
Ranking: The best office mini-PCs reviewed by Notebookcheck
June 2025 update.
A good mini-PC for office tasks can be had for just a few hundred dollars/euros. Such systems tend to have a low power consumption, saving the user plenty of cash on bills in the long run. With their extremely compact dimensions, such systems can be placed at the back of one's monitor if desired. Some mini-PCs are particularly quiet while others surprise with their performance.Sebastian Bade, 👁 J. Simon Leitner, ✓ Sebastian Jankowski (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪 🇷🇺
Mini-PCs range from inexpensive bargains to everyday work PCs or gaming PCs with extremely compact dimensions. The required qualities here are a small footprint, solid workmanship and a quiet operating noise. The connectivity features enable easy integration into the home or professional working environment.
In this comparison, we have limited ourselves to mini-PCs for office use, which are significantly smaller than conventional desktop PCs due to their compact design. Many of the listed mini-PCs can even be mounted behind a monitor to save space. Energy-saving laptop technology must be used in the PC itself. The best mini-PCs for gaming, equipped with a powerful graphics card and extensively tested by us, can be found here.
Best mini-PCs tested and ranked by Notebookcheck
Image | Model / Review | Price | Weight | Dimensions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro Apple M4 Pro (12 cores) ⎘ Apple M4 Pro 16-Core GPU ⎘ 64 GB Memory, 2048 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $1,261.43 Apple 2024 Mac mini Desktop ... 2. $1,544.00 Apple Mac mini Desktop Compu... 3. $3,499.00 Apple 2024 Mac mini Desktop ... List Price: 2811€ | 729 g | 127 x 127 x 50 mm | |
Apple Mac Mini M4 Apple M4 (10 cores) ⎘ Apple M4 10-core GPU ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 256 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $547.42 Apple 2024 Mac mini Desktop ... 2. $1,544.00 Apple Mac mini Desktop Compu... 3. $66.49 UGREEN Mac mini M4 Dock and ... List Price: 699€ | 648 g | 127 x 127 x 50 mm | |
Minisforum AI X1 Pro AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 ⎘ AMD Radeon 890M ⎘ 64 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $1,399.90 MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-370 Min... 2. $1,249.99 MINISFORUM Mini PC AI X1 Pro... 3. $909.90 MINISFORUM UM890 Pro Mini PC... | 1.4 kg | 195 x 195 x 42.5 mm | |
Geekom A8 Max, R7 8845HS AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS ⎘ AMD Radeon 780M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $699.00 GEEKOM A8 Max AI Mini PC, AM... List Price: 899 EUR | 681 g | 132 x 135 x 46.9 mm | |
Aoostar GEM12 AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS ⎘ AMD Radeon 780M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $519.00 AOOSTAR PRO MAX GEM12 8845HS... 2. $399.95 AOOSTAR GEM12 + PRO AMD R7 P... 3. $459.00 AOOSTAR GEM12 MAX Mini PC Ry... List Price: 649 US-Dollar | 653 g | 130 x 130 x 60 mm | |
Beelink GTI13 Ultra Intel Core i9-13900HK ⎘ Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: $598.99 List Price: 600 USD | 1.3 kg | 158 x 158 x 55.8 mm | |
Geekom GT1 Mega Intel Core Ultra 9 185H ⎘ Intel Arc 8-Core iGPU ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 2048 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $989.00 GEEKOM GT1 Mega AI Mini PC,1... 2. $1,109.00 GEEKOM XT1 Mega AI Mini PC,1... 3. $989.00 GEEKOM IT1 Mega AI Mini PC(3... List Price: 1149 EUR | 693 g | 132 x 135 x 46.9 mm | |
Geekom AX8 Pro AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS ⎘ AMD Radeon 780M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 2048 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $529.99 GEEKOM AX8 Pro Ai Mini PC,AM... 2. $699.00 GEEKOM AX8 Pro Ai Mini PC,AM... 3. $699.00 GEEKOM Mini PC XT13 Pro, Int... List Price: 999 EUR | 548 g | 112 x 117 x 37 mm | |
GMK NucBox K11 AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS ⎘ AMD Radeon 780M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: $649.98 List Price: 600 USD | 630 g | 125 x 132 x 58 mm | |
Minisforum EliteMini AI370 AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 ⎘ AMD Radeon 890M ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $1,169.00 MINISFORUM AI370 Mini PC, AM... 2. $44.99 PowerHOOD 19V AC/DC Adapter ... List Price: 1499 EUR | 472 g | 127 x 130 x 46.9 mm |
Note: We transitioned to a new rating system in June 2024. In the new v8 rating system, criteria were updated with current hardware developments in mind, new rating points were added and certain measurement techniques were changed. As a result, v8 ratings are slightly lower than v7 ratings and not directly comparable with previous versions. Further information on the new v8 rating system can be found here.
