Are you a professional musician or bedroom producer seeking a sleek, potent solution to fuel your music software? Look no further than mini PCs! These pint-sized powerhouses offer a compact alternative to bulky desktops, without compromising on performance.
Navigating the sea of options can be daunting, but fear not! We’re here to guide you through the best mini PCs for music production. Our recommendations are rooted in performance, affordability, and connectivity for your external devices and instruments. Plus, we’ll walk you through the must-have features to consider when choosing the perfect mini PC for your audio endeavors.
Mini PCs aren’t just small in size; they’re also light on power consumption. This not only saves you money on your utility bills but also makes a positive impact on the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Their quieter operation is a boon for recording studios, ensuring your creative sessions remain undisturbed. Moreover, many mini PCs boast easy access to RAM and storage, simplifying future upgrades as your requirements evolve.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, mini PCs offer an unparalleled blend of compactness, power, and energy efficiency. They’re the ultimate choice for musicians and producers alike, delivering a potent yet portable solution. Let this article be your compass in the vast sea of options, guiding you to the mini PC that perfectly balances with your music production needs!
Lenovo P3 Ultra
If you’ve got the cash, a fully specced Lenovo P3 Ultra Mini PC is a powerhouse of innovation ideal for audio production enthusiasts. Operating on the LGA1700 socket and fueled by the 13th generation Intel i9 processor, this mini PC boasts unparalleled processing prowess with its 24 cores and 32 threads, ensuring seamless multitasking and lightning-fast performance.
The Lenovo P3 Ultra Mini PC sets the benchmark for compact SFF computing with its diminutive yet robust design, measuring 223mm x 202mm x 86mm and boasting a volume of 3.87 liters. Its exceptional cooling system, featuring a 90.0mm fan, ensures optimal thermal management without compromising on performance. With a durable construction and a warranty spanning 3 years, this mini PC offers reliability that stands the test of time, making it the ideal choice for both personal and professional audio production use.
Equipped with a plethora of connectivity options, including PCIe x16, PCIe x8, and USB4 40Gbps, the Lenovo P3 Ultra Mini PC caters to diverse user needs with unparalleled versatility. Its networking capabilities are equally impressive, featuring a top-tier NIC chipset and support for up to 10GB Ethernet, ensuring seamless connectivity and high-speed data transfer.
From intensive audio processing tasks to immersive gaming experiences, the Lenovo P3 Ultra Mini PC redefines the boundaries of compact computing, offering unparalleled performance, reliability, and versatility in a sleek and stylish package.
Pros
- Fantastic performance
- Compact and stylish
- Versatile connectivity
Cons
- High price point
- Limited availability
- Limited upgradeability
Best Deal
Intel NUC 13 Extreme
The Intel NUC 13 represents the pinnacle of Intel’s NUC series, combining impressive performance with a compact design. Fueled by the powerful i9-13900K CPU, boasting 24 cores and 32 threads, this NUC redefines what’s achievable within a small form factor. Its processing prowess extends beyond typical tasks, making it a standout choice for demanding applications like music production.
Moreover, as Intel transitions its NUC series to Asus with the NUC 14, the NUC 13 serves as a final testament to Intel’s dedication to innovation. Despite this shift, the NUC 13 leaves behind a legacy of excellence, showcasing Intel’s engineering expertise and commitment to providing top-tier computing solutions.
For music producers, the NUC 13’s robust performance and compact footprint make it an ideal companion in the studio. Its powerful CPU ensures smooth handling of audio processing tasks, from mixing and mastering to running virtual instruments and effects plugins.
Additionally, its quiet operation and space-saving design make it a perfect fit for any music production setup, allowing creators to focus on their craft without compromise.
As Intel passes the torch to Asus, the NUC 13 stands as a testament to Intel’s legacy of delivering high-performance computing solutions tailored to the needs of professionals across various industries, including music production.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Quiet in the studio
- Easy internal access
Cons
- End of Intel NUC line
- Limited expansion
- High thermal temperatures
Best Deal
Asus NUC 14 Pro+
Representing Asus’s inaugural foray into the NUC lineup, this mini PC takes the reins from Intel, equipped with cutting-edge Intel Meteor Lake chipsets that promise unprecedented performance.
At its core, the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ is a powerhouse designed to elevate music production to new heights. With configurations reaching up to the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H chipset, it offers unparalleled processing power that empowers producers to push the boundaries of their craft.
From composing intricate melodies to refining complex arrangements, this mini PC delivers the performance needed to bring musical visions to life.
Moreover, the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ sets itself apart with its advanced cooling system, featuring three heat pipes and enhanced ventilation. This ensures that even during intense production sessions, where every beat matters, the system remains cool and responsive, allowing producers to focus on their creativity without worrying about performance limitations.
