Mini pc recommendation and help please.

Cisco001

Withbellson said:

Cisco001 said:

HUAWEI MateStation S Desktop PC & 23.8" Full HD Monitor Bundle - AMD Ryzen 5, 256 GB SSD, Grey £450 

https://www.currys.co.uk/products/huawei-matestation-s-desktop-pc-and-23.8-full-hd-monitor-bundle-amd-ryzen-5-256-gb-ssd-grey-10234974.html


Cheap alternative would be used PC from CEX. Then grab a cheap monitor from your facebook market place

HP Prodesk 400 G5/i5-8500/8GB RAM/256GB SSD/DVD-RW/Windows 11/B £155

https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=sdeshp400g573b&categoryName=desktops-windows&superCatName=computing&title=hp-prodesk-400-g5-i5-8500-8gb-ram-256gb-ssd-dvd-rw-windows-11-b&referredFrom=boxsearch

Dell Optiplex 3070 SSF/i5-9500/16GB Ram/256GB SSD/DVD-RW/Windows 10/B £190
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=sdesdelop307009b&categoryName=desktops-windows&superCatName=computing&title=dell-optiplex-3070-ssf-i5-9500-16gb-ram-256gb-ssd-dvd-rw-windows-10-b&referredFrom=boxsearch

And I would like to mention the PC I listed would not be allow you to add video card in future, which I don't think you need it anyway.

This is not accurate. You can install video cards on SFF devices. I think you are thinking of Micro devices; neither of your CEX links lead to Micro devices.
The Huawei device has only a PCIe x 4 slot. The other two PCI x 16.

Most of SFF PC I came across with something like 220W/ 180W PSU.
Half decent video card that make meaningful performance upgrade would require 350W PSU.
These SFF case usually won't take standard PSU and restricted to low profile video card

Withbellson

Cisco001 said:

Withbellson said:

Cisco001 said:

HUAWEI MateStation S Desktop PC & 23.8" Full HD Monitor Bundle - AMD Ryzen 5, 256 GB SSD, Grey £450 

https://www.currys.co.uk/products/huawei-matestation-s-desktop-pc-and-23.8-full-hd-monitor-bundle-amd-ryzen-5-256-gb-ssd-grey-10234974.html


Cheap alternative would be used PC from CEX. Then grab a cheap monitor from your facebook market place

HP Prodesk 400 G5/i5-8500/8GB RAM/256GB SSD/DVD-RW/Windows 11/B £155

https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=sdeshp400g573b&categoryName=desktops-windows&superCatName=computing&title=hp-prodesk-400-g5-i5-8500-8gb-ram-256gb-ssd-dvd-rw-windows-11-b&referredFrom=boxsearch

Dell Optiplex 3070 SSF/i5-9500/16GB Ram/256GB SSD/DVD-RW/Windows 10/B £190
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=sdesdelop307009b&categoryName=desktops-windows&superCatName=computing&title=dell-optiplex-3070-ssf-i5-9500-16gb-ram-256gb-ssd-dvd-rw-windows-10-b&referredFrom=boxsearch

And I would like to mention the PC I listed would not be allow you to add video card in future, which I don't think you need it anyway.

This is not accurate. You can install video cards on SFF devices. I think you are thinking of Micro devices; neither of your CEX links lead to Micro devices.
The Huawei device has only a PCIe x 4 slot. The other two PCI x 16.

Most of SFF PC I came across with something like 220W/ 180W PSU.
Half decent video card that make meaningful performance upgrade would require 350W PSU.
These SFF case usually won't take standard PSU and restricted to low profile video card

That's quite different from you stating that they won't be able to install a video card at all.
In addition, your new statement is also not accurate. AMD Radeon™ R7 430 Graphics (2 GB GDDR5 dedicated) is an option for the HP Prodesk 400 G5 SFF, for example. That could represent a 'meaningful performance upgrade' to the built-in Intel® UHD Graphics 630. Better still a Low Profile GT 1030.
All possible with the onboard PSU. 

