What Are the Best Mini PCs of 2024?

What defines the best mini PCs in 2024? The top mini PCs balance portability, performance, and connectivity. Leading models include Intel NUC 13 Extreme for gaming, Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro for creatives, and budget-friendly options like Beelink SER6 Pro. Prioritize processors (e.g., Intel Core i9, AMD Ryzen 9), RAM (16GB+), and ports (Thunderbolt 4, USB-C) based on your needs.

Table of Contents

How to Choose the Best Mini PC for Your Needs in 2024?

Selecting a mini PC requires evaluating use cases: gaming, office work, or media editing. Opt for AMD Ryzen 7000 or Intel 13th Gen CPUs for multitasking. Ensure dual HDMI/DisplayPort outputs for multi-monitor setups. Storage flexibility (NVMe SSD slots) and Wi-Fi 6E support are critical. Budget models like Minisforum UM790 Pro offer 4K/120Hz output under $600.

2024 Best 5 Mini PCs Under $500

Best Mini PCs Under $500	Description	Amazon URL
Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC	Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake-N100, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD, supports 4K dual display.	View on Amazon
ACEMAGICIAN Mini Gaming PC	AMD Ryzen 7 5800U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, supports 4K triple display.	View on Amazon
GMKtec Mini PC M5 Plus	AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, features WiFi 6E and dual LAN.	View on Amazon
Maxtang ALN50 Mini PC	Intel Core i3-N305, up to 32GB RAM, compact design with multiple connectivity options.	View on Amazon
MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite	Ryzen 7 7735HS, up to 32GB RAM, supports dual displays and has solid performance.	View on Amazon

Which Mini PCs Offer the Best Performance-to-Size Ratio?

Compact powerhouses like ASUS PN64-E1 integrate Intel i9-13900H and RTX 4080 in a 1.3L chassis. The Zotac ZBOX PI430AJ pairs AMD Ryzen 7 7840U with Radeon 780M graphics for 1440p gaming. For ultra-slim designs, Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Gen 4 delivers Ryzen 9 PRO 6950H efficiency in a 0.35L footprint.

What Are the Key Differences Between Budget and Premium Mini PCs?

Budget models ($300-$600) like Beelink GTR6 use last-gen CPUs (Ryzen 5 5600H) with limited upgradability. Premium options ($1,000+) feature vapor chamber cooling, DDR5 RAM, and PCIe 5.0 slots. For example, Corsair Voyager a1600 includes Cherry MX mechanical keyboards, while Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro supports 8K video via Thunderbolt 4.

How Do Mini PCs Compare to Traditional Desktops in 2024?

Mini PCs consume 90% less space and 70% less power than full towers but face thermal constraints. High-end mini PCs now match mid-tower performance: Intel NUC 13 Extreme rivals RTX 4070 Ti desktops. However, upgradability remains limited—most mini PCs use soldered RAM and single SSD slots.

What Are the Most Overlooked Features in Modern Mini PCs?

1. Expandability: Few brands like Minisforum offer replaceable CPU sockets. 2. Industrial Design: Passive cooling in Acer Chromebox CXI5 reduces noise. 3. Firmware Security: HP Pro Mini 400 G10 includes TPM 2.0 and BIOS recovery. These features impact long-term usability but are rarely highlighted in reviews.

Can Mini PCs Handle 4K Gaming and VR in 2024?

Yes—models with Radeon RX 7600M XT (Minisforum HX99G) achieve 60 FPS in 4K medium settings. Thunderbolt 4 eGPUs like Razer Core X amplify performance. For VR, ASUS ROG NUC 13 Enthusiast meets Oculus Rift S requirements with RTX 4070 and 32GB DDR5. However, sustained loads may trigger thermal throttling.

Which Brands Lead the 2024 Mini PC Market?

Intel dominates with NUC 13 Pro kits featuring vPro security. AMD partners like Beelink and Minisforum leverage Ryzen 7040HS APUs. Apple’s Mac Mini M2 Pro leads in single-core performance. Niche brands like Zotac and Chuwi offer niche designs, such as fanless cases and dual 2.5G LAN ports.

Expert Views

“The 2024 mini PC market is defined by heterogeneous architectures,” says a Redway hardware engineer. “We’re integrating LP-DDR5X memory directly onto motherboards to save space. Our testing shows Ryzen 9 7940HS mini PCs outperform 65W desktop CPUs in multi-threaded tasks. However, users must prioritize NVMe cooling—many units throttle after 15 minutes of 4K exports.”

Conclusion

2024’s best mini PCs blend desktop-grade power with unprecedented portability. Whether for gaming, content creation, or office use, prioritize thermal solutions, I/O versatility, and future-proof chipsets. Brands like Intel, Apple, and Beelink lead with innovative designs, though niche players offer unique advantages. Always verify real-world benchmarks before purchasing.

FAQs

Are mini PCs good for everyday use?

Yes—models with 8-core CPUs (e.g., Ryzen 7 7840U) handle browsing, streaming, and office tasks effortlessly. SSD speeds up to 7,400 MB/s ensure smooth operation.

How long do mini PCs typically last?

3-5 years, depending on usage. Gaming/editing rigs may require GPU upgrades sooner. Opt for models with replaceable storage and RAM.

Can I upgrade a mini PC’s graphics?

Only via external GPUs (Thunderbolt 4/USB4). Internal GPUs are usually soldered. Check for compatible eGPU enclosures before purchasing.