What is a mini PC?
A mini PC is a small desktop computer. It is much smaller than a tower PC, and it runs a full desktop operating system such as Windows 11 Pro or Ubuntu Linux. Mini PCs take up little desk or rack space, and they draw less power than a standard desktop.
Key specifications to compare
Mini PC specifications are set mainly by the processor, memory and storage. The processor sets the core count and clock speed. Memory sets how many applications run at once. Solid-state drive (SSD) storage sets how much data the unit holds and how fast it loads files.
The Thinvent mini PC range covers several processor families:
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Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors from the 11th to 14th generations
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Intel Celeron processors for basic office and kiosk tasks
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AMD Ryzen 5 processors from the 7000 Series
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ARM Cortex A53 processors for thin client use
Memory ranges from 2 GB to 64 GB. Storage ranges from 16 GB eMMC to 1 TB SSD.
Comparison of Thinvent mini PC processors
| Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | Cache | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 12 MB | Industrial and multitasking workloads |
| Intel Core i5-1240P | 12 | 4.4 GHz | 12 MB | Industrial control and data processing |
| Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 12 MB | General desktop and productivity work |
| Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 12 MB | Industrial panel and office use |
| Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | Office and light industrial tasks |
| AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 MB | Business desktops and multitasking |
| Intel Celeron N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 MB | Basic office and kiosk tasks |
| ARM Cortex A53 | 4 | 2.0 GHz | - | Thin client and display control |
Use cases
Mini PCs suit offices, retail counters, digital signage, factory floors and homes. They fit behind a monitor or on a VESA mount. Industrial models use a 12V DC power input, which suits machine and vehicle installations.
Thinvent mini PCs and industrial PCs
Thinvent has mini PCs and industrial PCs in this category, along with a 15-inch industrial panel PC and a thin client. The Aero Mini PC and Treo Mini PC are available with Intel and AMD processors. The Industrial PC IPC3 and IPC5 run on Intel processors, with Windows 11 IoT or Ubuntu Linux. The Micro 5R Thin Client uses an ARM Cortex A53 processor and runs Thinux embedded Linux.
