With so much choice out there, it can be hard to make the right buying decision. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to the best mini pc for emulation you can find today.
Emulation is software which lets you enables one computer system to behave like another computer system. Emulation refers to the ability of a computer program in an electronic device to emulate (or imitate) another program or device. The most common use of emulations is to run a different operating system or video games. So we sometimes need emulation software to perform many tasks.
Nowadays with desktops and laptops, we widely use mini pc. Mini pc provides great performance and people looking for it. Many people need a mini pc to run various software and emulation is one of them. So many of you may be searching for a mini pc for emulation.
Find out the best mini pc for emulation is not an easy job because there are many options that are available. So in this article, we list our top 10 best mini pc for emulation. We will discuss their important features, pros, and cons. It will help you to choose the perfect one for you. So let’s start!
Our Top Picks Best Mini PC For Emulation:
We have enlisted the best mini pc for emulation for you that will give you the ultimate experience. Our team of experts has done extensive research and have come up with the list of these mini pc with endless features.
1. Intel NUC NUC8i5BEK Mini PC/HTPC – Best PC For Emulation
We will start our list with this mini PC. It is an all-rounder mini pc. It is perfect for emulation and retro games. The body is made of aluminum and it has a glossy design and also lightweight. This mini pc can support 4K resolution and offers crystal-clear visuals. It can easily connect more than 3 keyboards.
This has Windows 10 OS and a 64-bit system. It is integrated by an 8th generation Intel Core i5-8259U processor which works up to 3.8GHz frequency. This powerful processor works on 4 cores. For graphics, it has Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655. It provides awesome performance. It has 16GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB M.2 PCle SSD storage. M.2 Pcle is a better version of normal SSD and you can upgrade the storage. The connection ports are 4x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x thunderbolt 3, 1x HDMI, micro SD card reader, LAN port, and combo audio port. So this is a perfect option for a mini pc for emulation.
- STANDARD VERSION: This configuration is our STANDARD version, which includes 32GB of memory and an Intel 660p 1TB M.2 NVMe/SSD.
- EXTENSIVE CONNECTIVITY: Access the power of the 10th generation Intel Core i7-10710U SIX-Core processor through any of the following connections: Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0a (both of which support 4K displays); USB-C (super fast data transfer); USB-3.1 Type A (1 front; 2 back); WiFi 6 (Wireless-AX MAC 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax for blazing fast wireless speeds on newer routers); Bluetooth 5; and a Gigabit ethernet adapter.
- UPGRADES FOR LIFE: We automatically enroll your NUC in this one-of-a-kind program. Tech Wizards at The Lake provides FREE LABOR for any upgrade to your memory, NVMe/M.2, or 2.5 SATA III drive. All you pay for is shipping (both directions). We are also a Gold Level Intel Technology Partner, so you know you can trust our product. And we take great pride in offering “old-school” customer service.
- UPGRADE FRIENDLY: We install single-channel memory (one slot filled) in all configurations that are less than 64GB. Though this results in the NUC running a few milliseconds slower, which few people notice, it means you only need to buy another stick of memory, if/when you decide to upgrade, rather than having to buy two new sticks. If you prefer to have your machine configured with dual-channel memory just send us a message and order directly from us. We will gladly accommodate you.
- NO BLOATWARE: We manually perform a clean installation of Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit (license included in the price), and load all necessary drivers. We also download the updates for Windows up to the day we ship the NUC to you or to Amazon for them to fulfill with Prime. Finally, we record serial numbers for the NUC and all its components. This way of operating gives us (and you) confidence that your computer is in good working condition before we ship it.
2. Apple Mac Mini
Apple is one of the top brands and this is a fantastic choice for you. It has a slim and aesthetic design and also lightweight. This mini pc supports 4K resolution and gives cinematic visuals. It is response brilliantly while running macOS Mojave and other software like emulation.
It is integrated by an 8th generation Intel Core i3-8100B processor. This processor work on both quad and Hexa-Core and it has speed up to 4.6GHz with Turbo Boost technology. It has Intel UHD 630 graphics which excellent for editing and multi-tasking. You can also add eGPU for better performance. If we talk about memory it has 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 RAM and comes with 128GB PCle SSD storage. The only disadvantage is that it has limited upgradability. The connection ports are 4x Thunderbolt port, 1x HDMI 2.0, and 2x USB 3 ports. So overall it is an awesome option for emulation.
- Quad-core i3 8th-Generation Intel Core Processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 8GB 2666MHz DDR4
- Ultrafast SSD storage
- Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, one HDMI 2. 0 port, and two USB 3 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11AC Wi-Fi
- The latest version of macOS
3. AWOW Mini PC – Best Mini PC For N64 Emulator
This is one of the best selling mini pc from AWOW and fantastic for emulation. It is ideal for business or daily uses. It has VSA standards design and comes with air vents with big gaps. These gaps may be an issue for the dusty area. This mini supports dual display with 4K support.
