Budget-Friendly Mini PCs for Students: Discover the Best 22 Models of 2024

In 2024, students are looking for affordable, efficient, and compact solutions to meet their academic needs—without breaking the bank. Budget-friendly mini PCs are the perfect option for those who want the power and functionality of a desktop computer, but in a sleek, portable package. Whether you need a device for research, assignments, streaming lectures, or casual entertainment, mini PCs can deliver exceptional performance at a fraction of the price of traditional desktops. In this guide, we’ll highlight the 22 best budget-friendly mini PCs for students, ensuring you find the perfect model that balances affordability, reliability, and power for all your academic and personal tasks.

GEEKOM Mini PC Mini Air12, Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake N100 (up to 3.4GHz), 16GB DDR5 RAM 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD

• Overview: A compact mini PC powered by Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake N100 processor. It’s designed for everyday tasks, multimedia, and light productivity applications in a small, energy-efficient package.
• Key Features:
• Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake N100 processor (up to 3.4GHz) for basic computing tasks.
• 16GB DDR5 RAM for smooth multitasking.
• 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD for fast boot times and storage.
• Compact design, suitable for home offices or general computing needs.
• Energy-efficient and ideal for users looking for a quiet, space-saving desktop.

$249.00 AT AMAZON

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Beelink EQR6 Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 6600H (Up to 4.5GHz), 16GB DDR5 RAM 500GB PCIe 4.0 SSD

• Overview: A powerful AMD-based mini PC, the Beelink EQR6 is great for both gaming and productivity with a Ryzen 5 processor and fast storage.
• Key Features:
• AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor with turbo boost up to 4.5GHz, excellent for gaming and heavy workloads.
• 16GB DDR5 RAM for fast processing and multitasking.
• 500GB PCIe 4.0 SSD for high-speed storage and quick data access.
• Compact design, ideal for home offices, gaming, and multimedia use.
• Offers solid performance for both work and entertainment.

$269.00 AT AMAZON

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GMKtec Mini PC, Intel N100 Windows 11 Pro (3.4GHz), 16GB DDR4 1TB PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD

• Overview: A budget-friendly, compact desktop powered by Intel’s N100 processor, suitable for general productivity and basic gaming needs.
• Key Features:
• Intel N100 processor (3.4GHz) for entry-level processing power.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking and running light applications.
• 1TB PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD for substantial storage and fast data transfer.
• Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, offering modern operating system features.
• A good option for light business tasks, home offices, or basic media consumption.

$249.99 AT AMAZON

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KAMRUI Mini Gaming PC, AMD Ryzen 7 5800U, 16GB DDR4 512GB SSD

• Overview: A mini gaming PC with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, designed for gaming and demanding applications in a small form factor.
• Key Features:
• AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor, powerful for gaming, media editing, and multitasking.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth performance in multitasking and gaming.
• 512GB SSD for fast storage and quicker load times.
• Ideal for gamers and users who require performance in a compact size.
• Designed to handle gaming, content creation, and more demanding applications.

$269.99 AT AMAZON

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Blackview MP80 Mini PC, Intel 12th N95 (up to 3.4GHz), 16GB LPDDR5 512GB M.2 SSD

• Overview: A compact mini PC powered by Intel’s 12th Gen N95 processor, optimized for everyday computing and light multimedia tasks.
• Key Features:
• Intel 12th Gen N95 processor (up to 3.4GHz) for efficient performance in standard applications.
• 16GB LPDDR5 RAM for fast memory performance.
• 512GB M.2 SSD for quick storage access.
• A compact and energy-efficient device suitable for general home or office use.
• Great for browsing, video streaming, and light office applications.

