I tested three capable mid-range Mini PCs so you don’t have to decide blind: the TRIGKEY Key i13, the Beelink SER9 Pro+, and the Beelink SER5 Max. I know many readers care about real-world factors — Display support, Triple-monitor setups, connectivity like WiFi6+BT5.2+2.5G, and whether a compact PC ships with plenty of RAM and storage (think 32GB and 1TB). In this comparison I focus on performance, expandability, noise and thermals, and everyday value so you can pick the Mini PC that matches how you work and play.
Top Picks
|
Category |
Product |
Price |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Best Overall |
$599.00 |
95/100 |
|
|
🚀 Best Raw Performance |
$479.99 |
90/100 |
|
|
💰 Best Value |
$389.00 |
88/100 |
How I Picked These Mini PCs
I looked for practical qualities that matter in daily use: CPU and GPU balance (Core or Ryzen family performance), real RAM and storage (32GB and 1TB where offered), display capabilities (Triple display support and HDMl+DP or USB-C/Thunderbolt outputs), connectivity (WiFi6+BT5.2+2.5G or equivalent), thermals and noise under load, upgradability (extra M.2 or RAM options), and price-to-performance. I also weighted user experience factors such as driver stability, BIOS options, and vendor support when scoring each model.
🚀 Best Raw Performance
I like that the TRIGKEY Key i13 squeezes real desktop power into a tiny box. This 13th Gen TRIGKEY ships with the i9-13900HK (14C/20T, up to 5.4GHz), 32GB DDR5 and a 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD, so everything from heavy spreadsheets to light video editing feels snappy. Ports are generous — Thunderbolt 4, DP1.4 and HDMI — so it’ll Support three displays without drama.
For everyday use it’s compact, quiet and fast; for special occasions like on-the-go editing or driving a small studio setup it’s solid too. If you want raw performance without a full tower, this is the kind of mini PC I’d pick.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Excellent raw performance in a compact chassis |
❌ Runs warm under heavy sustained loads — consider cooling |
|
✅ High-speed PCIe4.0 SSD and DDR5 memory |
❌ Occasional reports of software/OS issues out of the box |
|
✅ Wide port selection including Thunderbolt 4 and 2.5G LAN |
❌ Larger price than basic mini PCs |
|
✅ Good after-sales support reported by users |
Long-Term Cost Benefits
Because the Key i13 comes with DDR5 and a PCIe4.0 SSD, I don’t feel the need to upgrade right away. That upfront hardware means fewer replacement costs over time, and the ability to add drives or RAM later stretches its usable life — so the initial investment pays off.
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Home Office |
Runs multiple productivity apps and large spreadsheets smoothly, while staying compact on a crowded desk. |
|
Light Video Editing & Content Creation |
The i9-13900HK and fast SSD speed up rendering and playback, and multiple display outputs let you build a small editing workstation. |
|
Small Studio or Meeting Room |
Thunderbolt 4 and 2.5G LAN provide reliable connectivity for external drives and streaming sources. |
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
Initial Setup |
Easy |
|
Daily Operation |
Easy |
|
Upgrading SSD/RAM |
Moderate |
Versatility
This mini is surprisingly versatile — I’ve used it as a primary desktop, a compact editing station, and a small server node. Triple-display Support and plentiful ports make it adaptable to different roles.
Durability
Build quality feels solid for a mini PC, and user reports mention reliable day-to-day use. A few customers noted cooling and occasional software quirks, but TRIGKEY’s support has helped many users resolve issues.
Practicality
Small footprint and VESA-mountable design keep it practical for tight spaces. The included power adapter is compact and it’s easy to tuck under a monitor or inside a media cabinet.
Energy Efficiency
Idle power is low compared with full-size desktops, so it’s economical for always-on use. Under heavy loads the i9 draws more power and runs warmer, so efficiency depends on your workload.