It has Windows 10 OS and a 64-bit system. This mini pc is integrated with an Intel Celeron N3450 Quad-Core processor. The graphics processor is Intel HD graphics 500. This processor and graphics are capable to run various software and apps. It has 6GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB M.2 PCle SSD storage. You can expand the memory by 2.5” SATA III SSD/HDD, Micro SD Card up to 256GB. A built-in fan keeps your mini pc cool. The connection ports are Dual LAN port, combo audio port, Micro SD card slot, USB 3.0 Type-A, and HDMI 1.4 port. So overall with solid performance, connectivity, and multi-features this mini pc is a great choice for emulation and other activities.
Better yet, it also gets our vote as among the best mini pc for n64 emulator, especially from a value perspective.
- ✹ Super-fast Mini PC Windows 10 : 9th Intel Celeron J4115 processor quad core, Its base operating frequency 1.8 GHz/s rising to a 2.5 GHz in burst mode. Pre-installed Windows 10. NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen2, interface for read/write speeds of up to 10Gb/s.Meet your pursuit of all work speed.
- ✹ Triple Display [email protected] Mini Desktop PC: full function type-C + Dual HDMI 2.0 support superb [email protected] ultra high definition.Satisfy all your visual fantasy.
- ✹ Larger Storage 8GB+128GB: Powerful mini business PC, extra expand SSD*1 + HHD*1 + 512GB Micro SD Card. SSD for : SSD M.2_SATA_2280 x1 / M.2_NVMe_2280 x1 and 2.5-inch SATA HDD × 1(HDD/ SSD /TF Card are not included).Wonderful data bank for you.
- ✹ I/O Specifications：2x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port,1 x Micro SD Card port,2 x HDMI 2.0 port and 1x Full Function Type-C port,1x 3.5mm earphone jack, Dual Band WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (Model: Intel Wireless-AC 9461). Meet all your needs.
- ✹ 12 Months & Long time Service: If Awow mini pc don’t live up to your expectations, or you have any problem with AWOW mini-computer, please let us know. We will reply to you within 24 hours of the working day. You take NO RISK with this purchase. Add to cart now, you’ll probably order MORE!
4. Raspberry Pi 4 – Best PC For Emulation
This best pc for emulation is brilliant for do-it-yourself (DIY) and comes on an affordable budget. This is very lightweight able to fit on your pocket. So you can easily carry it. It supports a 4K resolution.
This comes with a fast 1.5GHz quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortez-A72 CPU. It has a choice of 2GB RAM. But there is a choice of 1GB, 4GB, 8GB RAM. This mini pc is the perfect option for retro gaming, media server, and other activity. Its ARM architecture limits app and operating system compatibility. It runs loads of Linux operating systems and non-Linux operating systems. The connection ports are dual micro HDMI, micro SD, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 ports. With wireless LAN, Ethernet port, and powerful Bluetooth 5.0 it provides great performance. So it is fantastic for emulation for value for the budget.
- Broadcom BCM2711, quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1. 5GHz---4GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM
- 2. 4 GHz and 5. 0 GHz IEEE 802. 11B/g/n/ac Wireless LAN, Bluetooth 5. 0, double-true Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 × USB 3. 0 ports, 2 x USB 2. 0 Ports---2 × micro HDMI ports supporting up to 4Kp60 video resolution
- 2-lane MIPI DSI/CSI ports for camera and display--4-pole stereo audio and composite video port--Micro SD card slot for loading operating system and data storage
- Requires 5. 1V, 3a power via USB Type C or gpio-poep (power over Ethernet) enabled (requires PoE hat-not included)
5. Intel Hades Canyon NUC
This is one of the best mini pc available. It is perfect for emulation and AAA gaming. It is a superb gaming NUC which is virtual reality (VR) ready. The design is compact and attractive. It has customizable RGB lighting.
This mini pc has an Intel i7-8809G Quad-Core processor up to 4.2GHz. It comes with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH GPU. With this CPU and GPU, it is awesome for gaming and software running. It has 4GB DDR4 VRAM and two M.2 slots for SSD for fast performance. You can upgrade RAM up to 32GB. If we talk about connections it has 2x Thunderbolt 3 Type-C, 5x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C, 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x mini DisplayPort, 2x LAN, audio Jack, TOSLINK audio out, SDXC slot. So overall this is a great option for emulation or AAA gaming.