Cisco001

Withbellson said:

That's quite different from you stating that they won't be able to install a video card at all.
In addition, your new statement is also not accurate. AMD Radeon™ R7 430 Graphics (2 GB GDDR5 dedicated) is an option for the HP Prodesk 400 G5 SFF, for example. That could represent a 'meaningful performance upgrade' to the built-in Intel® UHD Graphics 630. Better still a Low Profile GT 1030.
All possible with the onboard PSU. 

According to Nividia official website, GT1030 require min 300W PSU

R7 430 no idea about power assumption. 

forgotmyname

Find current spec video card suitable for SFF, limited choice and/or overpriced?

fenlander_uk

Seriously, people, the OP asked for advice on a MINI PC. This is a mini-pc. It's about 12cm square which is why it's called a mini-pc... Why are you indulging in yet another geekfest which has nothing to do with the enquiry?

On topic: I have 2 mini-pcs. One is celeron-based and is used as a media centre. The other is an Asus PN50 which has a Ryzen 5 processor and is good for any general purpose, up to and including video editing, but not hard gaming. It's an excellent, all-purpose unit but as it's sold as a barebone, probably not the best option for the OP. Personally, I can't imagine any reason why I would ever again need to buy a full-sized desktop PC.
Couple of points: these little units have a short marketing life as they're constantly being replaced by new models. Choose a reliable, stable brand, such as Beelink or Asus and don't buy a low spec machine, i.e. not an Atom! i3, i5 and Ryzen-based units have good performance and don't have to break the bank (depending on the size of your bank, of course...). Most will handle 2 displays, come with SSDs and have space to add another SSD or hard drive internally. Check Windows 11 compatibility.
Also, mini-pcs belong in a category with smartphones and other 'disposable' consumer electronics. You don't really expect to repair/extend/upgrade them endlessly in the same way as you might have done with a desktop pc a few years ago. You use them and when they're obsolete and you need something with more oomph you replace them. If you're happy with that, then fine. If not, then maybe a mini-pc is not for you.

Ibrahim5

Full sized desktop PCs are always the cheapest and easiest to upgrade. If size isn't an issue they are best. I have quite a few systems with mini itx motherboards that I have built and upgraded for years. They attach to the VESA mount on the back of the monitor. To carry them you just carry the monitor. Reasonably portable.

Withbellson

Cisco001 said:

Withbellson said:

That's quite different from you stating that they won't be able to install a video card at all.
In addition, your new statement is also not accurate. AMD Radeon™ R7 430 Graphics (2 GB GDDR5 dedicated) is an option for the HP Prodesk 400 G5 SFF, for example. That could represent a 'meaningful performance upgrade' to the built-in Intel® UHD Graphics 630. Better still a Low Profile GT 1030.
All possible with the onboard PSU. 

According to Nividia official website, GT1030 require min 300W PSU

R7 430 no idea about power assumption. 

AMD Radeon™ R7 430 Graphics (2 GB GDDR5 dedicated) for the HP Prodesk 400 G5 SFF is rated at 50 watts TDP. The GT 1030 (2 GB GDDR5 dedicated) is rated at 30 watts TDP. You can use the GT 1030..

Withbellson

fenlander_uk said:

Seriously, people, the OP asked for advice on a MINI PC. This is a mini-pc. It's about 12cm square which is why it's called a mini-pc... Why are you indulging in yet another geekfest which has nothing to do with the enquiry?

On topic: I have 2 mini-pcs. One is celeron-based and is used as a media centre. The other is an Asus PN50 which has a Ryzen 5 processor and is good for any general purpose, up to and including video editing, but not hard gaming. It's an excellent, all-purpose unit but as it's sold as a barebone, probably not the best option for the OP. Personally, I can't imagine any reason why I would ever again need to buy a full-sized desktop PC.
Couple of points: these little units have a short marketing life as they're constantly being replaced by new models. Choose a reliable, stable brand, such as Beelink or Asus and don't buy a low spec machine, i.e. not an Atom! i3, i5 and Ryzen-based units have good performance and don't have to break the bank (depending on the size of your bank, of course...). Most will handle 2 displays, come with SSDs and have space to add another SSD or hard drive internally. Check Windows 11 compatibility.
Also, mini-pcs belong in a category with smartphones and other 'disposable' consumer electronics. You don't really expect to repair/extend/upgrade them endlessly in the same way as you might have done with a desktop pc a few years ago. You use them and when they're obsolete and you need something with more oomph you replace them. If you're happy with that, then fine. If not, then maybe a mini-pc is not for you.

