Budget mini PCs are useful little computers that do more than their size suggests for most daily tasks, but they’re not perfect. Here is a closer look at what these small computers can do and where they might fall short so you can decide if one is for you.

What you can do

• Daily internet browsing and productivity: Surf the web, sort emails, compose documents, or work spreadsheets easily with tools like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Streaming and entertainment: Stream uninterrupted 4K video on Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+, or use it as a media center for your TV.
• Light multitasking: Employ many tabs, video conferencing on Zoom or Teams, and basic photo editing without any lag.
• Home office setup: Plug into multiple monitors for efficient work, or use it for online schooling and remote courses.
• Casual gaming: Use for lighter content or emulators, but not at max settings—look to indie games or older games.

Things you can’t do (or might struggle with)

• Gaming heavy-duty: AAA games with heavy graphics will lag or require low settings; these aren’t intended for 4K AAA games.
• Heavy video editing or 3D rendering: Heavy software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Blender may crawl or not function without upgrades.
• Professional workloads: Tasks like data analysis with big data, CAD modeling, or virtual machines would be putting stress on the hardware.
• Extensive upgrades: Even though some allow RAM or storage replacement, you can’t easily add an accelerated GPU or redesign the system like a full desktop.
• Running resource-intensive programs: Apps needing a lot of CPU/GPU, like state-of-the-art AI programs or simulations, won’t operate at their best.

Overall, budget mini PCs are great for casual and productivity use, but demanding tasks need mid-range or higher. They’re a smart pick if your needs fall within their abilities, offering great bang for your buck in an incredibly small package.