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If you’ve ever wondered how much it would cost to build a mini PC, this blog will walk you through the costs associated with building a custom industrial PC. We'll discuss the essential components, their prices, and how they compare to purchasing a pre-built industrial computer or embedded computer. Whether you’re looking to create a high-performance system for personal use or a reliable industrial personal computer for business applications, understanding the cost breakdown will help you make an informed decision.
Building a mini PC can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to tailor your system to specific needs, whether for personal use, gaming, or industrial applications. However, before diving into this DIY project, it’s essential to understand how much it would cost to build a mini PC from scratch. There are several factors to consider, such as the type of industrial PC components you need, the features you want, and whether you're opting for specialized components for industrial computers or general-use hardware.
When it comes to building a mini PC, the components can vary widely in cost depending on performance and use case. Here's a breakdown of the key parts that make up the total cost:
|
Component |
Budget Range |
High-End Range |
Purpose |
|
Processor (CPU) |
$50 - $150 |
$200 - $500 |
Handles all computing tasks |
|
Motherboard |
$40 - $120 |
$150 - $250 |
Connects all components |
|
RAM (Memory) |
$30 - $70 per 8GB stick |
$100 - $200 per 16GB stick |
Affects system performance and multitasking |
|
Storage (SSD/HDD) |
$40 - $100 |
$150 - $350 |
Storage space for your data and operating system |
|
Power Supply Unit (PSU) |
$30 - $80 |
$100 - $200 |
Supplies power to your system |
|
Case/Chassis |
$20 - $60 |
$80 - $200 |
Houses all your PC components |
|
Cooling System |
$20 - $50 |
$100 - $300 |
Ensures system stays cool under load |
Total Cost to Build a Mini PC
Budget Build: $200 - $600
High-End Build: $700 - $2,000+
As you can see from the table, building a mini PC can be as affordable or as expensive as you want it to be. A budget build typically uses more cost-effective components, while high-end builds focus on more powerful industrial computers with upgraded features for performance-intensive tasks.
While the cost of a DIY build might seem higher compared to buying a pre-built industrial personal computer, there are several advantages to going the custom route. For instance, a custom-built mini PC offers:
Complete Control Over Components: You can choose every part based on your specific needs, from processing power to storage and cooling solutions.
Cost Efficiency: Although the upfront cost might be higher for a custom build, it allows you to avoid paying for unnecessary features in pre-built systems.
Scalability: You can upgrade individual components as needed, extending the life of your industrial PC or embedded computer.
When deciding between building a mini PC and purchasing a ready-made industrial computer, it's essential to consider your intended use. If you're looking for something compact, energy-efficient, and capable of handling business applications or industrial tasks, an industrial PC might be more suitable. These systems are typically built for specific environments and often offer features such as:
· Ruggedness and durability for harsh industrial environments
· Reliability with extended warranty and support
· Long-term availability of parts, which is crucial for industrial applications
For example, embedded computers are used in applications like manufacturing control systems, point-of-sale systems, and automation, where long-term reliability is essential. If you're focused on a general-purpose computer for home use or light office tasks, building a mini PC may be the way to go.
|
Feature |
Mini PC |
Industrial PC |
|
Size |
Small and compact |
A little bit larger than mini pc, but designed for specific applications |
|
Performance |
Suitable for general use or light workloads |
Built for heavy-duty, high-performance industrial tasks |
|
Durability |
Not designed for extreme environments |
Built to withstand extreme conditions like heat, moisture, and dust |
|
Cost |
Typically cheaper for standard builds |
More expensive due to specialized components |
|
Use Case |
Home, office, business, light work |
Manufacturing, automation, security, etc. |
Before you embark on your mini PC build, consider your priorities. If you need the industrial PC for specific tasks like factory automation or sensitive data processing, you may want to purchase a pre-built industrial personal computer. However, if you're looking to build a mini PC for general computing, gaming, or home office use, a custom build can provide both cost savings and flexibility.
Building a mini PC can be a cost-effective and rewarding project, giving you full control over your system’s specs. However, it's important to understand the total cost and the trade-offs between a mini PC and a ready-made industrial PC. While a custom-built mini PC can meet everyday needs, industrial PCs are built for more demanding, long-term tasks in rugged environments.
At BVS, we offer a range of industrial PCs designed to meet the demanding requirements of business and industrial applications. For more information on our industrial personal computers, visit BVS Industrial PCs.
If you want to know more, please click the follows:
① Mini PC Operation Window: What System to Use?
② Fanless Mini PC Ryzen 9: The Power of Silent Performance
③ Customizing Industrial Embedded Computers for Specialized Applications
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