The Asus NUC 14 Pro+ might just be the best mini PC for audio production if you want the latest technology and fantastic connectivity, while having a sleek device similar to a Mac Mini.
Right now, obtaining the Asus NUC 14 Pro+ is quite difficult in North America, however availability should increase soon. There’s also a few models on Amazon under different brands.
Pros
- 14th generation i7 processor
- DDR5 RAM
- 2x Thunderbolt 4.0 Type-C ports
- Intel ARC Graphics
Cons
- Difficult to access internals
Best Deal
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.
Apple 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. If you need a bit more power, take a look at the Mac Studio with the M2 Max chip.
Pros
- Fast performance in DAW
- Affordably priced
- Popular option for music producers
Cons
- No aftermarket upgrades available
- Compatibility with older software
Best Deal
Minisforum MS-01
For music producers seeking a versatile and powerful studio solution, the Minisforum MS-01 Mini PC presents an enticing proposition. Priced at $850 for the barebones configuration, it allows for tailored specifications, ensuring compatibility with the specific requirements of music production workflows.
With the option to select preferred RAM, SSD, and operating system, producers can optimize their setup for seamless audio production experiences.
Under the hood, the MS-01 is powered by an Intel i9-13900H processor, boasting 14 cores and 20 threads. This formidable CPU ensures swift performance, capable of handling resource-intensive tasks such as digital audio workstation (DAW) operation, virtual instrument processing, and real-time audio effects with ease.
Coupled with up to 64GB of high-speed RAM, clocked at an impressive 5200MHz, the system delivers the responsiveness and multitasking capabilities crucial for complex music projects.
Graphics-wise, the inclusion of an NVIDIA T1000 GPU provides ample horsepower for visual tasks such as video editing and graphic design, complementing the PC’s music production capabilities.
Pros
- Customizable performance
- Powerful processor
- Expandability
Cons
- Thermal constraints
- Average graphics
Best Deal
Asus NUC 14 Pro
Priced at just $665 for the barebones configuration, the Asus NUC 14 Pro offers exceptional value for audio professionals. Despite its affordable price tag, this compact system packs a punch with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor and support for up to 96GB of RAM, making it ideal for music production and sound design tasks. While it opts for a plastic construction over an aluminum chassis to keep costs down, it maintains durability and reliability for studio use.
Integrated with an Arc 8 Xe (128EU) GPU, the NUC 14 Pro provides sufficient graphical performance for tasks such as visualizers and graphical audio editing interfaces.
With expandability options including multiple M.2 slots and comprehensive connectivity featuring USB4, HDMI 2.1, and Thunderbolt ports, it offers seamless integration with audio interfaces and other peripherals. Overall, the Asus NUC 14 Pro stands as a compelling choice for audio professionals seeking affordable yet powerful computing solutions for their studio setups.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Expandability
Cons
- Plastic chassis
- Difficult internal access
Best Deal
Reatan Alloy 9
Meet the Reatan Alloy 9 Mini PC, a budget-friendly powerhouse that stands out as the most affordable option on the list, priced at approximately $700. Crafted by Reatan, the Alloy 9 showcases the brand’s ability to build a good looking functional mini PC.
On the inside, the Reatan Alloy 9 boasts impressive specifications that ensure smooth performance across various tasks. Equipped with a Zen 4 CPU architecture and an r7 7940HS processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, this Mini PC delivers exceptional computing power.
Complemented by an RDNA3 780M GPU, it offers solid graphics performance for both work and play. With a sleek design and a focus on functionality, the Alloy 9 is a testament to Reatan’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Available through reputable sellers like Amazon, the Reatan Alloy 9 Mini PC not only provides affordability but also reliability and versatility. With a range of connectivity options including HDMI 2.1 ports and USB-C support for single cable connectivity, it ensures seamless integration into any setup. Backed by a three-year extended warranty option, Reatan emphasizes its commitment to long-term customer support and satisfaction, making the Alloy 9 an enticing choice for any music producer seeking a cost-effective yet high-performance Mini PC solution.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Compact design
- Metal chassis
Cons
- Limited connectivity
- Noise levels
Best Deal
Geekoom Mini IT13 Mini PC
The Geekom Mini IT12 stands out as a high-performance, yet energy-efficient, machine for creative professionals, including musicians and music producers.
This petite powerhouse comes with the latest 13th Gen Intel i7-13700H (slower i5 available too), featuring 14 cores and 20 threads that can clock up to 5.0 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 3200MHz DDR4 & 2TB 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 (13th Gen i5 or i7)
- Generous storage and memory
- WiFi-6E and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- Thermal constraints
- Limited ports
