Anyone try a Mini-PC?

IceBurghDJ said:

Tripped across this type of PC recently...many youtube videos, brands, etc.

Some are hellaciously powerful, some insanely cheap. A video I watched I guy took an Asus Ryzen 4500 cpu box, added 512gb SSD (looked like memory stick), 16 gb of ram - total $580 - it can run 4 monitors at 4k!

My desktop is aging...and perhaps as an alternative for a laptop for DJing? I have lots of monitors and keyboards laying about.

$130?

https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Intel-Quad-Core-x5-Z8350-Computer/dp/B07VDGJNKB/ref=asc_df_B07VDGJNKB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366315397608&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16153532443413106104&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005824&hvtargid=pla-802896926376&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=74356900537&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366315397608&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16153532443413106104&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005824&hvtargid=pla-802896926376

'the best'...

The Best Windows Mini PCs for 2024

Some are bare-bones kits. Others are ready to go out of the box, complete with operating system, RAM, and memory installed. Whatever the form, these Windows micro desktops all deliver surprising features, value, and pep for their size.

www.pcmag.com

Click to expand...

So apparently you paid NO ATTENTION to the thread I posted in 2018 “Reworking My Large System”...
... I built two Zotac Zbox Nono PC’s into my large system rack. There are plenty of pics in that thread. They work great with Traktor, but you need to make sure you get one that meets or exceeds the requirements of your software. I don’t run video, so I have no idea if they’d have enough power to play videos without difficulty. Of course PC’s require monitors, which many DJ’s shun. Good luck trying to buy monitors smaller than 19 inches. I have dual 22” monitors on my system (one for each Nano PC). I have since purchased a couple of more powerful Intel NUC’s, that I tested for using inside a podium system I never built. In testing them, I’m sure they’d handle anything a DJ does. CPU performance never got above 25%. You can’t beat the price on some brands/models, although the Intel NUC’s are kinda pricy. The other thing you need to look for is how they are constructed. In some the components are really packed in, and they have a tendency to overheat under load. The Zotac’s are nicely vented, so no problem there. I’ve also tested a MeeGo stick PC, and it worked fine too. The only problem with a stick PC is the disk drive space is severely limited, so you have to use a hub to add an external drive for music. Having all those little pieces to hook together kinda negates the convenience of the compact size. The nano’s I have can accept a second 2.5” hard drive internally, and the OS is installed on a built in M2 drive. The cost is so low with a nano PC, you can buy one to try out, and if it doesn’t work out, use it as a home computer or give it a family member to use.

IceBurghDJ said:

And now HDMI is being replaced by DisplayPort...1.2 and 1.4...

Click to expand...

Not replaced, they each have their own applications.

HDMI is a consumer standard, you'll find it on consumer electronics and personal computers designed for home users. It's a 1:1 closed path using EDI and HDCP.

Display Port is a corporate and professional standard usually found on corporate PCs and media equipment, but also gaming PCs because the signal can be daisy-chained for up to 4 simultaneous displays. It's more adaptive if the DP standard is retained in the signal path (no inclusion or conversion with HDMI.)

Another popular Mini PC option (used by a lot of folk in the Plex crowd for silent media server) is Intel NUC

I'll stick with what I use to DJ with now. No need to bring a monitor. I do remember the first person I ever say DJing with a computer. He used a PC tower and monitor to do DJ with. I don't know the software program he was using nor do I remember what he was using to actually DJ with in terms of CD players back then. I got to say he did a great job. Looking back that was awsome what he did back then. Now whoever thought about what has evolved with controllers today? It's insane what you can use to DJ with today. Last year I talked my friend I've known for over 10 years to ditch using CD's to DJ with and now he's a computer DJ. He's older then me but he was just like me in the beginning. I was never going to become a computer DJ. Now I can't ever see going back to using CD players and CD's to DJ at an event. Thanks to my partners insisting I start using a computer to DJ with and getting the software VDJ that I still use today with all my music on a portable 2 TB HD, I haven't ever looked back. It's a big relief not to have to carry in books of CD's to use to DJ with.






















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Hi....I have a requirement for a Mini PC so I have bought three unique ones by brand and specs.
All will be running windows 10
I'm interested to know is there anything I can introduce that would run execution tests on them to see which one perform better?
I will utilize it to run a CNC machine and the product for that is fairly light obligation however has a 3d watcher and my agreement that is the most burdening part of the product.

I'm contrasting this with my earlier PC I was utilizing which is an ACER Iconia W700p tablet which booted very quick and the CNC program was completely responsive and the 3d watcher was liquid like.

The explanation I am attempting to change out is the ACER screen is 11.6 and I needed to move to bigger touchscreen and in doing as such needed to utilize a Mini PC to drive it in a light obligation work station.

www.7pcb.com