So we must reject anything that doesn't have the name MINI attached? So no Micro or Tiny? Why about PC with MINI in their name that are not 12 cm square? Reject those too?  

I don't think the OP is as hung up on an exact form factor as you appear to be.

https://www.stonerefurb.co.uk/dell-optiplex-3060-i3-8100t-3-10ghz-8gb-ram-240gb-ssd 
https://www.stonerefurb.co.uk/dell-optiplex-3070-i3-9100t-3-10ghz-4gb-ram-250gb-hdd-grade-a

danrv

Withbellson said:

fenlander_uk said:

Seriously, people, the OP asked for advice on a MINI PC. This is a mini-pc. It's about 12cm square which is why it's called a mini-pc... Why are you indulging in yet another geekfest which has nothing to do with the enquiry?

On topic: I have 2 mini-pcs. One is celeron-based and is used as a media centre. The other is an Asus PN50 which has a Ryzen 5 processor and is good for any general purpose, up to and including video editing, but not hard gaming. It's an excellent, all-purpose unit but as it's sold as a barebone, probably not the best option for the OP. Personally, I can't imagine any reason why I would ever again need to buy a full-sized desktop PC.
Couple of points: these little units have a short marketing life as they're constantly being replaced by new models. Choose a reliable, stable brand, such as Beelink or Asus and don't buy a low spec machine, i.e. not an Atom! i3, i5 and Ryzen-based units have good performance and don't have to break the bank (depending on the size of your bank, of course...). Most will handle 2 displays, come with SSDs and have space to add another SSD or hard drive internally. Check Windows 11 compatibility.
Also, mini-pcs belong in a category with smartphones and other 'disposable' consumer electronics. You don't really expect to repair/extend/upgrade them endlessly in the same way as you might have done with a desktop pc a few years ago. You use them and when they're obsolete and you need something with more oomph you replace them. If you're happy with that, then fine. If not, then maybe a mini-pc is not for you.

I don't think the OP is as hung up on an exact form factor as you appear to be.

Speaking of whom...
A reply from the OP would be nice.

Withbellson

danrv said:

Withbellson said:

fenlander_uk said:

Seriously, people, the OP asked for advice on a MINI PC. This is a mini-pc. It's about 12cm square which is why it's called a mini-pc... Why are you indulging in yet another geekfest which has nothing to do with the enquiry?

On topic: I have 2 mini-pcs. One is celeron-based and is used as a media centre. The other is an Asus PN50 which has a Ryzen 5 processor and is good for any general purpose, up to and including video editing, but not hard gaming. It's an excellent, all-purpose unit but as it's sold as a barebone, probably not the best option for the OP. Personally, I can't imagine any reason why I would ever again need to buy a full-sized desktop PC.
Couple of points: these little units have a short marketing life as they're constantly being replaced by new models. Choose a reliable, stable brand, such as Beelink or Asus and don't buy a low spec machine, i.e. not an Atom! i3, i5 and Ryzen-based units have good performance and don't have to break the bank (depending on the size of your bank, of course...). Most will handle 2 displays, come with SSDs and have space to add another SSD or hard drive internally. Check Windows 11 compatibility.
Also, mini-pcs belong in a category with smartphones and other 'disposable' consumer electronics. You don't really expect to repair/extend/upgrade them endlessly in the same way as you might have done with a desktop pc a few years ago. You use them and when they're obsolete and you need something with more oomph you replace them. If you're happy with that, then fine. If not, then maybe a mini-pc is not for you.

I don't think the OP is as hung up on an exact form factor as you appear to be.

Speaking of whom...
A reply from the OP would be nice.

OP is reading and thanking. Good enough. Likely absorbing the info and will ask questions if necessary.