What is interesting with Mini PCs is that they consume very little, take up very little space and are quite inexpensive. One of their strengths in many cases is that they can be installed directly behind the SmartTV. This allows us to better visualize the wiring and to have everything computerized and clean.
What can I do with a Mini PC?
You are probably wondering why you want one of these compact and, in some cases, pocket computers. Well, we shouldn’t just look at them for what they are, computers, but also the capabilities they give us. Let’s see some of the things we can do with them:
- Multimedia center: We can install different entertainment programs or software. Use it as an IPTV system or to display content that we have stored on the network, among other things
- Retrogaming: Something that is gaining popularity among people is being able to play classic titles on PC. These Mini PCs have the ability to run emulators for classic consoles such as Nintendo 64, NES, PS1 to PS3, as well as emulators for other legendary consoles or even arcade machines.
- Cloud games: We have platforms like Microsoft’s xCloud or NVIDIA’s GeForce Now that allow us to play without having a powerful system. We can use any of these devices with Windows and buy an Xbox controller, which syncs perfectly without the need for patches and fuss
- Work and/or studies: Since it is basically a computer connected to a screen, we can use it to work and study. What’s better than lying on the sofa to work comfortably
Three affordable options with good features
There are solutions for all tastes and pockets, as usual, but we have chosen three very inexpensive options. These are solutions with very narrow functionality, but they allow us to do everything without problems.
BMAX Mini B1
Of all the systems we’ve seen, this is the cheapest we’ve found. This BMAX Mini B1 is based on a processor Intel Celeron J3060 with 2 cores and 2 threads with a base frequency of 1.6 GHz and being able to reach up to 2.5 GHz, it integrates a discrete graphics card of up to 700 MHz and a consumption of only 6W.
This system is completed by 4GB LPDDR3 memory and a total of 64 GB eMMC. What is quite interesting is that it allows you to install an M.2 2280 SSD to increase capacity.
One of the points that may interest us the most is the connectivity of this system. He has WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2. It has two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports and a microSD card reader. In addition, it has a Gigabit Ethernet port and a HDMI port.
The truth is, it’s not the best spec in the world, but it can handle anything we ask of it. For the uses described above, this is sufficient.
N40 MINI FORUMS
This option is more interesting than the previous model because it has better general specifications. It is processor based Intel Celeron N4020 with 2 cores and 2 threads operating at a frequency of 1.1 GHz and which reaches 2.8 GHz in Boost mode, it incorporates an Intel UHD 600 discrete graphics card that can reach 650 MHz, we are talking about a processor with a consumption of only 6W.
We have in this case 4GB DDR4 RAM, so we will have an additional performance also in this sense. On the other hand, he has 64 GB eMMC for storage. The good thing is that we can increase the capacity because it has SATA 3 port and M.2 2242 NGFF.
As for connectivity, it supports WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, which is not bad. Also three USB 3.0 ports, an SDXC card reader, a Oporto HDMIa VGA port and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
As far as possible, this is the best possible option given that it is an economical and simple solution. In addition, it includes a VESA support to install it behind the TV.
NiPoGi Mini PC Key
Finally, we have this rather peculiar system that looks more like a flash drive than a computer. This stick format system is based on the processor Intel Celeron N4000. What this processor offers us are 2 cores and 2 threads operating at a base frequency of 1.1 GHz and which reaches 2.6 GHz in Boost mode. In addition, it incorporates an Intel UHD 600 discrete graphics card that reaches up to 650 MHz. It has a consumption of this 6W processor, which makes it very efficient.
Internally, this system has 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and a total of 64 GB eMMC for storage. The type of RAM memory used is not bad at all, since it offers good performance and adjusted consumption. The big disadvantage is that it does not allow to increase the storage capacity.
He only has one Oporto HDMI it is not a woman, but it is a man. This is intended to be installed directly behind the TV or monitor, remaining hidden. In addition, it has two USB 3.0 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port. It also offers connectivity WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.
Due to its stick format design, this Mini PC is very limited in terms of features and connectivity. It would be a very interesting economical and discreet solution.
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