Is an ARM mini PC with only 2GB RAM and 16GB storage worth buying?
Is an ARM mini PC with only 2GB RAM and 16GB storage worth buying?
My current setup is an old MacBook woth 2 external HDDs, and I am almost happy with it, for now. I just saw this mini PC on Amazon and I am considering buying it, just to try out a new thing. I think it is cheap (~22 USD).
What I am worried about is that this much memory and storage might make it almost unusable. I was thinking of hosting some minor services, like remark42, shynet or vaultwarden. What else do you think I can host? If my mind changes, I will also try it with a desktop environment and try to connect it to my 4K Android TV.
Here are some specs, if you don't want to visit the webpage:
| Brand | thinvent |
| Personal computer design type | Mini PC |
| Operating System | Linux |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 16 GB |
| RAM Memory Installed Size | 2 GB |
| CPU Model | Cortex A5 |
| Special Feature | Memory Card Reader |
| CPU Manufacturer | ARM |
| Wireless network technology | Wi-Fi |
| CPU Speed | 2 GHz |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Integrated Graphics |
|---|---|
| RAM Memory Maximum Size | 16 GB |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet |
| Memory Speed | 2 GHz |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10 x 10 x 1.8 Centimeters |
| Speaker Description | built in |
| Video Output Interface | HDMI |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Hard Disk Interface | Unknown |
| Style | With Wi-Fi |
| Manufacturer | Thinvent Technologes Pvt Ltd |
| Form Factor | Small Form Factor |
| Item Height | 1.8 Centimeters |
| Item Width | 10 Centimeters |
| Product Dimensions | 10 x 10 x 1.8 cm; 460 g |
| Item model number | Micro 5_2021 |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| RAM Size | 2 GB |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Hard Drive Size | 16 GB |
| Hardware Platform | Linux |
| Lithium Battery Energy Content | 5 Watt Hours |
| Manufacturer | Thinvent Technologes Pvt Ltd |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Item Weight | 460 g |
I will just say it uses an ARM A5 which was introduced in 2011. It is 32bit processor which could be problematic as most linux distros are moving or have moved to 64-bit. And most importantly only has USB2.0 ports.
No, and it will likely need some outdated off-mainline kernel meaning it will not be possible to update properly.
Either get an ARM SBC from a reputable brand with good software support, or some refurbished x86 thin-client.
Of course the big question is "what will you use it for" because some uses will run just fine.
I would max that out so fast though.
Exactly. The use-case dictates requirements, then you build according to that. Will this work for a camera system? With the right drive(s) added, sure. Would this run something graphics intensive very well? Not particularly.
That isn't a PC, it is a thin client. Thin clients don't do any heavy lifting like running apps, they only have RAM and memory to run the software that connects to the centralized server that does the actual work.
For example, if you wanted to use a spreadsheet application to type something up this would connect to the centralized computer that is running the spreadsheet application.
On that note used decommissioned thin clients can make nice servers.
i don't think you'll be able to run a proper linux distro with mainline kernel on it, better get an sbc like orange/rock/raspberry pi/odroid.
Nearly any SBC you’d buy would beat the pants off it. If you’re shopping by price then check out a Libre Computer Sweet Potato or Renegade, or a Friendly Elec NanoPi R2S+. They’re <=$40 and should be able to run at least the services you mentioned. If you have more budget, there are $100 mini PCs on Amazon that are great for self hosting tons of stuff, like a Bmax B1 Pro.
I'm not as knowledgeable as some in here but in my short experience I can say I bought something with 16gb of RAM and while it is currently doing everything I want it to, it's using 12gb ram currently...
As others have said, it's a bit outdated. Being slow is one thing, but having limited software support can be very frustrating.
If possible I would try for a raspberry pi instead, as those have very strong ecosystems (yes, there are problems, but still --- it's a big community). A 5 with 8GB would be ideal, but something lower spec (even a 3) would probably still be more capable.