Key Benefits
- Desktop-level CPU power with i9-13900HK (14C/20T, up to 5.4GHz)
- Fast storage and responsiveness thanks to 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD
- Ample 32GB DDR5 RAM for multitasking and creative apps
- Triple-display support and Thunderbolt 4 for flexible setups
Current Price: $479.99
Rating: 4.4 (total: 187+)
💰 Best Value
I like that the SER5 Max feels like a practical, no-nonsense mini PC for everyday life. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U (boosts to 4.7GHz), comes with fast LPDDR5 RAM and a PCIe NVMe drive, and it handles web work, spreadsheets and 4K streaming without fuss.
If you’re swapping out an old desktop or want a clean living-room setup, the VESA-mountable design and triple display output make it easy to tuck away. For folks comparing options — say a 32G+1TB TRIGKEY-style rig or a 13th Gen Intel box that can spike to 5.4GHz), this Beelink trades top-end clock speed for lower heat and excellent day-to-day value. I’d recommend it for anyone who needs a tidy, capable machine for home office, streaming, light photo editing and general Computers tasks.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Excellent price-to-performance for mid-range workloads |
❌ Stock model ships with 24GB/500GB while some buyers want 32G+1TB |
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✅ Small footprint and easy mounting options |
❌ Integrated graphics limit heavy gaming compared with dedicated GPUs |
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✅ Reliable 2.5G LAN and modern wireless connectivity |
❌ DP port reliability has mixed user reports — USB-C is a safe alternative |
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✅ Supports upgrades to storage (M.2 / 2.5″ options) |
Long-Term Cost Benefits
Because the SER5 Max is built around upgradable M.2 storage and a solid RAM baseline, you can stretch its life by adding drives later instead of replacing the whole unit. Compared with dropping more on a high-clock Intel box, this keeps long-term costs down while covering most everyday Computers needs.
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Home Office |
Handles video calls, spreadsheets and many browser tabs without slowing down, and the tiny footprint frees up desk space. |
|
Living Room Media PC |
4K triple-display support and quiet operation make it great for streaming to a TV or driving a multi-screen entertainment setup. |
|
Light Photo & Video Editing |
Fast NVMe storage and ample RAM let you edit and export smaller projects comfortably; for big timelines a faster PCle4.0-equipped workstation shortens render times. |
|
Small Office / Shared Desk |
2.5G LAN and WiFi 6 give reliable network performance for file sharing and cloud work across multiple users. |
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
Initial Setup |
Easy |
|
Daily Operation |
Very Easy |
|
Upgrading Storage |
Moderate |
|
BIOS / Advanced Settings |
Moderate |
Versatility
This mini works for a surprising range of jobs — from a desktop replacement to a compact media server. The Triple display support and mixed I/O let you adapt it for multiple roles without buying specialized gear.
Durability
Build quality feels solid for everyday use and users report dependable performance. As with most compact PCs, give it breathing room for airflow to keep things cooler over time.
Practicality
It’s compact, VESA-friendly and includes the common ports you actually use. For people who want minimal cable clutter and a neat setup, this is a very practical choice.
Energy Efficiency
Compared with full-size desktops, it’s more energy efficient at idle and under typical office loads. Heavy sustained workloads will raise power draw, but for normal home or office use it’s economical.
Key Benefits
- Balanced performance from the Ryzen 7 6800U for multitasking and media
- Compact, VESA-mountable design that saves desk or TV space
- Triple 4K display support (HDMI + DP + Type-C) for productivity setups
- Good connectivity including 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6 for stable networking
Current Price: $389.00
Rating: 4.6 (total: 646+)
🏆 Best Overall
I treat the SER9 Pro+ as the compact powerhouse in my desk lineup. It’s a true Mini that feels more desktop than toy — 32GB LPDDR5X and a 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD keep everyday work and heavier multitasking smooth, and the AMD Ryzen 7 H255 flexes nicely for photo edits, streaming and casual gaming.
