Daily desktop: Why a mini-PC and not an all-in-one (AIO)?

[Ice Tea]

What is the reason to choose a mini-PC over an AIO, given that many AIOs now feature desktop CPUs?

Is there a obvious reason that i've not thought of?

 

[dave28]

AIO have a dull lackluster screen generally so i would only pick a mini-pc instead so that i could use a decent monitor and speakers with it.

Or just buy a SFF PC and put a monitor on top of it to save space if possible.

 

[Snapshot]

Upgrading is an all-or-nothing affair with AIOs. I use two mini-PCs and a 32" 4k Dell screen plus a KVM. If I want a new mini-PC, it's just a matter of swapping a few cables but you can't do that with an AIO.

 

[Philtor]

Yeah as noted above, you don’t have any choice with the panel on an AIO system. Also my mini PC is the size of a drinks coaster but an AIO would be significantly larger!

 

[deviation]

What is the reason to choose a mini-PC over an AIO, given that many AIOs now feature desktop CPUs?

Is there a obvious reason that i've not thought of?

You can't use an AIO as a computer, so a PC will always be better as a computer.

 

[mid_gen]

I don't really see the point in an AIO, when you can get a miniPC and just stick it on the back of a monitor of your choosing.

 

[nade]

Been having the same thoughts about an upgrade for family. AIO would be easier, but apart from the lack of upgrade options, the repairability/replaceability of parts is also difficult or more likely impossible.

So in the end I replaced an Intel i5 4th components with a AMD 5600x and components in same case for family recently.

 

[LewisRaz]

lots of mini PCs can be mounted on the vesa mount of the monitor so you get the best of both worlds?