Mini-PCs on Windows: what is it the best model for your TV

Mini-PC - a modern alternative to bulky "tower" under the table with almost identical specifications

CONTENT

  • 1 Buy a mini-PC on Windows: why is it necessary
  • 2 Review of the performance of the best mini-PC
  • 3 The best models of mini-PC applications
  • 4 Buy mini-computers to Windows: advantages and disadvantages
  • 5 Mini-PCs on Windows 10 and Android - what's the difference
  • 6 Mini-PCs with their own hands

Buy a mini-PC on Windows: why is it necessary

To begin, you should decide what is meant by a mini-computer, and where traces its origins to this type of PC.

There are two categories of compact personal computers - nettop PC and single board having a size of no more than USB-keyring.

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Nettop, which is more like a traditional PC, takes its name from the combination of two terms: InterNET and DeskTOP. The first models were very weak, they can be used only for web surfing.

Most nettops models equipped with all necessary communication connectors

Current models nettops are sufficiently powerful mini PC, which can advantageously be a replacement for a desktop system unit.

The second embodiment is a small size gadget that in reality slightly greater than the dimensions of a conventional stick. Inside there is a board on which all traditional wired for computer components: CPU, memory, chip, responsible for input and output, and other peripheral components. In most cases, these devices are used as top box for your TV, Allowing you to watch on the big screen strimingovye broadcasts from the World Wide Web.

Single-board systems that look like stick, power is not inferior to a full nettop

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When the decision to assemble a mini PC for use need to be considered, it must be powerful enough as a server (processor support for high quality video playback, memory for at least 2 GB, hard disk capacity of at least 500GB, productive video card).

The main areas of application of the mini-PC on Windows, Linux, Android or another operating system can be considered as follows:

  • the creation of a multimedia server. This device, which is used to catalog all existing user of media content and its placement in cloud services, or on the hard disk may be processed and access to view or work with content;
  • minicomputer TV. Another field of application is use as a console for viewing digital content. The acquisition of the minicomputer on Windows 10 or Android will provide a smart TV at a price much lower than the cost of a full-fledged TV in the store;
  • office work. Applications to work with the documents do not require significant resources from the PC, so the acquisition simple models can be a great alternative for the renovation of outdated computers in office;
  • mini-PC for games. In the market there are no models of mini PCs that are sufficiently advanced to support demanding to iron games. But based nettop can run the emulator to play old console toys;
  • music Center. When connecting any external DAC mini-PC turns into a full audio system, which is suitable for any audio enthusiasts.
One of the most frequently used applications mini-PC is the creation of a multimedia center

Size - is the main advantage of the mini-computer

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One advantage of such models is to support almost all formats of audio playback, as well as the presence of USB outputs and S / PDIF, necessary for joining the DAC or receiver.

Review of the performance of the best mini-PC

Today you can buy a wide variety of mini-PC by various companies. They differ not only in the brand or manufacturer, but also a complete set. As the "brain" is mainly used line of mobile processors from Intel (Atom, Celeron, Pentium), characterized by its quite good performance and confident work not only with text but also with graphics applications.

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One of the main shortcomings is the Intel Core bad work in multitasking mode, which leads to a slowing performance: setting priorities in favor of only one active programs and other tasks in the meantime suspended.

Asus VivoMini - line mini-PC from well-known brand

Mini PCs Asus

One of the leading companies in the production of computers is a Taiwanese giant Asus, which mainly specializes in laptops. The product line also contains a mini PC, among which we can separately identify a series of Asus VivoMini.

The most popular users purchased models under the symbol VM45, UN65U, UN68U.

This system, which use processors from Intel (Core iN), ensuring stability and speed required to perform the user task. Junior representative series equipped with a processor Core i3, most older model has on board straight from the tin Intel Kaby Lake R or Core i5, clocked at 3.4 GHz and having the core 4 and 8 threads.

Earlier versions run on cores 2 and 4 flows. The increase in processing power has led to an increase in the cache volume, but reducing energy consumption had to sacrifice the basic beat of "stone" at 1.6 GHz. Stated 3.4 GHz can be obtained only when hardware acceleration.

Asus VivoMini UN68U equipped with an active cooling system due to powerful processor and increased working temperatures

As used built-in graphics processor GPU from Intel, memory supports DDR4 and operating at a base frequency of 300 MHz with the possibility of increasing to 1100 MHz. The manufacturer assures that to UN68U model can connect up to three monitors that support 4K resolution.

As the disk is used for the SSD 128 GB. There is an active cooler. You also have the possibility of installing an additional 2.5 "drives via SATA interface.

One of the main drawbacks of the older model users called the lack of an optical S / PDIF output, which does not allow you to connect a PC to a multi-channel external speakers via the analogue connector.

The cost of high-end model is 37 000 rubles, the lowest - 15 200.

Asus VivoMini VM45

Mini-PCs from HP

Another well-known manufacturer of computer technology also tries his hand in the field of manufacture of compact PC. One of the best models can be regarded as HP Slice G2 device, which will be ideal for mini-PC as a multimedia station.

This gadget having a square shape with round corners fitted with diffusers in the sidewalls for discharging hot air.

Device comes preinstalled with Windows 10, but has a number of configurations of hardware. PC component manufacturers Intel Core i5 7500T processor. It has 4 cores and cache to 6MB.

HP Slice G2 - a multimedia center and a powerful PC in one original package

The multimedia apparatus provided by the presence of the built-in graphics card 2 GB memory type DDR5 and integrated into the core Intel® HD Graphics 630 video chip. Both - the production of Intel. The power of these components will be enough not only for high-definition video playback, but also for modern games.