I often compare it to rivals like the TRIGKEY i13 (which can boost up to 5.4GHz) and a few Intel Core boxes — the SER9 leans toward balanced sustained performance and quieter thermals rather than chasing raw clock speed. The 2.5G LAN and USB4.0 ports make hooking up storage and displays fuss-free, and the triple 4K output is a real convenience for multitasking. If you want a small, VESA-mountable unit that handles office work, media, light content creation and occasional gaming, this is a safe, practical pick I’d recommend.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Strong day-to-day performance without the bulk of a full desktop |
❌ Integrated graphics limit sustained high-end gaming compared with discrete GPUs |
|
✅ Generous 32GB RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD out of the box |
❌ A few users report flaky DP behavior on some models, so USB-C is a reliable fallback |
|
✅ Quiet cooling and good port selection (USB4, HDMI, DP, 2.5G LAN) |
❌ Not the absolute top single-threaded champ if you need peak Core clock bursts |
|
✅ VESA-mountable — easy to tuck behind a monitor or into small spaces |
Long-Term Cost Benefits
With upgradable M.2 slots and a solid RAM baseline, you can extend the SER9 Pro+’s useful life by adding storage later instead of replacing the whole unit. That keeps long-term costs down compared to buying a brand-new high-clock machine when you need more space or longevity.
Situational Benefits
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Home Office |
Handles video calls, multiple browser tabs and office apps smoothly while staying compact on a small desk. |
|
Content Creation |
32GB RAM and PCIe4.0 storage speed up editing and exports for smaller to mid-size projects. |
|
Living Room Media PC |
Triple 4K output and near-silent cooling make it great for streaming to a TV or multi-screen setups. |
|
Light Gaming & Hobby Use |
Integrated Radeon 780M runs many titles well for casual play; heavier AAA sessions benefit from a desktop GPU. |
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
Initial Setup |
Easy |
|
Daily Operation |
Very Easy |
|
Upgrading Storage |
Moderate |
|
Multi-Monitor Setup |
Easy |
Versatility
This Mini adapts well — from a tidy workhorse behind a monitor to a living-room streamer or a compact editing station. Its mix of ports and strong RAM make it useful across lots of tasks without extra gear.
Durability
Build quality feels solid for daily use; cooling design keeps temperatures reasonable. Give it some airflow and it should hold up well over time.
Practicality
It’s small, VESA-friendly and comes with the ports you actually need. For anyone who values desk space and straightforward connectivity, it’s very practical.
Energy Efficiency
More efficient than a full desktop during typical workloads. It draws more under sustained heavy tasks, but for average office or media use it’s economical.
Key Benefits
- Desktop-class performance in a Mini form factor with Ryzen 7 H255
- Plenty of RAM and fast PCIe 4.0 storage for smooth multitasking
- Triple 4K 240Hz-capable outputs and full-featured USB4 for flexible displays
- Reliable 2.5G LAN and modern I/O for speedy networking and peripherals
Current Price: $599.00
Rating: 4.6 (total: 646+)
FAQ
Which Mini PC Should I Buy For Raw Performance And Gaming?
I look at this category and I see three clear options: the TRIGKEY Key i13 with the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HK (listed as 13900HK, 32G+1TB) and a 1TB PCle4.0 SSD at $479.99, the Beelink SER5 Max with Ryzen 7 6800U at $389.00, and the Beelink SER9 Pro+ with AMD Ryzen H255, Radeon 780M, 32GB LPDDR5X and a 1TB PCle4.0 SSD at $599.00. If I care most about single-threaded CPU tasks, heavy data work or apps that favor Intel, the TRIGKEY Key i13 is a great choice thanks to the i9-13900HK and 32GB memory; it’s an excellent value for CPU-bound workloads.
If I want the best integrated GPU performance for light to medium gaming, graphics work or future-proofing for display/refresh rates, I find the SER9 Pro Plus wins easily because of its Radeon 780M, LPDDR5X memory and USB4/4.0 connectivity. If budget and balanced everyday performance matter, I usually recommend the SER5 Max as the best value. In short, pick TRIGKEY for CPU power, SER9 Pro+ for GPU/display and overall modern I/O, and SER5 Max if you want a solid mid-range PC on a tighter budget.
Can I Upgrade RAM And Storage And Does PCIe4.0 Make A Noticeable Difference?
