Rating of the best nettops (mini PCs) in 2020

With the release of the first mini Mac 10 years ago, Apple has confirmed that a powerful PC can be packaged in a compact package. It took a little time for the best reliable PC makers to get determined to move in this direction.

Now a tiny computer can be bought for little money. Nettop is the realization of almost all dreams regarding working with multimedia files or office programs. This article provides a ranking of the best nettops (mini PCs) according to experts and users.

What is a nettop?

Nettop is written in English "nettop". This is a handy desktop PC. The name "Nettop" comes from "InterNET" and "deskTOP". When it was designed, it was very dysfunctional, which is why it got its name from the word "Internet", because it wasn't enough for more. Today, such a mini-PC is able to completely replace an ordinary computer.

The minicomputer has minimal dimensions. To match it up with anything common to the user, a Wi-Fi router is an excellent option. They are approximately identical in size, but a nettop is a portable PC on which OS Windows 7, 8 or 10 version is installed. It is really possible to connect a display, a keyboard and a mouse to it, and then do everything that is characteristic of a user of an ordinary personal computer.

What is it for?

If a person does not belong to the category of very picky users, but uses a PC for social networks, playing audio and video files, and playing from time to time, then a nettop is a good buy. Users have most likely seen laptop PCs in various institutions, cash registers and medical institutions - all these are nettops.

Due to their own sizes, popular models will easily take a "modest" place in any corner, and even fit behind the display. The device works almost silently. Its degree is comparable to that of a smartphone, which is a significant advantage.

Key applications for Windows, MacOS, Android and Linux laptop PCs are:

• Building the server for multimedia. This is a gadget used to catalog all media files that a user has, with the aim of later storing it on the cloud or HDD with the future accessibility for viewing and processing, or working with data;

If a decision is made to assemble a nettop for use as a server, it is recommended to take into account that it should turn out to be quite productive (a processor that supports the launch of high-quality videos, RAM not less than 2 GB, SSD or other solid-state drive with a capacity of about 500 GB, powerful graphics card).

• Nettop for TV.Another area of ​​application is the use as a game console for viewing digital content. Buying a mini PC on Windows 10 or Android will give you the opportunity to get a smart TV at a price significantly lower when compared to the cost of a full-size TV in stores;
• Office activities. Programs for working with files do not consume significant resources from a personal computer, which is why buying inexpensive models can be a smart analogue for upgrading an "ancient" PC park in an office;
• Nettop for games. There are no device models on the market that will become quite innovative to support "heavy" games. But on the basis of a mini-PC, you can open an emulator to run old games for the console;
• Music Center. When you connect an external DAC, any nettop will transform into a great audio system suitable for all music lovers.

How to connect a nettop?

Mini PCs are equipped with all slots required for an ordinary PC. The HDMI jack makes it possible to connect the gadget to any display or TV with an LCD screen. There are a sufficient number of USB slots. Almost all mini-PCs have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth blocks.

Nettop characteristics

Of course, tiny computers are not capable of replacing a PC with a full-fledged system unit and premium equipment. They are analogous to laptops, because often, at approximately the same cost, the performance of laptops is weaker when compared with the nimbleness of nettops. It is logical to buy a tiny computer if a person is going to use it only stationary.

Form factor

There are many sizes and styles of nettops. Another difference between them lies in their performance. The largest ones have a square shell with approximate dimensions: width - 20 cm, height - 5 cm, weight - 1 kg. This shell is often used by Apple and Asus.

Their rival Zotac prefers a more practical size: a square shell with a width of 13 cm and a weight of 600 g.

But this is not the maximum. There are even more compact shells. For example, the ZBOX PI321 nettop from the same Zotac has the weight of a phone, and the chip it uses (Atom Z3735F) will be a good component for a tablet.

Iron

To make a high-quality nettop, corporate developers always need to look for a compromise, since a PC in an ultra compact shell must not only be functional, but also equipped with all the required slots, and also the most silent cooling system.

The proportion of functionality and consumed electrical energy is indicated by the key capabilities of the chip. Almost all budget gadgets operate on chips from Intel with a maximum thermal set (TDP) of 5 W.

