{{Short description|Low power, small and cheap computer meant for light tasks}} {{For|the NSA project|NetTop}} {{About-distinguish|mini PCs|minicomputer|microcomputer|microcontroller}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Multiple issues|{{Update|reason=refers to legacy technology. Also requires reliable non-social media sources|date=October 2024}}}}
[[File:2009 Taipei IT Month Day1 Acer Aspire Revo.jpg|thumb|The Acer AspireRevo nettop]]
A '''mini PC''' (or '''miniature PC''', '''nettop''', or '''Smart Micro PC''') is a small-sized, inexpensive,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brookes |first=Tim |date=2023-03-30 |title=5 Reasons You Should Buy a Mini PC (and 3 Reasons Not To) |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/869689/5-reasons-you-should-buy-a-mini-pc-and-3-reasons-not-to/ |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=How-To Geek |language=en |quote=You could save money with a mini PC and get just as much performance out of it and maybe more versatility. Even the relatively speaking pricey $599 entry-level Mac mini M2 supports two displays (three if you opt for the M2 Pro version). If you bomb Amazon for deals you can pick up two 1080p monitors for around $160 for a total spend of $759. By comparison, the cheapest MacBook Air is $999.}}</ref> low-power,<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a Mini PC and Can it Handle Gaming? |url=https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/mini-pc/ |website=lenovo.com |quote=A mini-PC is a compact version of a desktop computer. They usually have enough power for everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and media playback. Because of their size, they often use lower power components, which makes them quieter and more energy-efficient than their full-size counterparts.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ernie |title=Mini PCs: What Are They, and How Can You Use Them in the Workplace? |url=https://biztechmagazine.com/article/2022/11/mini-pcs-what-are-they-and-how-can-you-use-them-workplace-perfcon |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=BizTech |language=en |quote=Generally, mini PCs leverage processing power more commonly seen in laptops and similarly low-powered solutions, but they tend to have more connectivity and upgradability options.}}</ref> legacy-free desktop computer designed for basic tasks such as web browsing, accessing web-based applications, document processing, and audio/video playback.<ref>http://techreport.com/articles.x/21556 Zotac's Zbox Nano AD10 Plus nettop – Zacate in the palm of your hand</ref><ref>[http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20080404-128374/Netbooks-Nettops-target-secondary-PC-users 'Netbooks,' 'Nettops' target secondary PC users] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611164811/http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20080404-128374/Netbooks-Nettops-target-secondary-PC-users |date=11 June 2008 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=17078 hexus.net: What is a nettop]</ref>
The word ''nettop'' is a portmanteau of ''network'' and ''desktop''. It is the desktop counterpart of the netbook. Modern ({{circa}} 2020) mini PCs or small form factor PCs can be much more powerful, being equipped with high-end laptop components or mid-range desktop components.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-desktop-pcs/|title = The Best Mini Desktop PCS|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 7 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-windows-mini-pcs|title = The Best Windows Mini PCS for 2021 | date=6 November 2025 }}</ref>
Compared with ordinary desktop computers, nettops are not only smaller and less expensive,<ref>[https://archive.today/20120906072917/http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9891780-7.html Intel Nettop is all about cost cutting]</ref> but they also consume much less power. For example, CompuLab's fit-PC2 consumes no more than 8 watts of power<ref>[https://www.fit-pc.com/web/fit-pc2/fit-pc2-specifications/ Fit-PC2 Specifications]</ref> whereas a typical desktop would easily consume more than 100 watts of power; consequently, nettops require significantly less cooling and may even be completely fanless. Some do not have an optical disk drive and use a solid-state drive, making them completely silent. The tradeoff is that the hardware specifications and processing power are usually reduced<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2341100,00.asp |title=Is a Nettop Right for You? |access-date=6 September 2017 |archive-date=19 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219061530/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2341100,00.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> and hence make nettops less appropriate for running complex or resource-intensive applications.
