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Amini PC (orminiature PC,nettop, orSmart Micro PC) is a small-sized, inexpensive,[1] low-power,[2][3]legacy-freedesktop computer designed for basic tasks such asweb browsing, accessingweb-based applications, document processing, and audio/video playback.[4][5][6]
The wordnettop is aportmanteau ofnetwork anddesktop. It is the desktop counterpart of thenetbook. Modern (c. 2020) mini PCs orsmall form factor PCs can be much more powerful, being equipped with high-end laptop components or mid-range desktop components.[7][8]
Compared with ordinary desktop computers, nettops are not only smaller and less expensive,[9] but they also consume much less power. For example, CompuLab'sfit-PC2 consumes no more than 8 watts of power[10] whereas a typical desktop would easily consume more than 100 watts of power; consequently, nettops require significantly less cooling and may even be completely fanless. Some do not have anoptical disk drive and use asolid-state drive, making them completely silent. The tradeoff is that the hardware specifications and processing power are usually reduced[11] and hence make nettops less appropriate for running complex or resource-intensiveapplications.
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There are several platforms that are primarily intended for nettops and netbooks:
There are several mini PC platforms:
Some nettops have also adoptedsystem-on-a-chip designs. Although many major parts such as chipsets, video cards and storage devices can also be found on desktops, the CPUs that are put inside nettops are the fundamental component that differentiate them from normal desktops. The list below contains a range of hardware components that a typical nettop may be assembled from.
Intel's Atom processor has been adopted by several hardware manufacturers, such as ASUS, MSI, and Sony, for nettops. Nvidia has also released its first generation ION platform, which puts GeForce 9400M MotherboardGPU alongside the Atom processor to provide betterhigh definition video playback ability and lower power consumption.[15] In addition, Nvidia has announced that it will support VIA's CPUs this year.[16] To further reduce the manufacturing cost and improve power efficiency, many manufacturers and start-up companies have chosen to use CPUs that were originally targeted at embedded computing devices such as AMD's Geode and ARM Cortex-based CPUs.
Apple's2024 Mac mini with theM4system-on-a-chip (SoC) features a significantly smaller design than earlier models, with a 5x5-inch form factor often described as slightly larger than anApple TV 4K.[17] Apple claims up to 50% more CPU performance and 4× more GPU performance on the M4 compared to the M2. The M4 competes for the highest-scoring consumer SoC for single-core benchmarks according to various sources such as theGeekbenchbenchmarking suite[18] and Passmark Software's CPU benchmarks.[19] In doing so, M4's single-core performance[20][21] competes withAMD'sRyzen 7 9700X[22][23] andIntel'sCore i9-14900K.[24][25][26][27]
Many net-top models are x86-processor-based and as such are capable of running standard PC OSes. There are also operating systems designed specifically for nettops and other machines in the same performance class. Some high-end nettops are capable of runningWindows 10.[28]Linux,Android,ChromeOS, andRaspberry Pi OS are other options. Although Google's Android was originally designed forsmartphones, it has also taken a seat in the nettop market.[29]
Nettops fell into Intel's category of "Basic PC", which usually cost from $100 to $299.[30] Intel described nettops as a large potential market at that time. Nettops were said to be able to serve as an affordable first computer for people in developing countries, or as an environmentally friendly choice as a secondary computer for people in developed countries.[31]
You could save money with a mini PC and get just as much performance out of it and maybe more versatility. Even the relatively speaking pricey $599 entry-level Mac mini M2 supports two displays (three if you opt for the M2 Pro version). If you bomb Amazon for deals you can pick up two 1080p monitors for around $160 for a total spend of $759. By comparison, the cheapest MacBook Air is $999.
A mini-PC is a compact version of a desktop computer. They usually have enough power for everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and media playback. Because of their size, they often use lower power components, which makes them quieter and more energy-efficient than their full-size counterparts.
Generally, mini PCs leverage processing power more commonly seen in laptops and similarly low-powered solutions, but they tend to have more connectivity and upgradability options.
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