- Intel NUC 8 VR Machine Mini PC Kit NUC8i7HVK
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8809G with Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics; Integrated Wireless: Intel Wireless-AC 8265 + Bluetooth 4.2
- Now you can get totally immersive VR and seamless gaming with the performance-optimized Intel NUC 8 VR machine. Its powerful. Its fast. And its tiny. Just see where it can take you and where you can take it
- Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics, 1063 MHz – 1090 MHz and 4GB of High Bandwidth Memory
- Supports up to 6 displays with fantastic expansion and connectivity; front and rear HDMI ports, 2 mini Display Ports, 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports and 7 USB ports
6. Lenevo Thinkcentre M93 – Best Mini PC For Dolphin Emulator
This all-rounder professional mini pc is fine for emulation. It has an aluminum body and comes with open-air vents which maintain the system cool. It is a little heavy and bulky. Free Keyboard and mouse are very comfortable to use. Unfortunately, it does not support a 4K resolution.
The operating system is Windows 10 and 64-bit. It is integrated by a 4th generation Intel i5-4670T Quad-Core processor up to 3.2GHz frequency with boost technology. Intel HD 4400 graphics give an awesome overall performance. In memory and storage slot it has 16GB DDR3 memory and 256GB SSD storage. With these features, you will enjoy a fast and lag-free experience. It is perfect for emulation and gaming. The connection ports are 5x USB 3.0, 1x DisplayPort, 1x VGA, 1x RJ-45 LAN, and two audio jacks. So it can be a fantastic option for emulation in an affordable budget.
However, there’s still no doubt that the Lenevo Thinkcentre M93 deserves its lofty spot on the best mini pc for dolphin emulator list.
- Intel Core i5-4570T @ 2. 9 GHz, High Performance 4th Generation Processor
- 8 GB DDR3L Ram / 240 GB Solid State Drive (SSD). Comes With Keyboard & Mouse
- Windows 10 Professional (64 Bit).
7. Guzila Mini PC
Guzila is a well-known brand for its feature and impressive performance. This is another great mini pc for emulations and other tasks. It has a solid structure and lightweight. There are cooper fins for cooling effect. It supports a 4K resolution.
The OS is Windows 10 and a 64-bit system. It is integrated by an Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-Core processor up to 2.4GHz frequency. The graphics processor is Intel HD graphics 500. You will get brilliant graphics with a high-quality visual experience. It comes with 6GB DDR3 RAM and 120GB storage. You can expand the storage up to 2TB SSD/HDD. The connection ports are 2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0, 1x Micro SD card, 1x HDMI, 1x VGA, and 1x Gigabit Ethernet port. So overall this mini pc is awesome for emulation, gaming, and multitasking.
- Powerful Mini PC:Powered with Intel Celeron Gemini Lake J4125 Quad-Core Processor(4M cache,up to 2.7GHz) and the 9.5th Intel UHD Graphics 600.Perfect for office work,home theatre and even heavy task.
- Larger and Expandable Storage:Equipped with 8GB DDR4 and 120GB ROM.Besides,you can add your own SD card ,external USB or 2.5 inch SATA HDD/SSD or M.2 NVME SSD to expand the storage.
- Excellent Connection：HDMI*2 and VGA*1 ports support Triple Display Output.Enjoy 4K HD realistic picture quality.Gigabit Ethernet,2.4G/5G Dual-band Wifi,Bluetooth 4.2 ensure you can get a smooth connection when surfing the Internet,wacthing videos and transfering files.
- I/O Specifications：2x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port,1 x Micro SD Card port,2 x HDMI 2.0 port and 1x VGA port,1x 3.5mm earphone jack.
- 12 Months Warranty &Life time technical service: If you have any problem with GUZILA mini computer, please feel free to contact our customer service. We with provide satisfying solution for you.
8. CHUWI HeroBox
This is the best mini pc for emulation and other jobs. The VESA standard design is very helpful and also lightweight. It has energy-efficient components and a cooling system. The resolution can be up to 4K and it supports dual display. So you will enjoy the cinematic visual experience.
It is equipped with a 64-bit Windows 10 processor. It is integrated by a 4th generation Intel Gemini-Lake N4100 Quad-Core processor. The graphics processor is Intel UHS graphics 600. Memory is 8GB DDR4 RAM and 180GB SSD storage. You can upgrade it up to 2TB SSD/HDD. So this mini pc will offer excellent quality performance. The connection ports are 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB Type C, 2x USB 2.0, Micro SD card slot, 1x VGA, HDMI, and LAN port. So overall this mini pc is a fantastic option for value for money.
- ✔ Intel Core i5-5257U CPU, Dual Core——Low-power desktop platform processor, stable and reliable performance, less delay and lag.Offers more powerful performance, brings you more smooth and wonderful user experience.
- ✔ Intel Iris Graphics6100 GPU——Better and faster in playing games and provide high image quality for Internet use, basic photo editing and give gamers a full suite for gaming dominance and offer gamers a truly seamless gaming experience.
- ✔ 8GB DDR3 RAM for Advanced Multitasking——Allow your PC to run at higher speed. It could deal with multiple task and windows easily at the same time. 8GB RAM to smoothly run your games, photos and video-editing applications.
