The Intel Alder Lake-N100 processor has established itself as the undisputed king of the basic PC range.
With 4 efficient cores, a base power consumption of only 6W and hardware decoding of 4K video (QuickSync with AV1 support), it is the perfect base for non-gaming users, whose main objective is office work, teleworking, multimedia centers and streaming, and home servers.
However, not all models offer the same features. Memory (DDR4 vs DDR5), network ports, and expandability vary considerably between brands. We analyze and compare the top options on the market to help you choose the right one for your budget.
Comparative table of specifications
| Model | RAM Memory | Base storage | Wired network (LAN) | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Video ports | Differentiating points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beelink Mini S12 Pro | 16 GB DDR4 | 500GB NVMe | 1 GB | Wi-Fi 6 / BT 5.2 | 2x HDMI 2.0 | Internal SATA 2.5" bay |
| GMKtec G3 | 8 GB / 16 GB DDR4 | 256GB / 512GB NVMe | 2x 2.5 GbE | Wi-Fi 6 / BT 5.2 | 2x HDMI 2.0 | Dual 2.5G network for homelab |
| Geekom Air 12 | 16 GB DDR5 | 512GB NVMe | 1 GB | Wi-Fi 6 / BT 5.2 | HDMI + MiniDP + USB-C | Triple monitor and metal chassis |
| FIREBAT S1 | 16 GB DDR4 | 512GB NVMe | 2x 1 GbE | Wi-Fi 5 / BT 4.2 | 2x HDMI 2.0 | Pantalla LCD frontal y 2x M.2 |
| GMKtec G2 | 12 GB LPDDR5 | 512GB NVMe | 1 GB | Wi-Fi 6 / BT 5.2 | 2x HDMI + USB-C | Ultra-compact pocket format |
| SOYO M2 PLUS 2 | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | 1 GB | Wi-Fi 5 / BT 5.0 | 2x HDMI 2.0 | Unbeatable memory/price ratio |
| FIREBAT AK2 PLUS | 16 GB DDR4 | 512 GB SSD | 1 GB | Wi-Fi 5 / BT 4.2 | 2x HDMI 2.0 | 5 USB ports and a knockdown price |
| Lenovo ThinkCentre M100 Tiny | 8 GB DDR4 | 256GB NVMe | 1 GB | Wi-Fi 6 / BT 5.2 | HDMI + DisplayPort | Quality and business reliability |
1. Beelink Mini S12 Pro: The most balanced and recommended purchase
The benchmark model in this range. It stands out for its thermal efficiency, quiet operation, and a key advantage: it allows the installation of a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD of up to 4 TB, making it easy to expand storage for large files very cost-effectively.
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Pros: 2.5" SATA drive bay, stable Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and robust chassis.
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Cons: No front USB-C port.
2. GMKtec G3: The favorite for servers, NAS and homelab
If you're looking to set up a home server, a virtualized router with OPNsense or pfSense, or a Docker node, the G3 is the undisputed choice thanks to its two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports and its second free M.2 slot.
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Pros: Dual 2.5 GbE network ports (2x RJ45), fast NVMe drive and secondary M.2 2242 slot.
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On the downside: The base version starts with only 8 GB of memory.
3. Geekom Air 12: Premium construction, DDR5 and triple screen
Designed for those seeking the highest build quality in a compact form factor. It uses 4800 MHz DDR5 memory, features a metal-reinforced chassis, and allows you to connect up to three 4K displays thanks to its USB-C output with DisplayPort video support.
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Pros: DDR5 memory performance, USB-C connectivity with video and side SD card reader.
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On the downside: Price is higher than the average for the category.
4. FIREBAT S1: Informative LCD screen and dual M.2 slot
An original vertical design with a configurable front display that shows real-time temperatures, processor clock, and memory usage. It features a magnetic cover for tool-free access to the internal components.
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Pros: Integrated LCD screen, dual Gigabit LAN ports and two M.2 2280 SSD slots.
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On the downside: Wireless connectivity Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.
5. GMKtec G2: Maximum power in a pocket size
Measuring just 11.5 cm on each side and weighing only 420 grams, it's one of the smallest laptops on the market. It features 12 GB of LPDDR5 memory and supports triple 4K monitors via dual HDMI ports and its USB-C port.
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Pros: Fast LPDDR5 memory, USB-C port with video output, and minimal size.
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On the downside: The RAM is soldered to the motherboard.
6. SOYO M2 PLUS 2 and FIREBAT AK2 PLUS: Maximum savings for less than €130
These two options represent the sweet spot for those looking to spend the bare minimum without sacrificing a smooth experience. Both come standard with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, eliminating the need for additional expenses.
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Pros: Typical price between €110 and €135 with 16 GB / 512 GB included as standard.
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On the downside: Plastic chassis and lack of USB-C ports.
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🔎 Reviews: SOYO M2 PLUS 2 | FIREBAT AK2 PLUS
7. Lenovo ThinkCentre M100 Tiny: Business ruggedness and reliability
The alternative for formal jobs or businesses that prioritize component durability, driver availability, and support from a recognized brand.
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Pros: 1-liter ThinkCentre metal chassis, native DisplayPort, and enterprise-grade stability.
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On the downside: Modest price/specification ratio in its 8 GB / 256 GB configuration.
Quick guide to choosing the right model
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For family use and general office tasks: Choose the Beelink Mini S12 Pro for its thermal reliability and ease of adding a 2.5" hard drive
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To set up a home server, NAS or firewall: Opt for the GMKtec G3 thanks to its two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports.
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For a modern multi-monitor desktop with DDR5: The Geekom Air 12 or the GMKtec G2 offer next-generation memory and USB-C DisplayPort output.
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If your budget is less than 130 euros: The SOYO M2 PLUS 2 and the FIREBAT AK2 PLUS deliver 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD at the lowest possible cost.