The table above shows an overview of the best mini-PCs tested by Notebookcheck in the last 12 months and other (relevant) products that are still available. If several products have the same rating, the newer review will be listed higher. Prices shown in the table are automatically updated daily and can change accordingly.
Link: all tested products in this class
Editorial comment
Performance is an important aspect when evaluating mini-PCs. The more compact PCs, normally geared towards power efficiency more than anything else, are usually good all-round devices for everyday use. Sometimes the small computing powerhouses even have dedicated graphics cards, making it possible to use them as gaming PCs.
1st place - Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro model)
The M4 Pro-powered Mac Mini combines cutting-edge technology, energy efficiency and minimalist design in a compact PC. With the new M4 Pro chip, equipped with 12 CPU cores (8 performance and 4 efficiency cores) and a 16- or 20-core iGPU, it delivers impressive performance for demanding applications. Whether it's 4K or 8K video editing, software development or multitasking, the M4 Pro Mac Mini will handle it with ease. Thanks to the ARM-based CPU architecture, the system scores with exceptional energy efficiency. Energy consumption is minimal in idle mode and the Mini remains economical even under high load, making it ideal for continuous use. This is supported by an almost ingenious cooling system, which is not unpleasantly noticeable even during intensive use.
With up to 64 GB of unified memory and ultra-fast SSD storage options, this Mac offers outstanding working speed. The partially soldered components contribute to the compact design, but hardly allow for subsequent upgrades. Users should therefore plan for the future when selecting the specifications.
The compact housing made from recycled aluminum blends seamlessly into any working environment. In addition to three Thunderbolt 5 ports, the Mac Mini also offers HDMI, RJ45 and a 3.5 mm jack output, making it versatile enough.
2nd place - Mac Mini (M4)
The M4 chip-powered Mac Mini is the latest offering in Apple's compact desktop computer line, bringing significant performance improvements over the previous-gen Mini. The system can drive up to three 6K displays and is available with 16 GB to 64 GB of RAM. It is suitable for demanding creative applications, data analysis and modern gaming. It is also Apple's first CO₂-neutral Mac, made from recycled materials and developed with sustainable production and packaging. The base version starts at 699 euros, while the M4 Pro variant is available from 1,649 euros.
3rd place - Minisforum AI X1 Pro
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a really powerful mini-PC with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, the Radeon 890M iGPU and an integrated 50 TOPS NPU. Thanks to its fast DDR5 RAM and PCIe SSD, it offers high system performance. Particularly noteworthy is the presence of OCuLink, the interface which lets you connect a dock with an external GPU to significantly increase graphics performance.
Its internal cooling solution consisting of two fans and heat pipes is quiet, yet efficient. The AI X1 Pro impresses with its ports; the list includes several USB 4 (Thunderbolt) ports, an HDMI, a DisplayPort and a 2.5 Gbit/s LAN port. The compact system looks modern and functional. Despite its high performance, it consumes far less energy than a conventional desktop. In contrast to most other mini-PCs, Minisforum has integrated the power supply unit directly into the device, and the built-in speakers are reasonably good.
4th place - Geekom A8 Max
The Geekom A8 Max is a powerful, yet compact mini-PC with the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, an APU based on the efficient Zen 4 architecture. With 8 cores, a relatively fast AMD Radeon iGPU, 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a speedy 1 TB SSD, it delivers very good performance in everyday use as well as more demanding applications. The connectivity is above average with six USB-A ports, two USB 4 (Thunderbolt) ports, two HDMI outputs and an SD card slot.
5th place - Aoostar GEM12
The Aoostar GEM12 offers a lot of performance within a very compact footprint without tearing a big hole in your wallet. The SKU tested featured AMD's Ryzen 7 8845HS with its built-in AMD Radeon 780M, an aging but still fairly capable iGPU. The modern connectivity is a positive highlight. There is even an OCuLink port here, which means that even external graphics cards can be connected to get a 3D performance boost. The Aoostar system is quiet in daily use, too.
The Ryzen 7 8845HS-powered Aoostar GEM12 delivers impressive performance. A modern interface set and a high-quality case with powerful cooling are a good selling point, with the fair price being the icing on the cake.
The Aoostar GEM12 is available directly from the manufacturer in different versions. The barebone version starts at 459 US dollars. The GEM12 with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD is available for 629 US dollars, while the top model with 64 GB RAM and 1 TB storage space is available for 749 US dollars.
