When it comes to maximizing the potential of your Mini PC, choosing the best accessories for Mini PCs can make all the difference. Whether you use your Mini PC for work, gaming, or multimedia, accessories such as portable monitors, USB hubs, and eGPU docking stations can significantly enhance its functionality and performance. These additions not only provide greater connectivity options but also improve the overall user experience by offering expanded screen real estate, faster data transfer rates, and increased power delivery. For instance, pairing a Mini PC with a high-quality portable monitor like the DroiX PM13 ensures you have a vibrant, high-resolution display wherever you go, making it perfect for professionals and gamers alike.
The benefits of equipping your Mini PC with the best accessories are manifold. With the right peripherals, you can transform a compact, lightweight device into a powerful workstation or an immersive gaming setup. Accessories like the DroiX NT8 Clear USB Hub expand your connectivity options, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals, external storage, and even additional monitors. Similarly, an eGPU docking station can elevate your Mini PC’s graphics performance, enabling smooth, high-definition gaming and video editing. These accessories not only boost productivity and entertainment value but also provide the flexibility and portability that are essential for a modern, on-the-go lifestyle.
Overall Best USB Hub for Mini PCs
The DroiX NH8 Hub with NVMe is a compact and versatile device measuring 6.1 x 1.8 x 0.6 inches (15.6 x 4.6 x 1.6 cm) and weighing 116 grams. It features a range of ports to enhance connectivity and functionality, including a USB Type-C port for charging with support for up to 100W fast charging, an HDMI port capable of 4K 60Hz output, making it one of the best accessories for mini PCs and especially a great match for the ACEPC PicoBox Pro, where it can fully utilise it’s 4K capabilities.
This hub also supports other USB Type-C ports for peripherals, a USB-A 3.0 port, and a gigabit ethernet port for high-speed wired data transfer. Additionally, it includes SD and Micro SD card slots for easy data transfer and a top-side NVMe slot compatible with 2280 or 2260 sizes, making it a highly adaptable hub for various devices.
In terms of performance, the DroiX NH8 Hub with NVMe excels in providing seamless connectivity and data transfer capabilities. The HDMI port delivers crisp and smooth 4K 60Hz output to external displays, enhancing both productivity and entertainment experiences. The USB Type-C and USB-A ports support high-speed data transfer and can connect a wide range of peripherals, from storage devices to input devices like keyboards and mice. The gigabit ethernet port ensures secure and fast internet connectivity. The NVMe slot allows for easy installation and use of high-speed NVMe drives, making it an excellent solution for portable storage needs without requiring device disassembly.
The DroiX NH8 Hub with NVMe is an essential accessory for anyone looking to expand the connectivity and functionality of their PC, mini PC, laptop, or handheld device. Its lightweight and compact design makes it highly portable, while its extensive range of ports ensures it can handle various tasks, from external display output to high-speed data transfer and internet connectivity. The hub’s ability to charge devices with up to 100W power and its user-friendly NVMe installation make it an invaluable tool for professionals, gamers, and tech enthusiasts alike. Whether for enhancing work efficiency, gaming setups, or portable storage solutions, the DroiX NH8 Hub with NVMe is a reliable and versatile choice.
Best USB Hub for More Connectivity
The DroiX NT8 Clear USB Hub is a compact and versatile accessory, measuring 4 x 1.6 x 0.5 inches (10.4 x 4.3 x 1.3 cm) and weighing 131 grams. It features a partially zinc alloy frame for efficient heat dissipation and a clear plastic top that showcases the internal components. The hub includes a 7.2-inch (18.5 cm) USB Type-C cable for easy connectivity to your device. It offers a variety of ports: a 4K 60Hz HDMI port, SD and micro SD card readers, a gigabit ethernet port, three USB Type-A 3.0 ports, and a USB Type-C port supporting up to 100W for charging. The bottom of the hub has two non-slip pads to keep it secure on your desk.
