Mini PC vs Stick PC Comparison: How to Choose the Best Portable Device

In recent years, the focus has intensified on miniature, energy-efficient computing devices. Among them, the Mini PC and Stick PC, with their unique advantages, have emerged as new darlings of the marketplace.

The Mini PC, blending a trim design with efficient performance, strikes a perfect balance between space conservation and power. While offering computing capabilities comparable to a desktop, they occupy only a fraction of the space, making them suitable for a diverse array of settings, from home entertainment to office work and industrial control. The Stick PC takes miniaturization a step further, its size equivalent to a USB stick or slightly larger. By simply plugging it into a monitor or television via an HDMI input, a fully functional computer is instantly accessible. This level of portability makes the Stick PC the preferred choice for mobile offices, media playback, and digital signage.

The aim of this treatise is to present a comprehensive comparison between the Mini PC and Stick PC, assisting readers in gaining a detailed understanding of the unique features and applicable scenarios of each device. Our analysis proceeds from various perspectives, including performance, expandability, connectivity, portability, heat dissipation and stability, as well as cost.

What is a Stick PC?

A Stick PC (also known as a Computer Stick), is a device scarcely larger than a lighter, bearing a likeness to a USB drive, running on Windows operating system and equipped with an HDMI interface. When inserted into a display device with an HDMI input, it transforms into a smart computer, capable of online browsing, office work, trading stocks, watching movies, playing games, and listening to music, among other things. Display devices can range from televisions and monitors to projectors, car navigation systems, and outdoor advertising screens, with the simplest setup being the combination of a Stick PC and a TV, supplemented with a generic wired or wireless mouse and keyboard - effectively a large-screen computer.

The Stick PC is principally characterized by its superb portability, but it also comes with a certain level of performance limitations. As a consequence of its compact size, there is limited space for internal hardware which often leads to the use of low-power processors and smaller memory, making it suitable for handling basic tasks like web browsing, document processing, and media playback. In terms of connectivity, Stick PCs generally come equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, but possess fewer physical interfaces, often just one or two USB ports, necessitating the use of a USB hub for connecting more peripherals. Due to the absence of an active cooling system, heat dissipation primarily depends on the passive heat release from the device's shell, which may lead to overheating issues under high load or during prolonged use. As for power supply, Stick PCs typically draw power through a Micro USB or USB-C interface. This can be achieved with a power adapter or in some cases directly from the USB port of the display device, further enhancing the flexibility of use.

What is a Mini PC?

A Mini PC, or miniature personal computer, is a scaled-down desktop computer, essentially a condensation of traditional desktop functionality into a diminutive chassis. Despite its significant size reduction, the Mini PC maintains robust computing capabilities, meeting the demands of everyday office work, home entertainment, and even professional applications. They typically employ energy-efficient processors and efficiently designed hardware, thus saving space while retaining commendable performance.

The Mini PC's key characteristics include exceptional performance, flexible expandability, abundant connectivity, and reasonable thermal management and power requirements. Performance-wise, a Mini PC usually carries a powerful processor, supports substantial memory, and fast storage devices for a smooth multitasking and complex application operation. In terms of expandability, they generally offer options to upgrade memory and storage, with certain models even accommodate hardware enhancements like external graphics cards. As for connectivity, Mini PCs are armed with various interfaces, such as USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet port, enabling the attachment of a wide array of peripherals and display devices. To ensure reliable operation, Mini PCs employ an efficient thermal design, typically inclusive of heatsinks and fans. Powered via an external power adapter, they ensure an ample supply of energy and prolonged stable performance.

Mini PC vs. Stick PC: A Performance Comparison

Processor Performance

The Mini PC boasts a pronounced advantage in terms of processor performance. With more physical room, Mini PCs can accommodate more powerful processors, such as the Intel Core i5, i7 or AMD Ryzen series. These processors, with their multiple cores and higher clock rates, are adept at handling multitasking, high-definition video editing, and running specialized software. In contrast, due to size and heat dissipating constraints, the Stick PC typically uses lower-power processors such as the Intel Atom or Celeron series, which are adequate for basic office tasks, web browsing, and HD video playback, but lack the raw power for more intensive applications.

Memory and Storage Capacity

In terms of memory and storage, the Mini PC offers far greater flexibility and capacity. Many Mini PCs support memory upgrades, enabling users to extend memory to 8GB, 16GB, or even 32GB as needed. Additionally, Mini PCs usually feature SSDs with storage capacities ranging from 128GB to a whopping 1TB. Some models even allow the attachment of additional hard drives. The Stick PC, on the other hand, typically comes with fixed memory and storage: generally 2GB to 4GB of memory and 32GB to 64GB of eMMC flash storage, neither of which can be upgraded. This results in limitations when running large applications or storing large amounts of data.

