Hello again, does anyone have a recommendation on mini-computers? I’ve been using Mac products for over 25 years, a few Dell desktops and laptop before that. I’ve never heard of a mini computer until I joined this forum, and I like the idea of them. My new Crossfire XR is on it’s way, I’m a complete beginner on all things CNC, and would like to hear any and all thoughts on whether this is a good idea or not, and what your experiences have been. As always, I am looking for ta rouble free and long lasting machine that keeps on working as the manufactures promise. (Last time I checked, the word "GUANTENTEED doesn’t hold mush water anymore). Would really like to hear from everyone who has actually experience with these. Thanks. Terry
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I am a long time iMAC user, but also have mini PCs. I use a no name (AceMagic) mini PC from 2024 to run the Crossfire Pro, and also Fusion 360. Price was ~$200. You can find a number of references to Beelink mini PCs here.
For Intel mini PCs look for references to Alder Lake (N97,N100, N150,N200), although these are being replaced with updated Twin Lake processors. I have the N97 Alder Lake processor. N150 Twin Lake processors have a bit increased clock speed.
Here is link to what I have, but no longer available:
Mini PCs with AMD processors (Ryzen 5 and Ryzen7) appear to be a step above, although I have no experience with these. They have a lot higher clock speeds. These mini PCs are in the $350+ range
Here is a summary from Grok AI: regarding Intel processors
- Overview of Alder Lake-N Series (Recap)
- Architecture: Alder Lake-N, part of Intel’s 12th Generation Core processors, uses only efficiency cores (Gracemont architecture) on the Intel 7 (10nm) process, targeting low-power, budget-friendly devices like mini PCs, thin laptops, and Chromebooks.
- Key Models: Includes N50, N97, N100, N200, Core i3-N300, and Core i3-N305, with varying core counts (2 to 8 cores), clock speeds, and graphics capabilities.
- Market Role: Designed for cost-effective, power-efficient systems, replacing older Pentium and Celeron branding.
- Introduction of Twin Lake Refresh
- What is Twin Lake?: Twin Lake is a refresh of the Alder Lake-N series, announced in late 2024 and appearing in devices by mid-2025. It retains the same Gracemont architecture and Intel 7 process but offers slight performance tweaks, primarily in clock speeds and graphics capabilities.
- Key Models in Twin Lake:
- Intel Processor N150:
- 4 cores, 4 threads.
- Base clock: 2.9 GHz, boost up to 3.6 GHz.
- 6MB cache.
- Intel UHD Graphics with 24 EUs, up to 1 GHz (vs. 750 MHz on N100).
- TDP: 6W, ideal for fanless designs.
- Intel Processor N250:
- 4 cores, 4 threads.
- Higher boost clock than N150 (up to 3.8 GHz, based on leaks).
- Similar graphics improvements with 24 EUs.
- TDP: 6W to 15W, depending on configuration.
- Other Models: Leaked specifications suggest additional SKUs, potentially including higher-end models akin to the Core i3-N305, but details remain sparse.
- Intel Processor N150:
- Improvements:
- Clock Speeds: Slightly higher base and boost clocks (e.g., N150’s 2.9 GHz base vs. N100’s 800 MHz) for better responsiveness in light workloads.
- Graphics: Enhanced UHD Graphics with higher clock speeds (up to 1 GHz) improve performance for casual gaming and multimedia.
- Power Efficiency: Maintains the ultra-low 6W TDP, making Twin Lake ideal for fanless mini PCs and budget laptops.
- Current Computers Using Alder Lake-N and Twin Lake (2025)
- Mini PCs:
- Beelink SER5, U59, and Similar Models: Many 2025 models continue to use N100 and N97 processors due to their cost-effectiveness and reliability. Newer models are starting to adopt N150 and N250 for slightly better performance.
- Minisforum UM773 Lite: Some configurations use N200 or Core i3-N305, with Twin Lake N150 appearing in refreshed versions.
- Example Update: The Beelink Mini S12 Pro (2025 refresh) now offers an N150 option alongside the N100, with improved graphics performance for light gaming.
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Thank you my friend. Will check it out. Terry