and laptops, the best RAM is the most amount of RAM you can get within budget. It will make performance much more fluid, especially if you’re using the mini PC for a lot of tasks. We recommend a bare minimum of 8GB memory, although 16GB and above is preferred.
It all depends on which games you want to play. The very best mini PCs can ably run lightweight or older games - in fact, many use them as emulators. However, they will typically struggle with newer games, like the triple-A offerings from the likes of Rockstar. They simply don’t have the required CPU and GPU to handle them.
Yes, you can connect your mini PC to a laptop and use it as a monitor - but it’s also easy, as many mini PCs lack the required HDMI ports to output to the laptop screen. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by using remote desktop software.
It depends how you intend to use your mini computer. While both are highly portable, mini PCs are more so, with a far smaller surface area. If you’re working on the go, be aware of the sometimes limited battery life on laptops - if you’re usually running off the mains, a mini PC may be the better choice.
Laptops serve as a great all-in-one solution with everything you need to work and play. Accessories like the best office keyboards and the best monitors for a dual set-up are optional. They also come with a range of tech specs, with options for everyday computing tasks right up to the best gaming laptops.
Like a traditional desktop computer, a mini PC is best when used in spaces with easy access to monitors (or TV), keyboards, and other peripherals on hand. For this reason, mini PCs are great for office use, allowing multiple users to access the device in a variety of locations. Cost is also a factor, as mini PCs tend to be cheaper than laptops.
When choosing which mini PC is best for you, there are several factors to consider - but first, it's important to be sure a mini PC is right for your needs.
Mini PCs, sometimes known as think clients or NUCs, are ideal for light use, such as web browsing and video streaming. Some can even handle casual gaming sessions. But you won't find the raw power offered by the likes of the best mobile workstations.
Despite their name, mini PCs come in a range of sizes, from tiny machines like the Acemagician T8 Plus to the Apple Mac mini, which on the larger size. But they're all considerably smaller than a desktop, so if you're looking for a space-saver, they're ideal. You'll find plenty that even include a VESA mount for attaching the device to monitors to de-clutter the desk.
If a mini PC is best, consider how you'll be using your machine. In addition to general computer usage, mini PCs have been used as media servers, games emulators, and much more.
For smooth performance. a good CPU, GPU, and RAM are essential. We've included a selection of AMD- and Intel-powered thin clients here, all capable of delivering speed and performance for a range of uses.
However, be sure to check your device's ports and connectivity. Some of the best mini PCs pack in plenty of Thunderbolt and USB ports, memory card slots, and HDMI connections, but some are less generous. If portability is a consideration, remember to check dimensions and weight. You'll find these details in our full mini PC reviews.
When it comes to budget, mini PCs tend to retail for around $100 and up, although we recommend checking out our round-up of the best Prime Day PC deals and Black Friday mini PC deals, as you can make big savings when the sales are on.
We've tested thousands of devices, from the best photo editing PCs to best video editing Mac and MacBook laptops and best business monitors. And we have extensive experience with small-form NUCs and thin clients.
A lot of time and care goes into selecting the best mini PCs. Appliance-type mini-PCs often have a metal enclosure to help with passive cooling and more than one wired Gigabit Ethernet port. The best mini PCs are perfect for leaving unattended in a small network cabinet, rack, or locker, where they can be used as fixed-function mini-servers, such as a firewall for an office network or file storage for a small shop.
There's also a class of mini PCs that are small. These range from palm-sized to slightly more significant than a thumb drive, often with an HDMI male connector and built to be attached to the back of a TV or monitor for entertainment or web browsing on a big screen.
As such, selecting a mini PC is no easy task. First, we had to filter them based on size. We started from the tiniest ones, the thumb drive-sized PCs, up to the palm-sized devices, then moving to the TV-box-sized machines. In each size jump, we looked for the usage scenarios for each based on the capabilities of the CPU and amount of RAM and included ports, then we weeded out the ones with sub-par specs; this removed several dozen entries with the same Celeron CPUs and low RAM.
Once we got to the higher-spec entries, the winners started to show up either by expansion capabilities, unique features, or suitability for the purpose. Final filtering by brand name and support considerations is how we ended up with our selection of picks for the best mini PC for home and office.
As such, when testing which mini PC is best, we study several key areas. This includes build quality and form-factor - we want to see a robust machine, and the best materials available for the cost. This is especially true with mini PCs, as they're designed to be easily carried and used in multiple locations.
We explore the internal specs of each device, and how they compare with some of the other best mini PCs on the market. As part of this process, we also assess the upgradability of the device - from the options on offer to the ease of creating your perfect mini PC. This includes benchmarking performance of the CPU, GPU, and RAM. We're not necessarily looking for the most powerful mini PC. But we want to see suitable performance relative to a range of uses and budgets.
Ports and connectivity are another area where we look at what's on offer - and how it compares with rival devices. Not everyone will need Thunderbolt 4, but we expect to see adequate slots on a mini PC to increase functionality and flexibility.
Price is always a consideration. Depending on how you use it, the most expensive mini PC you can buy may not offer genuine value for money. We've curated a selection of mini PCs here, from premium machines to the cheapest mini PC with great performance.
You can read more about our comprehensive testing methods in our guide How we test laptops and desktops: Our review process explained.
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