Best Mini PC for Emulation in 2023

Emulation is a popular way for gamers to relive their favorite classic games on modern hardware. However, not all computers are capable of running these emulators smoothly. This is where mini PCs come in. These compact devices pack enough power to run emulators, making them an excellent choice for gamers who want a dedicated machine for emulation.

When it comes to choosing the best mini PC for emulation, there are a few critical factors to consider. First and foremost is the device’s processing power. Emulators require a lot of processing power to run smoothly, so you’ll want a mini PC with a powerful CPU and GPU. Another important factor is the device’s storage capacity. Emulators and ROMs can take up a lot of space, so you’ll want a mini PC with plenty of storage.

After researching and testing various mini PCs on the market, I have identified the top options for gamers looking for the best mini PC for emulation. Whether you’re a fan of classic consoles like the NES and SNES or more modern systems like the PlayStation 2 and GameCube, these mini PCs are sure to provide a smooth and enjoyable emulation experience.

Best Mini PCs for Emulation

If you’re a retro gaming enthusiast, you know that finding the right hardware to run your favorite classic games can be a challenge. Luckily, mini PCs are becoming more powerful and affordable, making them an excellent option for emulation. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best mini PCs for emulation, based on factors such as performance, compatibility, and price. Whether you’re looking to relive your childhood favorites or discover new retro gems, these mini PCs have got you covered.

Beelink Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 5560U(up to 4.0GHz) Mini Computer 16GB DDR4 RAM 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD Mini Desktop 4K@60Hz Triple Display Wifi6/BT5.2/USB3.2/HDMI2.0+DP1.4+Type-C for Office & Home AMD Ryzen 5 5560U 16G+500GB

If you’re looking for a mini PC that can handle heavy tasks smoothly, the Beelink Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 5560U is a great option.

Pros

• The powerful AMD 5000 series processor can handle heavy tasks smoothly.
• Large capacity brings quicker load times across your entire catalogue of apps and programs.
• Multiple wireless connections for a tidier desktop for your workstation.

Cons

• The product is relatively new and has fewer reviews compared to other mini PCs.
• The mini PC is not equipped with a dedicated graphics card.
• The product is relatively expensive compared to other mini PCs.

I have been using this mini PC for a few weeks, and I am impressed with its performance. The powerful AMD 5000 series processor can handle heavy tasks smoothly, making it perfect for business, home entertainments, education, and commercial applications. The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD make for quick load times across your entire catalogue of apps and programs, less idle time waiting, and more quality time for work and play. The multiple wireless connections also make for a tidier desktop for your workstation.

The Beelink Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 5560U also allows you to expand your viewing area across three monitors to enjoy a better viewing experience and multi-task easily. The mini PC supports Wake On LAN, RTC Wake, and Auto Power On, making it ideal to use as a server for media (Plex or FTP). You can enjoy 4K visual feast via 6CUs 1600MHz AMD Radeon Graphics.

The mini PC uses heat sink, heat pipe, and a powerful fan to effectively reduce the CPU temperature in high CPU load states, without reducing the CPU’s benchmark computing speed. The micro PC is 4.9 x 4.4 x 1.6 inches and takes up only 1/40 volume of a traditional tower computer, suitable for desktop or mount it behind the monitor/HDTV via Vesa Mount. The mini computer supports multiple OS including Ubuntu, Linux.

Overall, the Beelink Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 5560U is a great option if you’re looking for a mini PC that can handle heavy tasks smoothly. It may be relatively expensive compared to other mini PCs, but the powerful processor and large capacity make it worth the investment.

Beelink SER5 Mini PC

If you’re looking for a mini PC that can handle AAA gaming, image editing, programming, and more, the Beelink SER5 Mini PC might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor is powerful and fast, making multi-tasking a breeze.
• With triple 4K@60Hz screen display output and AMD Radeon Graphics, this mini PC is perfect for home theater and gaming.
• The Beelink SER5 Mini PC has empty expansion bays that can be added, making it easy to upgrade and expand.

Cons

• While the Beelink SER5 Mini PC is powerful, it can be a bit noisy when running at full capacity.
• Some users have reported issues with the WiFi connection dropping or being slow.
• The price point is higher than some other mini PCs on the market.