$199.99 AT AMAZON

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HP Business Desktop ProDesk 400 G6 Desktop Computer - Intel Core i5 10th Gen i5-10500T Hexa-core (6 Core) 2.30 GHz - 8 GB RAM DDR4 SDRAM - 256 GB SSD

• Overview: A compact business desktop featuring an Intel Core i5 processor, designed for professionals needing a reliable workstation for office tasks.
• Key Features:
• Intel Core i5-10500T (6-core) processor, capable of handling daily business applications.
• 8GB DDR4 RAM for essential multitasking.
• 256GB SSD for fast boot times and efficient data storage.
• Compact design for business environments, suitable for office tasks and professional use.
• Cost-effective for businesses requiring essential computing power.

$350.00 AT AMAZON

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ASUS ExpertCenter PN42 Fanless Mini PC System with Quad Core N100, 4GB RAM, M.2 128G SSD

• Overview: An ultra-compact and fanless mini PC, the ASUS ExpertCenter PN42 is perfect for environments that require quiet operation and space-saving designs.
• Key Features:
• Intel N100 Quad Core processor, designed for basic office tasks and media consumption.
• 4GB RAM and 128GB M.2 SSD for basic multitasking and storage.
• Fanless design for silent operation, ideal for libraries, classrooms, and quiet environments.
• Compact form factor, ideal for limited space setups.
• Affordable and low power consumption, suitable for general computing.

$280.00 AT AMAZON

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KAMRUI AK1PLUS Mini PC Alder Lake N97 (up to 3.60 GHz), 16GB DDR4 512GB M.2 SSD

• Overview: A versatile mini PC featuring the Alder Lake N97 processor, suitable for home office or light gaming and productivity tasks.
• Key Features:
• Intel Alder Lake N97 processor (up to 3.60 GHz) for good performance in everyday computing tasks.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking.
• 512GB M.2 SSD for efficient storage and faster file access.
• Small, compact design ideal for limited space setups.
• Suitable for office tasks, media consumption, and light gaming.

$219.00 AT AMAZON

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BOSGAME P3 Mini Gaming PC, AMD Radeon 680M Ryzen 9 6900HX 8C/16T Mini Computer, 16GB DDR5 512GB PCIe SSD

• Overview: A high-performance mini gaming PC with an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, designed for gaming and demanding applications in a compact form factor.
• Key Features:
• AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, perfect for gaming and multitasking.
• Integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics for smooth gaming and media editing.
• 16GB DDR5 RAM for efficient handling of gaming and productivity tasks.
• 512GB PCIe SSD for fast data access and load times.
• A compact gaming PC suitable for both casual and advanced gamers.

$319.99 AT AMAZON

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MINISFORUM UM760 Slim Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS Processor Mini Computer (6C/12T, Up to 5.0GHz), 16GB DDR5 RAM & 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD

• Overview: A slim, high-performance mini PC from MINISFORUM, featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor, perfect for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking.
• Key Features:
• AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor with 6 cores and 12 threads (up to 5.0GHz).
• 16GB DDR5 RAM for smooth multitasking and high-speed data handling.
• 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for ample, ultra-fast storage.
• Slim design with excellent performance, making it ideal for gaming, video editing, and professional tasks.
• Suitable for demanding workloads, offering great performance in a small footprint.

$319.00 AT AMAZON

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ASUS Chromebox 5 with Intel® Core i3-1220P Processor, 8GB Memory, M.2 128G NVMe SSD

• Overview: The ASUS Chromebox 5 is a compact mini PC running Chrome OS, ideal for users seeking a cloud-focused, lightweight system for web-based tasks like browsing, streaming, and office productivity.
• Key Features:
• Intel Core i3-1220P processor for efficient performance in cloud-based applications.
• 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking and general computing.
• 128GB M.2 NVMe SSD for fast boot and storage.
• Chrome OS provides a secure, web-centric environment.
• Ideal for students, offices, or anyone who primarily uses web-based applications and services.