6th place - Beelink GTI13 Ultra
The Beelink GTI13 Ultra is a powerful mini-PC based on Intel's Core i9-13900HK. Thanks to the 14 cores and 20 threads, it offers strong multi-core performance for demanding applications. However, due to the weak iGPU, the mini-PC is not suitable for gaming on its own. For those who want to game, a proprietary PCIe x8 eGPU dock is supported, which can massively increase 3D performance by giving the user direct access to a full-size desktop graphics card. The internal cooling solution ensures efficient heat dissipation with little noise. The Beelink system scores further plus points due to its integrated power supply and a set of internal speakers (that admittedly could have been a little louder). This is a fairly upgrade-friendly system, too, as far as mini-PCs go.
7th place - Geekom GT1 Mega
The Geekom GT1 Mega is a powerful mini-PC. In our testing, we took a close look at the system and its Intel Core Ultra 9 185H. Predictably enough, the 16 CPU cores and 22 threads, supplemented by the powerful Intel Arc series iGPU, helped the small PC prove quickly that it offers plenty of grunt for most kinds of tasks. With 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2 TB PCIe 4 SSD, the GT1 Mega offers sufficient resources for demanding tasks such as video editing, multitasking and light gaming. The device supports up to four 4K monitors or one 8K display; its modern connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, as well as two USB 4 (Thunderbolt) and dual 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet ports future-proof the product, putting it ahead of many rival mini-computers.
8th place - Geekom AX8 Pro
The Geekom AX8 Pro is a stylish mini-PC that has a distinctive blue color case. Its internals deserve some praise, too as it is powered by AMD's powerful Ryzen 9 8945HS APU, mated to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2 TB SSD. Upgrade options are limited here somewhat, meaning just a single storage device can be installed. Its internal cooling solution isn't perfect, limiting performance a little. Nevertheless, the small computer has plenty of computing power to offer, helping it obtain a good rating.
The Geekom AX8 Pro is a stylish mini-PC with great performance. However, to keep up with the competition, you need a little more than an attractive-looking paint coating nowadays.
Geekom offers the 32 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD SKU for 999 euros. You can save some cash by heading to Amazon.de, where the device is sold for 849 euros.
9th place - GMK NucBox K11
The GMK NucBox K11 is a bit of an eye-catcher thanks to a bit of RGB lighting. With its AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, the compact powerhouse offers plenty of performance that is also throttling-free. The mini-PC offers sufficient performance for office, multimedia and demanding multitasking workloads. Despite the powerful hardware, the product tends to be pleasantly quiet and cool thanks to two two fans inside. This little computer offers a versatile enough set of ports and interfaces, including USB 3.2, HDMI, DisplayPort, 2.5 Gbit/s LAN and Wi-Fi 6, making it virtually ideal for flexible use in the home office or as a media center.
10th place - Minisforum EliteMini AI370
The Minisforum EliteMini AI370 is a modern mini PC based on the new AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. This has 12 cores, 24 threads and an integrated NPU for local AI calculations. This makes the system suitable not only for classic office and multimedia tasks, but also for AI-supported applications, image processing and light gaming. The integrated Radeon 890M graphics delivers solid performance for Full HD games with medium to high details.
The mini PC is equipped with 32 GB soldered LPDDR5X RAM, which enables fast data access but is not expandable. A 1 TB NVMe SSD provides sufficient storage space and can be replaced or expanded with additional mass storage if required. Despite its compact design, the device offers numerous connections, including USB 3.2, USB4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, two 2.5 GBit LAN ports as well as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
The case is robust and functional, with active cooling that is audible under load but remains quiet in everyday use. Thanks to the VESA mount, the mini PC can be installed in a space-saving manner. All in all, the AI370 is a powerful, versatile system for modern workflows in the smallest of spaces.
