You have finally decided to become the owner of a Smart TV and transform your TV into a multimedia and entertainment center, and now you are faced with the task of which one to buy: with operating Android system or Windows.
Comparison of Android Smart TV and Windows mini pc
Let's make a comparison Android consoles and Windows. The characteristics of most are not inferior to mini PCs. But there are still minor differences in their work. Windows is a more cumbersome OS designed for office and gaming PCs, while the Android operating system is more mobile for smartphones and tablets. This option will be easier and more convenient. Thanks to Google Play You can download any application, and the system will install it. It won’t be difficult to find any video, as well as wirelessly synchronize with a smartphone or tablet, watch TV online, and use other widgets. To watch the movie you will need to download it to a flash drive. It should be noted that smart TV gadgets based on Microsoft products are full-fledged computers, since the platform is not mobile, you can easily install your usual office programs, players, and games. The advantage for gamers is that sitting comfortably in a chair, armed with joysticks, you can enjoy your favorite game. Typically, a mini PC is equipped with processors and graphics accelerators, which will be a plus for this console.
Windows mini PC Z83
A few years ago, the favorite would have been a mini computer on the Windows platform, the interface of which was quite familiar. These days almost everyone has mobile device with Android, which makes this OS one of the most popular. If you want to have a fast mini pc, with which you can access the Internet from the TV, and then quickly switch to TV again, then your choice is a product with Android. And, if you like Windows applications and in addition, you avid gamer, then don’t hesitate and make a choice in favor of mini pc. The characteristics of the devices reviewed are slightly similar. Both are equipped with four to eight core processors, 1-2 GB RAM, and a card reader with which you can read information from a phone’s memory card or video card, without the need to transfer it to a flash drive. Both representatives have small sizes housing (in the form of a stick, box). Android ones run on Rockchip, Amlogic and Allwinner processors, for those with Dual OS and Windows - Intel. Most Smart TV devices are similar in appearance, may only differ in the presence of a built-in camera, antenna, audio output, network input, and remote control.
Android TV box X92
Advantages of Android TV:
- it will be appreciated by those who are used to using and downloading from Google Play; in addition, the applications are adapted for the big screen. Many of them are absolutely free to download, and it is possible to install others besides Google Play;
- there is a large collection of games;
- Google Cast support – broadcasting content to TV with one touch;
- easy connection to TV via HDMI and settings home network. A USB port is provided for data exchange, network adapter, built-in Wi-Fi;
- supports 4k and Blue-ray video format;
- low cost.
Advantages of Windows mini PC:
- programs are installed and uninstalled in the usual way, as on a computer;
- you can use office programs, music player, Google, Yandex maps, watch via IPTV without connecting to cable television;
- access the Internet using any browser convenient for you;
- use online cinemas on the Internet by subscribing to the newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest cinema releases;
- some models connect an analog output “tulip” or like a monitor, but it is better to use HDMI;
- Set-top boxes with Windows 8.1, 10 (devices with Dual OS) install two Android and Windows systems simultaneously, and it can also be connected to any monitor
- can be used as an office PC for simple tasks.
Today, the selection includes 3 models of mini-computers, or they can also be called TV set-top boxes. The first participant - BEELINK BT3 is a mini-computer on Intel based Cherry Trail X5-Z8300, which runs under Windows control 10 64bit. Among the features of this device, it is worth noting a 64GB (probably 64GB NAND flash or SSD) drive, divided into two parts of 40 and 20 GB, as well as two USB 2.0 interfaces and one USB 3.0 port.
OS: Windows 10 64Bit
CPU: Intel Cherry Trail X5-Z8300 Quad Core
Graphic arts: 8th generation Intel® HD Graphics
Memory: 2GB RAM (DDR3L-1333) + 64GB ROM + SD slot
WLAN: 802.11b/g/n WiFi(2.4G/5G)
Bluetooth: BT 4.0
LAN: Gigabit LAN
Screen: HDMI output 1080p
External interfaces: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0
Memory card support: 1 SD slot max 128 GB
Sound: 3.5 mm jack
Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 24 mm
Weight: 450 g
Equipment: TV box (mini PC), power supply, instructions.
