Buying Guide

The Best Compact Mini PC

Five gaming PCs ranked on memory and SSD capacity; the Trycoo 512GB is the cheapest route in.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

An assembled desktop PC with the side panel open
Illustrative image

A compact mini PC takes almost no desk space. Every pick has a mini or compact design, ordered from the lowest listed price.

Rankings weigh graphics card, processor and memory as the makers state them; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing rather than guess, since we have not benched them.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Lowest Price Here

    Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 512GB)

    Undercutting the Glorlin 6800H on price when we checked.

    Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Glorlin 6800H.

    Check price for Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 512GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Also Consider

    Glorlin Mini PC (Ryzen 7 6800H, Radeon 680M)

    A 1TB SSD with a Ryzen 7 6800H.

    Best for: Buyers who want 1TB SSD with a Ryzen 7 6800H.

    Check price for Glorlin Mini PC (Ryzen 7 6800H, Radeon 680M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Worth a Look

    MINISFORUM UM880 Plus (Ryzen 7 8845HS, Radeon 780M)

    An OCuLink port for an external graphics card.

    Best for: Buyers who want OCuLink port for an external graphics card.

    Check price for MINISFORUM UM880 Plus (Ryzen 7 8845HS, Radeon 780M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  4. Premium Pick

    MINISFORUM UM890 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HS, Radeon 780M)

    Two USB4 ports and dual 2.5Gb LAN at the highest price in the group.

    Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Trycoo 512GB costs less.

    Check price for MINISFORUM UM890 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HS, Radeon 780M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Lowest Price Here1 of 5

Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 512GB)

The Trycoo 512GB build pairs a Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M integrated graphics, 16GB of DDR5-5600 and a 512GB SSD.

Best for

Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Glorlin 6800H.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing.
Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 512GB)

Why we like it

It also comes with USB4 and dual LAN near $420. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. On memory it ties with the Glorlin 6800H and the UM690L Slim at 16GB.

On SSD capacity it ties with the UM690L Slim at 512GB. A radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the UM690L Slim uses a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card. A ryzen 5 7640HS processor is unique to it among these picks, while the UM690L Slim uses a ryzen 9 6900HX processor.

You get a DDR5-5600 memory type here, which sets it apart from the UM890 Pro and its a DDR5 memory type. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Glorlin 6800H was closest.

Key specs

Graphics card
Radeon 760M (integrated)
Processor
Ryzen 5 7640HS
Memory
16GB
Memory type
DDR5-5600
SSD
512GB

Pros

  • A Radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card
  • USB4 and dual LAN near $420
  • Ryzen 5 7640HS processor, the only one here
  • DDR5-5600 memory type, the only one here

Cons

  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
  • A 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
  • Memory of 16GB, behind the UM880 Plus (32GB)

The catch

What it gives up: memory of 16GB, behind the UM880 Plus (32GB); by contrast, the UM880 Plus offers 32GB.

Also Consider2 of 5

Glorlin Mini PC (Ryzen 7 6800H, Radeon 680M)

The Glorlin 6800H build pairs a Ryzen 7 6800H, Radeon 680M integrated graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5 and a 1TB SSD.

Best for

Buyers who want 1TB SSD with a Ryzen 7 6800H.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing.
Glorlin Mini PC (Ryzen 7 6800H, Radeon 680M)

Why we like it

There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. It matches the Trycoo 512GB and the UM690L Slim on memory (16GB). It matches the UM880 Plus and the UM890 Pro on SSD capacity (1TB).

Like the UM690L Slim, it has a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card, while the UM880 Plus uses a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 7 6800H processor; compare the UM880 Plus, which has a ryzen 7 8845HS processor. Like the UM690L Slim, it has an LPDDR5 memory type, while the Trycoo 512GB uses a DDR5-5600 memory type.

Check the Glorlin 6800H's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Trycoo 512GB and the pricier UM690L Slim, at the time of writing.

Key specs

Graphics card
Radeon 680M (integrated)
Processor
Ryzen 7 6800H
Memory
16GB
Memory type
LPDDR5
SSD
1TB

Pros

  • A Radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card
  • 1TB SSD with a Ryzen 7 6800H
  • Eight-core Ryzen 7 6800H
  • SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the Trycoo 512GB

Cons

  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
  • Costs more than the Trycoo 512GB at the time of writing

Strong Alternative3 of 5

MINISFORUM UM690L Slim (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M)

The UM690L Slim build pairs a Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M integrated graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5 and a 512GB SSD.

