High-Performance Gaming Monitors, Budget Monitors and Best Monitors

Do you want to free up space on your desk and work somewhere else, or do you prefer a more space-efficient design? Mini PCs are designed for those who need a powerful desktop computer with the dimensions of an ordinary PC tower. A mini PC is the actual gadget with increased utility. When selecting which model to purchase—a simple and inexpensive model or a powerful one for games—there is a solution, too. Okay, then, here are the top mini PCs in the year 2025.

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Best Mini PC Overall: MINISFORUM UM890 Pro

MINISFORUM UM890 Pro is quite powerful for a small form factor computer. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 processing unit and an AMD Radeon 780 MS Graphic card for heavy operations such as video and small gaming. The device’s networking is very effective, with dual Ethernet ports and several USB4 ports, making it suitable for high-end proficiency.

Regarding original design proposals, it’s noteworthy that their absence can be compensated by making the most of the possibilities offered by the MINISFORUM UM890 Pro model regarding upgradability. But to add more storage, you can have two M.2 SSD slots to always alleys for your future needs. But it is expensive, as the cost exceeds $800, which is quite high for a basic turntable. Nevertheless, it is a fabulous machine for all means of typing works, easy usage, and playing simple games.

Specifications:

Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Graphics: AMD Radeon 780M
Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, 8 cores
Memory: 32GB DDR5
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, two 2.5G Ethernet ports, HDMI 2.1, USB4

Price: $800+

Pros: It has a fast performance, is upgradable, and has great connectivity.

Cons: Expensive, basic design

Best Mini Apple PC: Mac Mini (M4)

Apple lovers, please pay attention—the Mac Mini (M4) is a great device. Priced at $579, this updated version houses the mighty M4 chip, which offers great efficiency and flexibility. If you plan on doing anything from video editing to running CAD software or even setting up your home media server, the Mac Mini is unfaltering in its performance.

Due to its small dimensions and simple construction, it can be placed in any office area. However, those who might find the base model’s 256GB storage insufficient can extend it with an external SSD. Mac MacOS users hunting for a cheap yet high-performance device should consider the Mac Mini M4.

Specifications:

Processor: Apple M4 chip
Connectivity: macOS, years of updates
Memory: 16GB unified RAM
Storage: 256GB SSD

Price: $579

Pros: Powerful M4 chip, compact, efficient

Cons: Limited base storage, non-upgradable RAM

Best Budget Mini PC: MINISFORUM UN100L

For just $150, the MINISFORUM UN100L is an unbeatable value for budget-conscious users. As is expected in a mini PC, this one is really good for simple operations such as browsing, office work, and media use. The Intel N100 processor will suffice for casual operations, and having a 256GB SSD greatly improves booting times.

Its stylish design allows it to be placed almost anywhere. It fits almost any setup/operation, and its low noise makes it perfect for quiet places. Still, soldered RAM hampers upgrade, and Intel graphics aren’t good for gaming or heavy workloads. Nevertheless, given such a price, it is difficult to find serious objections here.

Specifications:

Processor: Intel N100, 4 cores
Memory: 8GB or 16GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, USB-C with DP Alt Mode, 1Gbps Ethernet

Price: $150

Pros: Inexpensive, versatile, and featuring virtually no noise.

Cons: Low performance, it’s RAM cannot be upgraded

Best Gaming Mini PC: ASUS ROG NUC 970

If you are a gamer then the ASUS ROG NUC 970 will sure catch your fancy. Despite its small size it comes equipped with Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and RTX 4070 dedicated GPU. Of course, it plays big games perfectly well, providing excellent graphics, and high framerates suitable for triple-A titles.

However, it is also a high-performing price relative to its actual capacity for producing results, thus more explored figuratively. It is costlier than most helmets on this list, retailing at $2,250. Further, its potent parts produce considerable heat, so it should be located in a well-ventilated place.

Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (mobile)
Memory: 32GB DDR5
Storage: 2TB SSD

Price: $2,250

Pros: Exceptional gaming performance, high-end specs

Cons: Expensive, runs hot

Best Mini PC for Linux: Raspberry Pi 5

The Raspberry Pi 5 is the most preferred Linux computer available. Beginning at $60, this is a single-board computer for projects such as file servers, retro gaming, or IoT. Compared to past models, the Pi 5 has a better CPU and a better Graphics Processing Unit.

While it’s not a serious desktop replacement, the Raspberry Pi 5 is perfect for fiddling around and simple things. Affordable and backed by a large number of users, it is popular among ordinary people who like to do everything themselves.

Specifications:

Processor: ARM Cortex-A76
Memory: 4GB or 8GB
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6
Storage: microSD

Price: $60

Pros: Low cost, flexibility, and strong community involvement.

Cons: Average performance, it’s not suitable for intensive tasks

What to Look For When Buying a Mini PC

1. Usage:

Determine your primary use case. For simple operations, there is an economical version, like the MINISFORUM UN100L, and a top version for gamers is the ASUS ROG NUC 970.

2. Upgradeability:

Another issue affecting nearly all mini PCs is that you can’t upgrade most of these devices. It should be possible to consider models that enable users to add more RAM or storage when required.

3. Connectivity:

If you require multiple monitors or fast networks, seek a laptop with lots of ports and connection possibilities.

4. Budget:

Mini PCs cost between $50 and $2000. Depending on your budget constraints, you should get one that will serve your purpose well.

Conclusion

Mini PCs remain integrated until 2025 and possess an increased computing power within a compact case. There is a mini PC that can really fulfill your demands in terms of performance and price when we talk about working, creating, or even gaming.

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