What Is a Mini PC?
A mini PC is a complete desktop computer in a small chassis. It has a processor, memory, storage, and ports for displays, networking, and peripherals. Mini PCs take far less desk space than a tower PC and draw less power. They suit offices, kiosks, digital signage, point-of-sale, and home or small-business use.
Key Specifications
The Thinvent mini PC range uses processors from Intel, AMD, and ARM. Specifications vary by model:
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Processor: Intel Celeron N5095A, Intel Core i3-1215U, Core i5-1335U, Core i7-1255U, Core Ultra 5 125U, Intel Core 5 120U, and AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, plus an ARM Cortex-A55.
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Cores: 4 to 12 cores, depending on the processor.
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Maximum frequency: 1.9 GHz (ARM Cortex-A55) up to 5.0 GHz (Intel Core 5 120U).
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Memory: 4 GB to 16 GB. Models use DDR4 or DDR5 RAM.
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Storage: 32 GB eMMC on the ARM model. 128 GB to 512 GB SSD on the x86 models.
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Power: 5V to 19V adapters, matched to each model.
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Networking: Dual Band WiFi or Dual Antenna WiFi on some models. Dual LAN on others. Some models have no WiFi.
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Operating systems: Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux, or Thinux Embedded Linux.
Mini PC Comparison
| Model | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | RAM | Storage | Networking | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 8 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | No WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Treo Mini PC | Intel N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 GB DDR4 | 128 GB SSD | No WiFi | Ubuntu Linux |
| Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | Dual Band WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Micro 6 Pro | ARM Cortex-A55 | 4 | 1.9 GHz | 4 GB | 32 GB eMMC | Dual Antenna WiFi | Thinux Embedded Linux |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i5-1335U | 10 | 4.6 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | No WiFi | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 16 GB DDR4 | 256 GB SSD | No WiFi, Dual LAN | Windows 11 Pro |
| Aero Mini PC | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | 12 | 4.3 GHz | 16 GB DDR5 | 256 GB SSD | No WiFi, Dual LAN | Ubuntu Linux |
Choosing a Mini PC
Choose the processor first. Intel Core i5 and i7 models and the Core Ultra 5 suit multitasking and general business work. The AMD Ryzen 5 model suits similar workloads. The Intel Celeron N5095A suits light office tasks. The ARM Cortex-A55 model suits embedded and dedicated-function systems. Next, check memory and storage against the software you run. Last, confirm the networking. Some models include WiFi, some include Dual LAN, and some have neither.
Thinvent Mini PCs
Thinvent has mini PCs in three families. The Aero Mini PC uses Intel Core processors, from the Celeron-class N5095A to the Core Ultra 5. The Treo Mini PC uses an Intel N5095A or an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U. The Micro 6 Pro uses an ARM Cortex-A55 with Thinux Embedded Linux. Each model ships with a matched power adapter and a choice of Windows 11 Pro or Linux.