What is a small form factor desktop?
A small form factor (SFF) desktop is a compact computer that takes up far less space than a standard tower PC. Mini PCs in this class are small enough to mount behind a monitor, fit on a desk, or sit inside a kiosk or control cabinet. They run full desktop operating systems such as Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu Linux, and they connect to standard monitors, keyboards and networks.
Most SFF desktops use laptop-class processors from Intel and AMD. These chips give a good balance of performance and power use. Thinvent Aero and Treo mini PCs use Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and Core Ultra processors, as well as AMD Ryzen 5 processors. Thinvent Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex A55 processor with an embedded Linux system.
Key specifications
Buyers should compare the following specifications when choosing a small form factor desktop:
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Processor: Core count, maximum frequency and cache size set the processing speed.
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Memory: Thinvent models ship with 4 GB to 16 GB of RAM. DDR4 memory is used in most models, and DDR5 is used in the Aero model with Core Ultra 5.
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Storage: Models include 32 GB eMMC storage or 128 GB to 512 GB SSD storage.
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Networking: Some models include Dual Band WiFi or Dual Antenna WiFi. Other models have no WiFi and use wired Ethernet. Dual LAN is available on selected Aero models.
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Power: Thinvent mini PCs use external power adapters rated 5V, 12V or 19V.
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Operating system: Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux or Thinux Embedded Linux.
Comparison of Thinvent mini PC processors
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max frequency | Cache | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinvent Treo Mini PC | Intel N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 MB | 4 GB |
| Thinvent Micro 6 Pro Mini PC | ARM Cortex A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 1 MB | 4 GB |
| Thinvent Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | 8 GB |
| Thinvent Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 MB | 8 GB or 16 GB |
| Thinvent Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB |
| Thinvent Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB |
| Thinvent Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB |
| Thinvent Aero Mini PC | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB |
Use cases
Small form factor desktops suit offices, classrooms, reception areas, digital signage, point-of-sale counters, and industrial sites where space is limited. The low-power Micro 6 Pro suits embedded and always-on tasks. The Aero and Treo models suit office productivity, data entry, video playback and multi-monitor desks.
Thinvent mini PCs for small form factor desktops
Thinvent has a range of small form factor desktops in the Aero, Treo and Micro 6 Pro lines. Aero mini PCs use Intel Core processors from i3 to Core Ultra 5 with up to 16 GB RAM. Treo mini PCs use Intel N5095A and AMD Ryzen 5 processors. The Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex A55 processor with embedded Linux. Choose a model by processor performance, memory, storage, networking and operating system.