Mini PC Beelink Intel BT3 It has small dimensions - 12 x 12 x 2.4 cm, and has 2 GB of RAM. The two sections that I wrote about above are divided into system Windows disk(C:) and local disk(D:). Inner memory can be expanded using an additional SD slot that supports cards up to 128 GB. The mini-PC has the following network and wireless interfaces: Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0.
Mini-computer Beelink Intel BT3
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Order
You can order the BEELINK BT3 mini-computer at a special price of $129 in the GearBest online store using a promo code GBBT3.
Voyo offers a V3 mini-computer (nettop) with a 14nm Cherry Trail generation Atom x7-Z8700 processor with a base clock speed of 1.6 GHz and a turbo speed of up to 2.4 GHz. It is especially noteworthy that the body of the gadget is made of glass and metal. It is impossible not to notice that the device is very productive, with 8th generation Intel graphics and a 2-channel memory controller on board - LPDDR3. The nettop runs on a 64-bit operating system Windows 10
Voyo V3 mini computer
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Voyo V3 is equipped with 4 gigabytes of RAM and an internal flash drive of 128 GB. Plus, you can additionally get a similar volume thanks to the ability to use microSD. In the nettop's arsenal you will find a wireless WLAN adapter 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, as well as two USB port 3.0, one USB 2.0 connector, new balanced port USB Type-C and HDMI interface. Voyo V3 has modest dimensions - 130 × 130 × 9.9 mm, and light weight - about 200 g.
Order
You can order the VOYO V3 mini-computer at a special price of $209.99 in the GearBest online store using the promo code GBV3.
Meegopad T03 PRO is a logical continuation of the previous version of the mini-PC – MeeGoPad T02. The device is a media player with an HDMI interface that is inserted directly into the HDMI input of a TV or monitor.
Unlike the previous model, Meegopad T03 PRO has new processor Intel Cherry Trail X5-Z8300 Quad Core, and also has a USB 3.0 connector. IN this device There is active cooling, since the previous model had problems with overheating.
Mini computer Meegopad T03
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Having released the first Mac mini ten years ago, Apple proved that good computer can fit into a small case. It took some time for computer makers to work up the courage to follow suit. Today, mini-PCs can be purchased for 10,000 rubles, literally anywhere, and they are the embodiment of almost all desires regarding working with multimedia or with office applications.
In addition, the technologies packed into an ultra-compact package are designed for silent and energy-efficient long-term operation. All this predetermines the use of this class of devices as a universal media center that can be connected directly to a TV, or as a office computer, the resources of which are sufficient for comfortable work in Word, Excel and other editors.
Of course, small PCs cannot replace computers with a full-fledged system unit and top-class equipment. However, they are an alternative to laptops because laptops often offer lower performance than mini PCs for about the same price. It makes sense to buy a mini PC if you plan to use the tiny computer only as a desktop computer. We have tested best devices V price category up to 40,000 rubles and we’ll tell you which inexpensive ultra-compact PCs performed best.
Palm-sized computers
There are a huge number of sizes and designs of mini-PCs, and they also differ in performance. The largest of them have a square base with a side of about 20 cm, a height of about five centimeters and a weight of about a kilogram - this type of case is often used by Asus and Apple. Their competitor Zotac, as a rule, prefers a more compact form factor: a square with a side of 13 cm. The scales with these crumbs show only about 600 grams.
Zotac ZBox PI321 pico (15,000 rubles, did not participate in the test) weighs no more smartphone(150 g) and fits into a jacket pocket. In terms of hardware, the device is, of course, inferior to a mini-PC, but its power is enough for comfortable work with office applications.
