The idea of using a single-board computer (SBC) rather than a Mini PC has grown in popularity in recent years, but a Raspberry Pi or something similar might not always be the best option. If you have a miniature computer lying around that you no longer need, it might be a better pick for a home server. After all, a home server requires superior overall performance, better power efficiency, and more — and those are areas where mini PCs excel.

6 Mini PCs have better storage options

SATA bays beat microSD

Mini PCs often get an undeserved reputation for inferior performance, but they can work with external storage drives and often have built-in SATA bays or NVMe slots that deliver read and write speeds far above what a microSD card can offer. Some SBCs might also work with an external drive, but the vast majority rely on a card slot to provide storage. In a home server, you'll feel those lower speeds (especially if you're performing any sort of resource-intensive task like image or video editing).

5 SBCs tend to lack RAM

8GB just isn't enough, despite what Apple says

A refurbished mini PC will likely have more RAM than anything an SBC can offer. That's not necessarily true across the board, and some options like the Orange Pi 5 Pro do have up to 16GB of RAM, but it's far more common to see a single-board chip with 8GB of RAM or less. SBCs that do offer a higher amount of RAM do so at the trade-off of other specs. A mini PC, on the other hand, can easily handle 16GB of RAM (and often much more) without those same sacrifices.

4 Mini PCs are more power efficient

Better efficiency means a lower energy bill

Home servers are meant to run on a continuous basis, and it isn't unusual for one to have 24/7 uptime. While both SBCs and mini PCs can handle this sort of demand, many mini PCs are designed with constant runtimes in mind. Because of this, they tend to be more power efficient than an SBC. While the difference is negligible, a mini PC can result in more energy savings over the span of a year and cut down on the required operational costs.

3 Mini PCs often have GPUs

Better transcoding means better performance

One of the most popular uses for a home server is an application like Plex or Jellyfin. These are ideal for cutting down on streaming costs (and bandwidth) and keeping your own store of media. Transcoding is an aspect of streaming from your server that helps ensure the proper resolution and prevents tearing and other problems that can reduce visual fidelity. Transcoding often requires a graphics processing unit (GPU), and that's something that many SBCs lack. A mini PC, however, will likely have a GPU or at least an onboard GPU alongside its processor. That means better overall performance and a better experience streaming.

2 SBCs tend to lack active cooling

Passive cooling can't keep up

Computers of all types generate heat during operation, and an excess buildup of heat can greatly impact performance. There are two main ways systems get rid of this excess. Passive cooling puts a heatsink in direct contact with the component generating the heat and lets it dissipate into the air, while active cooling uses fans to forcefully move heat away. Of course, an active cooling system often results in higher costs because of the number of moving components and parts.

The majority of single-board computers rely on passive cooling, while mini PCs use active cooling systems. This tends to make a mini PC the better option and reduces the risk of thermal throttling, especially during intensive tasks like streaming high-resolution video.

1 Mini PCs allow for a wider variety of platforms

You can cool a pie in the window, but you can't run Windows on a Pi

There is a wide variety of SBCs on the market, and some of these are capable of running full-scale operating systems. However, popular choices like the Raspberry Pi use ARM processors that aren't capable of running Windows and instead use proprietary configurations. Other options, like the Latte Panda, support the necessary x86 architecture for Windows. However, the better choice overall is to use a mini PC that is compatible with your operating system of choice, and most refurbished options will easily handle Windows.

A refurbished mini PC at home is better than an SBC in the cart

Forgive the twist on an old adage, but if you already have a functional mini PC that you aren't using for anything else, repurpose it into a home server. Any hardware upgrades you need are likely to be on the less expensive side, and it's a platform you're already familiar with. If you've never used an SBC before, the learning curve can be steep and potentially more effort than you want to go through just to set up a home server.

There's another benefit, too. If you already have a mini PC, you don't have to invest in new hardware, and you don't have to assemble the SBC and any required components. It also helps cut down on the amount of electronic waste being put out into the world, and that's something everyone can benefit from.