We are talking about Haswell and Broadwell processors, which save energy, while the plus goes to the piggy bank of the second, because the dimensions of the transistors of processors of such a microarchitecture are only 14 nanometers, while Haswell is manufactured according to the 22 nm technological process standard.

The smaller the size of the transistors, the more efficiently the microcircuit functions.

If you believe the theory, then Broadwell processors with a similar TDP parameter reach great computing capabilities. Simply put, with the same functionality, less energy is consumed.

Video playback

The picture with the opening video is completely different. All GPUs support H.264 hardware acceleration. While watching a video online and downloading content to MP4 or MKV, it is possible to make sure that almost all the time the recordings are compressed according to the H.264 codec.

It is worth noting that network organizations and the entertainment industry are slowly rebuilding themselves to an innovative generation of formats. For example, Google is going to provide YouTube videos in VP9 resolution in the future, and the famous Netflix will broadcast TV series in 4K using the H.265 compression method.

Simply put, it is logical to purchase a nettop as a multifunctional home player with a view to the future exclusively with a processor based on the Broadwell microarchitecture from Intel, because only it initially has support for the innovative video compression standards VP9 and H.265. Difficulties appear only when opening videos in 4K format with a frame rate of 60 FPS.

Even when choosing a nettop, it is recommended to pay due attention to the type of integrated drives. For a voluminous collection of videos, experts advise to look exclusively at nettops with media on magnetic disks, whose efficiency, alas, is at a low level.

The integrated drives are no more than 1TB and the SSD capacity is 128GB. Prudent users have the opportunity to supplement the complete set of the nettop with their own hands, because they easily understand, which makes it possible to easily change the RAM and hard media.

Improving nettops

If the video collection is stored in the cloud of the home network, then it makes sense for the user to think about installing a hard drive at high speed in order to increase the productivity of the nettop. But if the entire collection of videos and music should fit into a gadget, then everything is bounded into the dimensions of the shell.

In some devices, there is enough space for a 3.5-inch magnetic medium with a volume of up to 1 TB, which is relatively easy to change to a 4 TB hard drive.

Composite media (SSHD) with built-in magnetic disks and a flash processor with high-speed characteristics, which are aimed at caching constantly consumed information, make it possible to get much higher speed.

A nettop with a more practical shell can hold 2.5 '' media. In this situation, it is possible to buy exclusively removable media, the volume of which is no more than 1 TB.

In terms of connecting peripheral devices, all nettops are well equipped. They are equipped with an IEEE 802.11ac wireless connection and a LAN slot. 4 USB 3.0 ports are enough for a mouse, keyboard and external optical drive.

Display or TV is connected via HDMI or Display Port. The HDMI slot is present on any gadget, and only some models have Display Port. If the user is already enjoying 4K TV in their living room, they need to buy a nettop with the least Display Port 1.2. From this version onwards, this slot is capable of streaming 4K at 60 FPS. HDMI 1.4 manages to process only 30 fps, and nettops with HDMI 2.0 are not yet on store shelves.

Which company is better?

Below are the best manufacturers of mini-PCs, the popularity of models of which is in demand among domestic buyers.

Apple

Apple began making small computers before they were called nettops. The key difference between Apple products and other manufacturers is the OS.

Windows has been replaced by Mac OS X, which is more acceptable for specialists in various fields of creative activity. The software works much more reliably here, and if the mini-PC supports the Fusion Drive option, then it also starts quite quickly.

Asus

An organization from Taiwan gained recognition by starting to make laptops and other PC equipment. Previously, its products were equipped with a plastic shell, which caused the design to wear out rather quickly. But today, aluminum material is often used in manufacturing, including mini-PCs.

This makes the gadgets not only durable, but also very attractive. They also often come out on a budget, since among the components there is a motherboard of their own manufacture. The brand makes other components with its own efforts.

Foxconn

This trademark is the property of a Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. The organization owns a large number of factories that assemble various phones, including the famous iPhone.

Even under the Foxconn brand, mini-PCs are produced, which are aimed at accessing the network. They boast a passive cooling system, which means there is almost one hundred percent absence of possible noise.In addition, miniature PCs of this brand are equipped with many slots.

