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Is an ARM mini PC with only 2GB RAM and 16GB storage worth buying?

Amazon.in

https://www.amazon.in/thinvent-Micro-Client-Operating-System/dp/B096KR2WHK

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

10 comments

RedWeasel

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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.

poVoq

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No, and it will likely need some outdated off-mainline kernel meaning it will not be possible to update properly.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.

snooggums

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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.

Cupcake1972

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On that note used decommissioned thin clients can make nice servers.

Ebby

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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.

Tylerdurdon

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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.

hexagonwin

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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.

jaypg

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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.

qjkxbmwvz

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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.

Lifebandit666

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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...