- ✔ 256GB SSD Storage Capacity——Provides enough capacity to store pictures, videos, music and more.You no longer have to worry about your computer being unable to enjoy your favorite music, movies or large online games because of insufficient memory.
- ✔ Storage Capacity Expansion——Support 1TB M.2 SSD and 2TB 2.5 inch HDD and 128GB TF card expansionRich interface, support multiple devices connection.
9. System76 Meerkat – Best Mini PC For Emulation
This is a top-quality mini pc available in the market. It comes with a pre-built Linux system. The structure is solid and also lightweight. The power efficiency will save power. It has a great security system.
This mini pc is integrated by a powerful 10th generation i7-10710U processor. For graphics it has Intel UHD integrated UHD graphics. You can upgrade the RAM up to 64GB and storage up to 6TB M.2 SSD. It is perfect for editing, 3D modeling, gaming, and obviously for emulations. The connection ports are 4x USB Type-C, USB 3.1 and SDXC, 1x DisplayPort, HDMI. With strong Ethernet, wifi, and Bluetooth it is a powerful choice. So overall this is also a good option.
It’s a great combination of affordability and power, and that’s exactly why it’s one of the best mini pc for emulation.
- 【Quad Core Processor】Support Windows 10 Pro and Ubuntu 16.04,Intel x5-Z8350 Processor,up to 1.92GHZ,4GB DDR3/64GB eMMC.Support auto power on and 128GB SD Card, 2TB mobile hard disk box via USB3.0 interface.
- 【Portable and Silent】It can be easily fixed to the back of the monitor with a mounting bracket.This fanless mini pc won’t create large noise and is mini-sized for space saving.
- 【HD Graphic】With integrated Intel HD graphic to enjoy 4K Web surfing,video playback,watching TV,home theater, enjoy the entertainment with your family.
- 【Support Dual Screen】Support 2.4G/5.8G band WiFi and bluetooth 4.1.Besides,it can connect two monitors via HDMI and VGA port which can double the efficiency of your work.
- 【Package】1x USB 3.0 port,1x USB 2.0 ports,1x RJ45,1x HDMI port,1x VGA port,1x mounting bracket,1x power adapter and 1x HDMI cable.
10. ACEPC Mini PC
We will close our list by this. This is a perfect mini pc for emulation or gaming. It has a unique white aluminum design and lightweight. The resolution is up to 4K and also supports dual display. So the visual quality is crystal-clear. It supports Auto-on after power failure. Get into BIOS interface by pressing the ‘ESC’ key when boot this mini pc, choose ‘Boot’ and ‘Enable Automatic Power On’.
This is integrated by Atom x5-Z8350 Quad-Core processor up to 1.92GHz. It will provide fast and smooth performance. Intel HD graphics give great graphics quality. It has 4GB DDR3 RAM and 64GB eMMC storage. Storage may be less but don’t worry you can expand it up to 2TB. The connection ports are 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, HDMI, VGA, LAN port, Micro SD card, and audio jack. So overall this mini pc is wonderful for emulation, retro gaming, and other purposes.
- 【FASTER RUNNING SPEED】ACEPC AK1 Mini PC equips with Windows 10 Pro Intel Celeron Apollo Lake J3455 Quad-Core processor.And loaded with 4GB RAM, 64GB Flash Memory, Bluetooth 4.0,Fast Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet. Powerful hardware makes it run more smoothly and stable.
- 【EXPAND STORAGE BY MULTI-WAYS】1.Fit mSATA SSD to the mSATA slot inside the main unit(mSATA SSD up to 128GB,but not include),by this way you can choose to clone the preinstalled Win 10 into the SSD; 2.Its expandable with the addition of up to 2 TB of 2.5 inch SSD or HDD fitted in the base expansion box.
- 【STRONG WIRELESS SUPPORTS】The latest wireless connectivity with 802.11ac Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz Wi-Fi,it offers speeds up to 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band & 1300Mbps on the 5GHz.
- 【GREAT HOME THEATER PC】The mini desktop computer comes with 4K ultra high definition streaming capability, giving you a best-in-class television experience with true-to-life picture quality, which can be used as a media center to enjoy TV shows or games.
- 【WHAT YOU GET】Designed with fan helps to reduce heat. All important connections are available: 1x LAN, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 2x HDMI, 1x audio output, 1x Micro SD slot (for TF cards with up to 128GB). ACEPC provide 12-month satisfaction and LIFETIME technical support service, please feel free to contact ACEPC customer service if any issues happened.
Conclusion:
In this buying guide, we named the best mini pc for emulation. We discuss their features, pros, and cons. All these are excellent and have different price ranges. These are perfect for emulations, gaming, and multitasking. So you can easily choose the perfect one for you. We tried our best to give the review. Hope this article will help you. Thank you!
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