The rise of remote work and online learning has made a reliable computer an essential tool for many people. However, not everyone has the budget for a high-end desktop or laptop.
Luckily, mini PCs offer an attractive option for those who are looking to stay within a tight budget. For under $200, you can find a wide range of mini PCs that offer respectable performance and functionality.
While you can certainly find mini PCs that cost more than $200, we’ll be focusing on options that fall within this price range. Of course, the specific specifications and features that you get will vary depending on the device.
So, let’s dive in and find the perfect mini PC for you!
Performance
Performance is a crucial consideration when choosing a mini PC under $200. In this chapter, we’ll explore the key performance features of mini PCs in this price range.
Processing Power:
A faster processor allows your device to handle more tasks at once and run programs more quickly. Basic processors with clock speeds around 1.5-2.5 GHz are typical in this price range.
RAM:
More RAM allows your device to handle more tasks at once and can help prevent lag and slowdowns. mini PCs under $200 usually have around 8GB of RAM.
Storage:
The amount of storage can impact boot times and program loading speeds. You can expect to find mini PCs with around 256GB of storage in this price range.
Graphics:
The graphics card in a mini PC can impact its performance in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. Most mini PCs under $200 have integrated graphics, which are built into the processor.
Top MINI PCs Under $200:
Now that we’ve explored the key performance features of mini PCs under $200, let’s take a closer look at some of the top models available in this price range.
GEEKOM MiniAir 12 Lite
| Product Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N100 Processor & N150 Processor |
| RAM | 8/16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD (expandable up to 1 TB) |
| Ports | 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 (front) 2 × USB 2.0 (back) 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 (back) 1 × Headset jack 1 × RJ-45 Ethernet port (10/100/1000 Mbps) 1 × HDMI 2.0 (back) 1 × DC-in (back) 1 x Power button 1 × Kensington Lock 1 × Front panel header (2.0 mm pitch, scalable LED/power/reset) 1 × DisplayPort 1.4 (back) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Graphics | Intel® UHD Graphics |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
The GEEKOM MiniAir 12 Lite Mini PC features a 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N100 or N150 processor, a default setup with 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD storage (expandable via a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD), and a variety of ports including Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.2 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, microSD, and a headphone/microphone jack.
It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity uses Intel UHD Graphics and has an active cooling system with a fan to prevent overheating. And you can be mounted to a monitor with a VESA mount.
If you’re looking for a compact and affordable device that can handle basic computing needs, the GEEKOM MiniAir 12 Lite mini PC is definitely worth considering. Check it out and see if it’s the right fit for you!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, mini PCs under $200 can provide a cost-effective solution for those who need a computer for basic tasks, such as browsing the web, streaming media, and using office applications. Of course, if you have more demanding needs, such as gaming or video editing, you may need to spend more to get a mini PC with the necessary specifications.