$323.31 AT AMAZON

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MINISFORUM Mini PC NAB6 Lite Intel Core i5-12600H, 12 Cores 16 Threads, up to 4.5GHz, 32GB RAM DDR4, 512GB PCIe4.0 SSD

• Overview: A high-performance mini PC with Intel’s 12th Gen Core i5 processor, designed for gaming, content creation, and demanding tasks in a compact form factor.
• Key Features:
• Intel Core i5-12600H processor with 12 cores and 16 threads (up to 4.5GHz), offering high-performance processing for gaming, multitasking, and heavy workloads.
• 32GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking and running demanding applications.
• 512GB PCIe4.0 SSD for fast data transfer and ample storage space.
• Suitable for gaming, multimedia editing, and professional applications that require substantial power.

$367.99 AT AMAZON

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Beelink EQi12 Dual LAN Mini PC, Intel Core 1220P (10C/12T, up to 4.4GHz), 24GB LPDDR5 5200MHz, 500GB PCIe4.0 SSD

• Overview: A business-focused mini PC with dual LAN support and a high-performance Intel Core 1220P processor, perfect for enterprise and office environments that require robust connectivity and power.
• Key Features:
• Intel Core i5-1220P (10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4GHz), delivering solid performance for business and professional applications.
• 24GB LPDDR5 RAM for efficient multitasking and faster data processing.
• 500GB PCIe4.0 SSD for speedy storage.
• Dual LAN ports offer enhanced networking flexibility and reliability, ideal for business use with high-demand networking.
• Great for office tasks, data analysis, and remote work.

$259.00 AT AMAZON

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DreamQuest Mini PC Windows 11 Home Preinstalled, Intel N100 (up to 3.4GHz), 16GB DDR4, 512GB M.2 SSD

• Overview: A budget-friendly mini PC with Windows 11 preinstalled, powered by Intel’s N100 processor. Ideal for everyday computing, light media consumption, and productivity tasks.
• Key Features:
• Intel N100 processor (up to 3.4GHz) for efficient handling of basic tasks.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth operation of everyday applications.
• 512GB M.2 SSD for fast boot times and sufficient storage for documents and media.
• Preinstalled Windows 11 Home, offering the latest OS features.
• Ideal for general home use, web browsing, document editing, and media streaming.

$169.00 AT AMAZON

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BOSGAME B95 Mini PC Intel 12th Gen N95 (up to 3.4GHz) Mini Desktop Computers Windows 11 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB M.2 SSD

• Overview: A compact, powerful mini PC with the Intel N95 processor, designed for users looking for a reliable device with Windows 11 Pro for professional tasks.
• Key Features:
• Intel 12th Gen N95 processor (up to 3.4GHz) for reliable performance in basic office applications and web tasks.
• 16GB RAM for efficient multitasking and smooth operation.
• 512GB M.2 SSD for quick storage and data access.
• Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, providing enterprise-grade security and productivity features.
• Ideal for business and office use, with a focus on security and stability.

$159.99 AT AMAZON

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BRE NUC Mini PC N7A Intel Core i5-12450H up to 4.4GHz (8C/12T), 16GB DDR4 RAM 512GB NVMe SSD

• Overview: A powerful mini PC for high-performance tasks, featuring an Intel Core i5-12450H processor, perfect for both professional and personal use.
• Key Features:
• Intel Core i5-12450H (8 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4GHz) provides strong performance for demanding tasks like multimedia editing and gaming.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM offers smooth multitasking capabilities.
• 512GB NVMe SSD ensures fast boot times and ample storage.
• Compact and energy-efficient design ideal for office work, home entertainment, and light gaming.

$359.00 AT AMAZON

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iProda Mini PC with Intel Alder Lake N97 CPU (up to 3.6GHz), Mini Desktop Computer with 16GB DDR4 512GB SSD

• Overview: A budget-friendly, compact desktop solution running Windows 11, featuring Intel’s Alder Lake N97 processor for general productivity and media consumption.
• Key Features:
• Intel Alder Lake N97 (up to 3.6GHz) provides efficient performance for day-to-day computing tasks.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth performance for typical workloads like browsing, office work, and media streaming.
• 512GB SSD for fast boot and sufficient storage.
• Pre-installed Windows 11 Home for the latest features and ease of use.