Graphical Processing Capabilities

In terms of graphical processing power, the Mini PC also trumps the Stick PC. Many Mini PCs feature a powerful integrated graphics card like the Intel UHD Graphics and can even be connected to a dedicated graphics card, well-equipped for light gaming, graphical design, and video editing. A Stick PC, constrained by hardware, is normally only equipped with a basic graphics processing unit, sufficient for HD video decoding and simple graphic tasks but inadequate for applications that demand higher graphic performance.

Mini PC vs. Stick PC: Expandability

Hardware Upgrade Possibility

The Mini PC also incurs a high degree of flexibility in hardware upgrading. Users can upgrade memory, replace with larger capacity hard drives, and certain models even support processor changes or the addition of dedicated graphics cards. This makes Mini PCs scalable in performance with increasing needs, extending the lifespan of the device. Conversely, due to extremely limited internal space, the Stick PC's hardware components are usually soldered onto the motherboard and therefore absent of any potential for hardware upgrade. Once purchased, its performance and configuration are set in stone, unable to meet any future requirement for increased performance.

Peripheral Support

In terms of peripheral support, the Mini PC offers an abundance of interfaces, allowing for easy connection to various peripherals. Typically, a Mini PC boasts numerous USB ports (including 3.0 USB and USB-C), audio interfaces, Ethernet and multiple video output interfaces, facilitating connectivity to devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, and monitors. The physical interface of the Stick PC, however, is significantly limited due to its small size: usually, there's only one or two USB ports. This means that if multiple peripherals need to be connected, additional USB hubs will be necessary, adding to the inconvenience of use.

Mini PC vs. Stick PC: Connectivity

Number and Types of Interfaces

The Mini PC has a clear edge when considering the number and types of interfaces. Apart from a variety of USB ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio input and output, Ethernet port are also included and some models even feature SD card slots or serial ports. These diverse interfaces cater to varying user requirements for peripheral devices and multimedia connections. The Stick PC typically only carries one HDMI port for display connection, a Micro-USB or a USB-C port for power, and one or two USB ports; both interface type and quantity are very constrained.

Wireless Connection Options

In terms of wireless connection, both Mini and Stick PCs support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality. However, Mini PCs may support more advanced wireless protocols, like dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6 etc, providing faster internet speeds and stable connections. The Stick PC's wireless capacity, on the other hand, might only support basic Wi-Fi bands and Bluetooth versions due to hardware restrictions, rendering the connection less stable and the network speed less impressive.

Support for Multiple Displays

Most Mini PCs are capable of multi-display outputs, equipped with various video interfaces like HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA. This proves exceedingly practical for users in need of multitasking or professional display requirements. As Stick PCs carry only a single HDMI output, multiple displays cannot be utilized, thus limiting the capacity for productivity and multimedia applications.

Mini PC vs. Stick PC: Portability

Size and Weight

In terms of portability, the Stick PC holds a clear superiority. It's smaller than the palm of your hand, and so lightweight it can easily be slipped into a pocket or a small bag to carry around. While the Mini PC is more compact than a traditional desktop, it's still large enough to require a small backpack for transport, meaning it still falls short of the Stick PC in terms of extreme portability.

Ease of Carrying

The Stick PC's design makes it especially adaptable for travelers and individuals requiring a movable work environment. Simply plug it into any HDMI compatible display, connect it to the power source, and it's ready to use. Conversely, while carrying a Mini PC, you need to consider the power adapter, and when connecting, an external display, keyboard and mouse are also necessary. Although still mobile, it's slightly less handy than its Stick counterpart.

Mini PC vs. Stick PC: Cooling & Stability

Cooling Design

Due to having more internal space, the Mini PC is able to use a more active cooling strategy, equipped with cooling fans and heatsinks to regulate temperatures under heavy load. After prolonged periods of use, the Mini PC generally maintains a good cooling performance. The Stick PC, on the other hand, usually employs passive cooling relying on the device shell to dissipate heat, its cooling efficiency is rather limited due to its small size. Under high load or in high-temperature environments, overheating can easily occur leading to reduced performance or automatic down-clocking of the device.

Long-Run Stability

Owing to differences in cooling designs, Mini PCs are more stable for long-term use, suitable for applications that require continuous operation like servers or monitoring systems. A Stick PC isn't intended for heavy or long-run handling since long periods of use can lead to overheating, adversely impacting the device's lifespan and performance, making it more suited for light and short-term use scenarios.

Mini PC vs. Stick PC: Price

Purchase Cost

Regarding purchase costs, the Stick PC is usually the more economical option. Their hardware specifications are lower, and their features relatively simple, hence a price more likely to be accepted by the masses. The Mini PC's price varies significantly due to its different configurations, from the low-end model to the high-performance model, prices span a wide range. In general, it's pricier than the Stick PC.

