Mini PC for digital signage / POS systems

If you walked into a store recently and saw a menu board that displayed a 4K resolution that was legible even in bright sunlight, it probably wasn't a giant desktop PC running in the background. More likely, it was a small box that you wouldn't even notice: a mini PC.

They're everywhere: airports, checkout counters, bus stations - places you never thought about. What's interesting is that this silent shift is happening quickly. So far, it's accumulated $29 billion or more. That means a lot of screens, and a lot of mini PCs.

Wait, what makes mini PCs so useful for businesses?

First, they're no longer the bulky machines we used to see behind the counter. A few things have changed:

They don't need fans anymore.

Really. The Shuttle NE10N uses Intel's N100 chip, which generally uses a self-developed module to absorb heat. No fans, no noise, and less chance of equipment damage even in a dusty back room.

They can power more screens than you can imagine.

Have you ever seen a device that supports four 8K screens in the palm of your hand? ECSIPC's LIVA Z5F Plus can do that. It sounds a bit exaggerated, but in the field of retail or event planning, it is absolutely gold.

They are well compatible with software.

You can connect them to the cloud system and manage 500 devices from a single dashboard. It sounds weird, but it really saves people a lot of time.

Oh, by the way - some of these devices can run non-stop for 11 years (MTBF 100,000 hours). It's incredible.

mini PCs worth a look in 2025

There are a lot of mini PC models on the market, but if you are looking for actual experience, the following ones stand out in performance testing:

Surprise choice: GP1

It is equipped with an Intel i7-1206P processor, which sounds professional, but the important thing is - it only needs 35W to power three 8K monitors. You can even run it on solar panels if you need to.

How top brands stay ahead (not just specs)

It’s easy to assume that the best mini PC is the one with the fastest chip, but in the real world, three things matter more:

1. Legacy ports still matter

There are a lot of businesses and backward countries that still use legacy ports. Telpo’s model still offers RS232 and GPIO ports – things you thought were obsolete.

2. Unexpected AI features you’ll love

Advantech’s mini PC can actually count people in your store using a camera and some clever software. Weird? Yes. Useful? Yes.

3. More than a box, a whole package

ECSIPC has it all: you get the mini PC, a private cloud control panel, and a mobile app. They’ve turned this thing into a plug-and-play business package.

Which one should you buy?

In short:

If you run static content like menus in a cafe, the Beelink Mini S12 Pro (229 EUR) is affordable and great.

If you use facial payment or self-checkout, the ECSIPC LIVA Z5F Plus is fast and has interfaces for a wide range of devices.

If you're going to use it outdoors or in a warehouse, the Advantech DS-410 is rugged, compact, and heat-resistant (really).

Some trends that may be quietly emerging

ARM chips are coming to Intel.

Motherboards like ECSIPC's RK3568-IS1 now run Android, which means lower power consumption (about 5W) and easier integration with mobile devices.

5G is becoming the norm.

More than half of new models have M.2 slots for 5G modules, so your devices can stay online without Wi-Fi.

Security issues are getting more serious.

PCI-level encryption is now built into the hardware (TPM 2.0), especially for any payment processing equipment.

Ask these 3 questions before buying

Can it handle 12-24V input? This is useful if it's powered by a van or charging station.

What happens when it gets hot? Some fanless PCs freeze and freeze.

What are the remote access settings? Not all protocols are created equal - the choice of VNC, SNMP and IPMI can make a big difference.

Fun fact: when Lidl launched 500 Beelink Mini S12 Pros, they weren't looking for performance - they were looking for something efficient, affordable and quiet. Speed ​​isn't always the key.

About us (if you have questions)

We're a team from Shenzhen who love mini PCs. We don't just resell mini PCs, we design, debug and support them. Whether you're a first time user or you're deploying at scale, we'd love to talk to you, no pressure.