In my experience, the Beelink SER5 Mini PC is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful mini PC that can handle a variety of tasks. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor is lightning fast and can handle even the most demanding applications with ease.

One of the standout features of this mini PC is its triple 4K@60Hz screen display output. This makes it perfect for home theater use or gaming, as the graphics are clear and crisp. The AMD Radeon Graphics also help to make gaming and video playback smooth and seamless.

Another great feature of the Beelink SER5 Mini PC is the empty expansion bays that can be added. This makes it easy to upgrade and expand the mini PC as needed, without having to purchase a whole new system.

While the Beelink SER5 Mini PC is great in many ways, it can be a bit noisy when running at full capacity. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the WiFi connection dropping or being slow.

Overall, I would recommend the Beelink SER5 Mini PC to anyone looking for a powerful mini PC that can handle a variety of tasks. While the price point is higher than some other mini PCs on the market, the features and performance make it well worth the investment.

Beelink SER5 Mini PC

If you’re looking for a mini PC that can handle emulation, the Beelink SER5 Mini PC is a great option.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor provides efficient running speed and fast response ability, making it great for both entertainment and office integration.
• The built-in 16GB DDR4 RAM and 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD provide superior performance and smooth operation that reduces lag and allows you to run multiple tasks simultaneously.
• The Beelink SER5 Mini PC has plenty of ports for connectivity and simultaneous multi-program, balancing your work and gaming needs.

Cons

• Some monitors may not support installation of the mounting bracket, so you may need to find an alternative way to install the mini PC.
• The Bluetooth audio may experience some issues, with the sound breaking up when doing stuff and the BT dropping and reconnecting when you’re three feet away in line of sight.
• The machine doesn’t come with an operating system, so you’ll need to install one yourself.

I recently got the Beelink SER5 Mini PC, and I’m really impressed with its performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor is powerful and efficient, making it great for both entertainment and office integration. The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD provide plenty of space for all of my files and applications, and I’ve been able to run multiple tasks simultaneously without any lag.

The Beelink SER5 Mini PC also has plenty of ports for connectivity, including 1 DP 1.4 Port, 1 HDMI Port, 1 USB2.0 Port, 3 USB3.2 Ports, and 1 Type-C Port. This allows me to connect all of my devices and peripherals without any issues, and I can balance my work and gaming needs easily.

However, there are a few downsides to the Beelink SER5 Mini PC. Some monitors may not support installation of the mounting bracket, so you may need to find an alternative way to install the mini PC. The Bluetooth audio may also experience some issues, with the sound breaking up when doing stuff and the BT dropping and reconnecting when you’re three feet away in line of sight. Finally, the machine doesn’t come with an operating system, so you’ll need to install one yourself.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Beelink SER5 Mini PC for anyone looking for a powerful and efficient mini PC for emulation and other tasks.

Trycoo HA-3 Mini PC

I recently got my hands on the Trycoo HA-3 Mini PC and I must say, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a mini PC for emulation.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor provides excellent performance and multitasking capabilities.
• The UHD GPU and 4K Triple Screen Display make it easy to handle complex design software and video editing.
• The Fast Running Speed and Large Storage Capacity make it efficient for running multiple tasks simultaneously.

Cons

• The unit can be a bit noisy at times.
• The Windows 11 Pro operating system can take some getting used to.
• The unit may not be as compact as other mini PCs on the market.

The Trycoo HA-3 Mini PC is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor that can handle heavy computing tasks smoothly and is better for multitasking, giving you excellent performance. The UHD GPU and 4K Triple Screen Display make it easy to handle the demands of complex design software, 4K@60Hz UHD video editing, and playback. The Fast Running Speed and Large Storage Capacity make it efficient for running multiple tasks simultaneously.

One downside to the Trycoo HA-3 Mini PC is that it can be a bit noisy at times, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the Windows 11 Pro operating system may take some getting used to if you’re not familiar with it. Finally, the unit may not be as compact as other mini PCs on the market, which may be a concern for those with limited desk space.

Overall, I would recommend the Trycoo HA-3 Mini PC for anyone looking for a mini PC for emulation. It’s a solid choice that provides excellent performance and multitasking capabilities.

