Best Mini PC Under $500 For Editing & Office Use

If you want no huge cabinet setup taking too much space, a mini PC is the only solution for you! They will not take up much space and also provide enough power and performance to your day-to-day tasks. However, to help you out with getting the right choice, I’ve enlisted here some amazing mini PC under 500.

However, keep in mind that a mini PC will not be able to give you as much performance as a gaming PC. Hence, if you want to get a PC for only gaming purposes, I’d recommend you to build one or get a pre-build gaming PC at 800 USD.

All right, now let’s get into the products. In this article, you’ll find 5 mini PCs chosen for different needs. Whether you want it for productivity like photo & video editing or for office use, your search will end here.

5 Best Mini PCs To Buy Under $500

Image

Product Name

Price

Beelink SER6 Max Mini PC
Beelink SER6 Max Overall Best
Asus ExpertCenter best for Business mini PC
ASUS ExpertCenter Business Best for Business
Beelink SER5 pro best value for money
Beelink SER5 Pro Value for money
KAMRUI AK1PLUS best budget mini PC
KAMRUI AK1PLUS Best Budget
Intel NUC 13 Pro best for productivity
Intel NUC 13 Pro Best for Productivity
#1
Beelink SER6 Max, Overall Best Mini PC

Beelink SER6 Max

Overall Best Choice

  • Ryzen 7 7735HS (8C/16T up to 4.75GHz)
  • 16GB DDR5 RAM
  • 1TB M.2 PCIe4.0 SSD
  • AMD Radeon 680M 12core 2200 MHz
  • 1x HDMI, 1x DP, 2x USB-C 4.0, 2x USB4, 2.5Gbps LAN, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

When it comes to compact yet powerful computing, the Beelink SER6 Max Mini PC stands tall. Packed with AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, this mini marvel offers dynamic frequencies up to 4.75GHz, ensuring seamless multitasking and speedy performance.

Whether you’re handling complex spreadsheets, editing multimedia content, or indulging in light gaming, this mini PC handles it all with finesse.

Why You Should Buy the Beelink SER6 Max Mini PC:

I am genuinely impressed by the Beelink SER6 Max’s capabilities. Its 16GB DDR5 RAM and lightning-fast 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD not only provide ample storage but also enhance the overall responsiveness of the system.

The inclusion of AMD Radeon 680M graphics ensures stunning 4K visuals and effortless 3D rendering, making it a great choice for entertainment and professional applications alike.

Pros
  • Gaming CPU handling high-end tasks
  • 1 TB PCIe4.0 SSD
  • Radeon 680M supports 4K Quad Display
  • USB-C 4.0
Cons
  • Limited to M.2 SSD for storage expansion. No SATA slot
#2
ASUS ExpertCenter Business, Best for Business

ASUS ExpertCenter Business

Best for Business

  • Ryzen 5-5600H (6C/12T, Up to 4.2GHz)
  • 32GB DDR4 RAM
  • 512 GB NVME SSD
  • AMD Radeon GPU
  • 5x USB 3.0 Type-A, 2x USB Type-C, 2x HDMI, 1x RJ45, 1x Display Port, 1x Audio Jack, Wi-Fi 6

In the realm of business computing, the ASUS ExpertCenter Business Mini PC stands out as a beacon of efficiency. Powered by the robust AMD Ryzen 5-5600H processor and adorned with 32GB of high-bandwidth RAM, this mini PC is tailor-made for professionals seeking uncompromising performance. 

With its 512GB PCIe Gen3 NVMe M.2 SSD, swift boot-ups and seamless data transfers are guaranteed, ensuring that you can focus on what truly matters – your work.

Why You Should Choose the ASUS ExpertCenter Business 

As a professional, your time is valuable, and efficiency is paramount. The ASUS ExpertCenter Mini PC understands this, offering a potent combination of processing power and ample memory. 

Whether you’re managing intricate spreadsheets, running resource-intensive applications, or participating in virtual meetings, the Ryzen 5-5600H ensures smooth multitasking, enabling you to accomplish tasks swiftly and effortlessly.

Pros
  • AMD Ryzen 5-5600H gaming CPU
  • 32GB RAM, ideal for heavy workloads
  • 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
  • Windows 11 Pro
Cons
  • Limited Storage for Large Datasets
#3
Beelink SER5 Pro best Value for money mini PC

Beelink SER5 Pro

Value for money

  • Ryzen 7 5700U (8C/16T u to 4.3GHz)
  • 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM up to 64GB
  • 500GB M.2 NVME SSD (Up to 2TB)
  • AMD Radeon GPU up to 4K 3x display
  • 1x HDMI2.0 (4K@60Hz), 1x DP1.4 (4K@144Hz), 1x Type-C (4K@120Hz), Multiple USB Ports, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6

The Beelink SER5 Pro Mini PC redefines versatility in a compact form. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor, this mini marvel transforms your workspace, offering seamless performance for gaming, content creation, office tasks, and more. 

With its expandable memory and storage options, this mini PC adapts to your evolving needs, ensuring you stay ahead in the digital world. Moreover, this mini PC is really very small, with dimensions of 4.9×4.4×1.6 inches.

Why You Should Choose the Beelink SER5 Pro Mini PC

I’m genuinely impressed by the Beelink SER5 Pro’s capabilities. Its AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor, coupled with 16GB of high-speed DDR4 RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and swift app loading. 

