Mini PCs are becoming popular space-efficient desktop PCs. I know this because I just bought one of the smallest mini PCs, the GMKtec G5, and now have oodles more space on my desk.
These tiny devices offer decent performance while consuming little power. Despite their tiny size, many mini PCs can be upgraded. That upgradability is a great way to extend the lifespan of the device or to increase performance above and beyond the default performance. But what parts can be upgraded? Here we take a look.
RAM
RAM upgrades are one of the most popular upgrades people make to mini PCs because they can result in a big uptick to performance at a low cost. Some mini PCs come with empty RAM slots for adding extra modules. You’ll need to make sure the RAM isn’t soldered onto the motherboard though, as is the case in some laptops.
Storage
Another easy performance enhancement is to upgrade the storage. Again, many PCs come with spare slots for M.2 drive storage, so that the user can simply add in a new one. Some mini PCs, like the Geekom Mini Air Lite, support both SATA and NVMe SSDs (see our roundup of the best SSDs for recommendations). Some even support dual storage options so you can have both an SSD and an HDD for a larger storage capacity.
CPU
In most desktop PCs, upgrading the CPU can significantly improve performance. The thing is that CPUs in most mini PCs come soldered onto the motherboard or are limited by socket compatibility. There may be a few models that allow upgrading, but most don’t, so this upgrade is not usually a viable option in most mini PCs.
GPU
There are some models that allow you to upgrade the GPU but these are relatively rare. One such mini PC is the Intel NUC 9 Pro, which comes with plenty of space and PCIe connectivity to add a discrete graphics card up to 8 inches in length.
Most don’t have the space though, or they feature integrated graphics, where the graphics chip is integrated into the CPU and can’t be upgraded.
Where you don’t have the option to update a GPU internally, you may be able to hook up an external GPU (eGPU) via a Thunderbolt port. This offers a viable solution for upgrading the graphics performance in compatible mini PCs.
Limitations on mini PC upgradability
Even though you can upgrade mini PCs, they have certain limitations on their upgradability. The first limitation is size — mini PCs have tightly packed components limiting the number of additional parts that can be added.
Power supply is another issue. Mini PCs typically come with smaller power adapters which might not support the power needs of all upgraded components.
Thermal limitations are also something to think about, since mini PCs have very limited space for cooling. Upgrading parts can shift the thermals from cool to running hot upsetting the delicate thermal balance, so that’s something to be mindful of.
Bonnie Bayley
Then there are limitations from the manufacturer side. Some manufacturers build mini PCs with limited upgradability in mind; they often require specialized tools to access the components or in some cases the components may be soldered onto the motherboard leaving no room for upgrades.
Other considerations
Just like you would with a full-sized desktop computer, you’ll need to find the right components to fit your model of mini PC, as not all storge drives and RAM are compatible with all mini PCs. Some mini PCs also require BIOS or UEFI updates before supporting new components.
You also don’t want to spend too much money. The cost of any upgrades needs to be weighed against the outright cost of a mini PC. Sometimes the cost of upgrading components can be very close to the cost of a new unit. So before upgrading, compare the cost of potential performance gains versus simply buying a more powerful device.
It’s also important to note that upgrading most mini PCs will void the manufacturer’s warranty, so you might want to hold off upgrading during the warranty period.
If you plan on upgrading your mini PC be sure to research your upgrades thoroughly and read your manufacturer’s specifications for best results.
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