Beelink SER5 Mini PC

This mini PC is a great option for anyone looking for a powerful and portable computer that can handle Emulation with ease.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor provides a smooth experience for visually demanding tasks like streaming, gaming, and browsing.
• With 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 500GB M.2 SSD NVME 2280, this mini computer has high capacity and expansion options that allow for multiple tasks to run simultaneously.
• The 4K three-screen display with AMD Radeon Graphics 8 core 1900 MHz provides a gorgeous visual experience, and the multi-monitor setup allows for improved work efficiency.

Cons

• The mini PC has a limited number of ports, which may be a drawback for some users.
• The setup process can be a bit complicated for those who are not familiar with mini PCs.
• The price point is higher than some other mini PCs on the market.

Overall, I highly recommend the Beelink SER5 Mini PC for anyone looking for a powerful and portable option for Emulation. The efficient cooling system and WIFI 6 support make for a smooth and stable internet experience, and the lifetime technical support is a great bonus. While the limited number of ports and higher price point may be drawbacks for some users, the high capacity and expansion options and gorgeous visual experience make it a great investment.

Beelink Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 5700U

If you’re looking for a mini PC that can handle heavy computing tasks smoothly, multitasks better, and provides you with excellent performance, then Beelink Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 5700U is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor provides excellent performance and handles heavy computing tasks smoothly.
• Large storage capacity with 16GB SO-DIMM DDR4, 1TB M.2 SSD NVMe 2280 (upgradeable to max 2TB) for faster command processing.
• Triple screens display & 4K@60Hz support with AMD Radeon Graphics 8core 1900MHz delivers powerful graphics processing.

Cons

• The power supply is not sufficient for upgrading the storage or using both HDMI ports at the same time.
• The mini PC is not recommended for heavy gaming.
• The price is higher than other mini PCs in the market.

In my experience, the Beelink Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 5700U is an excellent mini PC that provides excellent performance for heavy computing tasks. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor is powerful and handles heavy computing tasks smoothly, multitasks better, and provides you with excellent performance. The mini PC is equipped with 16GB SO-DIMM DDR4, 1TB M.2 SSD NVMe 2280 (upgradeable to max 2TB) for faster command processing. The large storage capacity provides powerful loading and processing capabilities for a smoother experience, such as browsing through multiple memory-hungry tabs and opening a huge graphic file quickly and easily.

The Beelink Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 5700U also supports triple screens display & 4K@60Hz support with AMD Radeon Graphics 8core 1900MHz delivers powerful graphics processing. The microcomputer supports 4K three screen display(1HDMI2.0(4K@60Hz)+1DP1.4(4K@144Hz)+1*Type-C(4K@120Hz). Enjoy super first-class picture quality and easily improve work efficiency, reduce waiting time. Fully capable of browsing the Internet, using Office, Adobe PR and PS applications, 4K video playback and more.

The mini PC is equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2, which supports faster and more stable data transfer without network congestion. Multiple ports provide more choices, including 1HDMI 2.0(4K@60Hz)port, 1DP1.4(4K@144Hz) port, 3USB3.2 Gen2 ports, 1USB2.0 port, 1Type-C (4K@120Hz) port, 1DC jack, 1RJ45 1000M port, and 13.5mm audio interface (HP&MIC) port.

Overall, the Beelink Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 5700U is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a mini PC that can handle heavy computing tasks smoothly, multitasks better, and provides you with excellent performance. The mini PC is not recommended for heavy gaming, but it’s perfect for office work, browsing the internet, and video playback.

KAMRUI AK2 Plus Mini PC

I highly recommend the KAMRUI AK2 Plus Mini PC for anyone looking for a compact and powerful device for light office work, 4K video playback, online education, design, and more.

Pros

• The latest 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N100 Processor delivers more than 25% higher performance than N5105/N5095.
• Dual HDMI 2.0 ports allow for efficient multitasking on two 4K@60Hz displays.
• Built-in fan cooling prevents overheating when multitasking.

Cons

• The included 16GB DDR4 RAM is single-channel, which may limit performance in some applications.
• The 512GB M.2 SSD may not be enough storage for some users.
• The compact size may make it difficult to upgrade or replace components.

