One of the best uses for a mini PC is as a video and music streaming device. If you’re after that, you’ll want to look for smaller, lower-powered devices. Some of these mini PCs are so small that they can fit into the palm of your hand and plug directly into an HDMI input on your television. Having ports on the front is essential for office environments where people move around with their mouse and keyboard. Speaking of the mouse and keyboard, the ones that come with this computer are pretty bad, so you'll probably want to replace those soon. A computer-on-module (COM) is a complete computer built on a single circuit board. They are often used as embedded systems due to their small physical size and low power consumption. Gumstix is one manufacturer of COMs. Similarly, you'll also want to ensure that your mini PC comes with an ethernet cable and it's long enough if it has an ethernet port.

PCWorld What is a small form factor PC? 5 key things to know | PCWorld

As for ports, you get one USB 4, one USB 3.1, two USB-A, and an HDMI port. You can add more RAM (16GB or 24GB) and swap out the SSD for a 512GB, 1TB or 2TB one. The acronym SFF originally stood for " Shuttle Form Factor," describing shoebox-sized personal computers with two expansion slots. [5] The meaning of SFF evolved to include other, similar PC designs from brands such as AOpen and First International Computer, with the word "Small" replacing the word "Shuttle". Our PCs feature the latest generation Intel and AMD Ryzen processors. You get all the performance you need in a case no taller than a tennis ball. These small PC towers deliver responsive performance, accomplishing tasks including content creation, photo editing, gaming or Immersing yourself in 4K Ultra HD with the latest videos and movies. Just connect your mini computer to any TV or monitor of your choice and away you go.The general rule is that you shouldn’t upgrade your mini PC after buying it because most computers in this category don’t provide that option. This is especially true of system-on-a-chip mini PCs, which represent the smallest of the small. These mini PCs are remarkably small due to clever engineering that most of, if not all, of the components necessary for the computer to run on a single chip. When choosing a mini PC, the operating system is up to your preference. If you’re familiar with Windows, choosing a mini PC with Windows preinstalled is the path of least resistance.

Mini PCs - Mini Tower PC | Currys

In accordance with the Microsoft Silicon Support Policy, HP does not support or provide drivers for Windows 8 or Windows 7 on products configured with Intel or AMD 7th generation and forward processors Stay flexible: With full-power features in an incredibly condensed design, the OptiPlex 7050 lets you maximize your work environment. The new Micro All-in-One Stand and multiple mounting options create versatile, flexible solutions to any office situation. Stands and mounts sold separately.

YouTube videos can reduce the hassle of determining the sequence of steps, but either way, you’re still going to invest more minutes (or hours) overall. Cable management can take extra work in particular—when one PCWorld staff member built his first SFF PC, that was the very first thing that he learned. Why go SFF?

Lenovo ThinkCentre M Series Tiny: Big Performance in a Small Lenovo ThinkCentre M Series Tiny: Big Performance in a Small

In addition to its industrial use, the extremely small Mini-ITX motherboard form factor has also been incorporated into SFF computers. These are often extremely compact, incorporating low-power components such as the VIA C3 processors. The Travla C134 is an example of this design. At 17.8 x 25.4 x 5.1cm (7 × 10 × 2") the Travla C134 is somewhat larger than the Mac mini which is 16.5 x 16.5 x 5.1cm (6.5 × 6.5 × 2") and barely bigger than a standard 13.3cm (5.25") optical drive. Before choosing a suitable mini PC, it’s essential to think about why you need a mini PC. This is important because you can save money by buying a regular PC if space isn’t an issue. Still, it also comes into play due to the wide variety of sizes and configurations in the mini PC market. Windows is the best choice to game on your mini PC. While many games are available on Linux, Windows is still the platform of choice for PC gamers. One of the first mini PCs to hit the scene was Intel's "Next Unit of Computing," or NUC for short. Intel designs the NUC with the latest processor, but that's all that comes on board. Users generally need to provide their RAM and hard drive. That's not always the case since Intel sells the NUC to manufacturers who can add those components and sell customized NUCs.Size and portability are probably your main concerns if you’re looking for a mini PC, so you may want to consider whether or not a tiny laptop might meet your needs. Unlike mini PCs, laptops have a display and keyboard built right in. Laptops also have the option to run on battery power, which you don’t get with a mini PC. Most laptops also include an HDMI output, so you can always plug into a larger monitor whenever one is available. HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Motherboard Specifications, PTGV-DM (Onyx2)". hp.com . Retrieved 23 April 2018. Understood as comprising nano-ITX (12 × 12cm) and pico-ITX (10 × 7.2cm) boards, the format was championed by VIA Technologies. [30] Intel now describes its own Next Unit of Computing (NUC) products (10.2 x 10.2cm or 4 × 4") as UCFF. [31] See also [ edit ]

The Best Mini PCs of 2023 - Lifewire

We mentioned that a mini PC has great portability with work tasks such as presentations, but what else can they do? They can do just about everything a standard office work PC can do. They come with the latest version of Windows 11, have RAM that can be upgraded, and have fast m.2 slots for solid state storage. Depending on the model there may also be space inside for a 2.5” hard drive or SSD. You will generally find they support two or three monitor displays at 4K which is amazing! SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd. What is SFF (SG03)?". silverstonetek.com. Archived from the original on 11 September 2007 . Retrieved 23 April 2018. Storage refers to non-volatile memory that doesn’t go away when the mini PC is turned off. You may be familiar with this memory as hard drive space, but most mini PCs don’t have hard drives. Solid-state drives take up less space, and some mini PCs have their non-volatile memory soldered right onto the mainboard. Mid-tower PCs haven’t gone out of style—as one of the most flexible (and affordable) sizes, they’re an easy choice for builders. But these days, small form factor (SFF) DIY PCs are fashionable. The enthusiasm around them continues to spread too, with big component vendors hopping on board to add their spin to the process. HP’s collection of small form factor and microtower PCs continues to grow with each passing year. We’ve selected our top four SFFs and microtower PCs available today. Each is engineered to meet HP’s standard of perfection with an integrated Intel or AMD processor and impressive graphics cards that deliver a seamless visual experience with every power on.Apple has put its M chip in Macbooks, iMacs, iPads, and the Mac mini. The M2 Mac mini is a fine successor to the M1 with incremental upgrades in speed and hardware. Easy access: With a tool-less design and a simple removable side panel, you have easy access to key system components such as drives and memory so your system can be easily upgraded, remaining viable for years to come.