After 6 hours of research and analysis of 35 models, we have determined that the current best mini PC is the Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny (10T700AHUK) .
Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny (10T700AHUK)
Efficient, high-quality and easy to update, this compact
model has it all. It takes the opportunity to reward you with a quality / price
ratio that allows it to dominate its competitors.
737.58 € at Amazon
The ThinkCentre M720q Tiny is a perfect example of an
efficient mini PC without being overpriced. Available in many configurations,
it can be fitted with a wide variety of components to easily adapt to your
needs. In addition, its upgradability allows you to consider buying the
affordable version if your budget is limited and to upgrade when your means are
higher. On the other hand, forget any notion of graphics power because its
chipset remains limited and no Thunderbolt 3 port is provided for an external
card.
Acer Chromebox CXI3 v2 (DT.Z11EH.001)
Running on Chrome OS, this computer uses the principle
of Chromebooks to offer you an inexpensive solution with a high quality / price
ratio. It adapts to a large number of users thanks to its variety of
configuration.
276.38 € at Amazon
Chrome OS is not the most common operating system in our
region, yet with the Chromebox, Acer proves once again that this solution
should not be neglected. Despite a limited power configuration, this mini-PC
manages to shine even if the version we have chosen will not please the most
demanding. Fortunately, for a few dollars more, you have the option of opting
for an Intel Core i3 beefy enough for the heavier tasks.
Apple mac mini
Representing compact models at Apple, this computer
takes up the brand's standards with a neat case, the home OS and a respectable
power. It also benefits from all the advantages of the specific ecosystem.
749.00 € at Amazon
This benchmark of barebone computers is a good solution
to take advantage of the Apple OS without breaking the bank. For a fairly high
entry price, you are still entitled to a qualitative mini-PC, faithful to the
standards of the brand. It will follow you in many tasks thanks to its decent,
but limited power. A Core i5-8500 version is also available to manage your more
demanding tasks. On the other hand, do not expect to update it because of its
layout where everything is nested.
Intel NUC Essential (NUC7CJYSAL)
Offered by the famous brand of processors, this mini-PC
is a good example of an affordable Windows solution. Certainly, it does not
overflow with power but remains effective for all standard uses.
187.66 € at Amazon
Whether as a kit (without storage or RAM bar) or as a
complete model, Intel's NUC is on everyone's lips when it comes to a compact
but efficient computer. Its different versions allow it to venture on all
terrains and therefore to adapt to any type of user, even gamers (on condition
of grafting a graphics card )!
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How did we make our choice?
Choosing a mini-PC means choosing compactness… and its
drawbacks. Thus, this type of desktop computer relies on a reduced format to
the detriment of other advantages such as temperature management and the
integration of full-size, more powerful components. So don't expect high
graphics power, you need space for a dedicated graphics card .
Components: their importance is determined by the
intended use. For example, for fairly basic office automation and multimedia,
it is not necessary to invest in a powerful processor , but if, on the other
hand, you want to use more demanding programs, you will have to increase your
investment accordingly. The RAM memory takes care of multi-tasking and should
not be less than 4 GB (for basic use). The ideal is to take advantage of 8 GB
for optimal fluidity.
Storage : Determines how much data and files your computer
can hold. Ideally, for a mini-PC, it is advisable to opt for an SSD, whether in
M.2 format (more compact but more expensive) or in 2.5 ”format, which is more
complicated to integrate into this format. This makes it possible to take
advantage of the high reactivity of the SSD (8x faster than the HDD),
beneficial to the overall fluidity.
Connectivity: its composition influences which
peripherals you can connect to your device and their number. It is essential to
ensure that you have the necessary ports for your accessories when purchasing
and that you have adapters if necessary. The endowment of a mini-PC is more
limited because of its format but, in general, the most important is planned.
