10 Things To Know About Mini PC Before You Buy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 เม.ย. 2023
- 10 Things To Know About Mini PC Before You Buy
Before buying a mini pc, you are going to want to watch this.
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#minipc #review
Hope this helps, let me know if you need to know anything else in the comments.
Hey Brit, I was changing my res and hz on my desktop pc and after saving changes my screen went black and now I dont recive any output. I have tried everything and i was wondering if you could help.
Thank you
What brands do you trust? If you were to use these mini PC's for work or for handling private personal information, which brands would you trust? Which brand do you trust when you run into problems? Which brand do you trust to remain reliably working over the next few years?
thanks for this video, most of the things are summarized, made me subscribe to your channel and this is a first time I see a video from your channel
Do any of these Mini PCs have a VGA port?
It's amazing how small computers are getting these days, I like that you can mount them behind monitor or Flat screen and not take up so much room. I believe They will keep getting better and better. Great Video!!
Totally agree!
Some of the mini pcs can fit in an average hand.
Corporate IT has been buying them for years.
I use my tower PC as a side table. A mini PC can't do that.
You missed one VERY important point: Does the Mini PC come with a properly licensed copy of Windows 11? I bought one and immediately realized something was wrong when it asked for three security questions rather than my Microsoft login during the initial setup. That's a strong clue that you're not getting a proper license, and enough for me to return the unit. Also look at the product description. Does it say "Windows 11" or something like "W++11"? Another strong clue, and something to be careful about!
So you mean they sent a custom Windows probably includes malware? I want to buy one soon and I was already thinking to install my own Windows instead of using preinstalled one.
Which one did you buy?
@@DameOfDiamonds Actually I later decided not to buy a mini PC :)
That's why you use Linux or install your own windows on any pc you get.....
Damn good look on this comment! I didn’t consider this factor at all!
Well, I was looking for a Mini PC, but what I got was a Dell 9020 Mini Tower that was a refurbished one, with an older CPU, a 4th Gen I7. But that CPU is the same I have on my 2009 ASUS ROG Gaming laptop, and I am very happy with it, so I accepted that CPU for my PC. But that PC was loaded with RAM, 64 GB of DDR3, and 2 SSD drives, one that is 256GB for boot, and a 2 TB SSD for storage, and an ASUS 1660 Video card with 6GB memory. So I think I am really loaded, and I am not using it for gaming at all, I am using it to do Embroidery Designs, and that machine can do EVERYTHING I want it to do, and at a very fast pace, and using six different Embroidery software programs at the same time. Plus I can open 60-80 different sessions, each of it for different embroidery designs, and I can switch between them at will and without any wait. It has plenty of HDMI, USB2.0/3.0 ports, ethernet, Windows 10 PRO, that ASUS video card, plenty of RAM, and a large SSD I had a special USB Multi-port strip that connects that PC to my 20 different embroidery machines of my custom embroidery business. And I only paid 180.00 dollars for it. So I am happy with it. But my point is that I followed all those tips given here in this video, and now I am a happy owner of something that satisfies me, that has High Quality components, and without spending a lot. By the way, that machine is running two 21,5 Touch Screen monitors from ASUS, and as I said, I am very happy wit it!!!!!! Thanks Britec!!! Your videos are as always AWESOME!!!!!!
Nothing wrong with these older PC's. I took a 6 year old HP EliteBook 800 SFF, add 16Gb of ram and a 1Tb SSD, and it is a screamer!
You should check user reviews. Based on the reviews i found that some brands have higher failure rates than others. In my opinion that is one of the most important factors in selecting what manufacture you select.
This was a lot of good information and gave me a lot to think about. Thank you.
Great job on this. Best part was actually being able to see inside of them.
Thanks for sharing a comprehensive guide! Appreciate your effort in collimating the essentials of byung a mini/micro PC.
