Mini PCs with PCIe slots are compact systems offering expansion capabilities for specialized cards like GPUs, RAID controllers, or networking adapters. While most ultra-compact models use soldered components, select industrial and custom-built units feature PCIe x4/x16 slots via riser cables or modular bays. For example, CappuccinoPC’s ruggedized models support full-length PCIe cards in chassis under 2L volume. Pro Tip: Verify slot version (PCIe 3.0 vs 4.0) and physical clearance before adding high-profile cards.
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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 |
Which Mini PCs support full-size PCIe cards?
Industrial-grade units like Advantech EPC-T3186 and OnLogic CL200G provide x16 slots through customized backplanes. These 2-5L systems typically use PCIe bifurcation to share lanes between multiple expansion cards while maintaining compact footprints.
Full-size PCIe support in mini PCs requires innovative thermal solutions—imagine fitting a dual-slot GPU into something smaller than a textbook. The OnLogic CL200G achieves this through horizontal card mounting and active cooling tunnels. Pro Tip: For AI workloads, prioritize systems with PCIe 4.0 x16 to handle modern accelerator cards like NVIDIA T1000. Watch out for power limitations though; most mini PCs cap at 150W for expansion cards versus 300W+ in towers. For example, the Zotac ZBOX QG7P3000 pairs its PCIe 4.0 slot with a 500W external power brick for high-end GPUs.
Can mini ITX motherboards accommodate PCIe slots?
All mini-ITX boards include one PCIe x16 slot, but chassis constraints often limit card length to 170-220mm. Models like ASRock H670TM-ITX support PCIe 5.0 while maintaining 17×17cm dimensions.
While the mini-ITX standard mandates one expansion slot, actual usability depends on case design. The Silverstone ML12B case demonstrates this balance, supporting 195mm cards through clever vertical mounting. However, there’s a catch: many SFF cases require low-profile or single-slot coolers. Did you know some boards like the ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming include PCIe switches to share lanes between M.2 and expansion slots? This lets users run both high-speed storage and a GPU without performance hits.
| Feature | Mini-ITX | Industrial SFF |
|---|---|---|
| Max Card Length | 220mm | 312mm |
| Typical Power Limit | 75W (slot only) | 150W+ |
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FAQs
Do all NUCs have PCIe slots?
No, Intel NUCs typically use soldered components. For PCIe expansion, consider their “Element” series with modular compute cards supporting Thunderbolt-based eGPUs instead.
Can I add a PCIe NVMe adapter to mini PCs?
Yes, through M.2-to-PCIe adapters, but bandwidth halves when using x4 slots. For full-speed NVMe arrays, prioritize systems with multiple M.2 2280 slots.