What is a mini PC?
A mini PC is a complete desktop computer in a small chassis. It includes a processor, memory, storage, and I/O ports in a unit that is typically a fraction of the size of a tower PC. Mini PCs are used where space is limited, where power use must stay low, or where a computer must sit behind a display, on a wall mount, or inside a control cabinet.
Key specifications
Mini PCs are defined by their processor, memory, storage, and connectivity. The Thinvent range covers three processor families:
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Intel Core processors from the i3, i5, i7 and Core Ultra 5 series, in 12th, 13th and 14th generations. Core counts range from 6 to 12, with maximum turbo frequencies from 4.3 GHz to 5.0 GHz.
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AMD Ryzen 5 7430U with 6 cores, up to 4.3 GHz, and 16 MB cache.
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ARM Cortex-A55 with 4 cores, up to 1.9 GHz, and 1 MB cache, for embedded Linux designs.
Memory options are 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB. DDR4 is used in most models, and the Core Ultra 5 model uses DDR5. Storage is 128 GB to 512 GB SSD, or 32 GB eMMC on the ARM model. Power adapters are 5V, 12V or 19V, depending on the model.
Mini PC configurations
| Series | Processor | Cores | Max frequency | Memory | Storage | Wi-Fi | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero | Intel Core i3-1215U (12th gen) | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | None or Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux |
| Aero | Intel Core i5-1335U (13th gen) | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | None | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero | Intel Core i7-1255U (12th gen), Dual LAN | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | None | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U (14th gen), Dual LAN | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR5 | 256 GB SSD | None | Ubuntu Linux |
| Aero | Intel Core 5 120U (14th gen) | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 8 or 16 GB DDR4 | 256 or 512 GB SSD | Dual Band | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo | Intel N5095A (11th gen) | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB DDR4 | 128 GB SSD | None | Ubuntu Linux |
| Micro 6 Pro | ARM Cortex-A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 4 GB onboard | 32 GB eMMC | Dual Antenna | Thinux Embedded Linux |
Use cases
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Office and business desktops: Core i5 and i7 models with 16 GB memory run office software and multitasking in small desks.
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Kiosks and digital signage: Compact units mount behind displays and run around the clock.
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Industrial and embedded control: The ARM Micro 6 Pro runs Thinux embedded Linux with low power draw.
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Development and Linux workstations: Ubuntu Linux models with 16 GB memory suit software development.
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Network and data handling: Dual LAN models handle two network connections.
Thinvent mini PCs
Thinvent manufactures the Aero, Treo and Micro 6 Pro mini PCs described above. Aero models use Intel Core processors from the 12th to 14th generations. Treo models use AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel N5095A processors. The Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex-A55 processor with Thinux embedded Linux. Each model is listed with its processor, memory, storage, Wi-Fi option and operating system, so buyers can match a configuration to the workload.
