Are you looking for a high-end mini PC that stands head-and-shoulders above the rest? Want to update your PC and are looking for the best of the best available right now? No expense too great to get the performance you desire? Check out some of the best mini PC’s that we at DroiX have to offer.
What is a high-end mini PC?
As a quick primer, a mini PC is as the name implies. It’s a PC that is miniature in size. These PCs make use of specialized components in order to achieve a size that is in most scenarios not much larger than the average hand.
Much like regular computers and just about any kind of gadget, mini PC’s can be split across a wide spectrum as far as performance and quality goes. On one hand, you have lower end budget models, that make use of cheaper, weaker components in order to provide the best price possible.
On the other hand however, you have «high-end» models. These types of mini PC feature expensive, powerful processors and fast components all around. They provide boatloads of power in the smallest package available, and can easily serve as a PC that excels as your daily driver.
Whether it is for streaming, gaming, editing and more – opting for a high-end mini PC is an excellent way to ensure you get the most performance possible while retaining a miniature form factor!
Decided that you don’t need something quite as powerful? Check out our general guide of the best mini PCs to see our more budget-friendly alternatives!
Can a mini PC be high-end?
Of course! While mini PC’s usually do not have discrete graphics cards, many will feature relevant high-performance multi-core processors that are currently available on the market.
The high-performance does not stop at RAM however. Many high-end mini PCs will also feature fast dual-channel RAM, and zippy M.2 NVMe processors.
There are also a myriad of other features that high end models can feature. This includes things such as Thunderbolt-compatible USB Type-C ports. Larger-than-usual drive bays (some can contain space for up to TWO drives instead of the typical one). Built in microphones. The list goes on and on!
Choosing the best Mini PC
When you’re picking a high-end mini PC it’s important that you define a few things before you begin your search.
- How much am I willing to pay? Do I have an upper limit?
- Am I looking for an AMD or an Intel model?
As well as other factors such as storage space, RAM and miscellaneous features.
In particular, deciding between AMD and Intel is important. This is because the overall profile of performance and optimization will be different between the two models.
While they’re not too distant nowadays, AMD processors will generally be better at multi-tasking and complex operations like rendering video. Meanwhile, Intel processors will provide you with slightly better raw power in applications that only use one or two cores.
AMD also have the advantage of their unique «APU» architecture, leveraging slightly better 3D rendering. Although Intel are hot on their heels with the «Iris» iteration of their integrated graphics suite.
High-end PCs for business?
High-end mini PCs are perfectly feasible to use in a business environment as well as a home office environment. Their simple design and ease of setting up makes them quick to roll out and easy to troubleshoot/upgrade as needed.
In addition, the space that they save over a tower PC can be put to much better use, allowing you to store more peripherals on your desk. Or just keep it cleaner in general. A clean desk helps keep one focused on their task, after all!
Best High-End Mini PCs List
Below is a list of some of the best high-end mini PCs that are currently available to buy from DroiX currently.
DroiX PROTEUS 10S i7 NUC Mini PC with Windows 10
The PROTEUS 10S is a highly versatile high-end mini PC with a sturdy, practical design. Powered by a 10th generation Intel i7 processor the PROTEUS 10S is a powerful mini PC for gaming, office work, home media servers, and more. Capable of dual-monitor outputs for increased productivity, and featuring twin antennae for improved wireless range and stability.
There is also a slightly weaker variant known as the PROTEUS 10 available. Which features the same overall features, but with a lower-spec processor (an i5 instead of an i7).
To learn more about the Proteus 10S. Check out our Proteus 10S review.
What we like!
- Small form factor and light weight
- High performance Intel processor
- Energy efficient
- Plenty of USB ports
- HDMI and Display Port for dual monitor
What we don’t like…
- USB ports are somewhat cramped
- (Removable) Antennae make the device a little awkward to fit into tight spaces.
