Apple Mac Mini Alternatives: Best Windows based mini desktop PC Options

HP Z2 Mini G5 workstation

A purpose built workstation, the HP Z2 Mini G5 comes from a long line of powerful machines. They are small enough to mount to the back of a monitor, under the desk or rack mounted. As its name suggest, this is more of a workstation targeting the professional and business users.

To give you an idea of how far the Z series mini workstation has come, earlier G3 specification starts with Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB RAM memory and 1TB HDD storage. Next, we have an Intel Core i7 model, 8GB RAM and 256 SSD storage with NVIDIA Quadro M620 2GB GPU. Then there is the Intel Core i7 model, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage with NVIDIA Quadro M620 2GB GPU.

The HP Z2 Mini G4 comes with 9th generation Intel Core-i processors. Starting from Intel Core i3-9100, Intel Core i5-9500 and Core i5-9600 to Core i7-9700 and Core i7-9700K to Intel Core i9-9900. Beyond that the system is also available with Intel Xeon processors.

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Search HP Z2 G5 Mini Workstation on Amazon

Fast forward to today, we see the fifth iteration, the HP Z2 Mini G5 comes with 10th generation Intel Core-i processors starting with Intel® Core i3-10100 and Core i3-10320 to Intel Core i5-10400F, 10500 and 10600 to Intel Core i7-10700 and 10700K. For even more performance, pick one with Intel Core i9-10900, 10900K or 10900F. And, like previous generation, the HP Z2 Mini G5 is also available with Intel Xeon processors.

Without a doubt, the HP Z2 Mini G5 is a high-end machine with crazy amount of power capable of taking on workstation level tasks. Our preferred configuration is one with Intel Core i9-10900 with 16GB memory, 512GB SSD storage and dedicated NVIDIA Quadro T1000 (4GB GDDR5 memory).

• Intel® Core™ i9-10900 (2.8 GHz base frequency, up to 5.2 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 20 MB L3 cache, 10 cores)
• 16 GB memory; 512 GB HP Z Turbo Drive PCIe® SSD storage;
• NVIDIA® Quadro® T1000 (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated)

Even with its tiny form factor, there is room for one 2.5-inch drive and two M.2 NVME 2280 SSDs and crazy amount of connectivity ports. If you want uncompromising power, the HP Z2 Mini G5 is your answer.

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ASUS VivoMini PC UN68

The UN68 is similar in design to the UN65 but features the 8th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. Don’t be deceived by its small foot print, the VivoMini UN68 is capable of supporting dual storage options. Use the NVE Express M.2 interface for super fast SSD data transfers of up to 32 GBps and the SATA interface for bigger 2.5-inch HDD or SSD storage. The unit can also be specified with Intel Optane memory for better system performance. The mini desktop supports up to 3 displays with one at 4K UHD resolution perfect for multitasking or as a home entertainment center. Even with all that power, the system runs silently with optimised low speed fan setting. A barebone model is also available where you add your own memory and storage.

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ASUS VivoMini UN68 on Amazon

Gigabit Ethernet, 4-in-1 Card Reader, Kensington Lock, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 with Battery Charging 1.2 (Front) 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 DC-in and 1 Audio Jack. Dimensions and Weight: 131 x 131 x 52 mm (WxDxH), 700 grams. Also included (region dependent) are keyboard, mouse, power adapter and VESA mount kit.

ASUS VivoMini PC UN65

The UN65 from Asus is an award winning quiet mini PC with a full range of processor options from Core i3 to Core i5 to Core i7 Kayby Lake. Like its newer counterpart, the UN65 also supports dual storage options with the high speed 10GBps M.2 SSD interface. The mini PC can be hooked up to 3 displays with one being 4K UHD resolution. Like the UN68, ASUS has included software to turn the system into a media center with ASUS Media Streamer and Remote Go! apps. The latter includes access to Cloud storage, remote desktop, files transfer and remote keyboard and mouse control.

