Raspberry Pi vs Mini PC: Which One is Right for You?

With the release of new models, the differences between mini computers and devices like Raspberry Pi are becoming increasingly difficult to discern. If you are torn between which device is better for you, then you have come to the right place. Let’s find out which is the right choice for you.

The main difference between Raspberry Pi and mini computers lies in their design and purpose. Mini computers are more powerful and can run a full operating system like Windows, while Raspberry Pi is a single-board computer focused on cost-effectiveness and flexibility for DIY projects.

In this article, I will focus on the main differences between them so that you can make the right choice for yourself.

Budget: Beware of Hidden Costs

Let’s talk about one of the most important topics in comparison — price, which is one of the factors that help you decide which option is better.There is quite a difference between the two devices, but it all depends on why you choose them.

The price of mini computers is always higher than that of Raspberry Pi, but you will have the advantage of plug-and-play and high performance. However, Raspberry Pi allows you to be more creative with accessories.

For a typical configuration (Intel Core processor and enough RAM for desktop use), the price of mini computers ranges from $200 to $400. The price range varies by components and manufacturers.

Almost all Raspberry Pi model boards are priced under $100, but you also need to account for at least one SD card, a power supply, and likely a case, and you can still find kits that are much cheaper than mini computers.

If you are confused about these options, I recommend reading my Raspberry Pi buying guide. It will help you decide which model is best for you so that you can have a clear understanding of budget and specifications before reading the next section.

Raspberry Pi Buying Guide:https://raspberrytips.com/best-raspberry-pi-model/

As prices fluctuate, I will let you click the link to check current prices on Amazon, but the overall situation still stands: Raspberry Pi kits are cheaper than most mini computers. Now let’s take a look at what you can buy for your money.

Performance Comparison: Power vs Efficiency

Performance is an important factor in choosing which device to purchase, as it determines the capacity and use of the device.

Overall, mini computers are equipped with a more powerful CPU than any Raspberry Pi model, and they generally have more memory, so there is a significant performance gap when comparing these two types of computers.

Even though each new Raspberry Pi model has significant improvements in CPU, it still cannot compete with most Intel Core mini computers on the market. Here’s a quick overview of typical differences:

Even if you don’t understand all the terms in this infographic, it’s clear that the processor speed and RAM of mini computers are far superior to Raspberry Pi.

In terms of storage, mini computers typically use m.2 SSD drives, while Raspberry Pi uses micro SD cards. This leads to another out-of-the-box performance gap. SD cards are much slower, and the storage space is less than SSD.

Recent Raspberry Pi models now support SSD booting, which means you can replace the SD card with an SSD using an external USB adapter, HAT, or a compatible case. While it incurs additional costs, it is worth it for the performance boost.

If you need more space than a typical SD card size, then additional costs will be necessary. You can easily use an external USB drive to increase storage space. In summary, here are the key points to remember:

If you are pursuing the best performance, then the choice is obvious.Raspberry Pi cannot compete with most mini computers on the market, but it has other advantages that we will discuss later.Now, let’s focus on the software aspect of each solution.

Operating Systems and Software Compatibility

Another key difference between mini computers and Raspberry Pi is that they do not share the same architecture, which has significant implications for the systems and applications that can run on each type of computer.

What is architecture, and why is it so important? Architecture is the type of processor used by the device, which determines its compatibility with different software and operating systems.

Mini computers typically use x86 architecture, which is used by most existing operating systems and software (Windows and Linux). On the other hand, Raspberry Pi uses ARM architecture, which is less common, so not all operating systems are compatible.

ARM excels in energy efficiency, which is one of the main benefits of using Raspberry Pi, but systems like Microsoft Windows (currently) do not support it. This means you cannot expect to install Windows on Raspberry Pi and use it as your old computer.

Raspberry Pi primarily uses Linux as its main system and has many distributions available for different tastes and preferences (you can see my favorite systems here), but keep in mind this is an important limitation, especially if you are using Windows software or if others in your team are using Windows.

15 Best Operating Systems for Raspberry Pi:

https://raspberrytips.com/best-os-for-raspberry-pi/

Note: Installing Windows on Raspberry Pi is a work in progress, but it is far from perfect, so I do not recommend doing this if this is your main computer.

Tutorial:https://raspberrytips.com/windows-11-on-raspberry-pi/

However, do not be afraid to use Linux extensively, as there are many professional-looking and excellent distributions available, and it is no longer just a terminal. You can do the same things as in Windows while enjoying greater security and stability. Here are some popular distributions you can check out:

Raspberry Pi OS:https://raspberrytips.com/install-raspbian-raspberry-pi/

Manjaro:https://raspberrytips.com/install-manjaro-raspberry-pi/

Ubuntu:https://raspberrytips.com/install-ubuntu-desktop-raspberry-pi/

Another limitation is that not all applications can be used on Raspberry Pi. This has two reasons:

System Incompatibility:Some applications are only available for Windows or macOS. Editors often overlook Linux, especially for professional software. Therefore, if you are using some specific software (often paid software, as shown in this case), check before switching to Linux.
Architecture Incompatibility:Sometimes, even if applications are available for Linux users, they may not support ARM architecture.

You can usually find a good alternative for almost anything. But extra care is needed when using Raspberry Pi, which is not a concern when using traditional mini computers. This brings us to the next part: do you want something simple, or are you willing to accept some challenges?