But this is not the limit: there are even smaller cases. For example, the Zotac ZBOX PI321 pico nettop, which was not included in the comparison, weighs like a smartphone, and the processor it uses, the Atom Z3735F, is more suitable for tablets.
Efficient mini-PC performance with Broadwell microarchitecture
To build a good mini-PC, company engineers always have to make a compromise, because a computer in an ultra-compact case must not only be productive, but also equipped with all the necessary connectors, as well as an extremely quiet cooling system. The ratio of performance to power consumption is primarily determined by the main characteristics of the processor. Almost all tested devices run on Intel processors with a maximum thermal package (TDP) of 15 W.
All mini-computers run on energy-efficient processors with a thermal package of 15 W (ZBOX nano AQ02 Plus has 19 W). We are talking about energy-saving chips of the Haswell and Broadwell generation, and the advantage goes to Broadwell, since the size of the transistors of chips of this microarchitecture is only 14 nm, while Haswell is produced according to the 22-nm process technology. The smaller the transistors, the more efficient the microcircuit works. In theory, Broadwell chips with the same TDP achieve greater computing power, that is, with the same performance they consume less energy.
The modular principle used in assembling computers also applies to mini-PCs, for example, VivoPC from ASUS. To replace the HDD or RAM, just unscrew the case cover screws This ratio has been proven in practice by our Cinebench benchmark, which evaluates the performance of multi-core processors. The Broadwell Core i5 processor in the ZBox nano MI542 Plus mini-PC from Zotac received the highest score during testing, followed by the Core i5 (Haswell) from the Apple mini mini-PC.
The situation with Core i3 processors is exactly the same. Result Broadwell processor, installed in the MSI Cubi mini-PC, turned out to be higher than the Core i3-4030U, which until recently was somewhat of a standard for CPU devices in this class.
Complement the picture of the device on Celeron processors Haswell microarchitectures and APUs from AMD in the ZBox nano AQ02Plus with a TDP value of 19 W, which cannot seriously compete with Broadwell and Haswell in terms of processor performance.
The winner of our test, Asus VivoPC VM62N, is equipped with a discrete NVIDIA video card GeForce 820M, which, however, is quite weak. All other devices for rendering game graphics or playing movies use graphics cards integrated into the chip.
But in total graphics performance Intel HD Graphics 5000 in Apple Mac mini is even higher than NVIDIA. Of all the Intel graphics cards tested, it has the most powerful Hardware and the highest clock speed. In third place is the ZBox nano MI542 Plus with a Broadwell chip. However, for serious games, none of these graphic solutions not enough.
The Mac mini processor has the most powerful graphics chip, its performance is even higher than that of the discrete GeForce 820M. Playing movies and videos
The picture with film playback is different. All graphics chips support H.264 hardware acceleration. When you watch a movie online and download the video in MP4 or MKV format, you can see that almost every time the video is compressed using the H.264 standard.
Starting with the Haswell generation, Intel graphics for the H.264 codec even support 4K resolution. But AMD graphics are not enough for 4K. Meanwhile, Internet companies and the entertainment industry are gradually moving to a new generation of codecs. Google plans to continue offering YouTube videos in VP9 format, and Netflix will stream TV series in 4K resolution using the H.265 video compression standard. That is, a mini-PC in the role of a universal home player with a reserve for the future should only be purchased with a chip with the Broadwell microarchitecture, since only this Intel microarchitecture natively supports the new video compression standards H.265 and VP9. Problems only arise when playing 4K video at 60 FPS.
Everyone supports the H.264 video compression standard, but only Broadwell chips support VP9, new format Google for YouTube, and the H.265 standard. Also, when purchasing a mini-PC, you should take a close look at the type of built-in disks. For a large collection of movies, you should only consider mini-PCs with magnetic disk drives, whose performance, however, leaves much to be desired. The capacity of the built-in disks does not exceed 1 TB, and the capacity of high-speed solid-state drives is 128 GB. Thrifty buyers can complete the mini-PC themselves, since they are usually easy to disassemble, which allows you to replace RAM and hard drive without any problems.