Great video, thank you. Subscribed. One suspects the typical buyer understands 'You get what you pay for' but still wants Value for Money. The big risk is a brand impersonating itself as competent when it's not, and I recognise about 10% of mini PC brands.
My question, and perhaps you've covered this already, is with manufacturer support, e.g. DELL has SupportAssist, offering drivers and (if under warranty) a helpdesk. There's a premium for this, but it's a good thing. The warranty period and warranty coverage is important.
My second question is about the unit's lifespan window. Laptops are expected to last 3-5 years; Desktops around 3-8 years. A mini PC?
Great tips!
Thanks for the video!
I get GR9 Beelink i9 64 Ram, 1, M.2, 1 sata SSD, and 1 sata III SSD, I have on it all the heavy games from steam and yesterday installed Diablo IV I played them without any trouble FPS over 120, I'm really happy with my mini pc it was for $600 bucks! 👍Ok!
Hello, thank you for this video. Please, what do you think about Blackview MP60 Mini PC
Excellent content. Thanks a stack 👍👍
:0 😀 WELL DONE and MUCH Appreciated for next purchase :) ALL the BEST and Cheers from across the Pond!!! :)
Excellent, and succinct! Thank you very much Sir!
You are very welcome
Great tips,thanks.
Yes it did help and I wish I'd watched this before I bought a Minisforum UM580D. I watched other reviews and bought the UM580D based on those reviews. It lasted 6 weeks before it completely died. Luckily, even though it was out of the return period, Amazon allowed the return and I got a refund. I'm now looking for a replacement. It's to be a direct replacement for a ancient AMD Athlon desktop and all it's used for is browsing, email, VLC, TH-cam and some Graphtec cutting plotting software. The Graphtec software is Windows, but everything else is Ubuntu. Any suggestions?
I reckon any specs nowadays are good for a simple HTPC right? Good videos btw 😊
Thank you Britec for all your useful videos! Having said what you stated in this video, I wondered which company would allow a potential customer open up a mini pc and look what's inside BEFORE he pays for the mini pc ! Having purchased the item, open it up at home. then return it to get a refund will be a big hassle too!
Could you please advice me on what I would need in a mini to use for video editing. Or even recommend to me please. David
You are correct about the 1st two questions. What is the device going to be used for? A game machine? A desktop for general computing?
I had created a NAS with a Raspberry Pi4B, but got tired of issues with Raspberry OS, and other ARM issues. I bought a GMKtec Nucbox G3 to use debian12 amd64.
I shrunk the win 11 partition and installed debian12. I can't get debian12 to turn on Bluetooth, but I added a keyboard under win 11. The BIOS has too many settings related to Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. But since win 11 worked, Bluetooth must be on in bios.
Perhaps debian12 doesn’t have a driver for it.
I bought a WD MyCloudEX2Ultra several years ago. WD has abandoned their products. They will never issue another "firmware" update. You can't upgrade the Ethernet, it has no Wi-Fi. You can't upgrade the CPU or install another OS. So I made a NAS with a Raspberry Pi4B and an 18 TB USB HDD. Raspberry OS is lagging behind x86 Linux distros, so I abandoned the Pi for an x86 NUC. I installed debian12 and I serve one Samba share with hundreds of movies and music videos. My new NUC has 2.5 G Ethernet, and 4 USB 3.0 ports truly capable of 10G speed.
One question, What would compel me to install OpenMediaServer, or TrueNAS, rather than just using a Samba share? Why do people need to transcode? My Samba share is full of .mkv rips from MakeMKV, and various flavors of .mp4, .m4v, etc. All the devices I use, including a Sony blu-ray player support .mkv files.
Great review.
Before I got a Chinese Mele Quieter2 mini. Adding a Kingston Nvme I expected fast storage. It's only doing a quarter of what it can do. I then discovered it's a device with PCIe 2.0. Still fine for average use, but no SSD will ever be fast in there. I hope the newer ones at least have PCIe 3.0 or better. It can be very hard to find the correct one for the right price. Probably even more difficult than the laptop/pc market.