17 Best Applications to Use Raspberry Pi as a Desktop Computer:

https://raspberrytips.com/best-apps-raspberry-pi/

Ease of Use: Plug-and-Play or Technically Skilled?

If you are reading this article, especially if you are still considering these two options, then it is likely that you are not afraid of a little technical challenge. But let’s face the facts: how do mini computers and Raspberry Pi differ in terms of ease of use?

On one hand, mini computers can be used directly as desktop computers; plug in a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, and you can start using it. On the other hand, Raspberry Pi is a device that requires some assembly, knowledge, and more steps to get started.

This factor entirely depends on the individual. Depending on your technical experience, you may find both options acceptable, but for someone with very little technical experience, this is something to consider when choosing a device.

While I love Raspberry Pi and would use it for almost anything, I wouldn’t buy one for my mom. It’s not that Raspberry Pi is complex, but for those who are already somewhat confused by technology, it could be a challenge.

I should mention that while Raspberry Pi does require some prior knowledge to use (understanding hardware, basic Linux knowledge, etc.), it is not that complicated, and help is easily found online. Raspberry Pi has a large user community, and RaspberryTips is always here to help you with any project or issue.

If you want to learn more about the Raspberry Pi environment and ecosystem, you can start here:

What is Raspberry Pi? (Hardware, Software, Purpose, and Uses):

https://raspberrytips.com/what-is-a-raspberry-pi/

What is Raspberry Pi OS? (Purpose, Installation, and Advantages)

https://raspberrytips.com/what-is-raspberry-pi-os/

Why Getting Started with Raspberry Pi is Easier Than You Think?

https://raspberrytips.com/is-raspberry-pi-easy-to-learn/

What is the Difference Between Raspberry Pi and a Computer?

https://raspberrytips.com/difference-raspberry-pi-computer/

If you enjoy learning and trying new things, Raspberry Pi is a great option. If you don’t want to tinker and want something plug-and-play, then mini computers are a better choice.

Design and Size

Mini computers and Raspberry Pi are both significantly smaller than traditional computers. Mini computers are typically square blocks about 15 cm on each side and 5 cm high. The Raspberry Pi board is almost half that size, measuring 8.5 cm long and 5.6 cm wide.

The overall size of the Raspberry Pi depends on the model and case you use, but it is generally smaller, making it an ideal companion for travel, home servers, and discreet devices.

Keep in mind that mini computers may include more components than the Raspberry Pi starter kit at the outset.For example, if you want to use a solid-state drive (SSD), it is already present in the mini computer, but for Raspberry Pi, it will be external.

Besides the size of the setup, Raspberry Pi is usually a better choice for mobile setups.You wouldn’t put a mini computer on a robot kit or a drone.Raspberry Pi can run on batteries for hours, is completely silent, and won’t take up any space if you connect it to a TV or use it as a security camera.

Now, if you plan to use this device as a desktop computer, plugged in 24/7, and never used for anything else, then the size of the mini computer is still suitable, and it doesn’t matter which one you choose.

It’s also worth noting that the size of mini computers often provides them with more upgrade space, leading us to the next key difference.

Customization, Flexibility, and Upgrades

Before making a final choice, consider upgrading your setup in the future. Both mini computers and Raspberry Pi have their pros and cons. They each have different advantages for different use cases and development, so this is a more personalized choice than a clear winner.

Mini computers allow you to upgrade components for better performance (CPU, memory, and storage), which makes them more future-proof if you need more computing power in the future.However, one downside is that we are limited to using traditional peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.).
The components on the Raspberry Pi board (CPU, RAM) cannot be upgraded, but it offers more options for additional peripherals, modules, and sensors.This is the whole point of using Raspberry Pi.

It is designed for DIY enthusiasts, and we can connect almost anything to it, whether traditional USB ports or various pins and connectors on the board itself: GPIO pins, camera ports, display ports, etc.

The Raspberry Pi camera module can be used as video input to record or take pictures.

GPIO pins are not only used to create your electronic circuits (which can be a bit challenging for beginners), but there are some expansions (called HAT) that can stack on top of the Raspberry Pi board to add extra functionality https://raspberrytips.com/best-raspberry-pi-hats/.

If you are interested in all the accessories that can be used with Raspberry Pi, you can let us know through the contact information at the end of the article to find out the best devices suitable for this device.

If you want to try some interesting projects that go beyond the operating system and require some external peripherals, Raspberry Pi is your best choice. Mini computers are just regular, boring computers. They are suitable for work and browsing the internet, but beyond that, their functionality is quite limited.

Use Cases and Recommendations

Now that you understand the differences between Raspberry Pi and mini computers, you may be wondering: which one is right for you?

The answer depends on how you plan to use the device and how much you are willing to invest.

If you want a plug-and-play device that you can use for everyday work without too many complications, then you should choose a mini computer. Remember, it may be a bit more expensive, but it will give you more options.

Mini computers are a reliable choice for a primary computer (daily office tasks or light gaming), and if you can afford the extra cost, you can even use it as a home server.

If you are tech-savvy, not afraid to learn, or have a limited budget, then Raspberry Pi is a great choice. It is also a better choice for home projects, electronics, and programming projects.

Raspberry Pi products can be purchased directly from Raspberry Pi dealers, purchasing methods include:

1. Scan the QR code to add Mr. Yang for consultation and purchase.

2. Send us your contact information via private message to place an order directly.

3. Consult and place an order on the official website of Raspberry Pi dealers:https://www.edatec.cn/cn

Raspberry Pi vs Mini PC: Which One is Right for You?

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