If you store a collection of movies on network-attached storage on your home network, you might want to consider installing a high-speed solid state drive to improve the performance of your mini PC. But if the entire collection of films and tracks must fit into a crumb, then everything depends on the size of the case. Some devices have enough space for a 3.5-inch magnetic disk drive with a capacity of up to 1 TB, which can be replaced with a 4 TB model with relative ease.
Achieve more high speed allow hybrid drives (SSHD) with integrated magnetic disks and a high-speed flash chip designed to cache the most frequently used data, such as in Acer Aspire Revo One.
Mini PCs vary greatly in benchmark performance: the result depends primarily on the type hard drive.
A mini-PC with a smaller case can accommodate a 2.5-inch drive and no more - in this case, you can only purchase removable drives with a capacity of up to 1 TB.
Regarding connection peripheral devices, all mini PCs are well equipped. As a rule, they are necessarily equipped wireless connection IEEE 802.11ac and LAN network connector. Four USB 3.0 connectors are enough for a mouse, keyboard and external optical drive. None of them have a built-in drive.
Back cover Zotac ZBox is large enough for a variety of interfaces. The presence of HDMI and DisplayPort for video output, as well as USB 3.0 for peripherals, is required The monitor or TV is connected via HDMI or DisplayPort. All devices have an HDMI connector, only half have DisplayPort. If you're already enjoying the picture of a 4K TV in your own living room, you'll want to invest in a mini PC with at least DisplayPort 1.2. From this version onwards, this connector can transmit 4K at 60 FPS. HDMI 1.4 can only handle 30 frames/s, and a mini PC with HDMI 2.0 does not yet exist.
Small computers are not yet very popular, but I am sure that many users will appreciate them. Personally, I had previously looked at small computers, but at that time there was no mini Windows computer on sale that could replace a desktop computer.
Of course, there are laptops that are compact and versatile, and they can replace the system unit. But for me in inexpensive laptops there are 2 serious disadvantages:
- Laptops have a small screen diagonal and low resolution. The quality of the display is very low; if you deviate from a right angle, the image fades.
- Inexpensive laptops do not have SSDs, and this is a serious disadvantage for performance.
Of course, a laptop is not replaceable when traveling, and I have a laptop that I take with me, but when it comes to using it at home, for me personally better monitor with a large diagonal, high resolution and IPS matrix. These are the reasons why I chose a mini PC. 
Let's talk about everything in order, today we are talking about a silent small computer that can replace the system unit:
The mini computer comes in a small box, 
Package Included: 
1 - the computer itself
2 - power supply
3 - 220V cable
4 - two Wi-Fi antennas, mounting screws. Separately, from the same seller I bought a VESA mount for the monitor.
5 - mounting screws
6 — VESA mount (not included, must be ordered separately)
Dimensions
As you have already noticed, the dimensions of the computer are very compact 14 x 11 x 3.5 cm, the dimensions are comparable to the dimensions of a 3.5″ hard drive for a desktop computer: 
Specifications
In general, you can buy this small computer in different configurations, I will provide links to them below. In the meantime, we will talk about this specific instance.
External connectors
All connectors are located on two opposite ends.
On the one side 
- power button
- power supply connector
- 1 USB 3.0 port
- 4 USB 2.0 ports
From the other side 
- 2 antenna connectors
- 3.5″ audio output
- 3.5″ microphone jack
- RJ-45 network adapter
- HDMI output
- VGA output
What is inside
If we look inside the mini computer, we will see that everything inside is compact. Here you can see 1 SO-DIMM slot with a memory module, mSATA connector with an inserted SSD drive, Mini PCIE connector into which it is inserted Wi-Fi module.
There is also a SATA connector for connecting a hard drive, and a non-standard power connector for the hard drive. Connect additional disk I didn't try it because I didn't have a power cable. And to be honest, I doubt that it can fit in this case, at least there are no fastenings for it.
