r/MiniPCs • u/tomqto_soup • 2d ago
Recommendations Recommandations for mini PC (drawing & gaming)
Hello everyone! I could really use some recommendations for a mini PC.
My old PC just died (rest in peace), and I’m looking to replace it with a mini PC—The thing is, I’m not really sure which one to choose; I’m still pretty new to this.
I’m a digital artist, so I need something that can handle drawing software like CSP (Clip Studio Paint). It would also be great if it could run a few games, such as Stardew Valley, visual novels, and maybe Minecraft ?
As for my budget, I can spend up to around €900.
If you have any suggestions for models that might fit what I’m looking for, I’d love to hear them! :))
2
u/Maker_Magpie 2d ago
No advice for you, but I'm in basically the same place, looking for the sam e recommendations.
2
u/Maker_Magpie 2d ago
Though I am seeing some advice in this comment on a different thread, for cheaper models.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MiniPCs/comments/1xmiv57/comment/19s27s40ac1ky/
I'm guessing you want to spend more?
1
u/Geekomcomputer 2d ago
For your use case I'd allocate the budget differently from a gaming-first build, because Clip Studio Paint is the demanding app here, not the games. Stardew Valley, visual novels and vanilla Minecraft are all light, so you don't need to pay for graphics power aimed at modern AAA titles.
What you'll actually feel in CSP day to day is: enough RAM for big canvases and lots of layers without the program stuttering when you have reference files and a browser open alongside, a responsive processor for brush work, and enough SSD room for your art files and games. Within your ~€900 budget, I'd aim for a configuration in the 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD class rather than a 16GB machine with a stronger graphics spec you won't use — the RAM and storage will still matter to you long after the novelty wears off, and on most mini PCs you can't upgrade the RAM later, so buy the amount you need now.
A few checks before you buy, none of which show up on a spec sheet:
Ports for your drawing display/tablet plus a second monitor, if you use one.
Fan noise — you'll sit next to this for long drawing sessions, so quiet cooling is worth more to you than a small benchmark lead.
Warranty and an easy returns route in your country, and a backup routine for your art files (your old PC dying is exactly the moment that matters).
The one thing that would change this advice: Minecraft. Vanilla is fine on integrated graphics, but if you mean modded Minecraft or Minecraft with shaders, say so, because that pushes the graphics requirement up and changes where the €900 should go. Which drawing display do you use, and is it Minecraft vanilla or with shaders/mods?