Great video, I found a Minisforum based on Ryzen 4500H, 5 core, 16 GB, 500 GB NVMe for $300 usd. almost no heat, works really well, absolutely quiet and very fast!
Very nice!
Windows 11@@user-rw3kx5yj4x
Ya warranty and support is key. Contacting support and seeing how fast they respond to and solve issues is key. If you have issues and support requires RMAing the device half way around the world you are going to be without a computer for a while. If you have to send it out of country for repair customs declarations have to be filled out and shipping can be a killer.
I agree
@@Britec09 Living in Canada sending stuff to the USA for RMA is costly shipping wise & if its Crucial they don't declare the replacement item as warranty repair so you wind up paying taxes on the replacement. Grey market items still exist today where warranty is only provided in certain countries & item has to be shipped back to that country for warranty.
very informative video! - got a little confused though so I shouldn't buy Chinese brands? but minisforum and beelink are both from Shenzen, CH - and Crucial seems to be manufactured there too
I bought a GMKTek G3 to create a NAS. I had no showstopper issues.
#1 has to be how loud it is. Loud fans on some mini pcs makes them unusable for media pcs. I got a pantera Pico pc and it's so high pitched and loud even under low loads.
I find if you raise the mini-pc off the ground 3inches .The heat dissipates at a faster rate. I did this with my Bee link . Glad I did
what object did you use to raise it for reference
Even a 1/2 inch works. I use a Betty Crocker stove element ring It is circular and is open for it to sit on . Dollar store is where I bought it@@nocomment5001
Which budget mini pc would you recommend for video editing and streaming
the power consumption its the big reason i want mini pc
I wonder if you have to open them up and clean the dust out once a year like I do with my tower PC.
excellent stuff all you need to know right in that video thanks😀
Glad you enjoyed it
Having a closer look at GEEKOM IT13: can I plug an amp i.e. LEPY LP-2020 (with 2 speaker) into the headphone jack, and it will work?
Hi what processor is best for emulation for DOS games (Blood, DN3D, Shadow Warrior) and ROM emulation up to PS2 - ARM or x86? What is the minimum GPU for decent emulation?
The nipogi that i was given has no ram stick at all. I just took it apart today to harvest the SSD before discarding the rest. The ram must be a chip on the board so one thing that you should know is, does it have actual Ram that can be replaced?.
What models do you recommend for smooth 4K movie streaming?
I like these smaller PCs, but they do lack a bit of power, and they're no replacement for a gaming PC, but if you just want to do the basics, a mini PC, Mac mini, or Chromebox, would do the job nicely. Plus, it always depends on what you need, or want. 😁
They are a fine gaming PC, I think you mean they aren't good for hardcore gaming. I would Agree. Other games like War Thunder, Roblox, RA2 etc work fine.
Would this work for sim racing set up?
Have any newer models with 13th Gen CPUs come out yet? Thankls.
I've got the Geekom with i3 processor, silent and super quick boot, so impressed. I only use it for work. I really hope it lasts a few years.
How’s it going?
Some manufactorers (cough Lenovo cough) are vendor locking Ryzen processors to one particular machine, which means it wont accept other CPUs. While that might not sound like a big deal, it will be if you decide to upgrade your system. If youre in the second hand market, getting an older machine can be bit risky since there arent many Ryzen 5 GE processors being sold brand new anymore and you want to beef up your old Ryzen 3.
Bottom line - check if your system can be upgraded. A solution can be to yank a CPU from another Lenovo machine but stars will have to allign for you to find one second hand CPU with right criteria.
Thanks for the Video. I'm about to buy Intel M9 Mini PC for Office Uses. I need advice for the Good/Suitable Monitor to use,,, Please advice....
