The best mini PCs of 2019 balanced power, portability, and value. Top picks included the Intel NUC 9 Extreme for raw performance, the ASUS PN60 for budget-friendly versatility, and the Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q for enterprise reliability. These models excelled in compact design, 4K support, and connectivity, making them ideal for home theaters, offices, and light gaming.
How Much RAM is Recommended for Home Assistant?
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 |
Which Mini PCs Topped the Charts in 2019?
The Intel NUC 9 Extreme (“Ghost Canyon”) dominated with its modular design and desktop-grade Intel Core i9 processor. The ASUS PN60 offered unmatched affordability with 8th-gen Intel Core i7 support, while the HP EliteDesk 800 G5 showcased enterprise-grade security. The Zotac ZBOX MI642 nano prioritized ultra-compact 4K streaming, and the Apple Mac Mini (2018) remained a macOS favorite for creatives.
How Did Performance Vary Across Price Ranges?
Budget models ($200-$500) like the Chuwi LarkBox used Intel Celeron chips for basic tasks. Mid-range ($500-$800) systems like the Minisforum UM350 integrated AMD Ryzen 5 for 1080p gaming. Premium picks ($800+) like the Intel NUC 9 Extreme handled VR and 4K video editing through dedicated GPUs. Storage options ranged from eMMC to dual NVMe SSD configurations.
What Connectivity Features Defined 2019 Models?
Thunderbolt 3 became standard in high-end models like the Mac Mini, enabling 40Gbps data transfers and external GPU support. Dual HDMI 2.0 ports in the Beelink GK55 allowed dual 4K output, while the Lenovo M720q offered optional vPro for remote management. USB-C PD (Power Delivery) emerged in systems like the ASUS PN60 for single-cable docking.
Manufacturers increasingly adopted USB-C as a multifunctional port, with some models like the Intel NUC 9 Extreme combining it with legacy USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports for backward compatibility. Wireless connectivity saw incremental improvements, with select devices like the HP EliteDesk 800 G5 featuring Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for faster wireless transfers. The table below shows key connectivity comparisons:
| Model | Thunderbolt 3 | HDMI Ports | Ethernet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel NUC 9 Extreme | 2x | 1x 2.0 | 2.5Gbe |
| Apple Mac Mini | 4x | None | 10Gbe |
| ASUS PN60 | 1x | 2x 2.0 | 1Gbe |
Why Were Cooling Systems Critical in Compact Designs?
Passive cooling in fanless models like the MeLE Quieter2 limited CPUs to 10W TDP but enabled silent operation. The Intel NUC 9 Extreme used a hybrid cooling solution with dual blowers and heat pipes to manage 100W+ thermal loads. Poor thermal design in early AMD-based systems caused throttling until vapor chamber implementations in Q4 releases.
Thermal management directly impacted performance consistency, particularly in sustained workloads. The Zotac ZBOX Magnus E series demonstrated this through its dual-fan design that maintained CPU temperatures below 75°C during extended gaming sessions. Below is a comparison of thermal solutions:
| Model | Cooling Type | Max TDP Supported | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| MeLE Quieter2 | Passive | 10W | 0 dB |
| Intel NUC 9 Extreme | Hybrid Active | 150W | 42 dB |
| Minisforum H31G | Single Fan | 65W | 35 dB |
Which Upgradability Options Set Certain Models Apart?
The Intel NUC 9 Extreme pioneered socketed GPU support via a PCIe x16 slot, allowing desktop graphics card installation. The Minisforum H31G supported dual 2.5″ drives and SODIMM RAM upgrades. In contrast, soldered components in the Mac Mini and Microsoft Surface Studio 2+ restricted post-purchase modifications, emphasizing pre-configuration choices.
How Did Energy Efficiency Impact Real-World Use?
ULV (Ultra-Low Voltage) processors in the Azulle Access3 consumed under 6W, enabling fanless 24/7 operation. The ECS LIVA Z2 leveraged Intel’s 10nm process for 30% better perf-per-watt than 2018 models. However, high-end systems like the Zotac ZBOX Magnus drew 120W under load, necessitating barrel-type power adapters instead of USB-C PD.
What Were the Hidden Trade-Offs in Tiny Form Factors?
Compactness often sacrificed upgradeability – the 0.35L GMK NucBox omitted Ethernet and SATA ports. Smaller units like the Intel NUC 7 Essential relied on slower Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6. VESA-mount compatibility in the Lenovo M720q required removing rubber feet, potentially voiding warranties. Some models also limited BIOS customization compared to traditional desktops.
“2019 marked the inflection point where mini PCs transitioned from niche to mainstream. The integration of Thunderbolt 3 and socketed GPUs in systems like the NUC 9 Extreme blurred the line between SFF (Small Form Factor) and full-sized desktops. However, thermal constraints continued to limit sustained performance in sub-1L chassis.”
— Tech Analyst, Mini PC Industry Report 2020
Conclusion
The 2019 mini PC landscape offered specialized solutions for every need – from living room media centers to portable workstations. While thermal and upgrade limitations persisted, breakthroughs in modular design and connectivity set the stage for today’s powerhouse ultra-compacts. Choosing between models required balancing immediate performance needs against future-proofing considerations.
FAQs
- Could 2019 mini PCs run Windows 11?
- Most with 8th-gen Intel+/Ryzen 2000+ CPUs met TPM 2.0 requirements, except Atom/Celeron models.
- Did any support dual Ethernet?
- Industrial models like the OnLogic CL100G included dual Gigabit LAN for firewall applications.
- Were external GPUs practical?
- Yes – Thunderbolt 3 systems could use eGPUs, though with ~15% performance loss versus internal PCIe 3.0 x16.