Barebones and Mini PCs don't have the popularity they deserve. Geeks are fond of barebones but generally users either haven't heard about a barebone at all, or they think that since this is a smaller computer, it is less powerful. Well, this is not true! A barebone has similar parameters to the parameters of a standard computer and they are certainly not less powerful.
Advantages of Barebone PCs
Barebone PCs are just an ordinary computer in a SFF (Small Form Factor) case. As a result of that, they have some advantages, such as:
- More compact. Mini PCs come in several sizes and the typical Shuttle barebone is about a quarter to a third of the size of an ATX computer case. Such a Mini PC is definitely larger than a laptop but still it needs less space than an ordinary computer. Additionally, unlike a laptop, a Mini PC can be connected to a large monitor.
- More portable. A Mini PC is smaller than an ordinary ATX computer case, which also means it is more portable. Well, again a Mini PC can't be compared to a laptop, not to mention a netbook but still it is light-weight enough to be carried without a problem even by a kid.
- Custom selection of parts. As with any PC one builds for himself or herself rather than buy a ready-made configuration, it is possible to choose exactly what components to include. The choice is limitless, provided that the components are compatible. For instance, if the barebone is with a motherboard for an AMD CPU, then it is obvious that the choice excludes Intel CPUs (which is also true for standard PCs).
Disadvantages of Barebone PCs
The disadvantages barebone PCs have a quite minor but they need to be mentioned:
- Price. As a rule, a barebone case and motherboard cost 20-50% more than a standard ATX case and motherboard. Actually, the difference is not that substantial because if a standard case and motherboard cost $150, then their barebone equivalent will be $200-225, which is not that much when all the advantages (and charm) of barebones are concerned.
- Cooling. Since the case is smaller, the air inside gets hotter. However, barebone manufacturers are aware of this and they have designed special cooling to meet the demands of SFF cases.
- Needs to be assembled. For a user the task to assemble a computer could be a pretty daunting one. Well, it is possible to find an assembled barebone configuration, so this is also not an issue to worry about.
Overall, barebone PCs are really cute and their advantages outweigh their disadvantages. This is why the final verdict is that a barebone PC/laptop is a good buy.
Tsveti Georgieva - I have been a full-time freelancer since 2005. Before that I was a serial job quitter and but now I have finally found a job - i.e. ...
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