Drive performs normal hard disk at a speed of rotation of 7200 r / min, which can have a capacity of 128 GB to 256 GB. Adding SSD is not provided, which can be regarded as a disadvantage.

HP Slice G2 in the walls has a special hole for the distribution of hot air streams

For such a pleasure is required to pay 63 500 rubles, but the user will be interesting for the appearance of the device, which will not only fulfill their function, but will also become a decoration interior.

HP Slice G2

The best models of mini-PC applications

Numerous rankings, which can be found on the web, give reviews compact computers, depending on their area of ​​use, which greatly simplifies the selection of a particular model. Presented an overview will tell you about the best PC with a passive cooling system, devices for games and television.

Game Mini-PC

MSI Trident 3 - powerful gaming computer in a small package


One of the best gaming computers of compact size is considered MSI Trident 3 model. This device has a futuristic design and original lighting at work. Impressive filling: inside the processor i5-7400 or i7-7700 - to choose from. GTX graphics card 1060, from 4 to 16 GB of RAM, the conventional hard disk and SSD. For the power and the ability to complete the game will have to pay. The minimum cost of this unit is 59 000 rubles. At the very top-end configuration mini-PC is offered for 90 000 rubles.

MSI Trident 3

Mini PC TV

Rombica Winstick v01 - single board computer, which will be ideal for creating complex multimedia home

In this category popular are devices having a conventional form factor, the USB token. One of the best models, which meet the requirements of the relation "price-quality" is Rombica Winstick v01. This device, operating under the control of Intel Atom with 4 cores and a frequency of 1.83 GHz.

Inside also has a memory DDR3 2GB. There is a possibility of expansion through the use of memory cards. Maximum supported volume - 128 GB. Of external connectors may be noted the presence of HDMI, USB-port. Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. unit price is 9990 rubles.

Rombica Winstick v01

Fanless Mini PC

Zotac ZBOX Pico PI430 - model of the famous brand, with a 2-core processor Intel Core m3-8100Y

Of course, we should not focus solely on the big-name brands. Quality products can be found among Chinese manufacturers. This is confirmed by model Chuwi HiBox Hero, which is a fanless PC running at two system - Windows 10 and Android 5.1. The device operates on a 64 GB internal memory type eMMC, as a processor - Intel Atom 4 core. Also, the device can be used as a multimedia center, to simplify the work with which will allow the supplied remote control. Buy the device can be as low as 6700 rubles.

Zotac ZBOX Pico PI430

To take full advantage is better to stay on sisteme Windows, but if you only need to connect to a TV, the best would be Android.

Buy mini-computers to Windows: advantages and disadvantages

When the decision to become the owner of a small PC to be understood that these devices have their advantages and disadvantages. Weigh these options will make the right choice in favor of the nettop or single-board system as a USB-token.

The complexity of a significant upgrade is the main disadvantage of compact models

Advantages of mini-PCs are:

  • their size. Compact size saves space on the desk, and extend the capabilities of the fastening system. Often small PCs are attached to the back of the monitor (in the mini-iTX housing);
  • reduced energy consumption. Note that when using the mini-PC is observed reduction of consumption electric power only from the system unit and the monitor will require its own food;
  • less heat even at maximum loads, that allows to complete the like passive cooling system;
  • cost ofWhich is considerably below the price of a full system unit or the like for the laptop power.

Disadvantages nettop considered the following factors:

  • lack of opportunities for upgradeand by reason of the form factor housing a mini-PC;
  • rapid accumulation of dust. Because of the small size and high congestion of internal parts, which reduces the amount of free Space inside the case, the probability of rapid accumulation of dust and further superheating computer;
  • low productivityCaused by using a smaller size of components than in conventional stationary PC.
The presence of the SSD accelerates computer and reduces the level of noise emissions

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Some users called as a plus the possibility of transport and rapid assembly of a complete system in a convenient location. But in contrast, it can be noted that the most fundamental tasks you can perform on a normal smartphone.

Primarily as the "brain" of compact PC used mobile processors from Intel

Mini-PCs on Windows 10 and Android - what's the difference

The main difference between the two systems is that Windows - is a complete operating system, which has its own architecture and principle of operation. Android - a mobile software that has been designed specifically for today's compact gadgets.

Android applications often advisable not in the mini-PC, and a multimedia center, which is limited to the range of tasks. All the necessary applications to play videos, or view other media content simply loaded from the usual Play Market.

In the case of a mini-computer on Win 10 will require the installation of special software and additional configuration. Use this option is recommended if the PC will be used as a full-fledged computer.

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the operating system from Microsoft subjectively seems slower, measured, and she perceived as a clumsy giant. Android - more nimble.

Build compact computer requires a certain knowledge, since it is necessary to fit a large number of parts in small case

Mini-PCs with their own hands

If desired, you can assemble the optimal configuration of the mini-PC alone: ​​despite the gravity of the upgrade, the device will still have the possibility of replacing or adding parts.

Find specific recipes for assembling the mini-PC can be on the Internet. Some resources are encouraged to prepare a list of the best components to produce the desired configuration, depending on the needs of the user.

It should be noted that the exercise of self-assembly is possible only with the knowledge and practical skills. Otherwise, better to buy the finished product, the benefit of a mini-PC is not uncommon. Once again, learn the features of this type of technology is offered from the submitted videos.