Performance vs. Price Ratio

Although the initial investment of a Mini PC is higher, when evaluated from a functionality and performance standpoint, it offers a higher price-to-performance ratio. The computational power, expandability, and stability obtained by the user far surpass those of a Stick PC. While Stick PCs are budget-friendly, they compromise on performance and features, and are better suited for budget-conscious users with simpler demands. So, the choice between which one to purchase comes down to the user's balance between performance needs and budget considerations.

Stick PC Advantages and Disadvantages

Stick PCs are ultra-portable, as small as a USB flash drive, extremely lightweight, and easy to carry; they are affordable, featuring basic hardware configurations with budget-friendly prices, suitable for users with limited budgets; they are easy to use, being plug-and-play devices that only require insertion into an HDMI port and connection to power to operate, with simple setup and low technical expertise required.

However, Stick PCs have limited performance, capable only of running basic office tasks, web browsing, and media playback, unable to handle applications requiring high performance; they have insufficient connectivity, with very few physical interfaces—usually only one or two USB ports—limiting the number of peripherals that can be connected; they are non-upgradable, with fixed hardware that does not support any form of upgrade, unable to meet potential future performance needs.

Mini PC Advantages and Disadvantages

Mini PCs offer high performance, capable of smoothly running complex software and multitasking, making them suitable for office work, high-definition media playback, and light gaming. They feature rich connectivity, equipped with multiple USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort interfaces, allowing convenient connection to various peripherals and displays. Additionally, Mini PCs support hardware upgrades; users can add more memory, replace storage drives, or even add dedicated graphics cards, extending the device's lifespan and meeting future application needs.

However, Mini PCs are relatively larger, which makes them less ideal in scenarios requiring extreme portability. Due to the use of high-performance hardware, they come at a higher price, and the initial investment may be significant for users with limited budgets. Moreover, Mini PCs have poorer portability; they require external power adapters and often need to be used with monitors, keyboards, and mice, adding inconvenience when carrying them around. Their portability is not as outstanding as that of Stick PCs.

How to choose Mini PC or Stick PC

The decision between a Mini PC and a Stick PC is largely contingent on individual usage specifications and prioritized features. Should high performance be requisite, multifaceted connection options considered, and potential future upgrades contemplated, with less stringent demands for portability, a Mini PC may present a more fitting selection. Among the plethora of Mini PCs, noteworthy are the ACEMAGIC AM06 Pro AMD Ryzen Mini PC and the ACEMAGIC AMR5 AMD Ryzen 7 Mini PC. These formidable products, boasting unparalleled AMD Ryzen processors, offer exceptional performance and myriad ports, amply meeting the needs for high-performance computation and multitasking.

• ACEMAGIC AMR5 AMD Mini PC
• AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Processor, 8 Cores/16 Threads
• AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 or AMD Radeon Graphics
• DDR4 3200MHz Dual Channel
• 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe&NGFF for SSD, Max 2TB

Shop Now

• ACEMAGIC AM06 Pro Mini PC
• AMD Ryzen™ 7 5700U Processor, 8 Cores/16 Threads
• DDR4 3200MHz Dual Channel (SO-DIMM Slots×2, up to 64GB)
• 512GB/1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe3.0 SSD
• M.2 2230 WiFi 6 Support+BT5.2

Shop Now

Moreover, the reasonably priced T8PLUS Intel 12th generation Alder Lake-N97 Intel Mini PC, a collaborative venture between ACEMAGIC and AOC, at just $139.00, brings impressive performance capabilities, suited for those aspiring for a quality experience within monetary boundaries.

• ACEMAGIC & AOC T8Plus
• Intel Alder N N97 processor, 4 cores / 4 threads
• 16GB LPDDR5 6400MT/s ×1
• 512GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD 1 x M.2 NVMe PCIe3.0 SSD
• Dimensions: 894mm*894mm*435mm

Shop Now

Conversely, should you esteem ultimate portability and simplicity while engaging primarily with lightweight computation tasks with a more modest budget, a Stick PC may align more closely with your needs. Contemplating your personal expectations against the aforementioned pros and cons will aid in your pursuit of the most suitable device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Mini PCs and Stick PCs have their unique advantages and applicability. Mini PCs, with their high performance, rich connectivity, and upgradeability, are suitable for users who need to handle complex tasks and prioritize device expansion. They can satisfy requirements for office workstations, home entertainment, educational development, and light multimedia editing. On the other hand, Stick PCs offer convenience to users who need mobile office capabilities, media playback, presentation meetings, and digital signage, thanks to their superb portability, affordable prices, and ease of use.

When making a choice, it's advisable to balance it against your actual needs. Consider your performance requirements, the level of importance you place on portability, your budget constraints, and whether you have plans for future upgrades. Having a complete understanding of your needs is the key to selecting the most suitable device, which can improve your work efficiency and lifestyle.