Are you a musician or producer looking for a compact and powerful option to run your music software? Mini PCs are a great choice! They’re smaller and more portable than traditional desktop computers, and despite their small size, they’re capable of running complex music production software.
Choosing the right mini PC can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the top mini PCs for music production based on performance, value, and reviews. We’ll also go over the key features to consider when selecting a mini PC for music production.
Mini PCs use less power than traditional desktop computers, saving you money on your electricity bill and reducing your carbon footprint. They also tend to be quieter, which is beneficial in a recording studio. Additionally, many mini PCs are designed for easy access to the RAM and storage, so you can easily upgrade these components as your needs change.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, a mini PC is a great option for music production. They offer a compact, powerful, and energy-efficient solution, making them an ideal choice for musicians and producers alike. We hope this article helps you find the perfect mini PC for your needs!
Apple Mac Mini with M2 Chip
When it comes to power, reliability, and portability, the Apple Mac Mini with M2 Chip is a standout option. With its compact size of 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches and weight of 2.6-2.8 pounds, the Mac Mini is perfect for those who need a portable music production setup.
The Apple M2/M2 Pro chip provides impressive processing power, which is essential for music production software. The Mac Mini also comes with a range of storage options, from 256GB to a whopping 8TB SSD, making it an ideal choice for music producers who need to store large audio files.
With a Geekbench 5 score of 15,000, the Mac Mini is a powerful and reliable option for music production, offering the ability to run multiple programs simultaneously and handle intensive tasks without lag or glitches.
Overall, the Mac Mini with M2 chip is a top choice for music producers who need a compact, powerful, and reliable mini PC for their work. Now available for under $599, this is a great option for all music producers.
Pros
- Fast performance in DAW
- Affordably priced
- Popular option for music producers
Cons
- No aftermarket upgrades available
- Compatibility with older software
Best Deal
Geekoom Mini IT12 Mini PC
The Geekom Mini IT12 stands out as a high-performance, yet energy-efficient, machine for creative professionals.
This petite powerhouse comes with the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12650H processor (i5 and i9 models available too), featuring ten cores and 16 threads that can clock up to 4.70 GHz, offering the computational muscle needed for intricate DAW workflows.
Notably, the device consumes only 90 watts—just a fraction of the energy many desktop PCs require, making it a budget-friendly choice for continuous use.
With 32GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, both expandable, storage will seldom be an issue. Furthermore, the unit offers advanced connectivity options including WiFi-6E and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for rapid file transfers and seamless online collaborations.
Pros
- High-performance (12th Gen i5, i7 or i9)
- Generous storage and memory
- WiFi-6E and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- Thermal constraints
- Limited ports
Best Deal
Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast Mini PC
The Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast Mini PC is a small and powerful computer designed for gaming and media consumption. It features an Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Arc-A graphics, making it capable of excellent performance in the music studio.
The laptop CPU used in the NUC 12 matches the performance of desktop CPUs, making it a strong option for demanding tasks like music production and video creation.
In terms of size and noise, the NUC 12 is relatively small and quiet, making it a good choice for use in a recording studio. For connectivity, the NUC 12 offers a wide range of options, including Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4.
However, one potential downside of the NUC 12 is its price, which is on the higher end for a mini PC. Additionally, it comes with a large and clunky power brick that may not be ideal for all users.
Pros
- Lots of ports
- Fast performance
- Upgradability
Cons
- Not cheap
- Thermal limitations
Best Deal
Asus ExpertCenter PN52
The Asus ExpertCenter PN52 is a compact desktop computer designed for business users, however it’s definitely sufficient as a mini PC for music production.
It features a robust mobile H-series Ryzen CPU (choice of Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7) and has a port-packed design, making it easy to connect to various devices.
The PN52 also has easy access to storage slots and bays, making it convenient to upgrade or replace components. There’s a barebone option too – which means you can decide on your own SSD + RAM.
Pros
- Compact design
- Affordable price
- Easy to upgrade
Cons
- Can run slightly warm
- No Thunderbolt port