MinisForum EliteMini X500 – AMD Ryzen 5 & 7 Mini PC
The X500 is a Ryzen High-End Mini PC that comes fitted with a full-powered desktop Ryzen processor. Available in both Ryzen 5 Pro (5600G) and Ryzen 7 Pro (5700G) versions, the X500 is an extremely powerful mini PC that can be used for gaming, streaming, and more without any issues. While a little larger and louder than other models, the cooling ability of the X500 is unmatched in its class.
To learn more about the Minisforum X500. Check out our Minisforum X500 review.
What we like!
- Extremely powerful desktop-level performance.
- Audio interface options are nice.
- Good cooling.
What we don’t like…
- Can be a bit noisy under load.
- Limited USB ports for the price.
DroiX Stheno F5 Gaming Mini PC with GTX1650
The DroiX Stheno F5 is a high-end mini PC featuring a 9th generation Intel Core Processor with a dedicated NVIDIA 1650 GPU. As far as gaming goes, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything more powerful within this form factor, with the Intel processor and NVIDIA graphics card working in tandem to provide a high-fidelity gaming experience.
If you need a slightly more powerful processor, there is also an enhanced model called the Stheno F7. Featuring a more powerful 9th generation Intel i7 processor with the same NVIDIA GPU.
To learn more about the Stheno F5. Check out our DroiX Stheno F5 review.
What we like!
- Features a discrete GPU for unrivalled graphics performance (for a mini PC).
- Cool «gaming style» design.
What we don’t like…
- No ports in the front makes quick connections awkward
- Processor is on the weak side for the price.
MinisForum EliteMini UM700 AMD Ryzen Mini PC
The MinisForum UM700 is similar in appearance to the DMAF5 but features a more powerful Ryzen 7 3750H processor. Taking full advantage of the Ryzen architecture, the UM700 is a flexible mini PC for the office and home that takes up a minimal amount of space, while providing a maximal level of performance. It’s also capable of piloting three displays simultaneously for enhanced productivity!
What we like!
- Easy to upgrade RAM and SSD.
- Nice variety of ports.
What we don’t like…
- Not as powerful as some other options.
- Push-to-open lid means heavier items can’t be rested on the PC.
TL50
The TL50 is a cutting-edge mini PC featuring an 11th generation Intel CPU, paired with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. The headline feature of the TL50 is the presence of a Thunderbolt 4 port on the front of the unit, which allows for a variety of different uses, ranging from piloting a third monitor, to even connecting an external graphics card! Whatever the use case, this high-end Intel mini PC is sure to excel at office work, gaming, photo editing, and more!
More can be learned about the MinisForum TL50 in our TL50 review.
What we like!
- Two 2.5-inch drive bays
- Supports three displays.
- Thunderbolt 4 support
What we don’t like…
- Difficult to open to upgrade RAM/SSD.
ASUS PN50 AMD Ryzen Mini PC
The ASUS PN50 is a premium Ryzen mini PC, powered by the AMD Ryzen 4500U. ASUS’ decades of experience come to light in the PN50 as evidenced by it’s hypercompact, space-efficient design, high performance, and sturdy materials. It contains all the essential features one would require, such as USB 3.0 ports, dual display output, a microSD card slot, and more! A more powerful variant containing an AMD Ryzen 4700U is also available.
Learn more about the ASUS PN50 in our ASUS PN50 review.
What we like!
- Hyper-compact
- Premium feeling build.
What we don’t like…
- Few Type-A USB Ports
HM80
The Minisforum HM80 is a top-of-the-range ryzen, powered by the performant Ryzen 7 4800U. The HM80 is a more powerful relative of the HM50, featuring all the same great features such as built-in space for TWO 2.5-inch hard drives/SSDs, triple display support, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, and more. The HM80 is comfortable as a gaming mini PC, office mini PC, and everything in between.
There is also a slightly cheaper variant featuring a Ryzen 5 4500U processor called the MinisForum HM50.
You can learn more about these high-end mini PCs in our HM50 & HM80 review.
What we like!
- Two 2.5-inch drive bays
- Supports three displays.
- Wi-Fi 6 Support
What we don’t like…
- Difficult to upgrade compared to other MinisForum models.
