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Maybe you have heard of mini PCs and are curious to find out more. Are mini PCs suitable for coding? Is it worth buying them? What are the main considerations to make before purchasing one?
If you are looking for an answer to these questions, you are in the right place. Let's talk about these PCs, their advantages and which ones are best for programmers.
Is the Mini PC suitable for coding?
The Mini PC it is a variant of a normal computer. It has most of the features of a larger PC but in a smaller size, as the name suggests. However, nowadays size doesn't matter that much, mini PC is more excellent for coding.
Unlike laptops, they are not limited by the monitor and can be connected to any display to work efficiently with multiple screens.
So, is there something missing from these little devices?
Of course, it is normal for a mini PC to lack some features. Some of these are a cooling system, a battery and some external devices (mouse, keyboard, etc.). But you can add them via Bluetooth and even purchase a set of accessories for your device.
Advantages of running programs on Mini PC
1) Cost
Not to state the obvious, but a Mini PC is cheaper than a regular one. It is natural, because it has fewer components and is smaller.
If you have a limited budget and don't want (or can't) spend hundreds or thousands of euros, you can opt for a mini PC for coding.
2) Portability
Programmers can benefit from carrying around devices that they can develop with. Since they were designed for this purpose, you can be sure that they will work. You can take the Mini PC wherever you feel comfortable to program.
3) Energy consumption
A normal large PC consumes 20 to 80 watts, while a mini PC can consume as little as 10 watts. Of course, it depends on the usage time and workload. However, as electricity becomes more and more expensive with each passing day, a device that doesn't consume as much is an advantage.
Considerations when choosing a Mini PC for coding
1) At least one i5 processor
Make sure your mini PC has at least an i5. Although an i7 is better than an i5 processor, you can use your mini PC for programming without feeling the difference.
2) At least 8 GB of RAM
If you are a programmer, you already know that less than 8 GB of RAM is not enough. Your device will not work smoothly, operations will be too slow, and you will not feel comfortable while programming. Look for a mini PC for programming with at least 8 GB of RAM. A larger amount is also better, but a smaller amount probably isn't.
3) SSD or HDD?
Lately there has been a debate about whether SSD or HDD is better for storing data on your computer. The truth is that most people still choose HDD, because it is overall better and more convenient, but let's take a look at each of the two.
The main difference is in the way data is stored and read. An HDD uses spinning platters and a moving read/write to access data. They can be considered as the vinyl records that record albums. SSD drives, on the other hand, are newer and faster and store data on immediately accessible memory chips. For a programmer, this is crucial.
As a result, SSD drives are faster and less fragile than HDD drives. If you are looking for a small, portable PC for coding, SSD is the best option.
4) Multi screen support
Split screens make everything easier, even work. You can see the application running while working on the code, which helps with debugging. But you can also open tabs for other purposes, such as Gmail to communicate with your team or boss or help troubleshooting any errors.
Be that as it may, make sure your new mini PC supports the multi-screen function. Otherwise, programming on it could become difficult and frustrating.
5) The latest operating system
Again, if you plan to program on your new device, keep up to date with the latest version of the operating system.
The system version is important for the IDE that you intend to use and for the type of application you want to create.
As for Windows, the operating system recently launched Windows 11. If you can find it a mini PC that offers Windows 11, you should take it.
And Apple? Its latest operating system is macOS 12.0. Again, you may have to settle for older versions, but it is preferable to opt for the most recent ones.
The best mini PC for coding
1) Intel NUC 8
This mini PC includes an 8th generation Intel Core processor, i5 or i7. If you are looking for an i5 mini PC, this is the option for you. The pre-installed operating system is Windows 10, 64 bit, and has 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of hard disk. Finally, it supports up to 3 different displays.
Compared to the requirements we talked about above, it far exceeds them. In any case, programmers should find these features beneficial.
Characteristics
- Intel Core i5 or i7
- Windows 10 64-bit
- 16 GB of RAM
- 1TB hard drive
- Up to 3 different displays
- 3 year warranty
2) GEEKOM IT8
This small workstation PC is great value for money. It features Windows 11 Pro and an Intel Core i5 processor. It also supports dual channel DDR4 RAM and its large storage capacity of up to 1TB allows for easy expansion.
It can display up to 4 monitors, all in 4K, and programmers will be happy to know that they can connect multiple displays to their computer.
Characteristics
- Intel Core i5
- Windows 11 Pro
- Up to 1TB
- 16 GB of RAM
- Up to 4 displays in 4K
