Best mini PCs under 200€ in 2025: Intel N100 and more

What can mini PCs with Intel N100 do?

The Intel N100 processor, with its 4 cores, 4 threads, and a TDP of just 6W, delivers impressive performance for a mini PC under 200€. Here’s what it can do:

Smooth office work and multitasking

The N100 handles office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Docs), web browsing with many tabs, and multiple lightweight apps simultaneously with ease. With 16 GB of RAM, multitasking becomes even more comfortable.

Excellent multimedia center

With hardware support for modern video formats like AV1 (used by YouTube, Netflix), the N100 excels at playing 4K videos at 60 Hz on two screens. It’s ideal for Kodi, Plex (client), VLC, or as a media player for your TV.

Efficient and powerful home server

With its low power consumption (6W), the N100 is perfect for 24/7 operation. It can power apps like Home Assistant, a software NAS (OpenMediaVault, TrueNAS Scale basic), Pi-hole, a VPN server, or a small Plex/Jellyfin server for direct streaming or 1-2 light 1080p transcodes. Models with dual LAN, like the Beelink EQ12, are ideal for a pfSense/OPNsense router.

Light gaming and emulation

The integrated Intel UHD Graphics allows playing lightweight games (Indies, League of Legends, CS:GO at low settings), older titles (up to around 2010, in 720p/low), and running emulation for consoles up to PS1, N64, or Dreamcast. Some GameCube/PS2 games are playable with optimized settings. It’s also a great machine for Cloud Gaming (GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud).

Programming and web development

The N100 can easily run IDEs like VS Code, local development servers, or tools like Docker (within the limits of available RAM), making it a good choice for beginner developers or light projects.

Does the N100 make a difference compared to cheaper chips?

Yes, the N100 offers a significant improvement over cheaper chips like Celeron or Atom. Compared to a Celeron N5095, it provides about 20-25% better performance, especially in multitasking and graphics processing, thanks to its UHD Graphics GPU with 24 execution units. Compared to an N95, the difference is more subtle (5-10%), but the N100 remains a more modern and efficient choice.

Buying tips for a mini PC under 200€

• RAM: 8 GB is enough for basic use, but 16 GB provides noticeable comfort for multitasking. The price difference is often small, so opt for 16 GB if possible.
• Storage: 256 GB is a minimum, but 500/512 GB is more comfortable. Check if it’s an NVMe SSD (faster) or SATA. Most models allow adding a second 2.5″ SATA drive.
• Connectivity: Ensure the ports (USB, HDMI, Ethernet) meet your needs. Wi-Fi 6 is a plus. The dual 2.5GbE Ethernet on the Beelink EQ12 is an advantage for network projects.
• Promotions: Keep an eye on special offers on Amazon, AliExpress, or brand websites. These models are often on sale, sometimes under 170€.