MOREFINE M9 MINI PC INTEL N100 is OK for office use
@@Britec09 That's the exactly my Choice. I need a Good Budget Monitor to use along with this Morefine Mini PC, What Monitor do you advice?...
thank you 😀👍 🙏
Welcome 😊
Very good advice. However, what I need is ANSWERS to questions such as: BRANDS to stay away from and why. Mini PC vs Laptop or desktop.
You started when you mentioned Kingston & Crucial RAM vs no name. That's good... but perhaps there's a no name unit that has crappy RAM that you can swap out for good RAM and now have an excellent PC.
We need a good IF-THEN type flowchart. Example: Q1: Will you be "gaming?" If the answer is YES, then follow this arrow; if NO then follow that arrow.
The answer to that question alone should divide the pack in half.
Do you want top notch Video quality? If YES, then here are the best, forget the rest.
Do you need FAST performance (CPU to RAM to storage of large files and databases, etc) or is standard speed OK? That should eliminate another chunk.
Soon we should be down to a half dozen models to choose from.
I need a mini pc for word, so I can access a webcam and so I can do normal online browsing.
Which one would you recommend
Can you use them to play music via mps so that you need an 3.5" output for speakers.
I have not seen one with a 3.5 plug socket on it.
you can get a USB to 3.5 audio jack if you have to
Damn 3/4 million subscribers should be more but I remember 1/4 million and I thought I found a hidden gem still holds true👍
One of the things that annoy me is that some of these mini PCs have worse cooling then a laptop. Some just cool the processor, but the M.2 or 2.5" SSD will be hot as heck and start to throttle. I want a Minisforum Neptune HX80G and I think it has the right amount of cooling. Meanwhile the UM790 Pro, a lot of people are saying the M.2 drive is over heating pretty bad.
Can't go wrong with GEEKOM. Totally satified with the i7 version.
Can any of these run msfs2020 like the xbox series x?
maybe i missed it, but what about noise level? are they all on the same level? Is it quieter than budget notebook or SonyPlaystation 5 running CyberPunk?
Its a mini pc, under heavy load like AAA games or rendering videos, it will be louder
What is your opinion of Geekom's MiniAir 11 11th Gen Intel Celeron - N5095 8GB RAM+256GB SSD?
I would not buy Intel Celeron
Hi what's the difference between pc and mini..seems like they are equal, that is in general if you spec them 1 to 1 understanding one is a mini. Also general purpose so TH-cam, streaming, work
You can give them equal use, but objectively they are not technically equal, in terms of power and capability, most mini pc's are closer to or equal to medium range to high end laptops, main difference would be that Mini PCs do not have a monitor, but that it's advantage as well, since you can use any compatible one.
Wish there was docking stations with these that can allow the mini pc be transported from office to home, as not to have peripherals and monitors plugged in and out of them constantly.
I pulled the trigger on the Beelink SER5 Pro and definitely the best bang for buck among the lot.
5 months later how is it holding up? Should l get one?
@@flamersss I got the updated version which is SER5 MAX 5800H and it holds like a champ. I still have the SER5 Pro 5800H and it should be going to my mum.
Can you keep everyone updated on an ongoing basis, I want one really bad, just didn't hear to much about driver updates
@@livestrong1976 No that's too much work. They have an official reddit.
I had no idea, i wouldnt get one for the lack of gaming power. My Ryzen 7 , RTX 3090 does just fine. I was wondering if you could do a video explaining similarly to this video about Raspberyy Pi devices.
Thanks
can you explain about a jack pc ? and compare it with today's mini pc .
My old laptop died, I just want something for web browsing, video streaming (Netflix) and occasional games such as War Thunder. What mini pc would be best for that?
The thing is who owns the company. Crucial has a factory there, but it is not chinese. They will make what the parent company wants. The point is: parent company reputation. Some brands send nice units to youtubers for review… and when you buy it, components are different. Bait and switch.
Is that a 9V Battery socket? What's that for?
I have a question, does mini pc can be used to laptop?
Good info, funny how allot of them are identical
I know, right?