Best for

Buyers who want slim chassis with USB4.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing.
MINISFORUM UM690L Slim (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M)

Why we like it

It also comes with a slim chassis with USB4. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. On memory it ties with the Trycoo 512GB and the Glorlin 6800H at 16GB.

It shares a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card with the Glorlin 6800H; the Trycoo 512GB goes with a radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card. A ryzen 9 6900HX processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Glorlin 6800H uses a ryzen 7 6800H processor. It shares an LPDDR5 memory type with the Glorlin 6800H; the UM890 Pro goes with a DDR5 memory type.

Check the UM690L Slim's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. When we checked, only the Glorlin 6800H and cheaper picks cost less, and the UM880 Plus cost more.

Key specs

Graphics card
Radeon 680M (integrated)
Processor
Ryzen 9 6900HX
Memory
16GB
Memory type
LPDDR5
SSD
512GB

Pros

  • A Radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card
  • Slim chassis with USB4
  • 16GB of LPDDR5 memory
  • Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, the only one here

Cons

  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
  • A 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
  • Memory trails the UM880 Plus (32GB)

The catch

Memory is its weakest area, and the UM880 Plus covers it better at 32GB.

Worth a Look4 of 5

MINISFORUM UM880 Plus (Ryzen 7 8845HS, Radeon 780M)

UM880 Plus pairs a Ryzen 7 8845HS with Radeon 780M integrated graphics, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.

Best for

Buyers who want OCuLink port for an external graphics card.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Trycoo 512GB, which cost less when we checked.
MINISFORUM UM880 Plus (Ryzen 7 8845HS, Radeon 780M)

Why we like it

It also comes with an OCuLink port for an external graphics card. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. It matches the UM890 Pro on memory (32GB).

It matches the Glorlin 6800H and the UM890 Pro on SSD capacity (1TB). Like the UM890 Pro, it has a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card, while the Glorlin 6800H uses a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 7 8845HS processor; compare the UM690L Slim, which has a ryzen 9 6900HX processor.

Like the UM890 Pro, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the Glorlin 6800H uses an LPDDR5 memory type. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper UM690L Slim and the pricier UM890 Pro, at the time of writing.

Key specs

Graphics card
Radeon 780M (integrated)
Processor
Ryzen 7 8845HS
Memory
32GB
Memory type
DDR5
SSD
1TB

Pros

  • A Radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card
  • 32GB of RAM
  • OCuLink port for an external graphics card
  • SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the Trycoo 512GB

Cons

  • Costs more than the Trycoo 512GB at the time of writing

Premium Pick5 of 5

MINISFORUM UM890 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HS, Radeon 780M)

Inside the UM890 Pro are a Ryzen 9 8945HS and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 1TB of SSD storage.

Best for

Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Trycoo 512GB costs less.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Trycoo 512GB, which cost less when we checked.
MINISFORUM UM890 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HS, Radeon 780M)

Why we like it

It also comes with two USB4 ports and dual 2.5Gb LAN. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. On memory it ties with the UM880 Plus at 32GB.

On SSD capacity it ties with the Glorlin 6800H and the UM880 Plus at 1TB. It shares a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card with the UM880 Plus; the Glorlin 6800H goes with a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card. A ryzen 9 8945HS processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Glorlin 6800H uses a ryzen 7 6800H processor.

It shares a DDR5 memory type with the UM880 Plus; the Trycoo 512GB goes with a DDR5-5600 memory type. Check the UM890 Pro's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. At our last price check it topped the group, with the UM880 Plus the nearest cheaper option.

Key specs

Graphics card
Radeon 780M (integrated)
Processor
Ryzen 9 8945HS
Memory
32GB
Memory type
DDR5
SSD
1TB

Pros

  • A Radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card
  • 32GB of RAM
  • Two USB4 ports and dual 2.5Gb LAN
  • SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the Trycoo 512GB

Cons

  • Costs more than the Trycoo 512GB at the time of writing

How We Chose

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

A compact PC in a clear acrylic case on a shelf
A compact PC in a clear acrylic case on a shelf
The figures behind the order
We set side by side five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, processor, memory and memory type, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and all 5 compared fields are stated for every pick.
What every pick has in common
All 5, from the Trycoo 512GB to the UM890 Pro, state graphics card, processor and memory.
Who each pick suits
The Trycoo 512GB for undercutting the Glorlin 6800H on price when we checked; the Glorlin 6800H for a 1TB SSD with a Ryzen 7 6800H; the UM690L Slim for a slim chassis with USB4.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the Trycoo 512GB ($250 to $500) to the UM890 Pro ($500 to $1000).