Cooling
The cooling system here is passive, that is, in this computer there are no fans, and the ribbed body is responsible for heat dissipation small computer. Given the stated requirements for processor heat dissipation - TDP 7.5W, the case copes with heat dissipation quite well. As for overheating, so far I have not encountered it; the computer has never frozen or turned off in 2 months. 
Temperature measurements were made using the sensor built into the processor during all tests, this is approximately 80 minutes. As can be seen from the measurements:
- minimum temperature was 40°C
- Maximum temperature was 50°C
Wherein margin to critical temperature was 50°C from the maximum.
The absence of a fan and a classic hard drive means a complete absence of noise, for me this is a big plus.
operating system
The computer came with English Windows 7 pre-installed, the copy was not licensed. I immediately installed Windows 8.1 x64 drivers, everything was installed, the only thing I did was update them. 
Linux systems they work on this baby, the Ubuntu Live CD started without problems. I think all other distributions will work just as well.
The computer's specifications state that it supports the good old Windows XP, but I did not install this system, so I cannot say exactly how correctly it works, and how things are with the drivers.
Performance
I'll tell you right away Gamers - this computer is not for you! As I already wrote about the graphics here, Intel HD Graphics, built into the processor, unfortunately it won’t run modern games. But for some games it is quite enough.
If you choose a computer that would take up little space, for working on the Internet, for working in office applications, for watching videos and listening to music, for working in Photoshop and others graphic editors- then you can be sure that this baby will easily cope with all these tasks!
Performance test
To measure performance, we used the PerfomanceTest 8 test, you can download it on this page of the website www.passmark.com, in this test:
- Overall score computer 680.4-709.0
- CPU showed a result 30% lower than Core2Duo E8400
- Graphic arts, as expected, weak, about 2 times slower than the Radeon 6450
- According to memory test lag behind DDR2 - 16%, from DDR3 - more than 37%
- Disk showed results 2.5 times faster than conventional drives and 38% slower than other SSD drives
Detailed test results:
2D graphics:
3D graphics:
CPU:
Memory:
Disk:
Final result:
Mini-PC is a modern alternative to a bulky “tower” under the table with almost identical technical specifications
First you need to decide what exactly is meant by a mini-computer, and where it comes from this type PC.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION!
Nettop, which more closely resembles a traditional PC, takes its name from a combination of two terms: InterNET and DeskTOP. The first models were very weak, they could only be used for Internet surfing.
Modern nettop models are quite powerful mini-PCs that can successfully replace a regular desktop system unit.
The second option is a small-sized gadget, which in reality is slightly larger than a regular flash drive. Inside there is one board on which all the traditional components of a computer are soldered: processor, memory, chips responsible for input-output, and other peripheral components. Most often, these devices are used as, allowing you to look at big screen streaming broadcasts from the World Wide Web.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION!
When deciding to assemble a mini-PC for use as a server, it must be taken into account that it must be powerful enough (a processor that supports high-quality video playback, memory of at least 2 GB, HDD capacity of at least 500 GB, high-performance video card).
The main areas of application for mini-PCs on Windows, Linux, Android or another operating system can be considered the following:
- Creation multimedia server . This is a device that is used to catalog all media content available to the user and place it in cloud services or to a hard drive with subsequent ability to process and access to view or work with the content;
- minicomputer for tv. Another area of application is use as a set-top box for viewing digital content. Purchasing a minicomputer on Windows 10 or Android will allow you to get a smart TV at a price much lower than the cost of a full-fledged TV in a store;
- office work. Applications for working with documents do not require significant resources from the PC, so purchasing simple models can be an excellent alternative for updating an outdated fleet of computers in the office;
- mini PC for gaming. There are no mini PC models on the market that are advanced enough to support hardware-intensive games. But on a nettop you can run an emulator to play old console games;
- music Center. By connecting an external DAC, any mini-PC turns into a full-fledged audio system, which is suitable for any audio lovers.