$233.99 AT AMAZON

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ACEMAGICIAN Dual LAN Mini Gaming PC AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD

• Overview: A gaming-focused mini PC with the AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor, ideal for casual gaming and multitasking.
• Key Features:
• AMD Ryzen 7 5825U (8 cores, 16 threads) provides solid performance for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
• Dual LAN ports for better network management and more reliable online gaming or business tasks.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth gaming and productivity.
• 512GB SSD for fast access to games, files, and applications.
• Compact design with dual LAN for enhanced network performance during gaming or streaming.

$349.00 AT AMAZON

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MINIX Fanless Windows 11 Pro Mini PC, Intel 12th Gen N300, NEO Z300-0dB 16GB DDR4, 512GB M.2 PCIe Gen3 x 4 SSD

• Overview: A fanless mini PC featuring Intel’s 12th Gen N300, designed for quiet, energy-efficient performance in professional environments.
• Key Features:
• Intel 12th Gen N300 processor, ideal for light business tasks, web browsing, and general productivity.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM provides good multitasking capabilities.
• 512GB M.2 PCIe Gen3 x 4 SSD offers fast data access and storage.
• Fanless design for quieter operation, making it perfect for office environments or home setups where noise is a concern.
• Windows 11 Pro offers enhanced security and enterprise features.

$339.90 AT AMAZON

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Beelink Mini PC SER5 Pro 5800H, AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (Up to 4.4GHz), 16GB DDR4 1TB M.2 PCIe3.0 SSD

• Overview: A high-performance mini PC for gaming, content creation, and professional tasks, powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor.
• Key Features:
• AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.4GHz) offers exceptional performance for gaming, editing, and multitasking.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth performance for intensive tasks and multitasking.
• 1TB M.2 PCIe3.0 SSD for fast storage with ample space for games, media, and projects.
• Compact design makes it ideal for high-performance tasks while saving space in home or office setups.

$299.00 AT AMAZON

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KAMRUI GK3Plus Mini PC, 8GB DDR4, 256GB M.2 SSD

• Overview: The KAMRUI GK3Plus is an affordable, compact mini PC designed for everyday computing tasks, home office use, or media streaming. It's ideal for users looking for a budget-friendly, space-saving option with decent performance.
• Key Features:
• 8GB DDR4 RAM for handling everyday tasks, such as web browsing, office applications, and media playback.
• 256GB M.2 SSD provides quick storage access, allowing for fast boot times and application launches.
• Compact design, making it an excellent choice for space-constrained environments.
• Suitable for general use, web browsing, light productivity tasks, and media streaming.
• Supports Windows 11, offering access to modern features and security updates.

$139.99 AT AMAZON

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HP Pro Mini 400 G9 Business Mini Desktop Computer, 12th Gen Intel Hexa-Core i5-12500T (Beat i7-11700T), 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD

• Overview: The HP Pro Mini 400 G9 is a powerful, business-focused mini PC designed for professional environments that require reliability, efficiency, and performance. It's ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and users who need robust computing for office tasks and productivity.
• Key Features:
• Intel Core i5-12500T (12th Gen, Hexa-Core) processor, delivering strong performance, surpassing the i7-11700T for multi-threaded workloads and productivity tasks.
• 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking and running demanding office applications.
• 512GB SSD offers fast storage with ample space for documents, software, and media files.
• Compact, space-saving form factor perfect for business use in office spaces, workstations, and desks with limited room.
• Supports Windows 11 Pro for enhanced security and business features such as domain join and BitLocker.

$349.00 AT AMAZON

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For students, a budget-friendly mini PC offers an ideal combination of cost-effectiveness and convenience, providing a full desktop experience without the hefty price tag. The 22 models featured in this guide offer excellent performance for everyday tasks like browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption, all while saving valuable desk space. With various options available in terms of processing power, storage, and connectivity, there’s a mini PC that can cater to every student’s needs. By choosing the right mini PC from this list, you can ensure a smooth, productive academic year while keeping costs low.