The best PoE-powered mini PCs balance compact design, reliable power delivery via Ethernet, and versatile connectivity. Top contenders include the NEOSMAY Intel N100 (4x 2.5GbE ports, upgradable storage) and Minisforum S100 (ultra-portable, dual power options). Both support PoE standards like IEEE 802.3af/at, making them ideal for edge computing, digital signage, and IoT deployments where AC power is impractical.
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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 defines a PoE-powered mini PC?
A PoE-powered mini PC draws electrical power directly from Ethernet cables (IEEE 802.3af/at standards), eliminating separate AC adapters. Key features include RJ45 ports with 15W-30W PoE input, low-TDP processors like Intel N100, and fanless designs for silent operation in industrial environments.
These systems typically operate within 12-48V DC ranges, with advanced models like the NEOSMAY N100 supporting PoE++ (802.3bt) for up to 90W delivery. Critical components include surge-protected Ethernet controllers and wide-temperature RAM (-20°C to 70°C). Pro Tip: Always verify switch compatibility—undersized PoE injectors cause boot failures. For example, the Minisforum S100 requires 25W PoE but can alternatively use USB-C PD, offering deployment flexibility in retail kiosks.
How do PoE mini PCs handle thermal management?
Thermal design in PoE mini PCs prioritizes passive cooling for 24/7 reliability. The NEOSMAY model uses aluminum chassis as heat spreaders, while the Minisforum S100 employs hybrid cooling with micro-fans (24dB idle noise). Effective thermal solutions prevent throttling in confined spaces like network cabinets.
Advanced models implement dynamic power scaling—reducing CPU clock speeds when ambient temperatures exceed 45°C. Pro Tip: Avoid obstructing ventilation grilles on PoE ports; stacked deployments need 2cm air gaps. The Radxa ROCK 5 ITX motherboard demonstrates this with its heatpipe-linked VRM/PoE module, maintaining sub-70°C operation during 4K video transcoding via PoE.
| Model | Cooling Method | Max Ambient Temp |
|---|---|---|
| NEOSMAY N100 | Passive | 50°C |
| Minisforum S100 | Active Hybrid | 40°C |
What connectivity options excel in PoE mini PCs?
High-density 2.5GbE ports dominate premium PoE mini PCs, with the NEOSMAY offering quad Intel i226-V controllers. Secondary features include USB-C PD input (Minisforum S100) and legacy RS232 serial ports for industrial automation compatibility.
Wireless expansion via M.2 slots enables WiFi 6E or 5G add-ons—critical for mobile deployments like smart city sensors. Pro Tip: When using PoE passthrough (e.g., security cameras), ensure total power draw stays 20% below switch capacity. The ZeroEQ13 N200 demonstrates smart port allocation, dedicating two Ethernet ports solely for PoE-powered peripherals.
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FAQs
Yes, select models like the NEOSMAY N100 support PoE passthrough, delivering 15W via secondary RJ45 ports to IP cameras or sensors—always check the switch’s total power budget first.
Do PoE mini PCs work with standard Ethernet cables?
Absolutely—Cat5e or higher cables work, but for 2.5GbE speeds over 30m distances, Cat6a is recommended to prevent packet loss in high-throughput applications.
How to secure PoE mini PCs in public spaces?
Use Kensington locks and hardware-trusted platform modules (TPM 2.0). For critical infrastructure, opt for models with tamper-evident cases and BIOS-level intrusion detection.