The best accessories for mini PCs enhance functionality and performance while maintaining compactness. Essential add-ons include universal VESA mounts for space-saving installation, Thunderbolt 4 docks for multi-device connectivity, and M.2 NVMe enclosures for fast external storage. High-performance models like NVIDIA’s Project Digits benefit from liquid cooling kits for sustained AI workloads. For mobile setups, portable power banks with 100W PD ensure uninterrupted operation.
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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 makes cooling solutions critical for high-performance mini PCs?
Thermal management directly impacts sustained performance in compact systems. High-TDP processors like the Grace Blackwell chip in Project Digits require advanced cooling beyond standard fans.
Modern mini PCs pushing 65W+ TDP demand hybrid cooling systems combining vapor chambers and ceramic bearings. Pro Tip: Pair liquid cooling kits (like Cooler Master’s 92mm AIO) with thermal pads for 20-30°C reductions under load. For example, the Project Digits’ 300W thermal design requires phase-change materials to prevent throttling during AI inference tasks. Beyond basic cooling, consider ambient airflow – elevated stands with mesh bases improve heat dissipation by 15% compared to desktop placement.
Why invest in Thunderbolt 4 docks for mini PCs?
Bandwidth expansion transforms limited ports into workstation-grade connectivity. Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gbps throughput enables dual 4K displays while charging devices.
Premium docks like CalDigit’s TS4 provide 18 ports including 2.5GbE and UHS-II SD slots. Practically speaking, a single cable can connect storage arrays (via PCIe tunneling), 8K monitors, and peripherals simultaneously. Real-world example: Editing 6K footage on a mini PC requires direct SSD access through Thunderbolt’s PCIe 3.0 x4 link – 3,940MB/s speeds eliminate proxy workflows. Pro Tip: Look for docks with 96W power delivery to charge laptops while powering peripherals.
| Basic Dock | Thunderbolt 4 Dock |
|---|---|
| 5Gbps USB | 40Gbps TB4 |
| 1 Display Output | Dual 8K/60Hz |
| 15W Charging | 96W PD |
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FAQs
Yes, using DisplayLink docks or Thunderbolt 4. The Project Digits supports quad 8K displays via its dual TB4 ports when using MST hubs.
Are external GPUs viable for mini PCs?
Only with Thunderbolt 3/4. An RTX 4090 in Razer Core X achieves 90% desktop performance in 3D rendering tasks on compatible systems.