I'm an old-school IT guy looking to replace my current desktop setup. My HP EliteDesk 800 Gl USDT has served me well, but I'm running into Windows 10 issues and want to upgrade to something that can handle future software demands. I've been experimenting with mini PCs that I've bought on eBay for fun – adding an SSD and RAM to enhance performance for tasks like video calls, browsing, and using Google Suite. Now, I'm planning to build two new machines and considering similar mini units. However, I'm a bit hesitant about going for these lower-end models, even though they seem more powerful than my current HP. I need a compact unit that can accommodate two drives, 2 or 3 HDMI outputs (since I love using multiple monitors), and comes pre-installed with Windows 11 (not sure if I need the Pro version). My main tasks include accounting software, spreadsheets, and web-based applications, so I'm looking for something durable that will last at least five years. I prefer sticking with established brands like HP for support and parts. Also, should I go for NVMe or SSD drives? For backup, I plan to clone the main drive weekly using an identical drive in a USB external enclosure. Thanks for any advice!
5 Answers
For your needs, consider a mini PC from Minisforum. They offer models with two HDMI ports and support for upgradable RAM and SSDs at a reasonable price. I got one for around €400, and it's been performing excellently for both work and casual tasks. Just a heads up, the fan can be a bit loud sometimes, but it's manageable.
Stick with what you know and trust for work—HP or Dell Optiplex are reliable choices for business use. They've got solid support and durability.
Try looking for a used i5 12th gen desktop from popular brands on eBay. You can usually find them for around $200-300. If the unit doesn't have NVMe, it's worth adding one yourself for better performance.
If you're looking for mini PCs, some of the Bee-Link models might fit your criteria, but be cautious as they may not support more than 2 monitors. Generally, most users won't notice a big difference between SATA SSDs and NVMe drives, but if you're working with large files, you might appreciate the speed. These small units can give you a near 'zero footprint' setup.
You might want to check out some specific forums for small form factor systems. Personally, I'd recommend building a custom mini PC with low-profile components, as it gives you more flexibility for swapping parts if something fails without needing to replace the whole setup. Both NVMe and SSD options are solid, but I'd suggest going with NVMe since it'll cut down on cable clutter and make installation a breeze.
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