How to pick the right mini PC for home, office and gaming usage

Powerful PCs also come in tiny form factors.

Mini PCs can be compact and powerful (Image credit: Amazon)

Mini PCs are highly underrated despite their numerous benefits. Ideal for those seeking a compact alternative to traditional desktops or laptops, mini PCs are convenient for space-constrained environments or easy portability.

There are several use cases of mini PCs in both enterprise and consumer settings. Before exploring the best mini PCs available, it’s crucial to consider performance and flexibility when making a purchase decision.

When it comes to mini PCs, size matters

When choosing a mini PC, always consider the smallest possible model in terms of footprint. While larger models exist, they undermine the “mini” designation. Almost every major PC brand offers a range of mini PCs tailored to diverse user needs, each designed to balance performance and cost-effectiveness.

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Choose according to the use case

For streaming and web browsing, a basic mini PC would suffice. Gamers should opt for a model with a capable CPU and GPU. While most mini PCs don’t match the graphics power of dedicated gaming setups, many can handle AAA titles at 1080p, albeit with reduced graphics settings and frame rates.

Also read | Chuwi HiGame mini PC eyes gamers and creators

Look for the latest hardware and upgradability

Like a regular PC, some mini PCs are modular, enabling users to upgrade components like memory and storage. If you plan to use your mini PC for several years, opting for a modular and easily upgradeable model is advisable.

Also read | Liva Q, world’s smallest Mini PC launched in India at Rs 13,500: Key features and specifications

Some mini PCs can be directly mounted onto monitors, effectively converting them into all-in-one (AIO) PCs without adding extra desk space. This type of mini PC is ideal if you have space constraints.

With these things in mind, here are some of the best mini PCs that are worth considering in 2024:

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Acer Veriton E220 Mini PC
Rs 25,049

A reliable mini PC from Acer that makes for a great personal computer for home use. It features an integrated antenna for fast internet access, along with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, ample for web browsing and video streaming. It conveniently mounts onto any VESA-compatible monitor.

Selligion Praho Mini PC
Rs 11,999

This stylish and budget-friendly mini PC runs on an Intel processor with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB of storage. It supports connectivity for up to three devices. Please note it comes with Linux OS, and one might have to buy a license from Microsoft to run Windows on it.

Skullsaints Agni Mini PC
Rs 21,500

This is one of the most stylish mini PCs, featuring an LCD screen displaying real-time computing, temperature, and power usage information. Powered by the 12th Gen Intel N95 processor with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB internal storage, it offers excellent performance. This machine comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro OS and supports upgrades for storage and memory.

Gmktec Nucbox K2
Rs 81,746

This one is slightly on the expensive side and is meant for gamers. It is based on the Ryzen 7 7735Hs APU with Radeon 680M graphics paired with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage. This mini PC can handle gaming and multitasking without any issues. It is equipped with numerous connectivity options, including two RJ45 Ethernet jacks, two HDMI ports, multiple USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

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Mac mini M2
Rs 55,990

This is a bonus, and it is not exactly a PC, but a tiny Mac that’s powerful and capable. Based on the M2 chip with an eight-core CPU and ten-core GPU, it is as powerful as the previous generation M2 MacBook Air. This is also one of the cheapest Macs with Apple Silicon to buy in 2024.

I hope this list helps you get the right mini PC, best-suited for your needs.