The flexibility to upgrade the memory up to 64GB and expand storage up to 2TB gives you ample room for future expansions. Plus, the ability to support triple displays at 4K resolutions is a game-changer for productivity and immersive entertainment.

Pros:

Pros
  • Ryzen 7 5700U
  • 3x displays at 4K resolutions
  • WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
  • RAM up to 64GB and SSD 2TB
Cons
  • No Included SATA Slot
#4
KAMRUI AK1PLUS Best Budget mini PC

KAMRUI AK1PLUS

Best Budget Choice

  • Intel Alder Lake N95 (6M Cache, up to 3.4GHz)
  • 16GB DDR4 RAM
  • 1TB M.2 PCIe3.0 SSD
  • Intel UHD Graphics (1.20 GHz)
  • 2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x Audio In/Out, 2x HDMI, 5G+2.4G Dual Band WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2

The KAMRUI AK1PLUS Mini PC redefines what’s possible in a compact computing solution. Designed for versatility and power, this mini marvel boasts an Intel Alder Lake N95 processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and a lightning-fast 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD.

It’s a powerhouse, suitable for everything from business tasks and video editing to casual gaming and online classes. However, the best part is you get this PC is a very lightweight and compact size, 5.04-inch x 5.04-inch x 2.05-inch, Weight: 0.38kg

Why You Should Choose the KAMRUI AK1PLUS Mini PC:

The AK1PLUS isn’t just small; it’s mighty. Its Intel Alder Lake N95 processor ensures swift multitasking, and the 16GB RAM provides a smooth experience even with multiple applications open. 

The expandable storage options, including the ability to add a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, guarantee you’ll never run out of space for your important files and projects.

Pros
  • Intel Alder Lake N95 processor
  • Dual HDMI ports support 4K@60Hz
  • Ample connectivity options
Cons
  • Limited Graphics for Intensive Gaming
#5
Intel NUC 13 Pro, best productivity mini PC

Intel NUC 13 Pro

Best for Productivity

  • Intel Core i5-1340P (Up to 4.60, 12C/16T)
  • 2x DDR4-3200 SODIMMs (Up to 64GB)
  • 512GB PCIe4.0 SSD (up to 2TB)
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, 1.45 GHz
  • 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x Intel i226V RJ45 Ethernet port, 1x 3.5mm jack, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

The Intel NUC 13 Pro Mini PC is a marvel of modern engineering, offering unparalleled performance in a compact 4×4 form factor. Driven by the 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1340P processor with up to 12 cores and 16 threads, this mini PC is a powerhouse built to tackle the demands of contemporary business tasks.

Why You Should Choose Intel NUC 13 Pro:

With its robust configuration, including dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory support and high-speed NVMe SSD capabilities, the NUC 13 Pro ensures smooth multitasking and rapid data access. 

It features Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI outputs, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity for versatile usage. Its Intel Iris Xe Graphics enables an 8K/4K Quad Display, making it ideal for multimedia, productivity, and collaboration.

The Intel NUC 13 Pro stands as a testament to Intel’s commitment to delivering powerful, compact solutions for modern business needs.

Pros
  • 13th Gen powerful i5 Processor
  • Quad Display support up to 8K@60Hz
  • Thunderbolt 4 & Wi-Fi 6E
  • 3-year global warranty
Cons
  • No Pre-installed OS: Requires the installation of an operating system separately

Conclusion

So there you have it five best mini PC under 500 USD. Now let’s see which one will be suitable for you. I’ve analysed each five of these mini PCs to give you a better understanding.

If you want the overall best mini PC under $500, then Beelink SER6 Max will serve you well. Don’t forget that this PC has the latest gaming CPU inside, Ryzen 7 7735HS. It will handle all productivity tasks, even gaming, as well.

And for business purposes or office, you should go for the ASUS ExpertCenter Business. On the other hand, the Beelink SER5 Pro would be a perfect choice for value-for-money deal.

Now, if your budget is very tight, KAMRUI AK1PLUS would be the right mini PC for you. And lastly, the Intel NUC 13 Pro is the best choice for productivity enthusiasts. Its 13th Gen intel CPU is very capable of giving amazing performance for editing and designing tasks

FAQs

Can I play games on a Mini PC?

Absolutely, you can play games on a Mini PC. It’s like a compact version of a computer, so you can enjoy games just like you would on a regular PC.

Is a Mini PC faster than a laptop?

In terms of speed, Mini PCs can be as fast as laptops, especially for everyday tasks. They’re designed to be efficient and responsive. However, you’ll not find any major difference.

Does Mini PC overheat?

Regarding overheating, Mini PCs have cooling systems to prevent overheating issues. Just like laptops, they’re engineered to stay cool during use.

How long does a Mini PC last?

The lifespan of a Mini PC depends on usage and quality. With proper care, they can last for about 3-5 years, making them a good investment. However, some mini PCs enable you to upgrade their components to make them more future-proof.

Mini Windows PC or Mac Mini, which one is good for productivity?

When it comes to productivity, both Mini Windows PCs and Mac Minis are excellent. The choice depends on your preference and the software ecosystem you’re comfortable with. Both can boost your productivity effectively.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *