What You Should Know About Buying a Mini Desktop
A Mini Desktop is an excellent alternative to bulky all-in-one computers like the Apple iMac or Microsoft Surface Studio 2 and can be used for a variety of purposes. Many of the best models on the market can run media servers, a range of software applications and games emulators.
They can also be connected to a TV or monitor to play videos, games and apps on a bigger screen. Some can even be used as a home security system or smart home hub.
The best mini PCs are able to deliver enough performance for a range of different tasks and can last for several years if properly maintained. However, their lifespan is influenced by the quality of components and how much use they get. They can be prone to heat and cooling issues if left unattended or subjected to high levels of stress.
There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes available for these small computers. Some are geared towards businesses and have a rectangular shape while others like the Beelink and Geekom products aimed at consumers have a square shape. Those that are more of an appliance can have a metal enclosure to help with passive cooling and often have multiple wired Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN.
The Asus Zenbox UM790 Pro is one of the most feature-rich mini PCs we've seen and offers a wide array of connectivity including two HDMI ports, USB 3.1 Gen 2, dual M.2 2280 SSD slots and a 2.5-inch drive bay. This is a powerful little machine that delivers impressive benchmark scores for both gaming and productivity, making it ideal for creative professionals.