Mini PCs offer a compact and efficient alternative to traditional desktops, balancing performance with energy savings and reduced noise. Geekom’s Black Friday sales present significant discounts on various models, including those with and without dedicated graphics cards. When choosing a mini PC, consider factors like intended use, performance specifications, storage capacity, operating system, connectivity options, and physical dimensions. For demanding tasks, upgrading to a discrete graphics card may be necessary for optimal performance.
For individuals who find traditional desktop computers too bulky yet refuse to compromise on performance, mini PCs present an ideal solution. These compact machines prioritize essential features, resulting in energy efficiency and reduced noise levels. With their streamlined design, mini PCs often provide superior value compared to standard laptops.
The savings continue with Geekom’s Black Friday offers, where you can use exclusive coupons to enjoy discounts of up to 200 euros.
Top Mini PC Offers from Geekom
Leading up to Black Friday, Geekom is already slashing prices on many of its best-selling mini PCs. Be sure to apply the right coupon for each specific model to maximize your savings.
Since not every mini PC accommodates a dedicated graphics card, we’ve organized our deals into categories to simplify your search.
Mini PCs with Dedicated Graphics Card Slots
Some graphics cards can be as substantial as an entire mini PC without a dedicated GPU. Therefore, ample space within the casing is essential, and the following offers provide that flexibility.
Mini PCs Without Internal Graphics Card Options
If your computing needs are limited to browsing, light office tasks, or streaming videos, you may not require a powerful graphics card. Opting for a mini PC without a dedicated GPU can significantly lower costs, providing you with robust performance at a more affordable price.
Key Considerations When Purchasing a Mini PC
Understanding your intended use for a mini PC is crucial. Whether it’s for a server hub, home office, gaming, emulation, professional tasks, multimedia applications, or advertising displays, there’s a mini PC suited for your needs.
Your requirements for performance, size, noise level, power consumption, connectivity, operating system, and storage will vary based on your intended applications.
Performance
The heart of any mini PC lies in its processor (CPU). Performance benchmarks can provide insight into the CPU’s capabilities. It’s important to note that many mini PCs use mobile CPUs, which may have similar names to desktop processors. Always verify the exact model when researching.
To ensure seamless operation, crucial application components must be loaded into the RAM for quick access. Insufficient RAM can cause delays, hinder multitasking, and even result in program crashes. Some applications may fail to launch altogether.
For light tasks such as email and video streaming, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 from recent generations with four gigabytes of RAM should suffice. For more demanding applications, a higher specification is recommended.
For gaming, aim for a mini PC equipped with at least an Intel Core i5 / i7 or Ryzen 5 / 7 from the last four years, paired with 16 gigabytes of RAM or more. While some games can function with less, it is generally advisable to opt for higher specifications. Processors like i9 or Ryzen 9 are typically overkill for most gaming and office tasks but are necessary for high-end video editing and complex simulations.
Storage Capacity
In today’s market, storage is relatively affordable compared to performance. Always opt for an SSD for storage, as they are commonly found in mini PCs. For everyday use, 128 gigabytes might be adequate, but 256 gigabytes is a safer bet if you plan to store numerous files and photos.
For gaming, storage needs vary significantly based on the games you intend to install and play simultaneously. While some modern AAA titles require upwards of 400 gigabytes, indie games often take up much less. To comfortably manage several games, we recommend at least one terabyte of storage.
Operating System Options
The variety of applications for mini PCs also extends to operating systems. Windows 11, for example, requires at least 20 gigabytes of storage, but depending on your needs, a lighter operating system may suffice. Many servers run on streamlined Linux versions. Always check for a pre-installed operating system, as Windows can be quite costly.
Connectivity
For general use, USB ports are crucial. Standard peripherals like mice and keyboards will operate fine on USB 2.0, but for higher data transfer rates, USB 3.0 is recommended. The naming conventions of modern USB connections can be confusing, but understanding them is essential for maximizing performance.
Thunderbolt 3, which shares a connection with USB-C, is necessary for external graphics cards and can also connect to some monitors. For office work and gaming, having multiple video outputs like HDMI and DisplayPort can be vital.
If you plan to use a graphics card, ensure that you connect all monitors to the GPU’s ports whenever possible for optimal performance.
Dimensions and Noise Levels
You’ll need to determine the right size and noise level for your mini PC based on its intended use. Typically, larger cases offer better cooling options, which can result in quieter operation. If you’re planning to install a graphics card, ensure that the case has ample space.
Transforming Your Mini PC into a Gaming Powerhouse
For those engaged in intensive tasks like video editing, game development, or gaming, an integrated graphics processor is often insufficient. A discrete graphics card is essential for optimal performance.
Graphics cards can either be used as an external GPU (eGPU) or installed internally in certain mini PCs, similar to traditional desktops. In both scenarios, specific requirements must be met to ensure compatibility and performance.
Choosing the Right Graphics Card for Your Mini PC
When selecting a graphics card, two primary factors need to be considered: the size and power requirements of the card and the compatibility with your mini PC’s hardware configuration.