One big thing missing here for people looking. On AMD is Vega graphics vs Rdna 2 Graphics. RDNA 2 Graphics in just 6 cores R5 family can beat Vega 8 Graphics in and 8 core for Graphics. RDNA is the way to go for gaming.
The best tip i could give is that a deck or similar device will be a beast if you don't need that much performance
Good video, .
Thanks!
Would Just Like A Mini That Lets Me Replace My Tower Had Enough Of Power Sub Station Fan Noise Time For Silent Running Thank You
They are interesting for sure... but for now I'll stick with my Fractal R5.
Good job...
Thank you! Cheers!
I am looking for a budget pc with usb pd.
You don't need branded hardware - if the price is very good and they publish the specs. Yes, open the PC and see if the specs match! But an "unknown" brand can be just fine. Yes I agree totally, don't pay a premium for it! Some "premium brand" parts are counterfeit as well. Better to test parts, or watch TH-camrs who open them up and test them.
I just wanna be able to update my ssd firmware if its able to do it
the most important point are the ports ??????? metal or plastic??
Just one question that has been bugging me, I keep hearing people that most of mini pcs have 2-3 years lifespan, what do they mean by that? Does it mean that by 2-3 years, they will stop working and I will need to buy a new one? I'm thinking of getting one for gaming, since I heard they can be powerful for gaming or should I just get a regular PC that is guaranteed to last more years? Please answer.
Have you found the answer to this?
Cool!
Thanks
❤ to the 👉 point🎉
Thanks
Can I connect a mini pc to a HP All in One computer?
Beeline off Amazon S12 for $140 plus tax I believe the motherboard is OZW with Intel Celeron N95
20watt (from review on line, can raise) 4core 4 thread, 8 GB RAM OZW 2100or 2300, I think, 256 GB M.2 NVME 2280 OZW SSD. Windows 11 Pro.
Works fine.
But compulsive toddler and bothered by not finding information on OZW beyond builds two brand mini pc and components.
Upgraded to Crucial 16 GB 3200 RAM (made in Mexico, there have been changes at/to Crucial)
Do not know if I needed 16 GB over 8 GB or if 3200 helps much or any. Seems a minor improvement.
Cost $30 and tax shipped.
Contemplating Crucial P3 Plus M.2 NVME 500GB SSD (cacheless) probably faster more endurance more reliable? OZW? possibly hotter.
No one seems to be writing about heatsink for mini pcs. Did I mention I get obsessive and built computers long ago...
Looking at a good rated $9 heatsink but may be too tall, looking at laptop.specific heatsink too.
Also Crucial P5 Plus 1TB M.2 NVME SSD probably more heat but not for my uses, has cache, more speed and more endurance $50 plus tax.
500GB not enough cheaper...
Price your brands, and holidays sales.
Both P3/P3 Plus and P5/P5 Plus are Gen 4 listed as Gen 3 compatible. Genre I think they run hotter, have not tried yet. Crucial and Samsung come with useful software for monitoring etc.
Web says Beeline will if asked send you code key for clean install. For clone need M.2 NVME 2280 adapter $14-40, I think I will purchase around $18 or $24. $18 is mentioned as used. $24 has heatsink for use as portable drive does not get as hot supposedly.
I expect if you purchase more expensive ones you will get the name brand RAM and M.2 NVME 2280 SSDs reviewer has seen.
I think I got the OZW for the$140 discount price?
And as stated works fine and the faster increased RAM install seems to make very little difference for my uses.
This is replacing an I5 2500 computer W10 built in 2012 very well.
Hope this helps?
OZW 256GB M.2 NVME 2280 is Gen 3. That is why I think Replacement Gen 4s may be hotter, again usage matters a great deal.
Prices Gen 3 may cost more than Gen 4.