==Hardware== [[File:Mac mini 2020 (M1) Anschlüsse.jpg|thumb|Mac Mini 2020 (M1)]] There are several platforms that are primarily intended for nettops and netbooks: * Intel's Atom platform<ref>[http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archive/releases/20080302comp.htm?iid=tech_atom+pr] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122030705/http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archive/releases/20080302comp.htm?iid=tech_atom+pr|date=22 January 2009}}</ref> * Nvidia's Ion platform<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nvidia.com/object/sff_ion.html |title=Next-Generation NVIDIA ION Graphics Processors |publisher=Nvidia.com |access-date=15 April 2010}}</ref> * Intel's Core platform * AMD's APU platform * VIA's Trinity Platform<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.via.com.tw/en/resources/pressroom/pressrelease.jsp?press_release_no=3007 |title=News Release VIA Trinity Platform Brings Hi-Def to Small Spaces – VIA Technologies, Inc |publisher=Via.com.tw |date=18 December 2008 |access-date=15 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029021953/http://www.via.com.tw/en/resources/pressroom/pressrelease.jsp?press_release_no=3007 |archive-date=29 October 2010 }}</ref>
There are several mini PC platforms: * Apple Mac mini * Intel / ASUS NUC
Some nettops have also adopted system-on-a-chip designs. Although many major parts such as chipsets, video cards and storage devices can also be found on desktops, the CPUs that are put inside nettops are the fundamental component that differentiate them from normal desktops. The list below contains a range of hardware components that a typical nettop may be assembled from.
* CPU ** Intel Atom, Intel Core (x86) ** VIA Nano and VIA C7 processors (x86) ** AMD APU (x86) ** AMD Geode (x86) ** ARM Cortex-based CPU (ARM) ** Loongson (MIPS) * GPU ** Intel GMA 950 ** Intel UHD Graphics ** S3 Graphics Chrome ** GeForce 9400M G (integrated into MCP79MX; Nvidia Ion platform) ** AMD Radeon HD 6310 ** ATI Radeon HD 4530 ** PowerVR * Chipset **945GSE and 945GC Express chipsets ** MCP79MX (integrated GeForce 9400M G GPU; Nvidia Ion platform) ** VIA VX800 IGP Chipset * Storage devices ** 2.5" hard disk drive ** Solid-state drive (SSD) **Embedded multimedia card (eMMC) * Network ** Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi * I/O ports ** LAN, USB, video out, audio out
Intel's Atom processor has been adopted by several hardware manufacturers, such as ASUS, MSI, and Sony, for nettops. Nvidia has also released its first generation ION platform, which puts GeForce 9400M Motherboard GPU alongside the Atom processor to provide better high definition video playback ability and lower power consumption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://techreport.com/articles.x/16340/1 |title=Nvidia's Ion platform – The Tech Report – Page 1 |publisher=The Tech Report |date=3 February 2009 |access-date=15 April 2010}}</ref> In addition, Nvidia has announced that it will support VIA's CPUs this year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/02/20/nivida-ion-platform-to-support-via-nano-processors-this-year/ |title=NVIDIA Ion platform to support VIA Nano processors this year |date=20 February 2009 |publisher=Engadget |access-date=15 April 2010}}</ref> To further reduce the manufacturing cost and improve power efficiency, many manufacturers and start-up companies have chosen to use CPUs that were originally targeted at embedded computing devices such as AMD's Geode and ARM Cortex-based CPUs.
