If you don’t need a lot of processing power and you don’t have too much space on your desk, forget about desktop computers! With this guide and tips to buy a mini PC, you will discover everything you need to know to get a team that takes up little space and offers all the power you need to work with it.
Buying a mini PC is like buying any other type of computer, so it can be a simple or complicated process, depending on how you look at it. To succeed in your choice there are several factors that you have to take into account, which will help you choose the equipment that fits your power needs and the possibilities for future expansion.
Of course, in minicomputers, given its small size and specific features, you will have to contemplate some details that may not be so important to consider when choosing a traditional desktop computer or an All-in computer One desktop.
For example, the cooling capacity of the internal components of the PC, the number of external connectors, or the hardware that you can add since the space is available inside these compact computers or mini PCs is reduced.
In this guide and tips to buy a Mini PC, we will review some keys with which it will be much easier to choose the mini PC that fits you like a glove.
Barebone vs. mini PC
First of all, it is important to make distinctions that can lead to confusion when purchasing your mini PC. Until not long ago, some manufacturers offered their mini PCs in barebone format.
But what is a barebone? It is a computer that is not fully assembled so that the product only includes the basic components for the platform: the box, motherboard and power supply. The rest of the components will have to be bought and installed by the customer.
Therefore, apart from this barebone kit, you have to choose which processor, hard drive or RAM you want to install. It will be you who will finally finish buying the missing components, assemble the whole set and put it into operation.
Choose the right processor
One of the main aspects that you have to take into account when buying a mini PC is the real use that you are going to give it. You do not need the same power in a mini PC that you want to use to play videos on a screen with 4K resolution, than for one in which you will exclusively perform office automation tasks.
Expand the RAM of your mini PC
Regardless of the characteristics that the mini Pc you have chosen brings from the factory, it is important to look to the future and contemplate the expansion options of some of its components. This will leave the door open for future updates with which to improve the performance of your compact computer.
Consider the storage capacity and format
Similar to what happens with RAM, mini PCs come from the factory with certain storage capacity on the hard disk. In many cases, it is very easy to access the inside of the mini PC to expand the capacity of the hard disk and install a new one with more capacity. This brings us to the next important point related to storage: the format of the hard drive.
Let your mini PC breathe
Like any electronic component, mini PCs also suffer the rigors of high temperatures and that, in the long run, can affect the life of your computer and even make it run slower than it should.
The excess temperature inside the mini PC activates the temperature control systems of the components and these control systems act as power limiters to keep the temperature under control and prevent the components from suffering irreparable damage.
Choose a scalable Mini PC
Certain mini PC models are designed as a modular system to which you can add other components such as a disk drive, an external storage system, etc. These accessories are mounted on the device itself creating a single block.
You intend to add some of these accessories shortly, make sure that the mini PC you have chosen has its line. Otherwise, you will end up with a table full of accessories connected to your mini PC. Just what you are trying to avoid!
Do not limit connections
In line with the possibility of connecting other accessories and peripherals to your PC, one of the factors that you should take into account when choosing the best mini PC is that you have as many connectivity options as possible. Do not skimp on connectors.
This, beyond the recognition of the detail by the manufacturer, has no greater importance than to discount its cost when compared to other models that probably do not include these accessories.
At the aesthetic level, the peripherals that usually come included with the mini PCs follow the same design lines, so it can be a good option if they are going to be in public view.