What about minisforum B550 mini pc is any good ?
minisforum stopped sending me samples
@@Britec09 it also can installed video card as a hardcore gamer if the video card is out date but still use same mini pc and get upgrade video card it will be lasted while longer till out date then get a new mini pc . Maybe wise choice ? Most mini pc can installed with case opens but not fast enough it will not keep up to date whatever game’s required high end then mini pc cannot continue use for gaming but stay online like exploring or security online only . That why minisforum B550 may keep rolling 😅
just bought a geekom spec' i9, 32ram wifi 6, thunderbolt
How about hx99g
I didn't know these existed until a week ago and thought they looked cool. I was wondering if they would be alright for watching movies from an external drive that's going to be attached to a wifi router or stream from prime or netflix.
That's most likely depends on the CPU and GPU (if any). 1080p vid with x264 or h264 codec should've run smoothly, but if you're talking about 4k media, that's a different class on its own.
Just Wish I Stayed On At School When My Mother Told Me LOL
i need mini pc CHEAP less than 150$ i looking many have less than 100$ aliexpress, what can use my CAD/CAM drawing only, workshop computer and internet only. what have good ? Vcarve vetric software or freecad etc, windows 7-10 about have inside.
ım totaly newbie by this dings do we need external grafic card sir britec ?
Looking for a mini pc to play all my retro games on. But I keep hearing most mini PCs get too hot for retro gaming
depends on how retro the games are. my android box can play up to PS1 games no problem. most windows PC would be able to play PS2 emulator
@@Archontasil I've tried a few cheap android boxes and some expensive ones but they don't last long and tend to over heat after a few hours
@@twisteddancer7773 what emulator are you playing? i use very cheap android box and can run ps1 just fine
Yeah, that can be done on most mini pc
I bought a cheap TCL QLED TV and it emulates PS1 no problem ;-)
When did they start putting USB-C ports in them?
HP had USB-C in mini PCs in 2015...
Do you know the smaller these pc's become, the more prone to disaster they are bcuz those tiny circuits give out. Casual actions, like just turning the pc on can cause a small surge that blowz it 🤔
I wonder when a mini pc will be able to run games on then I will switch
Just build yourself a custom PC in a full-tower case, and all the negatives presented with mini and micro PCs will disappear.
👍
Beelink is not a good MINI PC. At first its okay, but later on, the built-in wifi and bluetooth always disconnect and the worst part, after a year they shutdown because of heat. It would be better to build your own pc, its cheaper and easier to repair.
Its easy, actually the mini's pc intel good processors but have a bad Graphic Gpu, so Radeon are verry beter, mini start with Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7
You the best choice betwin price and spec, the winner after my test in game Ryzen 7 5800h 16Gb , this processor make in 7mn, box case is verry quality vs Nipogi in Ryzen 5 or 7. I have compare prices , you found Trigkey S5 ryzen 7 5800h (329 ...339 dollars) when is it best price, or 440 dollars standard price.
My last pc is N95 16Gb its intel Gpu card 1200Mhz i keep for my tv, but when you see Ryzen 7 5800h and radeon , really its a other tech, for just many difference price take this.
Ready To Go Plug An Play
Can you recommend any that are manufactured in Western democracies
can you recommend a western democracy?
Beware of the HDMI version. Only a few minis have "real" HDMI 2.1.
6:35 Everything nowadays is from China, Taiwan etc. Can't get away from that.
That Crucial memory module that you pulled out is also made in China.
Not everything made in China is necessarily bad or low quality.
The thing is who owns the company. Crucial has a factory there, but it is not chinese. They will make what the parent company wants. The point is: parent company reputation. Some brands send nice units to youtubers for review… and when you buy it, components are different. Bait and switch.
Everything you said applies to any computer you buy, laptop, desktop or mini.
Instead of buying a POS Celeron, go with a used HP, Lenovo or Dell that use i5 - 6500T or newer...
haha. shout out to my country, Taiwan. we do have high-quality hardware.
have many many brand mini pc but all has less 120$ pc same motherboard and CPU. brand no matter all come same motherboard what i has looking cheap pc.
I want it to do everything.