One of the most commonly used applications for mini PCs is to create a multimedia center
FOR YOUR INFORMATION!
One of the advantages of such models is support for almost all audio playback formats, as well as the presence of USB and S/PDIF outputs, necessary for connecting a DAC or receiver.
Review of the best mini PC performance characteristics
Today you can buy a large number of different mini-PCs presented by various companies. They differ not only in brand or manufacturer, but also in configuration. The “brain” is mainly used by a line of mobile processors from Intel (Atom, Celeron, Pentium), which are distinguished by their quite good characteristics and reliable work not only with text, but also with graphic applications.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION!
One of the main disadvantages Intel Core is poor performance in multitasking mode, which leads to a slowdown in work execution: priorities are set in favor of only one active program, while other tasks are suspended.
Asus Mini PC
One of the leading computer manufacturing companies is the Taiwanese giant Asus, which mainly specializes in. The product line also includes mini-PCs, among which we can separately highlight Asus series VivoMini.
The models under the indexes VM45, UN65U, UN68U have gained the most popularity among users.
These are systems that use Intel (Core iN), providing stability and the necessary performance to perform user tasks. The younger representative of the series is equipped Core processor i3, the oldest model has on board the latest Intel Kaby Lake R or Core i5, operating at a frequency of 3.4 GHz and having 4 cores and 8 threads.
Earlier versions run on 2 cores and 4 threads. Increasing processor power led to an increase in cache size, but to reduce power consumption the base clock of the “stone” of 1.6 GHz had to be sacrificed. The declared 3.4 GHz can only be achieved with hardware acceleration.
Asus VivoMini UN68U is equipped with an active cooling system due to powerful processor and elevated operating temperatures
For graphics, a video chip from Intel is used built into the processor, supporting DDR4 memory and operating at a base frequency of 300 MHz with the ability to increase to 1100 MHz. The manufacturer assures that the UN68U model can simultaneously connect up to 3 monitors that support 4K resolution.
The disk used is a 128 GB solid state drive. There is an active cooler. It is also possible to install additional 2.5" drives via the SATA interface.
Users call one of the main disadvantages of the older model the lack optical output S/PDIF, which does not allow connecting a PC to multi-channel external speakers via an analog connector.
The cost of the older model is 37,000 rubles, the youngest – 15,200.
Asus VivoMini VM45
Mini PC from HP
Another famous manufacturer computer technology is also trying its hand at producing compact personal computers. One of best models The HP Slice G2 is an ideal solution for using a mini-PC as a multimedia station.
This is a gadget shaped like a square with round corners, equipped with diffusers in the side walls to remove hot air.
The device comes with pre-installed Windows 10, but has several hardware configurations. The manufacturer equips the PC with Intel Core i5 7500T processors. It has 4 cores and a 6 MB cache.
The multimedia capabilities of this device are ensured by the presence of a built-in video card with 2 GB of DDR5 memory and an Intel® HD Graphics 630 video chip built into the core. Both are manufactured Intel. The power of these components will be enough not only to play high-definition video, but also for modern games.
The drive is a regular hard drive with a rotation speed of 7200 rpm, which can have a capacity from 128 GB to 256 GB. The addition of a solid-state drive is not provided, which can be regarded as a disadvantage.
HP Slice G2 has special holes in the walls to distribute hot air flows
For such a pleasure you will need to pay 63,500 rubles, but the user will receive an interesting-looking device that will not only perform its functions, but will also decorate the interior.
Best Mini PC Models by Application
Numerous ratings that can be found on the Internet give reviews of compact computers depending on their area of use, which greatly simplifies the choice specific model. Submitted by short review will talk about optimal PCs with a passive cooling system, devices for games and television.
Gaming mini PC
One of the best gaming computers The MSI Trident 3 model is considered compact in size. This device has a futuristic design and original backlighting during operation. The filling is impressive: inside there is an i5-7400 or i7-7700 processor - your choice. GTX 1060 graphics card, 4 to 16 GB RAM, traditional hard drive and solid state drive. You have to pay for the power and the ability to play a full game. The minimum cost of this device is 59,000 rubles. In the top-end configuration, the mini-PC is offered for 90,000 rubles.
