Computers are becoming smaller and more powerful every year. These are the same devices that used to take up the space of an entire room, but today we carry them around in our laptop bags with ease.

But why stop there? Why not something even more compact?

These are the questions that the makers of mini PCs asked themselves years ago. So if you don't know what a mini PC is or what benefits it offers, then you're in luck because this post will tell you everything you need to know.

What exactly is a Mini PC?

As the “Mini” in the name suggests, a Mini PC is a revolutionary form factor that frees our computers from all the bulk and turns them into a tiny device that we can take with us anywhere.

Don't let the word miniature mislead you. A mini PC has all the components you find in traditional desktop computers. A modern motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drive and plenty of connectivity ports are all included.

When it comes to everyday use, these tiny computers are just as good as their bulkier cousins. In fact, some advanced models like the GEEKOM Mini IT8 are so powerful that they can handle intensive applications like Photoshop, SonyVegas and even be able to run some video games!

Is a mini PC worth it?

Because mini PCs are smaller, they were once derided for their limited upgradeability and performance. But recent advances have changed this perception, some mini PCs can now even run the latest games!

While they lack the customization features and power of a desktop, they make up for it in other ways. However, you should make sure you have other peripherals ready so you can enjoy the benefits of your new device.

The advantages of a mini PC

If you buy a mini PC but you're not sure if you should, consider the following benefits of moving to this smallest form factor:

Small and portable

Let's start with the obvious advantage. If you love the small size of a laptop, you'll love the tiny dimensions of a mini PC.

Forget about buying a bag to carry your laptop when you walk around all day. The right mini PC is so small that it fits right in your pocket. The GEEKOM Mini IT8, for example, fits easily into a jacket pocket.

As long as you have a replacement display, be it the monitor in your friend's office or the flat screen in your living room, you can get your mini PC up and running with ease. Just connect it to the screen and you're ready to go.

Compare that to a laptop. You have to carry around a keyboard, a trackpad, a battery, and a whole screen all day long. But with a mini PC, you only need to carry the essential components.

Low energy consumption

With small size comes lower energy consumption. Mini PCs can dramatically reduce your power consumption. This is especially true for heavy users who run intensive applications for nearly a dozen hours every day, such as video editors and eSports professionals.

Even if you are not interested in saving a few units on your electricity bill, you should not underestimate the importance of this low power consumption.

Imagine a disruption in your local power grid striking out of nowhere. You have no way to work because your desktop computer won't run on a UPS system for long, and that's only if you have a UPS system.

However, with a mini PC, you can easily have a small backup battery and use it to meet your computing needs for a long time. This can be a lifesaver for working professionals, especially those who enjoy working from home.

Payable

One would think that such a revolutionary form factor would cost more than conventional computers. But the truth is that a mini PC is often much cheaper than its bulkier counterparts.

This is possible because the smaller size means savings in materials and labor. Plus, the companies that make these modern devices often have advanced manufacturing systems in place to maximize savings and pass them on to consumers like you.

So if you want elite computing power without an elite price, then a branded mini PC is your best choice.

Lots of performance

Many people think that mini PCs are too weak to meet their computing needs. And they are right. Most models can't support more than light browsing and word processing.

It's not all bad news, however. You can buy an advanced mini PC like the GEEKOM Mini IT8 to run some of the most intensive applications on the market. This Intel i5-powered mini PC has enough power to help you edit photos and videos, stream 4K videos, open dozens of browser tabs, and even play some video games!

In other words, a quality mini PC gives you plenty of power to get your work done and have fun too.

Is a mini PC suitable for gaming?

Traditionally, most mini PCs are not specifically designed for gaming, and while you can play many games at a reasonable frame rate, their performance is not at the level to support modern games.

With advances in PC technology, tiny form factor PCs are actually capable of producing incredible graphics and some mini PCs are now a viable option for gaming. You can upgrade the storage to 32GB if you need more performance.