In performance benchmarks, the NT8 Hub proves its utility across multiple scenarios. It excels in expanding desk space by supporting dual monitor setups when connected to mini PCs. The HDMI port allows for seamless connection to an external monitor, providing high-definition 4K 60Hz output. DroiX NT8 Clear USB Hub‘s USB 3.0 ports ensure high-speed data transfer and connectivity for peripherals like mice, keyboards, and additional devices. The gigabit ethernet port offers reliable and fast internet access, making it ideal for data-intensive tasks. Furthermore, the 100W USB Type-C port ensures your device remains charged while using the hub, enhancing productivity without worrying about power depletion.
The DroiX NT8 Clear USB Hub is an essential tool for anyone needing to enhance their connectivity options, making it a perfect fit for the Beelink Mini S12 or ACEPC PowerBox Mini. This hub is particularly beneficial for users of modern laptops and PCs that often lack sufficient USB-A ports. By providing additional ports and supporting dual monitor setups, the NT8 hub significantly boosts productivity and convenience.
Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, fitting easily into laptop or travel bags. Its robust construction and efficient heat dissipation ensure reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for professionals, gamers, and anyone in need of a versatile and portable connectivity solution. The NT8 Clear Hub easily breaks into our best accessories for Mini PCs list.
Best USB 4 Cable for Mini PCs
The DroiX USB 4 Type-C cable is designed to deliver top-notch and seamless connectivity. It should be no surprise making it into the best accessories for Mini PCs, boasting an impressive data transfer speed of 40Gbps, ensuring rapid file transfers and eliminating lag. The cable is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, offering future-proof integration with the latest devices. Additionally, it supports a remarkable 240W power delivery, allowing for fast and efficient charging.
The cable also features support for up to 8K resolution at 60Hz, making it perfect for high-resolution content creators, media enthusiasts, and gamers. An innovative power usage screen on the USB connector provides real-time monitoring of power consumption, enhancing charging efficiency. The cable comes in standard and L-shaped versions, available in 0.8M and 1.5M lengths to suit various needs.
Purchasing the DroiX USB 4 Type-C cable is a smart choice for anyone seeking to enhance their connectivity setup with high-speed data transfer and robust power delivery. Its compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ensures it will remain a relevant accessory for years to come. The ability to charge devices quickly and efficiently, combined with the real-time power usage display, provides a superior user experience. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a professional content creator, or a gamer, the USB 4.0 Type-C cable offers unparalleled performance and versatility. Its various length options and configurations make it a flexible and essential addition to any modern Mini PC setup, making it one of the best accessories for Mini PCs.
Best eGPU for Gaming
The GPD G1 eGPU docking station is easily one of the best accessories for Mini PCs. The G1 compact and robust device measuring 8.8 x 4.3 x 1.1 inches (22.5 x 11.1 x 3.0 cm) and weighing 920 grams. Encased in durable aluminium alloy, it offers protection and portability. The front of the device features an Oculink port and a USB 4 port for backward compatibility, while the back includes the power input, three USB 3.2 type-A ports, and a high-speed SD 4.0 card reader.
For video output, it supports up to three monitors via two DisplayPorts and one HDMI port. The GPD G1 is powered by an AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT graphics chip with RDNA 3.0 architecture, 8GB of GDDR6 RAM, and boasts active air cooling to manage its 120W power consumption from a built-in 240W GaN power supply.
Performance benchmarks of the GPD G1 eGPU show significant improvements over integrated graphics, especially at higher resolutions. When tested with the GPD WIN MAX 2 2023 via Oculink and USB 4, games like “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” saw FPS increases of up to 153% at 4K resolution. “Cyberpunk 2077” displayed a 160% FPS boost at 4K, and “Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2” achieved a 194% increase at 1080P. “Street Fighter 6” demonstrated a massive 240% performance gain at 4K, highlighting the eGPU’s capability to handle demanding graphics workloads.
These benchmarks indicate that the GPD G1 excels in providing enhanced gaming and graphical performance, particularly at 1440P and 4K resolutions, making gaming PCs such as the AYANEO AM02 a perfect companion.
The GPD G1 eGPU docking station is an excellent investment for users seeking to enhance their device’s graphical performance and connectivity, and it stands out as one of the best accessories for Mini PCs. Its all-in-one design eliminates the need for separate eGPU components, making it a convenient and portable solution. The additional USB ports, high-speed card reader, and multiple video outputs add to its versatility. The GPD G1 shows substantial performance gains, especially at higher resolutions, making it ideal for gamers and professionals who require robust graphics capabilities. Its compact size, ease of use, and significant performance enhancements make the GPD G1 a valuable addition to any tech setup.
