For years, my home office was dominated by a hulking, beige tower. It was a testament to a bygone era of computing—a noisy, heat-generating monolith that took up a significant chunk of my precious desk space. Every time I looked at it, I thought about the tangled mess of cables behind it, the dust it collected, and the constant hum that served as the unwanted soundtrack to my workday. I needed a modern solution: something powerful enough for my daily tasks of writing, research, and video calls, but compact enough to reclaim my workspace. The thought of another massive, power-hungry machine was simply out of the question. This quest for a streamlined, efficient, and affordable computing experience is what led me to the world of mini PCs, a category where the Blackview Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel N150 8GB RAM 256GB SSD immediately caught my eye.
- 【Ultra-small size, ultra-light weight】The Blackview MP20 Mini PC is less than 1/10 the size of a traditional desktop PC and weighs more than 90% less, so it can be easily tucked into a backpack or...
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What to Consider Before Buying a Mini Desktop PC
A Mini PC is more than just a shrunken-down computer; it’s a key solution for decluttering your life, saving energy, and creating a more versatile work or entertainment environment. These compact devices pack a surprising punch, capable of handling everything from complex spreadsheets and multi-tab web browsing to streaming 4K media content to your television. Their primary benefit is their incredibly small footprint. You can tuck them away behind a monitor, mount them on a wall, or even carry them between locations with ease, offering a level of flexibility that traditional desktops simply cannot match. Furthermore, they are remarkably energy-efficient, consuming a fraction of the power of a standard tower, which translates to lower electricity bills and a smaller environmental impact over time.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of limited space or seeking a dedicated, low-power machine for specific tasks. This includes students in dorm rooms, professionals setting up a minimalist home office, families wanting a simple media centre for their living room, or businesses needing reliable machines for kiosks or digital signage. However, a mini PC might not be suitable for those who require extreme performance. Hardcore gamers who need a powerful dedicated graphics card, professional video editors rendering complex 8K footage, or 3D artists will find the integrated graphics and mobile-class processors of most mini PCs to be a bottleneck. For them, a full-sized gaming rig or a high-end workstation remains the more appropriate choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The primary appeal of a mini PC is its size. Measure the space where you intend to place it. Look for models that include a VESA mount, which allows you to attach the PC directly to the back of a compatible monitor. This creates an incredibly clean, “all-in-one” setup that completely frees up your desk space, a feature we found particularly useful during our testing.
- Capacity/Performance: Don’t let the small size fool you; performance matters. Pay close attention to the processor (CPU), RAM, and storage type. For everyday tasks, a modern quad-core CPU like the Intel N150 is more than capable. 8GB of RAM is the minimum for smooth multitasking on Windows 11, and a Solid State Drive (SSD) is non-negotiable for fast boot times and application loading.
- Connectivity & Ports: Assess your needs for connecting peripherals. Ensure the device has enough USB ports for your keyboard, mouse, webcam, and external storage. For displays, look for modern outputs like HDMI and DisplayPort, especially if you plan on running a dual-monitor setup. The inclusion of WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 are key for fast wireless networking and connecting accessories without clutter.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good mini PC should be a plug-and-play experience. Look for models with a pre-installed operating system like Windows 11 Pro to avoid setup headaches. Also, consider long-term maintenance. Some mini PCs offer easy access for upgrading RAM or storage, while others, like the model in this review, have soldered components, making them non-upgradable.
Understanding these factors will ensure you select a mini PC that perfectly aligns with your workflow and lifestyle, providing a powerful computing experience in a delightfully small package. The Blackview Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel N150 8GB RAM 256GB SSD aims to tick many of these boxes for the everyday user.
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First Impressions: Astonishingly Small, Surprisingly Complete
Unboxing the Blackview Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel N150 8GB RAM 256GB SSD was a genuinely surprising experience. The box itself is compact, but the device inside is even smaller than I had anticipated. At just 10 x 10 x 3.5 centimetres, it’s about the size of a stack of coasters and weighs a mere 265 grams. Picking it up, it feels solid and well-constructed, with a matte black plastic casing that is fingerprint-resistant and looks professional on any desk. Inside the box, we found everything needed to get started: the mini PC itself, a power adapter, an HDMI cable, and, most importantly, a VESA mounting bracket with screws. This inclusion is a fantastic touch, immediately signaling that this device is designed for space-saving efficiency.
