I'm looking for advice on the best small PC solution for my dad. He mainly needs it for tasks like checking emails, web browsing, and music transcription. A dedicated graphics card isn't necessary, as an APU would be sufficient for what he does. The budget isn't too tight, but I want to find something that won't break the bank for such simple use. I prefer a NUC-sized option, or if necessary, I'm open to building a system with an mATX or mini ITX board. Since I live abroad, a pre-built system might be easier for him to handle if any issues arise. I'd appreciate any suggestions!
6 Answers
Instead of focusing on the "best" mini PC, think about what fits his requirements. An N100 processor would work well for basic tasks. Brands like Beelink, Minisforum, and Geekom are popular for delivering good price-to-quality ratios. Just make sure to get something with an SSD and preferably 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth performance.
I've heard that Minisforum is a solid brand for small PCs. They tend to offer good performance for the price.
If your dad just needs a compact computer for browsing and emails, I'd suggest checking out the M4 Mac Mini. It's super compact and surprisingly powerful, even for general use. It might be a bit outside of the usual Windows options, but it's great for casual use.
How about the Lenovo Thinkcentre Neo 50Q? Just make sure to upgrade it to 16GB RAM, as 8GB isn't really enough these days. You can customize it to better fit his needs.
This is a bit of overkill, but have you looked into the Framework PC with a custom ITX board? It uses an AMD Ryzen AI Max 395+ and has solid performance, almost matching an RTX 4060. This could be a great long-term investment if you want something robust.
If you're considering NUC options, the Intel NUC 13 Pro is worth a look. It should meet your dad's needs without any hassle.
I meant more along the lines of what's practical for his usage, not just pure performance. If building it means better thermal management and longevity, I'm all for it.