[Feature] PCs are expensive, really expensive. Yet mini PCs can still compete at 100,000 yen

PC prices are up, and mini PCs are getting pricier too

Memory and SSD (storage) prices have jumped in about two years. Finished PCs have gotten more expensive as well. The author asks what a person should do if their PC breaks and they need a new one. The answer he explores is the mini PC, a very small desktop computer. He checks whether it is fast enough, whether its memory and storage are big enough, and what it can and cannot do.

Key numbers

• Mid-range mini PCs with Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 chips used to cost about 70,000 yen or less. Now they cost about 100,000 yen.
• Older mid-range models usually had 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage. Many newer models have 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage.
• The NucBox K17 costs about 80,000 yen with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage.
• With 20 browser tabs open, memory use was about 12GB. Adding a 4K video raised it to about 13GB. The computer still ran smoothly.
• During the heaviest test, the CPU reached about 75 degrees Celsius. During the game-style test, it reached about 54 degrees Celsius.

Why the memory and storage are smaller

Memory and storage are important parts of a computer. They affect how smoothly it runs. Many mini PCs used to come with large amounts of both. Now that parts cost more, makers often offer smaller, cheaper versions. The author tested whether these smaller versions still work well for everyday tasks.

Why it matters

For many people, a mini PC with 16GB of memory may be enough for office apps, web browsing, and simple photo editing. That can save money when all computers are getting more expensive. The tradeoff is that it is weaker for demanding games and heavy video editing. Buyers need to match the computer to what they actually do.

What to watch

• Whether mini PC prices fall again or keep rising as memory and SSD costs change.
• Whether more mini PCs add external graphics options for better gaming.
• How buyers balance low price, memory size, and future needs.