Question:

What are the optimal specifications and brands for a mini PC and two monitors within a budget of AUD$2000?

I am looking for a desktop PC that can handle both work and personal tasks, such as light photo editing, gaming, and streaming. I have never bought a PC before, so I am not familiar with the technical aspects of choosing one. I would like to have a mini PC instead of a tower, as I have limited space. I also need two monitors for multitasking. What are the best options for me in terms of specifications, brands, and stores? I appreciate any advice from experts.

Answer:

Buying a desktop PC can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the technical aspects of choosing one. There are many factors to consider, such as the size, performance, features, and price of the PC. In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding the best mini PC and two monitors for your needs and budget.

Why choose a mini PC?

A mini PC is a compact and portable computer that can fit in small spaces, such as a desk, a shelf, or a TV stand. Unlike a tower PC, which usually requires a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse, a mini PC can be connected to any display device, such as a TV, a projector, or a monitor. A mini PC can also be easily moved from one place to another, making it ideal for work from home or travel.

A mini PC can perform most of the tasks that a tower PC can, such as browsing the web, editing photos, playing games, and streaming videos. However, a mini PC may have some limitations in terms of power, storage, and upgradeability. Therefore, you need to carefully consider your needs and expectations before buying a mini PC.

What specifications to look for in a mini PC?

The specifications of a mini PC determine its performance, functionality, and compatibility. Here are some of the key specifications to look for in a mini PC:

• Processor: The processor, or CPU, is the brain of the PC. It determines how fast the PC can run multiple programs and tasks. For your needs, you should look for a processor that has at least four cores and a base frequency of at least 3.0 GHz. This will ensure that your PC can handle basic administrative programs, light photo editing, multiple browser tabs, and occasional gaming. Some of the popular processor brands are Intel and AMD. For example, you can choose an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor for your mini PC.
• Memory: The memory, or RAM, is the short-term storage of the PC. It determines how much data the PC can access and process at a given time. For your needs, you should look for a memory that has at least 8 GB of capacity. This will ensure that your PC can run smoothly and multitask without lagging or crashing. You can also look for a memory that has a high speed of at least 2666 MHz. This will improve the performance and responsiveness of your PC. Some of the popular memory brands are Corsair, Kingston, and Crucial.
• Storage: The storage, or HDD/SSD, is the long-term storage of the PC. It determines how much data the PC can store and retrieve. For your needs, you should look for a storage that has at least 256 GB of capacity. This will ensure that your PC can store enough files, programs, games, and media. You can also look for a storage that has a solid state drive (SSD) instead of a hard disk drive (HDD). An SSD is faster, quieter, and more reliable than an HDD. Some of the popular storage brands are Samsung, Western Digital, and Seagate.
• Graphics: The graphics, or GPU, is the component that handles the visual output of the PC. It determines how well the PC can display images, videos, and games. For your needs, you should look for a graphics that has at least 2 GB of dedicated memory. This will ensure that your PC can handle light photo editing, streaming services, and occasional gaming. You can also look for a graphics that has a high resolution of at least 1080p. This will improve the quality and clarity of your display. Some of the popular graphics brands are Nvidia and AMD. For example, you can choose an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 550 graphics for your mini PC.

What brands and stores to look for in a mini PC?

There are many brands and stores that offer mini PCs with different specifications, features, and prices. Here are some of the popular and reputable ones that you can consider:

• Lenovo: Lenovo is a Chinese multinational company that produces a range of mini PCs, such as the ThinkCentre, the IdeaCentre, and the Legion series. Lenovo mini PCs are known for their reliability, durability, and performance. You can find Lenovo mini PCs in various online and offline stores, such as Amazon, eBay, JB Hi-Fi, and Officeworks.
• Asus: Asus is a Taiwanese multinational company that produces a range of mini PCs, such as the VivoMini, the Chromebox, and the ROG series. Asus mini PCs are known for their design, innovation, and gaming capabilities. You can find Asus mini PCs in various online and offline stores, such as Amazon, eBay, Harvey Norman, and The Good Guys.
• HP: HP is an American multinational company that produces a range of mini PCs, such as the ProDesk, the EliteDesk, and the Pavilion series. HP mini PCs are known for their quality, security, and versatility. You can find HP mini PCs in various online and offline stores, such as Amazon, eBay, JB Hi-Fi, and Officeworks.

What are the optimal specifications and brands for a mini PC and two monitors within a budget of AUD$2000?

Based

on the above information, here are some of the optimal specifications and brands for a mini PC and two monitors within a budget of AUD$2000:

– Mini PC: A mini PC that has a four-core processor with a base frequency of 3.0 GHz or higher, 8 GB of memory with a speed of 2666 MHz or higher, 256 GB of SSD storage, and 2 GB of dedicated graphics memory with a resolution of 1080p or higher. Some of the possible mini PC models that meet these specifications are:

– Lenovo ThinkCentre M90n Nano (AUD$999): This mini PC has an Intel Core i5-8265U processor, 8 GB of DDR4 memory, 256 GB of PCIe SSD storage, and an Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics. It also has a compact and sleek design, a low power consumption, and a quiet operation. You can buy this mini PC from [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/Lenovo-ThinkCentre-M90n-1-Nano/dp/B07ZG9QJ8X).

– Asus VivoMini VC66 (AUD$1099): This mini PC has an Intel Core i5-8400 processor, 8 GB of DDR4 memory, 256 GB of SATA SSD storage, and an Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics. It also has a versatile and modular design, a 4K UHD support, and a dual-storage option. You can buy this mini PC from [eBay](https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Asus-VivoMini-VC66-i5-8400-8GB-256GB-SSD-Win10-Pro-Mini-PC/184605714674).

– HP ProDesk 400 G6 (AUD$1199): This mini PC has an Intel Core i5-9500T processor, 8 GB of DDR4 memory, 256 GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage, and an Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics. It also has a reliable and secure performance, a tool-less access, and a three-year warranty. You can buy this mini PC from [Officeworks](https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/hp-prodesk-400-g6-i5-8gb-256gb-ssd-win10-pro-mini-pc-hp400g6mi).

– Monitors: Two monitors that have a size of 24 inches or larger, a resolution of 1080p or higher, a refresh rate of 60 Hz or higher, and a response time of 5 ms or lower. Some of the possible monitor models that meet these specifications are:

– Acer KA242Y (AUD$199): This monitor has a 23.8-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, a refresh rate of 75 Hz, and a response time of 1 ms. It also has a zero-frame design, a blue light filter, and a tilt adjustment. You can buy this monitor from [Harvey Norman](https://www.harveynorman.com.au/acer-ka242y-23-8-inch-full-hd-ips-monitor.html).

– LG 24MK430H (AUD$199): This monitor has a 23.8-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, a refresh rate of 75 Hz, and a response time of 5 ms. It also has a flicker-safe technology,