Best Accessories for Mini PCs: Video Editing
The ONEXPLAYER ONEXGPU is a powerful and versatile eGPU docking station, making it one of the best accessories for Mini PCs. Measuring 7.7 x 4.7 x 1.2 inches (19.6 x 12.0 x 3.2 cm) and weighing 863 grams. It features an AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT GPU with RDNA 3.0 architecture and 6GB GDDR6 RAM, ensuring top-tier graphical performance when paired with the ACEPC PicoBox Pro or the Minisforum EliteMini UM780 XTX, both of which are perfect for content creators.
The device includes two USB 3.0 ports, a power button, a turbo button, and an RGB lighting button on the right side. The back houses a gigabit ethernet port, two DisplayPorts, an HDMI port, OcuLink, and USB 4 ports for data transfer and power. Additionally, the ONEXGPU has an easily accessible NVMe slot for expanding storage, and it comes with a robust 300W power supply capable of delivering up to 100W for charging connected devices.
In benchmark tests, the ONEXPLAYER ONEXGPU demonstrates impressive performance. Running Street Fighter VI at 4K with the highest graphics settings, the device showed a peak power usage of 167W and a fan noise level of 72dB, maintaining a temperature of 60°C. The ONEXGPU delivered competitive results to other eGPUs on the market particularly when connected via OcuLink. The benchmarks included tests on 3DMark, Forza Horizon 5, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Call of Duty Modern Warfare III, and Street Fighter VI, showcasing consistent and reliable performance across various games and settings, solidifying its place as one of the best accessories for Mini PCs.
The ONEXPLAYER ONEXGPU is an excellent choice for users seeking a high-performance eGPU docking station. Its combination of powerful GPU capabilities, extensive connectivity options, and additional features like internal SSD storage and multiple video outputs make it a versatile and valuable addition to any setup. The inclusion of a robust power supply and convenient NVMe slot further enhances its appeal. While slightly heavier due to the external power supply, the ONEXGPU offers nearly identical performance to the GPD G1 when using OcuLink and competitive results with USB 4. For those looking for a comprehensive eGPU solution with added features and flexibility, the ONEXPLAYER ONEXGPU stands out as a top contender.
Overall Best Portable Monitor for Mini PCs
The DroiX PM14 is a 14-inch 4K Ultra-thin portable monitor designed to meet the needs of professionals and entertainment enthusiasts alike, which stands out (quite literally) to be one of the best accessories for Mini PCs.
Featuring a stunning 4K 3840×2160 UHD resolution, this monitor offers vibrant colours with its 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut and HDR400 technology, ensuring deep blacks and bright whites. Available in touchscreen and non-touchscreen models, the PM14 includes a 60Hz refresh rate, 2.5ms response time, 500 cd/m² luminance, and a 1500:1 contrast ratio. The monitor is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a laptop bag. Connectivity options include a Mini HDMI port, two USB-C ports for power and video transfer, and an additional USB-C port for peripherals, plus a 3.5mm audio jack.
In benchmark tests, the DroiX PM14 shines with its performance, delivering smooth and responsive visuals, thanks to its 60Hz refresh rate and 2.5ms response time. High-speed scenes are rendered sharply, making it ideal for gaming and video editing. As one of the best accessories for Mini PCs,the monitor’s brightness and contrast ensure high-end visibility in various lighting conditions, and its low power consumption helps extend the battery life of connected devices. User-friendly features such as the control wheel and plug-and-play setup enhance its functionality, allowing seamless integration with a wide range of devices, from gaming consoles and PCs to laptops and smartphones.
The DroiX PM14 Portable Monitor is an essential tool for those who need a high-quality portable monitor. Its impressive technical specifications, including 4K resolution, HDR support, and extensive connectivity options, make it a versatile addition to any setup. Whether you’re a creative professional needing precise colour accuracy, a gamer seeking immersive visuals, or a business professional requiring a reliable secondary display, the PM14 adapts to your needs. Its sleek, ultra-thin design and lightweight build make it perfect for on-the-go use, ensuring you can take your productivity and entertainment anywhere.