This mini desktop computer comes with preinstalled operating system and supports Linux, Ubuntu, Auto Power On, RTC Wake Settings, and Wake On LAN. It also includes Gigabit Ethernet support, 2.4G+5.0G dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.2. The Intel UHD Graphics delivers powerful graphics performance and supports 4K video playback, making it great for home theater and entertainment.

In my experience, the KAMRUI AK2 Plus Mini PC is easy to set up and use, and it’s compatible with all existing applications. The VESA mount allows for an all-in-one PC setup and frees up desk space. Overall, this mini computer is a great choice for business office, family entertainment, school, research, or social media browsing.

GenMachine Mini PC Windows 11, Mini PC Gaming, Small Desktop Computer, AMD Ryzen 7 5700U up to 4.3GHz, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SATA & M.2 NVMe for Office, Home, Design, Game use

If you’re looking for a mini PC that can handle emulation and gaming, the GenMachine Mini PC is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Tiny size, powerful body with broad & strong heart (CPU Ryzen 7 5700U)
• Wide varieties of ports: can meet all of your demands in your life and work
• Triple displays support 3 screens: can make you working in a very effective and fruitful way

Cons

• No built-in WiFi
• Noisy fan
• No option to upgrade graphics card

I was impressed with the GenMachine Mini PC’s compact size and powerful performance. Despite its tiny size, this mini desktop computer packs a punch with its Ryzen 7 5700U CPU and 16GB DDR4 RAM. It’s perfect for gaming and emulation, and can handle multiple applications running simultaneously without any lag.

One of the standout features of this mini PC is its wide variety of ports. It has 4 USB ports (USB 3.0 *2, USB 2.0 * 2) with a TYPE-C port for data transmit, built-in RJ45 port * 1, 3.5mm Earphone Jack for Audio Output, and DC IN Adapter for Power Input. This makes it incredibly versatile and able to meet all of your demands in your life and work.

Another great feature of the GenMachine Mini PC is its ability to support triple displays on 3 screens. This makes it perfect for multitasking and working in an effective and productive way. The mini PC also has an effective heat dissipation system, which is made of Aluminium Alloy, as metal, it got superior quality for heat dissipation.

However, there are a few downsides to the GenMachine Mini PC. Firstly, it doesn’t have built-in WiFi, which means you’ll need to connect to the internet via Ethernet or use an external WiFi adapter. Secondly, the fan can be quite noisy when running at high speeds. Finally, there’s no option to upgrade the graphics card, which may be an issue for some users.

Overall, the GenMachine Mini PC is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile mini PC that can handle emulation and gaming. It’s compact, lightweight, and has a wide variety of ports. Plus, with its triple display support, it’s perfect for multitasking and working in an effective and productive way.

Trycoo WI-6 Mini PC

If you’re looking for a mini PC that can handle emulation, the Trycoo WI-6 Mini PC is a great option.

Pros

• The powerful 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N100 CPU delivers more than 25% higher performance than N5105/N5095.
• 8GB DDR4 and 256GB SSD, support upgrade to 64GB RAM and 2TB SSD, which allows you to switch between more applications and store more favorite documents or movies.
• Dual HDMI, 4K triple screen display, and multiple connections and ports make it easy to multitask on three 4K@60Hz displays.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the computer performed poorly despite the high-end hardware.
• The product description says it’s an Intel Core i5, but it’s actually an N100.
• The computer may not be suitable for more demanding tasks like surface modeling.

I recently purchased the Trycoo WI-6 Mini PC, and I’m impressed with its performance. The powerful 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N100 CPU delivers fast and smooth performance for productivity and entertainment needs. I’m able to switch between multiple applications without any lag, and the 256GB SSD provides plenty of storage space for my documents and media files.

One of the standout features of this mini PC is its ability to support triple screen display. I’m able to multitask on three 4K@60Hz displays, which is great for my work and entertainment needs. The dual HDMI and full function Type-C ports make it easy to connect to my monitors and other devices.

While the product description says it’s an Intel Core i5, it’s actually an N100. Some customers have reported that the computer performed poorly despite the high-end hardware, but I haven’t experienced any issues so far.

