Mini PCs are the perfect middle ground between laptops and tower PCs. They are small and compact and fit easily behind monitors. And if your business doesn’t require a high-speed processor, these minis are for you. However, Windows Mini PCs are expensive and cost up to $700. But thankfully this is not the end of the road. There are several good budget Windows Mini PCs for under $500.
However, these budget-friendly Windows Mini PCs come at a cost, and you won’t get as much muscle power as some of their expensive or premium counterparts. As mentioned earlier, these computers are suitable for low demand jobs. The best part is that they take up less space.
Now that that’s taken care of, let’s take a look at the best Windows Mini PCs under $500. But before that,
- Here are the best budget FHD monitors under $500
- Check out these great mechanical keyboards under $200
1. Chuwi HeroBox Windows 10 Mini Desktop
Processor: Intel Celeron J4125
Chuwi HeroBox Windows 10 Mini Desktop
Chuwi HeroBox is an entry-level Windows Mini PC and includes an Intel Celeron J4125 processor capable of up to 2GHz. Note that Celeron processors are not as fast as their current generation counterparts. But if you’re looking at minimal usage, this is a good choice.
The box is thin and light. Also, the VESA mount gives you the option to mount it behind monitors. At the same time, ports on the front and back give you the flexibility to add peripherals of your choice.
For the record, the HeroBox comes with a pair of USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and a USB-C port. This is in addition to the VGA and HDMI connectors. It is worth noting that HeroBox allows you to connect up to two monitors.
But at the end of the day, the cheap price tag has a price, and in this case, it’s processing power. The Celeron processor can rarely handle the power demanded by certain applications such as Google Chrome (with many tabs). But if you’re looking at minimal use (and saving money), it’s worth considering.
2. Zotac ZBOX CI622
Processor: Intel Core i3-10110U
Zotac ZBOX CI622
Zotac offers a range of passively cooled mini PCs and the ZBox Cl622 is no different. It runs silently and doesn’t make much noise, even when playing graphics-demanding games. An Intel Core i3-10110U processor powers this mini computer and proves well suited for everyday tasks and light workloads. It’s small and compact and even has a cool looking chassis with a honeycomb design on top.
Note that the ZBox Cl622 is a simple mini PC and you will need to add the RAM yourself. But on the good side, you have the advantage of choosing a fairly large RAM to ensure the PC has more room to work with.
However, the Core i3 processor is enough to complete your daily work with ease. Of course, it will have a hard time handling high-intensity tasks like video editing or photo editing, like the Core i5 processors.
One of the most important features of this Mini PC is the number of ports. It comes with 6 USB 3.1 ports, 2 of which are USB-C ports. On top of that, you get a headphone jack, a card reader, and a USB 3.0 port. The ports are cleverly arranged, making it easy to connect peripherals. It is worth noting that there is no SSD slot.
It’s not perfect. First, although it’s passively cooled, the box does get a little hot when you press it too hard. However, if you don’t want to do high-end tasks and want flexibility in RAM selection, this Zotac Mini PC makes a good buy.
3. Beelink SEI8 Mini Computer
Processor: 8th generation Intel i5-8279U
Beelink SEI8 Mini Computer
Another affordable Mini PC is the one from Beelink. The highlight of this PC is the built-in Iris Plus Graphics 655 GPU, which allows you to experience good gaming with good visuals. That aside, an Intel Core i5-8279U processor powers this Beelink PC and can clock up to 4.10 GHz. The GPU also lets you add dual 4K (@ 30Hz) displays to your setup.
Although it doesn’t have a passive cooling system, it includes a fan and a built-in cooling system that helps keep the system cool. Contrary to the above, it is not a simple PC and comes with 16GB of RAM. You can also upgrade the storage with an M.2 SATA SSD.
As for connectors, it’s safe to say it has a respectable number of ports. It includes two HDMI ports, 5 USB 3.0 ports and a Gigabit LAN connector.
So far, it has few good reviews and people love its easy setup process. It can run almost any low demanding task with ease.
4. Mini Forum UM700 Mini Computer
Processor: Ryzen 7 3750H Processor
Miniforum UM700 Mini Computer
Another budget Windows Mini PC is the Minisforum UM700 Ryzen NUC. It’s a versatile system and can take you through everyday tasks and casual games with ease. It is compact and can be easily carried in a backpack when needed. An AMD Ryzen 7 3750H CPU powers this computer and can clock up to 4GHz.
It is slightly more expensive than its above counterparts. However, the right amount of power and size make it a worthwhile choice. At the same time, the installation of this computer is simple and does not take much time.
The number of ports on this mini computer is also appropriate. You get an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and a pair of USB 3.1 connectors. It also has a USB-C port to add to the features.
The modular sight lets you upgrade the RAM later. The available settings allow you to connect up to 3 monitors, which is a big plus, especially if you need larger screens.
Small But Big Power
Mini PCs may seem small, but the right one lets you do your work, just like any laptop or tower PC. Keep in mind that while they may seem relatively cost-effective, adding peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and speakers tends to increase the cost.