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ASUS VivoMini PC UN65 on Amazon

Gigabit Ethernet, 4-in-1 Card Reader, Kensington Lock, 2 USB 3.1 with Battery Charging 1.2 (Front) 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 DC-in and 1 Audio Jack. Dimensions and Weight: 131 x 131 x 52 mm (WxDxH), 700 grams. Also included (region dependent) are keyboard, mouse, power adapter and VESA mount kit.

HP Elite Slice G2

A modular platform, the HP Elite Slice is a premium mini desktop PC with a big ambition. There many modular add-on options, these include the Optical Disk Drive and the Bang & Olufsen Audio Module. The specifications start from the  Intel Core i3 processor with 4GB RAM and 500GB HDD storage to  Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage to Intel Core i7 with 8GB and 256GB SSD storage.

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ACEPC AK1 and GK1 Mini Desktop

Taking a leaf from the modular HP Elite Slice’s design book is ACEPC AK1 and GK1 Mini desktop. It even features the floating cover effect and air grill. And, no it’s not from Acer, the Taiwanese manufacturer but ACEPC. In fact, Acer also has a module desktop PC of their own called theAcer Revo Build. But, this is no modular machine, at least not yet.

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ACEPC on Amazon

ACEPC has been able to keep the price ultra low using Intel’s Celeron J3455 CPU 1.5GHz that turbo boosts up to 2.3GHz speed, using only 4GB of RAM and 32GB eMMC storage. Other memory and storage options are available; 6GB+64GB and 8GB+120GB both are paired with the more powerful Intel Celeron J4105 Quad-core processor clocking at 1.5GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.5GHz).

PassMark CPU benchmark puts the two processors at 2146 and 2641 respectively. But what really caught our attention, apart from the small form factor are the ability to add your own 2.5-inch storage in the included hard disk enclosure module or mSATA SSD in the main unit and support for 4K Ultra HD output and playback. We recommend the mSATA route as the 2.5-inch storage route is more of an external storage solution via fixed USB Type-C socket, USB 3.0 bandwidth limitation applies.

Elsewhere, you get 802.11ac Dual band WiFi. Bluetooth 4.2, 1x Gigabit LAN, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 2x HDMI for dual monitor support, 1x audio output, 1x Micro SD slot (for TF cards with up to 128GB).

Seriously, if you are considering a small desktop and don’t want to spend a bomb, the ACEPC is your answer but we strongly recommend adding a 128GB or 256GB mSATA Solid State Drive and move your Windows Installation there. Not only will your system run smoother and faster, you will have more room for apps and Windows super size updates. Plus, included in the price is Windows 10 64-bit Operating System.

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ACEPC on Amazon

Chromeboxes as Mac Mini Alternatives in Education

We also considered the following Chrome OS based machines. Don’t forget, Chrome OS now fully supports Android apps on Google Play. This opens up the platform to thousands of apps were previously available on tablets and smartphones. If your desktop based tasks are based on the Internet, browsing the web, social media and emails, consuming streaming media and content as well as mobile apps then Chromebox may be your thing. Not only are these machines cheap, you never have to worry about viruses and malware with automatic system updates from Google.

The low total cost of ownership, great manageability, easy collaboration, Google Play for Education content and Google’s G Suite for Education makes the Chromebox and amazing option for the education sector. The device is perfect in a classroom or lab setting requiring little administration and support, saving the school time and money.

ASUS Chromebox 3 Mini PC

The latest Chrome OS based mini form factor machine from ASUS is powered by 8th generation Intel Core processor. The unit comes with a versatile USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port for fast data transfer and power delivery as well as DisplayPort functionality. The latter lets you connect up to two 4K UHD displays turning your Chromebox into a true multi-tasking setup with extended desktop. It works even better with a touchscreen especially when driving those mobile apps from Google Play store, perfect for games and apps that require touch control.

Front I/O:1 x 3 -in-1 Card Reader, 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x Audio jack. Back I/O: 3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C, 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ45 LAN, 1 x DC-in

HP Chromebox G2

The chromebox as its name suggest is based on Chrome OS. It starts with an 7th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM and 32GB SSD storage and maxing out with Intel’s 8th generation Core i7 processor with 8GB RAM and 64GB SSD storage.