Intel

Often, it is the mini-PCs from Intel that are the most acceptable when it comes to most selection criteria among users. While other organizations order spare parts from third-party companies, titanium in the computer industry uses chipsets of its own manufacture in the production, which makes it possible to slightly reduce the price list.

Often, the integrated chip is capable of boasting innovative generation integrated graphics, which makes it possible to make a "gaming" computer out of a nettop (but there is a possibility that a good cooling system will be needed).

ZOTAC

ZOTAC International Ltd is geographically located in Hong Kong and has been operating since 2006. She supplies some spare parts for the PC. In specialized outlets, you can easily find its video graphics cards, which are based on NVIDIA products.

Not long ago, the brand began making mini PCs. Often a motherboard is used for development. Some products boast the lack of active cooling - a key noise resource.

Rating of high-quality nettops (mini-PCs)

Once upon a time, tiny computers were complained about exclusively office "life". And so it was, but recently people have become interested in this group of gadgets. And the point is not at all the popularity of the idea of ​​homework, but the ease and comfort of nettops for any purpose.

Of course, there are virtually no gaming mini-PCs, but now it is impossible to call them "old" computers that are hidden behind the display. Now these gadgets are no worse than even the most productive ultrabooks, significantly saving the workspace and even sometimes beating the overall system units.

5th Place: HP Elite Slice

The model that got to the domestic showcases not so long ago has a similar performance, the number of slots and wireless capabilities, when compared with ordinary PCs. In addition, the gadget has a trendy appearance, as well as a convenient design of modules, which allows improving the characteristics.

The helper modules are similar in size to the shell. The difference lies only in the height and the fact that the components are fixed to the main module from the bottom side. The blocks are acoustics B&O Audio Module, an optical disk drive and a VESA clamp for hidden location of the gadget behind the display.

Advantages and disadvantages

• The number of processor cores - 4;
• Practical and fashionable shell;
• Slice blocks increase the possibilities;
• It is allowed to increase the RAM and media with the M.2 shell with your own hands, change the chip;
• An acceptable choice for a corporate user.

• Choosing USB instead of Thunderbolt 3 as a protocol for exchanging information with blocks limits system resources;
• The available blocks perform not the most necessary options;
• The wireless mouse and keyboard use the USB receiver's borrowing slot instead of Bluetooth.

The average price is 55,000 rubles.

"4th place: Asus Vivo PC VM40B"

The entire Vivo PC series of the Asus brand boasts an incredibly exquisite and trendy shell. Luxurious mini-PC, which is comparable in size to a large optical drive box, will easily fit into the most graceful interior of an apartment or office of a reputable company.

The model is equipped with integrated speakers and can reproduce sound in high quality. There is support for innovative standards for wireless information exchange, and the software makes it possible to control them through a tablet or phone.

Interestingly, this miniature shell houses an ordinary 3.5-inch hard drive. The beautiful picture is spoiled only by hardware limits, which do not allow the use of media in the gadget, the capacity of which is more than 1 TB.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Comfortable collapsible casing with intuitive access to all important components;
• Full set of audio interfaces, including S / PDIF optical type;
• Two connectors for RAM brackets.

• There is no support for media with a capacity greater than 1 TB;
• No VESA fixation;
• The noise of the hard disk is clearly audible.

The average price is 17,000 rubles.

"3rd place: Zotac ZBOX"

This tiny box hides a small motherboard that integrates Intel's Core i3-5018U chip. This chipset belongs to the 5th generation and stands out for its low power consumption.

There is no external video graphics card - the graphics accelerator is integrated into the chip. At first glance, it seems that such a PC will not have enough power to perform "heavy" tasks. But in reality, the model allows you to watch videos in 4K format without any difficulties and even opens up some new products in the gaming industry.

If the user has already started looking for where it is profitable to buy this device, then first of all it is worth determining the purpose of its use. The fact is that the basic modification does not have a specific capacity of RAM and permanent memory - it is bought depending on the purpose of using the PC.

If the user does not want to think about how to choose acceptable units for mini-PCs, then it is worth paying due attention to the versions marked "PLUS" - they are already equipped with everything you need.

The model includes 2 gigabit network cards. Thanks to them, it is possible to turn this nettop into a network gateway. The antenna of the outdoor Wi-Fi unit also contributes to this use.