Apple's 2024 Mac mini with the M4 system-on-a-chip (SoC) features a significantly smaller design than earlier models, with a 5x5-inch form factor often described as slightly larger than an Apple TV 4K.<ref>{{Cite web |editor-last=Cross |editor-first=Jason |title=How small is the M4 Mac mini really? This small |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/2514485/how-small-is-the-m4-mac-mini-really-this-small.html |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Macworld |language=en}}</ref> Apple claims up to 50% more CPU performance and 4× more GPU performance on the M4 compared to the M2. The M4 competes for the highest-scoring consumer SoC for single-core benchmarks according to various sources such as the Geekbench benchmarking suite<ref>{{Cite web |last=Norem |first=Josh |date=May 10, 2024 |title=The Apple M4 Is the New Geekbench Single-Core Performance Champion |url=https://www.extremetech.com/computing/the-apple-m4-is-the-new-geekbench-single-core-performance-champion |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=ExtremeTech |publisher=Ziff Davis}}</ref> and Passmark Software's CPU benchmarks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple M4 10 Core Benchmark |url=https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Apple+M4+10+Core&id=6040 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.cpubenchmark.net}}</ref> In doing so, M4's single-core performance<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mac15,9 - Geekbench |url=https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/cpu/3364975 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=browser.geekbench.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple M3 Max 16 Core Benchmark |url=https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Apple+M3+Max+16+Core&id=5748 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.cpubenchmark.net}}</ref> competes with AMD's Ryzen 7 9700X<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. X670E AORUS MASTER - Geekbench |url=https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/cpu/7231408 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=browser.geekbench.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Benchmark |url=https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=AMD+Ryzen+7+9700X&id=6205 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.cpubenchmark.net}}</ref> and Intel's Core i9-14900K.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ASUS System Product Name - Geekbench |url=https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/cpu/3869916 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=browser.geekbench.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Intel Core i9-14900K Benchmark |url=https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i9-14900K&id=5717 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.cpubenchmark.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=iPad16,6 - Geekbench |url=https://browser.geekbench.com/v6/cpu/6016039 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=browser.geekbench.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple M4 10 Core Benchmark |url=https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Apple+M4+10+Core&id=6040 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.cpubenchmark.net}}</ref>
==Operating systems== Many net-top models are x86-processor-based and as such are capable of running standard PC OSes. There are also operating systems designed specifically for nettops and other machines in the same performance class. Some high-end nettops are capable of running Windows 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lifewire.com/best-mini-pcs-4047271 |title=The 9 Best Mini PCs to Buy in 2018 |work=Lifewire |access-date=14 October 2018}}</ref> Linux, Android, ChromeOS, and Raspberry Pi OS are other options. Although Google's Android was originally designed for smartphones, it has also taken a seat in the nettop market.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/159945/asustek_to_make_google_android_netbook_says_report.html |title=Asustek to Make Google Android Netbook, Says Report |publisher=PCWorld |date=20 February 2009 |access-date=15 April 2010 |archive-date=5 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905220525/http://www.pcworld.com/article/159945/asustek_to_make_google_android_netbook_says_report.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Market== Nettops fell into Intel's category of "Basic PC", which usually cost from $100 to $299.<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9891780-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20 CNet article]</ref> Intel described nettops as a large potential market at that time. Nettops were said to be able to serve as an affordable first computer for people in developing countries, or as an environmentally friendly choice as a secondary computer for people in developed countries.<ref name="Briefing">[http://download.intel.com/pressroom/kits/events/idfspr_2008/Netbook-Nettop_briefing.pdf Netbooks and Nettops New category of emerging Internet Devices]</ref>
==Notable brands== * Acer * Apple (Mac Mini) * Asus * Beelink * Dell * GEEKOM * GMKtec * HP * Lenovo * Micro-Star International * Minisforum
== See also == * AMD APU and Intel Atom * Apple TV (device) * Chromebox * {{slink|Desktop computer#Form factor}} * Internet appliance * Netbook * PC-on-a-stick * Plug computer * Small form factor PC * Tablet computer * Thin client
==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Nettops}} * {{cite web|url=http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4808339076.html|title=Touch-enabled net-top boots Linux fast|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127194826/http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Touchenabled-nettop-boots-Linux-fast/|archive-date=27 January 2013}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090603230016/http://www.upenn.edu/computing/provider/docs/hardware/powerusage.html Approximate computer power usages list] by the Univ. of Pennsylvania (archived 3 June 2009) * Russian portal of [https://web.archive.org/web/20180324100446/http://nettop.ru/ Nettops.ru] * [https://www.robadainformatici.it/migliori-mini-pc/ ''Mini PC''], on ''robadainformatici.it''.
{{Cloud computing}} {{Computer sizes}}
Category:Mini PC Category:Personal computers Category:Appropriate technology Category:Cloud clients