The Mini PC You SHOULD Be Looking At

Hardware Haven2 minutes read

Used Mini PCs like the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini offer powerful x86 CPUs in a small, energy-efficient package, ideal for various applications like desktops, media streaming, and home servers, with benchmark results highlighting its performance compared to other systems. Practical applications include light gaming, video transcoding, emulation, self-hosting, and media streaming, although limitations in storage options may require external USB enclosures for additional drives and caution for critical data storage.

Insights

  • Used Mini PCs like the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini offer a cost-effective solution with powerful x86 CPUs, upgradable RAM, and efficient performance, making them versatile for various applications from desktop use to media streaming.
  • The EliteDesk's low power consumption, potential for upgrades like networking enhancements or AI acceleration, and solid benchmark performance underscore its value, although considerations for storage limitations in budget NAS setups and data safety are crucial aspects to bear in mind.

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Recent questions

  • What are Mini PCS?

    Small, efficient devices with x86 CPUs for various applications.

  • What are the features of the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini?

    Intel Skylake Core i5 6500t processor, upgradable RAM, and storage options.

  • How efficient is the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini?

    Draws around 7.5 Watts at idle, with potential upgrades for networking and AI acceleration.

  • What are the practical applications of the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini?

    Light gaming, video transcoding, emulation, self-hosting, and media streaming.

  • What are the limitations of the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini?

    Storage options for a budget NAS are limited, suggesting external USB enclosures for additional drives.

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Summary

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"Efficient Mini PCs: Powerful & Affordable Solutions"

  • Raspberry pies and single board computers can be underpowered, incompatible, or expensive, while desktop computers are powerful but space-consuming.
  • A solution is presented in the form of used Mini PCS, small and efficient devices with x86 CPUs suitable for various applications like desktops, media streaming, or home servers.
  • The HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Mini, bought for $50 on eBay, features an Intel Skylake Core i5 6500t processor, upgradable RAM up to 64GB, and storage options like M.2 NVMe or 2.5-inch SATA drives.
  • The EliteDesk's efficiency is highlighted, drawing around 7.5 Watts at idle, with potential upgrades like two and a half gigabit networking or a coral TPU for AI acceleration.
  • Benchmark results show the EliteDesk's performance in comparison to other systems, with scores in PC Mark 10, Cinebench R15, and R23, showcasing its capabilities.
  • Practical applications of the EliteDesk include light gaming, video transcoding, emulation, self-hosting, and media streaming with hardware transcoding support.
  • Limitations like storage options for a budget NAS are noted, suggesting external USB enclosures for additional drives, while caution is advised for critical data storage.
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