Advantages and disadvantages

• There is an external type antenna;
• 2 network cards with good bandwidth;
• Quite powerful performance;
• Many different versions are available;
• Supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac;
• Availability.

• The shell is polished, so it gets dirty quickly.

The average price is 22,500 rubles.

"2nd Place: Apple Mac mini"

Apple has not improved its own Mac mini series for quite a long time, so the key plus of this mini-PC is OS X. Nevertheless, we cannot speak of a functional “dilapidation” of the hardware part: its capabilities are sufficient for new games at medium quality settings and viewing video in modern format.

The stigma should be placed only on high resource consumption and low frame rate in 4K resolution. All in all - it's still the same exquisite Mac mini, the design of which has not changed for many years.

It should be noted that in modifications without an installed Fusion Drive information storage subsystem, it is unrealistic to enable this functionality due to the next update, which is why you must immediately focus on the required configuration.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Trendy design;
• Integrated power supply unit;
• Excellent performance;
• Easy communication with the rest of the brand's products.

• Cost;
• The HDMI video output guarantees 4K images at 2-4Hz.

The average price is 56,000 rubles.

1st Place: Intel NUC

The term "mini-PC" was once coined by Intel Corporation. This manufacturer loves to experiment with more than just chips. One of these experiences ended well, which is why today most users put mini-PCs in their own homes and offices.

One of the most popular gadgets of this type is the Intel NUC. This mini PC is both good for the price and has mind-blowing features (particularly when it comes to premium configurations).

The device is based on Next Unit of Computer. Its key idea is the absence of moving elements in an information storage device. It is for this reason that the M.2 format SSD is used here.

But no one bothers the user to install here an ordinary hard disk of a larger capacity with a standard size of 2.5, if such a need arises. The connection is carried out using the SATA port - the developers purposefully left room for it.

The role of the chip here is played by the Core i3-5010U, of course, from Intel, which is complemented by the HD Graphics 5500 graphics accelerator of the same name. In theory, this PC can become the foundation for the formation of a basic-grade gaming system.

Even better, it copes with opening multimedia files, including 4K movies. In addition, there is support for viewing content online.

Advantages and disadvantages

• It is possible to install an auxiliary hard drive;
• Excellent performance;
• Information transfer via Wi-Fi 11ac;
• There is a USB slot that supports wireless charging option;
• There is support for Wireless Display;
• Cost.

• No USB 3.1 slots;
• The PCle bus belongs to the 2nd generation.

The average price is 24,000 rubles.

Which one is better to buy?

1. The best mini PC in the world is the Mac mini from Apple. In terms of reliability, its OS is in many ways ahead of Windows, which is installed on all other PCs. But for the "bull's-eye" will have to pay a very impressive amount. By the way, if we talk about the cost, then it should also include the HP Elite Slice.
2. If the user does not have such a budget, then it is worth looking at Intel NUC and Zotac ZBOX. They have approximately the same components, but use them in different directions.
3. Well, the Vivo PC VM40B from Asus is already an inexpensive model that is aimed at forming a multimedia system.

Comparative characteristics of all models

Model	Chip	RAM (GB)	HDD	Overall dimensions
HP Elite Slice	Intel Core i3, i5 and i7	32	HDD no more than 1 TB; SSD - Size 2.5	165.1 x 165.1 x 35mm
Asus Vivo PC VM40B	Intel Celeron 1007U	from 2 to 16	HDD no more than 1 TB	190 × 190x56.2 mm
Zotac ZBOX	Depends on modification	Depends on modification	500 GB	Depends on modification
Apple Mac mini	Intel Core i5	from 4 to 8	1 TB	196 x 196 x 36 mm
Intel NUC	Intel Core i3-5010U	Up to 16	SSD - 250 GB; HDD - up to 1 TB	114 x 112 x 33 mm

Conclusion

The innovative PC can do without a huge pile of cords getting tangled under the table and interfering with cleaning. Most of the mini-PCs are fixed to the back of the display or TV, thereby providing an opportunity to make the interior more "cultured". And a set of wireless keyboard and mouse further reduces the noticeable amount of cable property. The user only needs to choose the appropriate model from this rating, which will meet his needs.