Compared to its predecessor, the MP60, which one user noted was physically larger, this MP20 model represents a significant step forward in miniaturisation without sacrificing performance. The initial setup was refreshingly simple. After connecting a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, the machine booted up in seconds, thanks to its M.2 SSD. The Windows 11 Pro setup wizard guided us through the process without any hitches or confusing bloatware, which is a common frustration with many pre-built systems. Within 15 minutes, we were at a clean Windows desktop, connected to our WiFi 6 network, and ready to put this tiny machine through its paces. It was a seamless and impressive introduction to what modern compact computing can be.
What We Like
- Incredibly compact and lightweight design frees up desk space
- Snappy and efficient performance for daily office and media tasks
- Dual 4K display support (HDMI + DP) for enhanced productivity
- Includes VESA mount for a clean, all-in-one style setup
- Very quiet operation and extremely low power consumption
- Modern connectivity with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Limitations
- RAM is not user-upgradable (limited to 8GB)
- Not suitable for modern gaming or intensive creative workloads
- Lacks a USB-C port for more modern peripherals
Deep Dive: How the Blackview Mini PC Performs in the Real World
A compact design is one thing, but a computer, regardless of its size, lives or dies by its performance. We spent weeks using the Blackview Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel N150 8GB RAM 256GB SSD as our primary machine for office work, media consumption, and general web browsing to see if its performance could match its excellent design. The results were consistently impressive for its target audience, proving that you no longer need a large tower for a fluid and productive desktop experience.
The Heart of the Office: Productivity and Multitasking
The core mission for a device like this is to handle the daily grind of office work without breaking a sweat, and here, the Blackview excels. The Intel N150 “Alder Lake-N” processor, a 4-core, 4-thread chip with a boost clock of up to 3.6 GHz, is the star of the show. While it carries a “Celeron” series name, its performance is a significant leap over older generations, offering a tangible 6-10% improvement over the popular N100 chip found in many competing mini PCs. In our testing, this translated into a remarkably responsive experience. We opened a dozen browser tabs in Chrome, ran Microsoft Word and Excel side-by-side, and had a Slack client and Spotify running in the background. The system never felt sluggish or bogged down.
The 8GB of DDR4 RAM proved to be the sweet spot for these tasks. While power users might find it a limitation, for standard business and school use, it’s perfectly adequate. Applications launched quickly, and switching between them was smooth. This experience is echoed by numerous users who were “amazed” by its performance, describing it as “fast and effective” for work. The 256GB M.2 SSD is another critical component. Booting into Windows 11 Pro takes less than 15 seconds, and file transfers are swift. One user aptly noted the boot process is “as quick as a lightning,” a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with. This combination of a modern CPU, adequate RAM, and fast storage makes the Blackview Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel N150 8GB RAM 256GB SSD a formidable productivity tool that belies its tiny stature.
A Tiny Titan for Home Entertainment
Beyond the office, we tested the Blackview as a dedicated Home Theatre PC (HTPC). Its performance here was equally impressive. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics are more than capable of handling 4K video playback at a smooth 60 Hz. We streamed 4K content from YouTube, Netflix, and other services without any stuttering, dropped frames, or buffering issues. The colours were vibrant, and the picture was crisp when connected to our 4K television via the HDMI port. The machine’s quiet operation is a massive benefit in a living room setting. The internal fan is only audible under heavy, sustained load; during video playback or light browsing, it’s virtually silent, ensuring it doesn’t distract from the movie-watching experience.
One of its standout features is the ability to drive two 4K displays simultaneously, using one HDMI port and one DisplayPort. This is a huge productivity booster for anyone who works with multiple documents or needs to keep reference material open on a second screen. We confirmed this works flawlessly, extending our desktop across two monitors for an expansive digital workspace. Users have celebrated this feature, with one review highlighting the “dual 4K display support – DP Port + HDMI allowing connection 2 separate monitors” as a key reason for their recommendation. Whether you’re building a multi-monitor workstation or powering a TV and a smaller monitor simultaneously, the Blackview offers a level of display flexibility typically found on much larger and more expensive machines.
Design, Connectivity, and the VESA Mount Advantage
Blackview nailed the physical design and connectivity of this mini PC. The port selection is practical and sufficient for most users. On the front and back, you’ll find a total of two USB 3.0 ports for fast devices like external drives, two USB 2.0 ports for peripherals like keyboards and mice, a Gigabit Ethernet port for a stable wired connection, and a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or speakers. While the absence of a USB-C port is a minor drawback for those with modern peripherals, the existing array is perfectly functional for its intended use cases.
