Mini-PCs in the AI Test: What AMD, Apple and Intel Really Deliver

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Mini-PCs in the AI Test: What AMD, Apple and Intel Really Deliver.

heise+ has put six mini-PCs with SoCs from AMD, Apple, and Intel head-to-head in its latest comparison. The test checked how well the devices handle modern AI tasks, how much classic computing power they deliver, and how much power they draw in the process.

Small and power-efficient hasn't been enough for a long time now.

We take a look at what the test really means for your buying decision – and why AI speed has become the new benchmark.

What heise+ tested

A broad lineup of compact computers takes the stage in the latest comparison. The range covers SoCs from three worlds: AMD, Apple, and Intel. Each candidate is measured in three disciplines – AI speed, classic computing performance, and power consumption.

This creates a view that reveals not only which device wins in which scenario, but also where the compact class reaches its limits – and whether the old equation "small = efficient = good enough" still holds.

Why AI speed matters now

The focus on AI workloads is no random choice. heise+ treats AI tasks as their own discipline – not as an add-on to classic CPU benchmarks. This brings a capability to the forefront that has barely played a role in classic mini-PC comparisons up to now.

For you, that means: the next time you buy a mini-PC, the decision won't rest on size and noise alone – but also on how well the device keeps up with AI tasks.

What this means for you

If you're weighing whether a mini-PC still cuts it for your needs, the comparison offers a sober assessment. Speed, AI capability, and consumption – these three axes decide which device fits you.

You'll find which devices lead in which discipline and which configurations heise+ recommends in the full test with all individual values and charts at heise+.