Best Portable Monitor for Travel
The DroiX PM13 Portable Monitor is a compact and versatile device, easily making it one of the best accessories for Mini PCs, adhering to their minimalist looks. With an 11.37 x 7.4 x 0.59-inch (28.9 x 18.9 x 1.5 cm) footprint and a lightweight design at just 494 grams. You can take this portable monitor anywhere thanks to its sleek form factor. It features a 13-inch TFT IPS display with a resolution of 2160×1350, offering sharp and vibrant visuals.
The monitor boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio, a brightness of 450 cd/m², and a transmissive contrast ratio of 1500:1, ensuring excellent image quality and clarity. Additionally, it provides 100% sRGB coverage, making it ideal for color-critical tasks. The PM13 includes a 180-degree adjustable stand, a mini HDMI port, two USB Type-C ports, a power button, a wheel button, and a 3.5mm audio jack, offering a wide range of connectivity options.
In terms of performance, the DroiX PM13 excels in both usability and functionality. The monitor can be powered via an included charger or through USB-A to Type-C or Type-C to Type-C cables, making it highly adaptable to different devices. It supports seamless video and power transmission through a single USB Type-C cable or an HDMI connection.
The user-friendly menu, navigable via the wheel button and power button, allows quick adjustments to brightness, contrast, colour settings, and more. This makes it one of the best accessories for Mini PCs, suitable for various applications, from enhancing productivity with a Mini PC to providing an immersive gaming experience with consoles. It also supports mobile devices with desktop modes like Samsung Dex and handheld gaming PCs.
The DroiX PM13 is a compelling choice for anyone in need of a portable monitor due to its flexibility and wide range of uses. Its lightweight and portable design, coupled with easy connectivity options, makes it perfect for on-the-go professionals, gamers, and content creators.
The PM13 portable monitor and the GMKTec NucBox G3 are a match made in heaven for those who need a powerful and convenient computing setup on the go. Whether used as a second monitor for a laptop, a display for gaming consoles, or a screen for mobile devices, the DroiX PM13 delivers high-quality performance in a compact package. Its plug-and-play functionality, combined with the included protective case, ensures that it is not only easy to use but also easy to transport and protect. This monitor offers endless possibilities, making it a valuable addition to any tech setup.
Best Portable Monitor for Artists
The 15.6″ Portable Monitor, one of the best accessories for Mini PCs, has stylus support and is designed for versatility and portability, featuring a 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery, making it ideal for use on the go without needing to tap into your device’s power. The monitor supports a range of connectivity options, including USB Type-C and mini HDMI, ensuring seamless compatibility with laptops, mini PCs, and standard desktop PCs, such as the MINISFORUM Neptune HX99G or even the Beelink SER5.
Performance-wise, this portable monitor with a stylus excels in multiple areas. During testing, it showcased impressive capabilities, handling everything from gaming at 4K 60Hz to detailed tasks like drawing and painting with the stylus. The active stylus support allows for precise interactions, making it suitable for artists and designers. Connectivity is seamless, with the ability to power and transmit video data through a single USB-C cable, while also supporting additional peripherals through a USB hub. The monitor’s versatility extends to high-end and budget desktops, and mini PCs, ensuring clear and high-definition outputs, further enhanced by its built-in speakers which, while not offering deep bass, are sufficient for everyday media consumption.
The Portable Monitor (with Stylus) is a compelling choice for anyone needing a flexible and high-performing external display. Its rechargeable battery and various connectivity options make it perfect for travellers, professionals, and gamers alike. The stylus compatibility is particularly valuable for creative professionals, while the Adobe RGB model ensures colour accuracy for critical tasks. The monitor’s ease of use, combined with its ability to serve as a secondary display for a wide range of devices, makes it an indispensable tool for enhancing productivity and entertainment experiences. Whether for on-the-go use or as part of a home setup, this portable monitor offers a robust, versatile solution and stands out as one of the best accessories for Mini PCs.