Mini PC for TV
In this category, devices that have the form factor of a regular USB token are gaining popularity. One of the best models that meets the requirements for price-quality ratio is Rombica Winstick v01. This device runs on Intel Atom with 4 cores and a frequency of 1.83 GHz.
There is also a RAM for 2 GB. There is a possibility of expansion through the use of memory cards. The maximum supported volume is 128 GB. External connectors include HDMI and a USB port. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 are supported. The cost of the device is 9,990 rubles.
Rombica Winstick v01
Fanless Mini PC
Of course, you shouldn’t focus solely on famous brands. Quality products can be found among Chinese manufacturers. This is confirmed by the Chuwi HiBox Hero model, which is a fanless PC that runs on two systems at once - Windows 10 and Android 5.1. The device runs on 64 GB of built-in eMMC memory, and the processor is Intel Atom with 4 cores. The device can also be used as a multimedia center, which is simplified by the included remote control. You can buy the device at a price of 6,700 rubles.
Zotac ZBOX Pico PI430
For full use, it is better to stick to the Windows system, but if you only need to connect to a TV, Android will be optimal.
Buy mini-computers on Windows: advantages and disadvantages
When deciding to become the owner of a small PC, you should understand that these devices have their own advantages and disadvantages. Weighing these parameters will allow you to make a smart choice in favor of a nettop or a single-board system in the form of a USB token.
The advantages of a mini-PC are:
- their size. Compact dimensions save space on the table and also expand the possibilities of mounting the system. Often small PCs are mounted on the back surface of the monitor (in a mini-iTX case);
- reduced energy consumption. It should be taken into account that when using a mini-PC, there is a decrease in the amount of electrical energy consumed only from the system unit, and the monitor will require its own power supply;
- less heating even at maximum loads, which allows such devices to be equipped with a passive cooling system;
- price, which is significantly lower than the price of a full-fledged system unit or a laptop of similar power.
The following factors are considered to be the disadvantages of nettops:
- lack of upgrade options and due to the peculiarities of the form factor of the mini-PC case;
- rapid accumulation of dust. Due to the small size and large crowding of internal parts, which reduces the amount of free space inside the case, there is a high probability of rapid accumulation of dust and further overheating of the computer;
- low performance, due to the use of smaller components than in traditional stationary PCs.
The presence of a solid-state drive speeds up the PC and reduces noise levels
FOR YOUR INFORMATION!
Some users cite the ability to transport and quickly assemble a full-fledged system in a location as a plus. convenient location. But to counter this, most essential tasks can be completed on a regular smartphone.
Mostly, compact PCs are used as the “brains” mobile processors from Intel
Mini PC on Windows 10 and Android - what's the difference
The main difference between the two systems is that Windows is a full-fledged OS that has its own architecture and operating principle. Android is a mobile software that was developed specifically for modern compact gadgets.
The use of Android is most often advisable not in a mini-PC, but in a multimedia center, the range of tasks of which is limited. All required applications To play videos or watch other media content, simply download them from the regular Play Market.
If you use a mini-computer on Win 10, you will need to install special programs And additional customization. It is recommended to use this option if the PC will be used as a full-fledged computer.
DIY mini PC
If you wish, you can assemble the optimal mini-PC configuration yourself: despite the severity of the upgrade, the devices still have the ability to replace or add spare parts.
You can find specific recipes for assembling a mini-PC on the Internet. Some resources offer a ready-made list optimal components to obtain the desired configuration depending on the user's needs.
It should be noted that self-assembly is only possible if you have the appropriate knowledge and practical skills. Otherwise, it is better to buy a ready-made product, since mini-PCs are not uncommon. Once again, you can learn the features of this type of technology from the presented video.
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