4 Best Mini PCs with Thunderbolt 3 in 2024

By Robin Owens 11 days ago, Hardware

The best mini PCs with Thunderbolt 3 on the market.

best mini pcs with thunderbolt 3

Are you looking for the best mini PC with Thunderbolt 3 and need some help? Then this post is a great find for you. We will tell you about the best options and you can easily choose the one that suits you most.

Top 4 Best Mini PCs with Thunderbolt 3

  1. Apple Mac Mini - Our Choice
  2. Intel NUC - Easily upgradable
  3. Asus ProArt PA90 - Stylish
  4. Intel Hades Canyon - Internal power supply

We've compiled a list of great mini PCs with different processing power values equal to a computer. They also provide the speed of Thunderbolt 3 and are as convenient to use as laptops. You will surely find the best mini PC with Thunderbolt 3 after reading this review.

1. Apple Mac Mini

Our Choice
best mini pc with thunderbolt 3 apple mac

CPU: Intel Core i5 | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 8 GB | Storage: 512 GB | Weight: 4.59 pounds

  • ✚ The cheapest Mac available now
  • ✚ A wide choice of connectivity options
  • ✚ iWork and iLife are included
  • No upgrading possibilities
  • Comes without a keyboard and mouse
Rating

This Apple mini PC with Thunderbolt 3 is one of the most affordable options on our list. While a mouse and keyboard are not included in the package, you get a pretty powerful device for the money. Its specifications deserve a lot of compliments and ensure great performance. Of course, such a device is not a budgetary option. However, if you compare its price tag with what competitors charge, you’ll understand this is a good value for money.

With a wide range of connection options, you can combine this mini PC with various devices for more convenient operation. What's more, it has the most universal and powerful port ever - Thunderbolt 3. This option also has a higher frame rate thanks to the higher throughput of the new HDMI 2.0 port. The Mac Mini features faster data transfer even of large files using a 10 Gigabit Ethernet connection.

2. Intel NUC

Easily upgradable
best mini pc with thunderbolt 3 intel nuc

CPU: Intel Quad-Core i7 | GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 | RAM: 8 GB | Storage: 512 GB | Weight: 2.5 pounds

  • ✚ Awesome computing power due to Core i7 and Iris Plus graphics
  • ✚ Features Thunderbolt 3
  • ✚ Easily upgradable
  • ✚ Can be used with two drives (one M.2, one 2.5-inch)
  • You have to pay for storage, memory, and (possibly) OS
Rating

This is one of the most popular desktop mini PCs with Thunderbolt from Intel. It runs on pre-installed a 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7-8559U quad-core processor. You can add up to 32GB of DDR4 2400 MHz memory chips in two available SO-DIMM slots. This model is packed with a single MicroSDXC slot.

You can also use an M.2 SSD and a 2.5""storage drive to handle mid-range software. The performance of the primary storage can be improved with Intel Optane memory which is supported by the M.2 slot. To use this mini PC you need to install the operating system and the storage drive based on your personal preferences.

3. Asus ProArt PA90

Stylish
best mini pc with thunderbolt 3 asus proart pa90

CPU: Intel Core i7 | GPU: NVIDIA Quadro P4000 Graphics | RAM: 16 GB | Storage: 512 GB | Weight: 11.15 pounds

  • ✚ Elegant design
  • ✚ Great features for the money
  • ✚ ISV certification
  • ✚ Noiseless operation
  • You need to add two external power bricks
  • Too large Wi-Fi antenna
Rating

This is the best mini PC with Thunderbolt 3 for professional needs. It boasts ISV certification and amazing Nvidia Quadro graphics. What's more, it includes dual-drive storage and an eight-core processor to handle almost any professional-grade task.

Its performance is sufficient for rendering 3D models, running engineering simulations, creating content, and other demanding operations. Of course, its price is quite high and not every user can afford to purchase this incredibly powerful and compact device.

4. Intel Hades Canyon

Internal power supply
best mini pc with thunderbolt 3 intel hades canyon

CPU: Intel Core i7 | GPU: | RAM: 32 GB | Storage: 2 TB | Weight: 6.66 pounds

  • ✚ Fantastic performance
  • ✚ Ability to upgrade up to full desktop PC capabilities
  • ✚ Internal power supply
  • ✚ Amazing port selection
  • Costs a lot
Rating

This is one of the most stylish desktop mini PCs with Thunderbolt. It has VR and AAA capabilities and is great for premium use. It is very compact and portable. A good selection of connection options is another advantage of this product.

In addition to traditional desktop connections and ports, this mini PC allows up to six independent 4K displays to be connected. Plus, it runs virtually silently for an impressive VR experience. It is already unlocked and capable of fantastic performance.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
best mini pc with thunderbolt 3 apple mac
Apple Mac Mini
Our Choice
  • CPU: Intel Core i5
  • GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 512 GB
CHECK PRICE
best mini pc with thunderbolt 3 intel nuc
Intel NUC
Easily upgradable
  • CPU: Intel Quad-Core i7
  • GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 512 GB
CHECK PRICE
best mini pc with thunderbolt 3 asus proart pa90
Asus ProArt PA90
Stylish
  • CPU: Intel Core i7
  • GPU: NVIDIA Quadro P4000 Graphics
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Storage: 512 GB
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best Mini PC with Thunderbolt 3?

best mini pc with thunderbolt 3

Price

The cost of mini computers varies depending on the type and specifications. You will pay under 50 US dollars for a compact project PC. Desktop mini PCs with Thunderbolt can cost up to $1,000 or more. If you are looking for something universal and ready to spend from $100 to $200, then stick computers are worth considering. You can use them with most TVs or monitors. Hardware mainly affects the cost of a mini PC.

Form Factor

Although mini computers are small in size, all models are different. There are so compact options that you can put them in your pocket. Other tabletop models are slightly larger, but you can easily carry them around too. Although you can put your mini PC with Thunderbolt 3 in your bag and its power is inferior to full-fledged desktop computers, it has a sufficiently high performance and can be used as a workstation or for gaming.

Configuration Options

mini pc with thunderbolt 3

When choosing the best mini PC with Thunderbolt 3, you should take into account upgrade capabilities and the configuration options. Manufacturers usually supply mini PCs with two or three configuration options. As a result, you can modify almost any part from onboard storage to high-performance processors and discrete graphics. Upgradeability is a sticking point for many minicomputers. They are so small that you can’t upgrade some of the models. Other options let you expand storage and memory, or add external graphics using dedicated ports. Check out our review to find out more about the configurations of the best mini PCs and the possibility to upgrade them.

FAQ

  • • Where can I find a cheap mini PС with Thunderbolt 3?

If you are on a budget or don't want to spend too much, you can go to Amazon and choose an inexpensive model that suits you.

  • • Which minicomputer with Thunderbolt 3 is the best in 2024?

Apple Mac Mini is the most requested option at the moment.

  • • What Mini PC with Thunderbolt 3 features the highest performance?

If you are looking for impressive performance, then we recommend considering Intel Hades Canyon.

  • • Which Thunderbolt 3 mini PC is the most stylish in 2024?

Choose Asus ProArt PA90 if you need an elegant design combined with powerful features. It is one of the best Thunderbolt 3 mini PC in 2024.

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