Upgrading possibilities : As technology is constantly
evolving, it is difficult to stay in the loop. The advantage of a desktop model
compared to a laptop lies in its possibilities of evolution. Compact models are
no exception to the rule and it is generally possible to give them a facelift
even if some are exceptions to the rule. At the same time, the presence of a
Thunderbolt 3 port makes it possible to use a case for a graphics card and
therefore to add more power at this level.
After going through numerous tests carried out on the
Internet, analyzing the technical sheet of each product, consulting the
opinions of French, English or even Dutch-speaking users while ensuring the
legitimacy of these comments, we were able to determine which are the 4 best.
mini-pc of the moment.
If you need more power and don't mind a more bulky
format, turn to our articles dedicated to desktops and gamers instead .
Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny (10T700AHUK)
Efficient, high-quality and easy to update, this compact
model has it all. It takes the opportunity to reward you with a quality / price
ratio that allows it to dominate its competitors.
737.58 € at Amazon
The ThinkCentre M720q Tiny is a perfect example of an
efficient mini PC without being overpriced. Available in many configurations,
it can be fitted with a wide variety of components to easily adapt to your
needs.
With this model, your tasks are entrusted to an Intel
Core i5-9400T coupled with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. This set makes it a
good intermediate solution whose computing power can delight the majority of
users. either for office automation or multimedia.
Heavier tasks can of course be taken care of although they
will not be used as well as with a beefier processor .
The connections are surprisingly well supplied for such
a small size. We therefore find everything you need with 1 USB-C, 3 USB 3.2
(Gen 1), 2 USB 3.1 (Gen 2), 1 DisplayPort, 1 HDMI, 1 Ethernet 1 Gb, 1 audio in
and 1 out. The wireless is entrusted to a card managing Wi-Fi AC 2 × 2 and
Bluetooth 4.2.
On the configuration side, you are entitled to great
update possibilities with, for storage, a 2.5 ”slot and 2 M.2 slots and 2
SO-DIMM slots for RAM. The CPU, on the other hand, can be updated by removing
the cooling attached to it. Fortunately, this manipulation is quite simple as
long as you go there gently.
This upgradability also allows you to consider
purchasing the affordable version and upgrade when your means are higher. On
the other hand, forget any notion of graphics power because its chipset remains
limited and no Thunderbolt 3 port is provided for an external card.
Along with this good news, there are various security
features that are designed more for professionals with the possibility of
encrypting data (TPM module), limiting the devices that can be connected by USB
(Lenovo Smart USB Protection) or even secure the device itself with the
Kensington Lock.
To save space, the VESA mount (on the back of your
screen) is also provided.
In the end, the Thinkcentre M720q Tiny is capable of
delighting all types of users, except gamers.
Acer Chromebox CXI3 v2 (DT.Z11EH.001)
Running on Chrome OS, this computer uses the principle
of Chromebooks to offer you an inexpensive solution with a high quality / price
ratio. It adapts to a large number of users thanks to its variety of
configuration.
276.38 € at Amazon
Chrome OS is not the most common operating system in our
region, yet with the Chromebox, Acer proves once again that this solution
should not be neglected.
Indeed, despite a limited power configuration, this
mini-PC manages to shine. Just like on Chromebooks , Google's own system
optimizations allow it to make the most of its little Celeron 3867U and its 4
GB of RAM. Of course, you will have to limit yourself to office automation or
multimedia… but, after all, this is what this OS is intended for.
For a few euros more, the most demanding have the option
of opting for an Intel Core i3 strong enough for heavier tasks.
As Chrome OS works a lot via the cloud, it is not
surprising to find a storage limited to 32 GB. If necessary, it remains
expandable via the micro SD port .
The connection, for its part, is more than sufficient
for this system with 1 USB-C, 4 USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 combo jack, 1 HDMI and an
Ethernet port. Wi-fi AC, Bluetooth 4.2 and a Kensington port are also present.
Side upgrade, it is possible to boost its storage as its
RAM memory after a little disassembly.
