You might have heard the term mini PC and are curious about it. Is mini PC good for coding? Are they worth buying? What are the primary considerations before purchasing one?
If you seek answers to these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s discuss these PCs, their advantages, and the best ones for programmers.
Is Mini PC good for Coding?
Mini PC, It’s a variant of a regular computer that possesses most of the features of a larger one but in a smaller size, as its name suggests. However, nowadays size doesn’t matter a lot, mini PC is more excellent in coding direction.
Unlike laptops, they are not limited in the monitor that they can be connected to any display in order to work efficiently with multiple screens.
So, is there anything missing in these tiny devices?
Of course, it’s only natural that a mini PC lacks some features. Some of them are a cooling system, a battery, and some external devices (mouse, keyboard, etc). But you can add them via Bluetooth and even buy a set accessories for your new device.
Advantages of Running Programming in Mini PC
1) Cost
Not to state the obvious, but a small PC will be more cost-effective than a regular one. It’s only natural, as it has fewer components and it’s smaller.
If you’re on a budget and don’t want (or can’t) spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, you can opt for a mini PC for coding instead.
2) Portability
Programmers may benefit from carrying devices around in which they can code. As they’re designed for this purpose, you can rest assured that they will function. You can take your mini device to wherever you feel most comfortable coding at.
3) Energy Consumption
A regular, large PC draws from 20 to 80 watts, while a mini PC can draw as little as 10 watts. Of course, it depends on how much time you use it and the workload. But with electricity becoming more and more expensive by the passing day, a device that doesn’t consume as much is a plus.
Considerations while Choosing a Mini PC For coding
1) At least an i5 processor
Make sure your mini PC runs on an i5 at least. While an i7 is better than an i5 processor, but rest assured that you can use an i5 on your mini PC for programming without suffering.
2) At least 8GB of RAM
If you’re a programmer, you already know that less than 8GB of RAM is not acceptable. Your device won’t work smoothly, the tasks will be way too slow, and you won’t feel at ease while coding. Seek a mini PC for programmers with at least 8GB of RAM. More is acceptable, but less is probably not.
3.) SSD or HDD?
Recently people have debated whether SSD or HDD is better for your computer storage. The truth is that most people still stick to HDD, as it’s overall better and more cost-effective, but let’s take a look at each one.
The main difference lies in how data is stored and accessed. An HDD uses spinning platters and a moving read/write to access data. You can think of them as vinyl that records albums. On the other hand, SSDs are newer and faster, and they store data on instantly accessible memory chips. For a programmer, this is key.
As a consequence, SSDs are faster and less fragile than HDDs. If you’re looking for a portable, small PC for coding, SSD is the best option.
4) Support for split screens
Split screens make everything easier, work included. You can see the app running while working on the code, which helps to debug. But you can also have tabs opened for other purposes, like Gmail for communication with your team or boss or a guide to solve any errors you may encounter.
Be that as it may, make sure your new mini PC supports split screens. Otherwise, programming on it may become challenging and frustrating.
5) The latest operating system
Again, if you plan on coding on your new device, please keep up-to-date on the latest system version.
The version of the system is important for the IDE that you are going to use, and the type of application that you will build on it.
Regarding Windows, the operating system recently launched Windows 11. If you can find a mini PC that offers Windows 11, you should take it.
What about Apple? Its latest operating system is macOS 12.0. Again, you might have to settle for older versions, but try to stick with recent ones.
Best mini PC for coding
1) Intel NUC 8
This mini PC includes an 8th generation Intel Core processor, either i5 or i7. If you seek an i5 mini PC, this is your go-to option. Its pre-installed operating system is Windows 10, 64-bit, and it has 16GB of RAM and 1TB of HDD. Finally, it supports up to 3 different displays.
Compared to the requirements we discussed above, it far exceeds them. Anyway, the programmers should find these features beneficial.
Features
- Intel Core i5 or i7
- Windows 10 64-bit
- 16GB of RAM
- 1TB of HDD
- Up to 3 different displays
- 3-year warranty
2) GEEKOM IT8
This tiny workstation PC is great value for money. It comes with Windows 11 Pro and a Intel Core i5 processor. It also supports dual-channel DDR4 RAM, and its large storage capacity of up to 1TB allows for easy expansion.
And it can display up to 4 monitors, all of them in 4K, the programmers will be pleased to know that they can connect multiple displays to the computer.
Features
- Intel Core i5
- Windows 11 Pro
- Up to 1TB
- 16 GB of RAM
- Up to 4 displays in 4K
