Answer: Cheap Mini PCs and Raspberry Pi devices differ significantly in cost and performance. Mini PCs offer higher processing power, storage, and versatility for general computing tasks at $100-$300. Raspberry Pi, priced under $100, excels in lightweight projects, IoT, and educational use with lower energy consumption. Choose based on your needs: raw performance vs. affordability and specialized applications.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
How Do Cheap Mini PCs and Raspberry Pi Compare in Price?
Cheap Mini PCs typically range from $100 to $300, while Raspberry Pi boards cost $35-$75. Mini PCs often require additional expenses for peripherals like monitors or keyboards, whereas Raspberry Pi needs accessories like power supplies and microSD cards. For budget-conscious users, Raspberry Pi provides a lower entry cost, but Mini PCs deliver better value for intensive tasks.
Which Device Offers Better Processing Power?
Mini PCs outperform Raspberry Pi with Intel/AMD x86 processors (e.g., Celeron or Ryzen) supporting multitasking and 4K video playback. Raspberry Pi uses ARM-based CPUs (e.g., Broadcom BCM2711) optimized for low-power applications. Mini PCs handle Windows/Linux OS smoothly, while Raspberry Pi suits lightweight OSes like Raspberry Pi OS. For gaming or media editing, Mini PCs are superior.
When comparing processing capabilities, Mini PCs with x86 architecture processors like Intel Celeron or AMD Ryzen chips significantly outperform Raspberry Pi’s ARM-based CPUs. For instance, a Mini PC equipped with an Intel Core i3-10110U can reach turbo frequencies up to 4.1 GHz, while the Raspberry Pi 5’s Broadcom BCM2712 runs at 2.4 GHz. This difference becomes apparent in tasks like video transcoding, where Mini PCs complete 4K conversions 3x faster. However, Raspberry Pi’s efficiency shines in sustained low-power operations – its quad-core ARM processor maintains stable performance below 5W thermal design power (TDP), making it ideal for always-on applications.
| Device Type | Processor | Clock Speed | PassMark Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Mini PC | Intel Celeron N5105 | 2.0-2.9 GHz | 3,450 |
| Raspberry Pi 5 | Broadcom BCM2712 | 2.4 GHz | 850 |
What Are the Key Use Cases for Each Device?
Mini PCs excel as home theater systems, office workstations, or light gaming rigs. Raspberry Pi dominates IoT projects, robotics, and DIY electronics due to GPIO pins and low power draw. Educators and hobbyists prefer Raspberry Pi for programming tutorials, while businesses use Mini PCs for cost-effective desktops. Choose based on project complexity and scalability needs.
Does Raspberry Pi Consume Less Power Than Mini PCs?
Yes. Raspberry Pi consumes 3-7W under load, ideal for 24/7 operations like home automation. Cheap Mini PCs use 10-30W, depending on hardware. Energy efficiency makes Raspberry Pi preferable for solar-powered or portable setups. However, Mini PCs balance power savings with performance, suitable for tasks requiring sustained processing without high electricity costs.
Can Raspberry Pi Replace a Mini PC for Basic Tasks?
For web browsing, document editing, or media streaming, Raspberry Pi 4/5 can replace Mini PCs using LibreOffice or Chromium. However, slower RAM and USB-based storage limit multitasking speed. Mini PCs with SSDs and DDR4 RAM handle multiple apps seamlessly. Raspberry Pi suits minimalistic workflows; Mini PCs better serve productivity-focused users.
What Upgrade Options Exist for Both Devices?
Mini PCs allow RAM/storage upgrades and external GPU support via USB-C/Thunderbolt. Raspberry Pi upgrades are limited to microSD cards or HAT add-ons (e.g., SSDs via GPIO). Mini PCs offer long-term adaptability, while Raspberry Pi requires purchasing newer models (e.g., Pi 5) for performance boosts. Consider future needs when choosing.
Upgrade paths diverge significantly between these platforms. Mini PCs typically support SO-DIMM RAM upgrades (up to 64GB in some models) and NVMe SSD installations, with many offering 2.5″ drive bays for additional storage. Advanced users can even connect external graphics docks via USB4, transforming basic systems into competent gaming rigs. Raspberry Pi’s upgrade ecosystem revolves around HATs (Hardware Attached on Top) – specialized add-ons like PoE modules or SSD controllers that connect via GPIO pins.
| Upgrade Type | Mini PC Compatibility | Raspberry Pi Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Expansion | Yes (SO-DIMM slots) | No |
| External GPU | Via Thunderbolt/USB4 | Not Supported |
| Additional Storage | NVMe/SSD/HDD | USB or microSD |
How Does Software Compatibility Differ?
Mini PCs support Windows, Linux, and macOS (Hackintosh), enabling broad software access. Raspberry Pi runs ARM-optimized Linux distros and Android, excluding x86 apps without emulation. Docker, Python, and Node.js work on both, but Mini PCs better handle proprietary tools like Photoshop. Developers prefer Raspberry Pi for ARM-native testing.
Expert Views
“While Raspberry Pi revolutionized affordable computing, Mini PCs fill the gap between SBCs and full-sized desktops. For SMEs, Mini PCs reduce hardware costs without sacrificing productivity. Meanwhile, Raspberry Pi’s GPIO ecosystem remains unmatched for custom electronics. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize expandability or energy efficiency.” — Industry Hardware Analyst
Conclusion
Cheap Mini PCs and Raspberry Pi cater to distinct audiences. Mini PCs deliver desktop-like performance for under $300, while Raspberry Pi offers unmatched flexibility for DIY projects under $100. Assess your budget, power requirements, and scalability needs to determine the best fit.
FAQ
- Q: Can a Raspberry Pi run Windows?
- A: Only Windows 10/11 IoT Core, not full desktop versions. Use Mini PCs for standard Windows.
- Q: Are Mini PCs good for gaming?
- A: Entry-level models handle indie/retro games; add an eGPU for AAA titles.
- Q: Which is better for a home server?
- A: Raspberry Pi suffices for lightweight servers (VPN, NAS). Mini PCs better handle Plex/media servers.