DIY PC vs Mini PC: Which One Should You Choose?

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Since Intel “delegated” mini PCs, this new type of PC has rapidly developed, and many manufacturers have begun to launch mini PC products. Compared to previous all-in-one machines, their cheaper prices and more flexible usage methods have received high praise – including some DIY PC enthusiasts, especially those who love mini computer products, have been attracted. However, if you have to choose between a mini PC and a DIY PC, what would you really choose?

DIY PC vs Mini PC: Which One Should You Choose?

Function or Size?

In terms of size, mini PCs clearly have the advantage, with most products having a volume of around 1 liter, and some products even achieving a volume of less than 0.5 liters. A “box” about the size of a set-top box can cover everyday functional usage requirements.

Moreover, the advantage of a compact model is its convenience in placement, with no space limitations. You can install the mini PC behind the monitor using the VESA mount standard, achieving a fully hidden desktop.

In contrast, achieving a similar size to mini PCs with DIY PCs often comes at a much higher cost – nano itx (12cm x 12cm) or even pico itx (10cm x 7.2cm) motherboards are hard to come by.

However, when it comes to performance and flexibility, mini PCs can never compare to DIY PCs. You can freely mix and match configurations as long as it fits within your budget – of course, this is under similar price conditions.

For example, at 2500 yuan, this is the average price for most mini PCs, while a DIY PC can easily use a dedicated graphics card to cover basic gaming, and even some AAA games are not a problem.

Power Consumption or Performance?

Power consumption and performance are always proportional. If you are more concerned about power consumption and not very sensitive to performance, mini PCs are more suitable for you; if you pursue performance, DIY PCs are undoubtedly the better choice.

Generally speaking, mini PCs use processors with a TDP of around 35W~45W. After all, due to size limitations, they cannot use 65W~125W TDP processors, otherwise, the heat dissipation problem cannot be resolved.

You get what you pay for in terms of power consumption and performance. A processor with a TDP of 65W will definitely outperform one with a TDP of 35W~45W, even if the latter adjusts its power release method to max out at 55W, it cannot compare with the former. Moreover, processors with 35W~45W power consumption are generally mobile versions, and their performance cannot compete with desktop processors.

The Correct Answer is Here

Looking at this, the answer is basically clear:

1. Mini PCs are suitable for daily office work, non-main PC, daily family applications, and online classes, because they are compact and aesthetically pleasing, and even if they are on 24/7, power consumption is very low (default systems have automatic sleep, waking up at any time).

2. For those who have certain performance requirements and focus on diverse functionalities, the flexible combinations of DIY PCs are more likely to meet your needs. For example, for those who demand AAA games, DIY PCs are the best answer.

Of course, besides these two answers, there are also some crossover products, such as mini PCs with dedicated graphics (like the Thunder God MIX gaming mini PC), which are also compact but come with dedicated graphics (onboard and non-replaceable). The only issue is that the price is slightly higher – in electronic products, the smaller the size, the higher the price, which is an unchangeable fact.

DIY PC vs Mini PC: Which One Should You Choose?

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