The inclusion of WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 ensures that the device is future-proof and cable-free. We experienced fast, stable wireless speeds on our network, and pairing Bluetooth devices like a wireless mouse and headphones was instantaneous. However, the most celebrated design feature, both in our tests and among users, is the included VESA mount. We attached the PC to the back of our 27-inch monitor in under five minutes. This simple bracket transforms the setup, hiding the computer entirely and creating an uncluttered, minimalist desk. One user, a self-proclaimed PC builder who was finally updating from Windows 7, was delighted by this, stating, “This was easy to set up, has less wires, and best of all mounts on the back of my monitor!” It’s a small inclusion that makes a huge difference in the user experience, and a feature that really sets this value-packed device apart.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our extensive testing, we dug into feedback from other buyers to see if their experiences aligned with ours. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. A recurring theme is sheer surprise—surprise at how something so small can be so capable. One user summed it up perfectly: “I was surprised how small and how well it works.” Another was initially hesitant but “after buying and testing i was amazed.”
Many users, like one who was replacing a 10-year-old PC, praise it as a fantastic value proposition, delivering “good configuration, small price.” The ease of setup is another frequently mentioned highlight, with comments like “Very easy set up out of the box” and “Installation veloce e semplice” (fast and simple installation) appearing in multiple languages. The combination of its quiet, fast, and compact nature makes it a hit for both home and office use.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, which adds to its authenticity. A few users pointed out its limitations, correctly identifying that it’s “not for games” and noting the lack of expandability or a USB-C port. One user reported an issue with Windows 11 Pro activation upon arrival, which seems to be an isolated incident but is worth noting for potential buyers. Overall, the consensus is that the Blackview Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel N150 8GB RAM 256GB SSD delivers exactly what it promises: a fast, compact, and reliable computer for everyday needs.
How Does the Blackview Mini PC Compare to the Alternatives?
The Blackview Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel N150 8GB RAM 256GB SSD operates in a competitive market. While it offers outstanding value, different users have different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.
1. NiPoGi Hyper H1 Mini PC Ryzen7 6800H 16GB+16GB RAM 1TB DDR5 SSD
See latest priceThe NiPoGi Hyper H1 represents a significant step up in performance. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, paired with a massive 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD. This machine is geared towards power users and even light to moderate gamers. If your workflow involves virtual machines, heavy multitasking, or you want to play titles like Fortnite or Valorant at decent settings, the NiPoGi is the clear winner. However, this power comes at a considerably higher price and with slightly higher power consumption. Choose the NiPoGi if the Blackview’s performance ceiling feels too low for your demanding tasks.
2. CyberPowerPC Gaming PC AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D RTX 5070 Ti
See latest priceThis machine is in a completely different league and serves as a crucial point of contrast. The CyberPowerPC is a full-sized, liquid-cooled gaming desktop designed for elite performance. With a top-tier AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and a dedicated Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti graphics card, it’s built to run the latest AAA games at maximum settings and handle intensive professional creative work without compromise. It is massive, power-hungry, and significantly more expensive. This is not an alternative for someone considering the Blackview for office work; rather, it highlights what you need to invest in if high-end gaming and maximum performance are your non-negotiable priorities.
3. MeLE Quieter 4C N150 Fanless Mini PC
See latest priceThe MeLE Quieter 4C is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Blackview. It uses the same efficient Intel N150 processor but distinguishes itself with two key features: a completely fanless, silent design and the inclusion of a full-function USB-C port. Its silent operation makes it the ideal choice for environments where zero noise is critical, such as a recording studio, a library, or for astrophotography setups. The USB-C port also adds modern connectivity that the Blackview lacks. The trade-off is that a fanless design may experience more thermal throttling under very heavy, prolonged loads compared to the actively cooled Blackview. Choose the MeLE if absolute silence and USB-C are more important to you than potentially higher sustained performance.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Blackview Mini PC?
After extensive hands-on use and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Blackview Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel N150 8GB RAM 256GB SSD is an outstanding machine for its intended purpose and a remarkable value for the price. It successfully replaces the need for a bulky desktop tower for a vast majority of users. Its performance is snappy and reliable for all standard productivity tasks, web browsing, and 4K media streaming. The ultra-compact design, silent operation, and the inclusion of a VESA mount make it a champion of space-saving and minimalist setups.
We wholeheartedly recommend it to students, home office professionals, families looking for a second PC or media centre, and anyone looking to downsize from an old, slow desktop without sacrificing a fluid user experience. While it’s not built for gamers or video editors, it doesn’t pretend to be. It knows its role and executes it flawlessly. If you’re looking for a dependable, efficient, and shockingly small computer that punches well above its weight, you will be more than satisfied with this purchase. To see its full feature set and check the latest price and availability for yourself, we encourage you to take a closer look.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API