5 Best Mini PCs for Music Production, Mixing and Mastering

choosing a Mini PC for music production, you need a machine that can handle demanding tasks like running multiple plugins, virtual instruments, and large sessions without breaking a sweat. Below are five of the best Mini PCs to consider for 2024 and 2025, each offering a unique balance of performance, size, and versatility.

1. Intel NUC 13 Pro

• Processor Options: Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 (13th Gen)
• RAM: Up to 64GB
• Storage: PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (500GB to 2TB)
• Ports: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2
• Cooling: Fanless solid-state cooling (silent operation)

The Intel NUC 13 Pro is a top contender thanks to its powerful configurations and silent fanless design, making it perfect for quiet studio environments. It supports up to 64GB of RAM and offers fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage, ensuring quick load times and smooth performance for complex audio projects. Plus, its Thunderbolt 4 ports make connecting external storage and peripherals easy.

2. Apple Mac Mini (M2 Chip)

• Processor: Apple M2 or M2 Pro chip
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
• Ports: USB-C, HDMI, Thunderbolt 4

The Apple Mac Mini has long been a favorite among music producers, and the latest models with the M2 chip continue to impress. The M2 chip offers powerful performance for handling demanding DAWs like Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools. With up to 32GB of unified RAM and fast SSD options, the Mac Mini is ideal for producers who prefer macOS.

3. Beelink SER5 Pro

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Storage: Up to 2TB NVMe SSD
• Ports: USB 3.0, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort

The Beelink SER5 Pro is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly Mini PC with solid performance. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and up to 32GB of RAM, this mini PC can handle complex audio tasks while offering excellent multitasking performance. Its price-to-performance ratio makes it a solid choice for producers on a budget.

4. ASUS PN63-S1

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1260P
• RAM: Up to 64GB
• Storage: PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD (up to 2TB)
• Ports: HDMI, USB-C, Thunderbolt 4

The ASUS PN63-S1 offers a good balance between price and performance. It features an Intel Core i7-1260P processor, which provides solid performance for running virtual instruments and plugins. The option to upgrade to 64GB of RAM and the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports ensure that it can handle intensive audio tasks and large project files.

5. HP Z2 Mini G9

• Processor: Intel Core i7-12700K or i9-12900K
• RAM: Up to 64GB
• Storage: Up to 2TB NVMe SSD
• Ports: Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort, USB 3.2

The HP Z2 Mini G9 is a powerhouse mini PC designed for professionals who need high performance. With options for Intel Core i7 or i9 processors, up to 64GB of RAM, and plenty of storage, it’s built for intensive workloads, including large-scale music production projects. Its compact design doesn’t compromise on power, making it a great choice for producers who need desktop-level performance in a small form factor.

These five mini PCs offer excellent performance, storage, and connectivity options for music production, making them ideal for producers at every level—from beginners to professionals. Depending on your needs and budget, any of these options could become the heart of your music studio in 2024 and beyond.