Overall, I would recommend the Trycoo WI-6 Mini PC to anyone looking for a powerful and versatile mini PC for emulation and other tasks.

Beelink SER5 Mini PC

If you’re looking for a mini PC that can handle Emulation, then the Beelink SER5 Mini PC might be a great choice for you. It’s fast, powerful, and can handle a wide range of applications with ease.

Pros

• The mini PC is built-in with AMD Ryzen 7 5700U CPU, which is capable of easily handling spreadsheets, email, coding applications, web browsing, photo/video editing, and light gaming.
• It’s equipped with 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM and 500GB M.2 PCIe3.0 2280 SSD, which makes the entire system speedy and responsive.
• It supports 4K Triple displays (1HDIM+1DP+Type-C) to simplify and double your productivity.

Cons

• It’s not a good gaming computer and will occasionally freeze up because of the Radeon Graphics.
• The product description says “Operating System: Ubuntu, Linux,” which might not be suitable for some users.
• It might be a bit expensive for some users.

I recently bought this mini PC, and I must say that I’m quite impressed with its performance. The Ryzen 7 CPU is fast and powerful, and it can handle a wide range of applications with ease. The 16GB RAM and 500GB SSD make the entire system speedy and responsive, and I can easily multitask without any lag.

The mini PC supports 4K Triple displays, which is great for productivity. I can easily connect three displays and work on multiple tasks at the same time. The mini PC is also equipped with an internal wireless network card supporting WiFi6 & Bluetooth 5.2 and a RJ45 LAN port supporting 1000Mbps Ethernet, which offers strong wireless signal, fast wireless connections, and reliable transmission speed.

However, the mini PC is not a good gaming computer, and it will occasionally freeze up because of the Radeon Graphics. Also, the product description says “Operating System: Ubuntu, Linux,” which might not be suitable for some users. Finally, it might be a bit expensive for some users.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Beelink SER5 Mini PC to anyone who’s looking for a fast and powerful mini PC that can handle a wide range of applications with ease.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best mini PC for emulation, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Processor

The processor is the brain of the computer, so it’s important to choose a mini PC with a powerful processor. Look for a processor with at least four cores and a clock speed of at least 2.5GHz. This will ensure that your mini PC can handle demanding emulation tasks.

Graphics

Emulation requires good graphics performance, so look for a mini PC with a dedicated graphics card. This will ensure that your games run smoothly and look great. Look for a graphics card with at least 2GB of VRAM.

RAM

The more RAM your mini PC has, the better it will be at running multiple applications at once. Look for a mini PC with at least 8GB of RAM. This will ensure that your emulation software runs smoothly.

Storage

Emulation requires a lot of storage space, so look for a mini PC with at least 256GB of storage. This will give you enough space to store your emulation software and games.

Connectivity

Make sure your mini PC has plenty of connectivity options. Look for a mini PC with at least four USB ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. This will ensure that you can connect all of your peripherals and enjoy a fast, stable internet connection.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best mini PC for emulation that meets your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What mini PC is best for emulating PS3 games?

Emulating PS3 games requires a powerful mini PC with a good graphics card and processor. The Intel NUC 11 Performance Kit is a great option for this purpose.

Which budget mini PC is good for emulation?

If you’re on a budget, the Raspberry Pi 4 is a great choice for emulation. It can handle many retro games and some newer games as well.

What are the top mini PCs for RetroArch?

The top mini PCs for RetroArch include the Intel NUC 11 Performance Kit, the ASUS PN50 Mini PC, and the Zotac ZBOX Magnus One.

What is the best mini PC for retro gaming?

The best mini PC for retro gaming depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some great options include the Raspberry Pi 4, the ODROID XU4, and the ASUS Tinker Board.

Can mini PCs handle gaming and emulation?

Yes, many mini PCs are capable of handling gaming and emulation. However, it’s important to choose a mini PC with the right specs for the games you want to play.

What are the recommended PC specs for emulation?

The recommended PC specs for emulation depend on the system you want to emulate. Generally, you’ll need a good processor and graphics card, as well as enough RAM to handle the emulator and game files. It’s best to research the specific system you want to emulate and choose a mini PC with the recommended specs.