Benchmark scores
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance Physics (sort by value) | |
Minisforum AI X1 Pro | |
Geekom A8 Max, R7 8845HS | |
Aoostar GEM12 | |
Beelink GTI13 Ultra | |
Geekom GT1 Mega | |
Geekom AX8 Pro | |
GMK NucBox K11 | |
Minisforum EliteMini AI370 |
3DMark - Fire Strike Extreme Physics (sort by value) | |
Minisforum AI X1 Pro | |
Geekom A8 Max, R7 8845HS | |
Aoostar GEM12 | |
Geekom GT1 Mega | |
Geekom AX8 Pro | |
Minisforum EliteMini AI370 |
3D performance
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU (sort by value) | |
Minisforum AI X1 Pro | |
Geekom A8 Max, R7 8845HS | |
Aoostar GEM12 | |
Beelink GTI13 Ultra | |
Geekom GT1 Mega | |
Geekom AX8 Pro | |
GMK NucBox K11 | |
Minisforum EliteMini AI370 |
Unigine Valley 1.0 | |
1920x1080 Extreme HD DirectX AA:x8 (sort by value) | |
Minisforum AI X1 Pro | |
Geekom A8 Max, R7 8845HS | |
Aoostar GEM12 | |
Geekom GT1 Mega | |
Geekom AX8 Pro | |
Minisforum EliteMini AI370 | |
1920x1080 Extreme HD Preset OpenGL AA:x8 (sort by value) | |
Minisforum AI X1 Pro | |
Geekom A8 Max, R7 8845HS | |
Aoostar GEM12 | |
Geekom GT1 Mega | |
Geekom AX8 Pro | |
Minisforum EliteMini AI370 |
ComputeMark v2.1 - 1024x600 Normal, Score (sort by value) | |
Minisforum AI X1 Pro | |
Geekom A8 Max, R7 8845HS | |
Aoostar GEM12 | |
Geekom GT1 Mega | |
Geekom AX8 Pro | |
Minisforum EliteMini AI370 |
Emissions
Noise emissions
Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro M4 Pro (12 cores), M4 Pro 16-Core GPU | Apple Mac Mini M4 M4 (10 cores), M4 10-Core GPU | Minisforum AI X1 Pro Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, Radeon 890M | Geekom A8 Max, R7 8845HS R7 8845HS, Radeon 780M | Aoostar GEM12 R7 8845HS, Radeon 780M | Beelink GTI13 Ultra i9-13900HK, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | Geekom GT1 Mega Ultra 9 185H, Arc 8-Core | Geekom AX8 Pro R9 8945HS, Radeon 780M | GMK NucBox K11 R9 8945HS, Radeon 780M | Minisforum EliteMini AI370 Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, Radeon 890M | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Noise | ||||||||||
off / environment * | 25.1 | 24.1 | 23.8 | 23.8 | 24.3 | 23.4 | 24.8 | 24.9 | 24 | 24.8 |
Idle Minimum * | 25.1 | 24.1 | 28 | 24 | 27.5 | 26.5 | 25.4 | 24.9 | 25.2 | 25 |
Idle Average * | 25.1 | 24.1 | 28.1 | 24.1 | 27.6 | 26.7 | 27.2 | 24.9 | 30.2 | 25.1 |
Idle Maximum * | 25.1 | 24.1 | 28.2 | 24.1 | 27.6 | 28.5 | 27.5 | 24.9 | 30.2 | 29.1 |
Load Average * | 25.1 | 24.1 | 38.4 | 42.7 | 36 | 30.6 | 50.9 | 50.1 | 36.4 | 47 |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra * | 35.1 | 30.3 | 38.5 | 42.5 | 35.4 | 32.5 | 50.8 | 50 | 36.6 | 44 |
Load Maximum * | 46.1 | 45.1 | 41.8 | 42.6 | 38.2 | 30.8 | 50.9 | 50.2 | 39 | 47.1 |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 35.4 |
* ... smaller is better
Power consumption
Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro M4 Pro (12 cores), M4 Pro 16-Core GPU | Apple Mac Mini M4 M4 (10 cores), M4 10-Core GPU | Minisforum AI X1 Pro Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, Radeon 890M | Geekom A8 Max, R7 8845HS R7 8845HS, Radeon 780M | Aoostar GEM12 R7 8845HS, Radeon 780M | Beelink GTI13 Ultra i9-13900HK, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | Geekom GT1 Mega Ultra 9 185H, Arc 8-Core | Geekom AX8 Pro R9 8945HS, Radeon 780M | GMK NucBox K11 R9 8945HS, Radeon 780M | Minisforum EliteMini AI370 Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, Radeon 890M | Average of class Mini PC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power Consumption | |||||||||||
Idle Minimum * | 2.54 | 2.6 | 8.6 | 3.1 | 8.2 | 15.7 | 4.1 | 14 | 6.6 | 3.4 | 9.84 ? |
Idle Average * | 2.59 | 9.4 | 5.7 | 10 | 16.5 | 6.6 | 15.9 | 9.1 | 4.9 | 12.2 ? | |
Idle Maximum * | 2.79 | 2.7 | 10 | 8.3 | 14.6 | 16.5 | 11.3 | 19.5 | 11.3 | 7.4 | 15.6 ? |
Load Average * | 31.4 | 31.5 | 70.2 | 68.3 | 73.9 | 77.3 | 65.8 | 76.4 | 76.8 | 70.7 | 60.3 ? |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra external monitor * | 71.4 | 39.6 | 70.7 | 78.7 | 79.9 | 91.9 | 69.4 | 54.3 | 83 | 69.6 | |
Load Maximum * | 70.1 | 62.5 | 97.7 | 97.7 | 95.3 | 106 | 104.8 | 99.1 | 88 | 82.6 | 103.3 ? |
* ... smaller is better