As if its reduced price was not enough, the brand found
it interesting to slip all the necessary accessories into the box. We therefore
find, of course, the chiclet keyboard adapted to the OS and the mouse but also
the vertical support and the VESA adapter to mount it on your screen.
In the end, if you need a simple but effective solution
for light office automation or multimedia, go for the Chromebox CXI3 v2.
Apple mac mini
Representing compact models at Apple, this computer
takes up the brand's standards with a neat case, the home OS and a respectable
power. It also benefits from all the advantages of the specific ecosystem.
749.00 € at Amazon
This benchmark of barebone computers is a good solution
to take advantage of the Apple OS without breaking the bank. For a fairly high
entry price, you are still entitled to a qualitative mini-PC, faithful to the
standards of the brand. It will follow you in many tasks thanks to its decent,
but limited power.
Indeed, its small Core i3-8100b does not allow it to
shine for heavier tasks. Fortunately, a Core i5-8500 version is also available
to handle your more demanding tasks. The RAM memory amounts to 8 GB which
leaves you a good margin for multi-tasking.
Storage is also quite limited with a 256 GB SSD. You are
therefore strongly advised to have an external hard drive so as not to overload
the memory and risk slowing down your device.
And yes, no change is possible internally, the fault of
a nested layout where access to components requires fairly careful and
consequent disassembly.
The connection, for its part, is always minimalism even
if the essential is present. There are therefore 4 USB-C Thunderbolt 3, 1 HDMI,
1 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 mini jack and 2 USB-A 3.0. Wi-Fi AC and Bluetooth 5.0 are
also integrated.
An option, available only on the Apple site, allows you
to choose a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port, 10 times more efficient than the one
originally present.
The contents of the box are, as usual from Apple, quite
sparse with only the power cable.
Intel NUC Essential (NUC7CJYSAL)
Offered by the famous brand of processors, this mini-PC
is a good example of an affordable Windows solution. Certainly, it does not
overflow with power but remains effective for all standard uses.
187.66 € at Amazon
Whether as a kit (without storage, OS or RAM bar) or as
a complete model, the Intel NUC is on everyone's lips when it comes to a
compact but efficient computer. Its different versions allow it to venture on
all terrains and therefore to adapt to any type of user, even gamers (on
condition of grafting a graphics card )!
Its performance remains quite limited at this price
level because of an entry-level processor, the Celeron J4005, coupled with 4 GB
of RAM. As a result, this version is limited to light tasks. On the other hand,
as soon as you move upmarket, you can equip it with a nice variety of
processors ranging from Core i3 to Core i9 .
Storage, for its part, is limited to 32 GB eMMC but it
is easy to upgrade it using an SSD to gain speed and capacity.
The connection is once again quite well supplied with 4
USB 3.0, 2 HDMI 2.0, 1 combo jack, 1 1 Gbps ethernet and 1 microSD port . Wi-Fi
AC and Bluetooth 5.0 are also included. The more expensive versions include, in
addition, USB-C Thunderbolt 3, which opens up a wide range of additional
possibilities.
However, it is less essential than on other
configurations because it is easy to boost the configuration of the NUC.
Indeed, once the cover has been removed, all of the components are accessible,
which allows easy access. The top-of-the-range models even have enough room to
slip in a real graphics card.
The only exception is the processor which is soldered to
the motherboard. As a result, it may be interesting to opt for a kit with a
good CPU to minimize the price while investing little by little to increase the
characteristics of the set.
It only finds its place as an alternative because of its
too limited configuration for Windows, but it remains an attractive solution if
you rely on this operating system.
Honorable mentions
HP Z2 Mini G4 (1149 € at the time of publication): this
model is the perfect example of the high-end solution capable of delighting any
user, even professionals. With its high power and update capabilities, it can
tick all the boxes of the versatile setup. It also has connectivity that would
almost blush some larger models and embeds Thunderbolt 3 to integrate an
external graphics module.
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