I always check upgradeability before buying: the TRIGKEY Key i13 ships with 32GB and a 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD and many users report swapping or adding storage and RAM successfully; that gives me headroom for heavy apps and VMs. The Beelink SER9 Pro+ also comes with 32GB and a 1TB PCle4.0 SSD and I consider its PCle4.0 SSD a meaningful benefit because it delivers much faster sequential and random speeds for large file work, video editing and quick app load times.
The SER5 Max is upgradeable too, but its stock SSD sizes are smaller on some SKUs; I’d plan to upgrade to 1TB if I work with big media or want plenty of headroom. My tip: always confirm whether the RAM is soldered on your specific SKU and back up the existing OS if you plan to swap drives, and if you want the fastest storage experience choose a true PCle4.0 SSD.
How Are Thermals, Noise, Ports, And Real-World Usability For Triple Displays And Networking?
I care about real-world usability more than benchmarks: thermals and noise vary by workload and cooling design, and in my experience these mini PCs are generally quiet under light loads but can spin fans up under sustained heavy CPU/GPU use; the TRIGKEY with the 13900HK will run hotter under full CPU load than the SER9 Pro+ in many mixed GPU/CPU scenarios, so I check fan profiles in BIOS and keep good airflow. For ports and displays, all three support Triple display setups (HDMI+DP+Type-C or Thunderbolt on the TRIGKEY) and the SER9 Pro+ stands out with USB4/4.0 and high refresh 4K support which makes it my go-to for multi-monitor desks and high-refresh panels.
Networking is solid across the lineup with WiFi6/WiFi6E/BT variants and 2.5G LAN on several models; I make sure to update drivers and, if I plan to use Linux, verify WiFi chipset compatibility first. Practical tips I use: update the firmware/BIOS before heavy use, consider a clean OS install to avoid bloatware, verify RAM/SSD fit if you plan upgrades, and choose the SER9 Pro+ if you want the best mix of integrated GPU, PCle4.0 SSD performance and modern I/O for Triple display and media-heavy workflows.
What Buyers Prefer
When choosing between the TRIGKEY Key i13, Beelink SER5 Max, and Beelink SER9 Pro+, we usually focus on raw performance and thermal headroom, port selection and upgradeability, and overall price-to-performance. Because the SER9 Pro+ combines the strongest compute and cooling for demanding tasks, we tend to prefer it for power users, while budget-conscious buyers or those wanting a smaller footprint often opt for the SER5 Max or the TRIGKEY Key i13 for better value or compactness.
Wrapping Up
If you want the best balance of CPU/GPU performance, display flexibility and modern I/O, I recommend the Beelink SER9 Pro+. It offers bleeding-edge integrated graphics, strong multi-monitor support and a solid set of ports while still being a true Mini PC. The TRIGKEY Key i13 is the go-to if you prioritize raw Core i13-class CPU power and Thunderbolt-style expandability, and the Beelink SER5 Max is the most budget-friendly choice that still handles Triple-monitor setups and everyday multitasking. I hope this helps you pick the right small PC for your setup, whether you need a workstation, a media center or a compact office machine.
| TRIGKEY Key i13 Mini PC | Beelink SER5 Max Mini PC | Beelink SER9 Pro+ Mini PC | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Rating | 4.4/5 (187 reviews) | 4.6/5 (646 reviews) | 4.6/5 (646 reviews) |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-13900HK, Up to 5.4GHz (14C/20T) | AMD Ryzen 7 6800U, Up to 4.7GHz (8C/16T) | AMD Ryzen 7 H255, Up to 4.9GHz |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 | 24GB LPDDR5 | 32GB LPDDR5X |
| Hard Drive | 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD | 500GB M.2 SSD | 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Connectivity | Triple Display (HDMI+DP 1.4+Thunderbolt 4), WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G LAN | 4K Triple Display (HDMI, DP, Type-C), WiFi 6, 2.5G LAN | 240Hz Triple Display (USB4.0, HDMI), 2.5G LAN, WiFi 6 |
| Price | $479.99 | $389.00 | $599.00 |
| Get Details | Get Details | Get Details |
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