Mini PCs and Raspberry Pi 5 differ fundamentally in design philosophy and use cases. Mini PCs are compact, fully functional computers with x86/ARM processors, supporting Windows/Linux for general computing tasks. Raspberry Pi 5 is a credit-card-sized single-board computer (SBC) optimized for embedded projects, IoT, and educational prototyping. While both prioritize space efficiency, Mini PCs emphasize plug-and-play usability, whereas Pi 5 focuses on GPIO programmability and hardware tinkering at lower power consumption (7-15W vs. 10-30W for Mini PCs).
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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 |
What are the hardware architecture differences?
Raspberry Pi 5 uses a Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 CPU with integrated RAM (4-8GB LPDDR4X) and VideoCore VII GPU. Mini PCs typically feature modular components like replaceable DDR5 RAM slots, NVMe SSD storage, and discrete cooling systems. Pi 5’s soldered components prioritize compactness over upgradability.
Mini PCs like Intel NUC models utilize standardized x86 silicon (e.g., Core i3/i5) for full OS compatibility. The Pi 5’s ARM architecture limits software options to ARM-compiled Linux/Android. Pro Tip: For robotics projects needing GPIO access, Pi 5’s 40-pin header is irreplaceable. However, Mini PCs dominate in tasks requiring PCIe expansion (e.g., adding GPUs). Imagine Pi 5 as a Swiss Army knife for electronics, while Mini PCs resemble desktop replacements.
How do performance metrics compare?
Raspberry Pi 5 benchmarks at ~2.4GHz with 4K60 video output, while Mini PCs with Intel N100 CPUs achieve 3.4GHz bursts. Storage speeds diverge sharply: Pi 5’s microSD/USB 3.0 peaks at 250MB/s, whereas Mini PCs leverage PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives (7,000MB/s+).
| Metric | Raspberry Pi 5 | Budget Mini PC |
|---|---|---|
| PassMark Score | 1,200 | 3,800 |
| Idle Power Draw | 3W | 8W |
| 4K Playback | 60Hz (H.265) | 120Hz (AV1) |
Practically speaking, a Mini PC handles multitasking (e.g., 20 Chrome tabs + Zoom) smoothly, while Pi 5 struggles beyond 5 tabs. Pro Tip: Use Pi 5 for headless servers—its low power consumption reduces long-term costs.
What about software ecosystem compatibility?
Mini PCs support Windows 11 and mainstream Linux distros out-of-the-box. Raspberry Pi 5 relies on ARM-optimized OS builds like Raspberry Pi OS or Ubuntu Server. Docker/Kubernetes workflows favor Mini PCs due to x86 dominance in enterprise environments.
For developers, Pi 5’s Debian-based OS simplifies Python/C++ programming for sensors. However, CAD tools like AutoCAD don’t offer ARM versions. Think of Pi 5 as a specialized tool vs. Mini PC’s generalist approach. Pro Tip: Use Mini PCs for virtualization—their VT-x/VT-d support enables nested hypervisors.
Which offers better I/O flexibility?
Raspberry Pi 5 provides dedicated GPIO, CSI/DSI ports, and UART for hardware interfacing. Mini PCs emphasize USB4/Thunderbolt for peripherals. Pi 5’s dual HDMI 2.1 ports outclass many Mini PCs’ single 4K output.
| Interface | Raspberry Pi 5 | Mini PC |
|---|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen2 | 2 ports | 4+ ports |
| GPIO Pins | 40 | 0 |
| M.2 Slots | None | 1-2 |
Pro Tip: For retro gaming emulation, Mini PCs’ M.2 slots allow adding high-speed storage for ROM libraries. Pi 5’s SD card bottleneck limits loading speeds.
How do pricing models differ?
A Raspberry Pi 5 8GB kit (board + PSU + case) costs ~$120, while entry-level Mini PCs start at $250. However, Pi 5’s hidden costs add up—$40 for a quality microSD card, $20 for cooling accessories. Mini PCs include storage and OS licenses.
For classrooms, Pi 5’s $35 base board enables bulk deployments. But enterprises prefer Mini PCs for warranty/support. Pro Tip: Use Pi 5 clusters for cost-effective parallel computing experiments.
What are the thermal limitations?
Raspberry Pi 5 throttles at 85°C without active cooling, while Mini PCs use heat pipes/fans to sustain 65°C under load. Pi 5’s 28nm process node generates more heat per watt than Mini PCs’ 7-10nm CPUs.
In 24/7 operations, Mini PCs’ thermal designs ensure stability. Pi 5 requires DIY cooling for sustained workloads. Pro Tip: Attach a $10 aluminum heatsink to Pi 5 for 15°C temperature reduction.
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FAQs
Only for lightweight tasks—LibreOffice runs smoothly, but web apps with heavy JavaScript lag due to ARM limitations.
Which is better for a home media server?
Mini PCs handle Plex transcoding better. Pi 5 works for direct-play scenarios but struggles with 4K HDR conversions.
Do both support dual monitors?
Yes, but differently: Pi 5 uses dual HDMI 2.1, while Mini PCs often combine HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C Alt Mode.