What to Look for in a Compact Mini PC

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Memory across these picks

    Here memory runs from 16GB on the UM690L Slim to 32GB on the UM880 Plus, a 100% spread. The UM880 Plus is the pick for memory.

  2. How much SSD capacity you need

    Across these 5 picks SSD capacity spans 512GB (the UM690L Slim) to 1TB (the Glorlin 6800H). Start with the Glorlin 6800H if SSD capacity decides it.

    A slim black mini PC with a perforated top
    A slim black mini PC with a perforated top
  3. Processor

    The Trycoo 512GB lists Ryzen 5 7640HS; the Glorlin 6800H lists Ryzen 7 6800H; the UM690L Slim lists Ryzen 9 6900HX; the UM880 Plus lists Ryzen 7 8845HS; the UM890 Pro lists Ryzen 9 8945HS. Sort out processor before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 1, 1, 1, 1 and 1.

  4. Memory type

    The Trycoo 512GB lists DDR5-5600; the Glorlin 6800H and the UM690L Slim list LPDDR5; the UM880 Plus and the UM890 Pro list DDR5. Sort out memory type before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 2, 2 and 1.

    A mini PC with cables attached beside a monitor and keyboard
    A mini PC with cables attached beside a monitor and keyboard
  5. What to check at home

    Check the Trycoo 512GB's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.

How to Choose a Compact Mini PC

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Glorlin 6800HTrycoo 512GBUndercutting the Glorlin 6800H on price when we checked
Buyers who want 1TB SSD with a Ryzen 7 6800HGlorlin 6800HA 1TB SSD with a Ryzen 7 6800H
Buyers who want slim chassis with USB4UM690L SlimA slim chassis with USB4
Buyers who want OCuLink port for an external graphics cardUM880 PlusAn OCuLink port for an external graphics card
Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Trycoo 512GB costs lessUM890 ProTwo USB4 ports and dual 2.5Gb LAN at the highest price in the group

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A small form factor PC with its cover off showing the internals
A small form factor PC with its cover off showing the internals

Key specs side by side

The UM880 Plus leads on memory at 32GB, ahead of the UM890 Pro at 32GB.

Prebuilt PCGraphics cardProcessorMemoryMemory type
Trycoo 512GBRadeon 760M (integrated)Ryzen 5 7640HS16GBDDR5-5600
Glorlin 6800HRadeon 680M (integrated)Ryzen 7 6800H16GBLPDDR5
UM690L SlimRadeon 680M (integrated)Ryzen 9 6900HX16GBLPDDR5
UM880 PlusRadeon 780M (integrated)Ryzen 7 8845HS32GBDDR5
UM890 ProRadeon 780M (integrated)Ryzen 9 8945HS32GBDDR5

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The Trycoo 512GB was the lowest-priced pick ($250 to $500) and the UM890 Pro the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierPrebuilt PCs
About $250 to $500Trycoo 512GB, Glorlin 6800H, UM690L Slim
About $500 to $1000UM880 Plus, UM890 Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the UM890 Pro add over the Trycoo 512GB?

The spec sheets show memory (32GB against 16GB) and SSD capacity (1TB against 512GB) in its favour. On our last price check the Trycoo 512GB was in the $250 to $500 tier and the UM890 Pro in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if memory and SSD capacity decide your purchase.

Why is the UM890 Pro our Premium Pick?

The label rests on two USB4 ports and dual 2.5Gb LAN at the highest price in the group. The Trycoo 512GB, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Trycoo 512GB costs less.

Do the Trycoo 512GB and the Glorlin 6800H differ on graphics card?

The Trycoo 512GB uses Radeon 760M (integrated); the Glorlin 6800H and the UM690L Slim use Radeon 680M (integrated); the UM880 Plus and the UM890 Pro use Radeon 780M (integrated).

Will the UM690L Slim work with my setup?

Check the UM690L Slim's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The UM690L Slim's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks third of 5, and fifth of 5 on memory (16GB).

What extras do the Trycoo 512GB and the Glorlin 6800H include?

The Trycoo 512GB: USB4 and dual LAN near $420. The Glorlin 6800H: a 1TB SSD with a Ryzen 7 6800H. The UM690L Slim: a slim chassis with USB4.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the Trycoo 512GB, chosen for undercutting the Glorlin 6800H on price when we checked. Look at the Glorlin 6800H for a 1TB SSD with a Ryzen 7 6800H, the UM690L Slim for a slim chassis with USB4 and the UM880 Plus for an OCuLink port for an external graphics card if those matter more to you.

Integrated graphics suit light games; check the GPU line before buying for gaming.

About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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