The feature “This Intel N150 Scaled down PC Is About 4× Cheaper Than Mac Mini” comes from a Kotuku article highlighting a soak cost drop on a GMKtec smaller than expected PC utilizing the Intel N150 chip.
Kotuku
Originally, that specific GMKtec demonstrate was recorded around $240.
Kotuku
At the time of the article, it had dropped to $170 — a $70 (generally 29%) markdown.
Kotuku
That $170 cost tag is what leads to the “~4× cheaper” claim, when compared to a Mac Smaller than expected base fetched (talked about below).
Other sources authenticate that different Intel N150 smaller than expected PCs are being sold at exceptionally moo prices:
A GMKtec Unbox G2 Additionally (12 GB Smash / 256 GB SSD) posting at Walmart appears a cost in a comparable moo extend.
Walmart.com
The PELADN variation records for $174.90 on deal (frequently $262.90) for 16 GB + 512 GB config.
Pelan US
TechRadar notes that N150 smaller than expected PCs “will run you $150 or less” in ordinary cases.
How-To Geek
Geekdom (one smaller than expected PC brand) markets its Air12 N150 scaled down PC at $159.
GEEKOM
So the “record moo post-Prime Day” dialect is steady: after later deals like Amazon’s Prime / Huge Bargain occasions, a few N150 scaled down PCs are hitting unused lower cost points.
Mac Scaled down taken a toll pattern & the “4× cheaper” math
To get it the comparison, we require a reference cost for the Mac Mini.
The most recent Mac Scaled down, with the Apple M4 chip (as of late 2024), has a beginning cost of $599 for the base show.
Wikipedia
If you compare $170 (for the N150 smaller than expected) vs. $599 (for the Mac Smaller than expected), the N150 gadget is approximately 3.5× cheaper (i.e. you get the Intel scaled down PC for ~28% of the fetched of the Mac Mini).
Some articles thrust the “5× cheaper” account by comparing against higher-spec Mac Scaled down arrangements (e.g. Mac Minis with 512 GB SSD) — e.g. Gizmodo states that the “Mac Smaller than expected M4 with 512 GB begins at $799,” and compares to an N150 scaled down PC estimated around $167.
Gizmodo
Thus, depending on which Mac Smaller than expected spec is utilized, “~4× cheaper” is a sensible explanatory framing.
What does the Intel N150 smaller than expected PC deliver you?
Chip & performance
The Intel N150 is a low-power “Alder Lake-N / Twin Lake” arrangement chip.
Amazon
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How-To Geek
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It regularly has 4 centers / 4 strings, with burst clocks up to 3.6 GHz in certain models.
Amazon
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Pelan US
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It underpins coordinates Intel UHD design, but it is not implied for overwhelming gaming or high-end GPU errands.
TechRadar
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Amazon
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How-To Geek
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Compared with earlier low-power N-series chips (N95 / N100), the N150 offers humble enhancements — 6–15% pick up is as often as possible cited.
Gizmodo
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Amazon
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GEEKOM
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Typical hardware & connectivity
Across different N150 scaled down PC models (GMKtec, PELADN, Geekdom, Lakeview etc.), one sees:
12 GB to 16 GB Smash (regularly patched / non-upgradable in numerous designs)
SSD capacity (commonly 256GB or 512GB NV Me)
Dual HDMI yields (4K @ 60 Hz) or combinations of HDMI + DisplayPort
WIFI 6, Bluetooth 5.2 or similar
Ethernet (regularly 1 Gb or 2.5 Gb in way better versions)
Multiple USB ports (USB-A, USB-C where available)
A compact chassis, some of the time VESA-mountable
These specs make them strong choices for web browsing, office program, media playback, light advancement, domestic server / IoT parts, and common desktop errands. But they do not compete with Mac Mini’s high-end inventive / GPU/Compute abilities.
What you won’t get (or will see trade-offs)
Limited upgradeability: Numerous models have fastened Slam, constrained SSD development, or obliged cooling.
Performance ceilings: Beneath overwhelming workloads (video altering, 3D rendering, large-scale computation), these scaled down PCs will slack behind more effective machines, counting a few Macs.
Ecosystem & program: The Mac Smaller than expected runs macOS natively, which is important for clients tied to Apple’s biological system (Last Cut Professional, XCode, etc.). The N150 boxes run Windows or Linux.
Longevity & back: The Mac Scaled down appreciates long-term program back from Apple. For low-cost smaller than expected PCs, firmware/driver upgrades, construct quality, and bolster may be more variable.
Thermals / execution throttling: In compelled walled in areas, beneath supported stack, the CPU may throttle.
Why are these N150 smaller than expected PCs hitting record lows now?
A few advertise flow are likely in play:
Post-sale clearance / stock moves: Enormous deals occasions like Prime / Enormous Bargain Days invigorate overwhelming marking down to clear inventory.
Component cycles / more up to date models: As Intel and other chipmakers thrust more up to date eras, producers markdown the “last generation” parts.
Competition & immersion: The smaller than expected PC advertise is competitive; brands compete for consideration with forceful pricing.
Growing request for compact PCs: With more work-from-home / space-constrained setups, scaled down PCs are in request; motivating forces to get foot activity with ultra-low passage estimating can help.
Does it “Beat” the Mac Scaled down? Depends on your utilize case
Here’s a unpleasant comparison based on distinctive utilization profiles:
Use case / goal Where N150 smaller than expected shines Where Mac Scaled down (or more grounded machines) still win
Basic efficiency (browsing, Office / Google Docs, email) More than satisfactory, exceptionally cost-efficient Overkill, unless you require Mac-specific apps
Media gushing / HTPC / auxiliary show setup Excellent utilize case Equally great, some of the time way better warm / quietness
Light dev / coding / scripting Fine for small-to-medium workloads Mac may offer more grounded execution / environment / bound together dev tools
Video altering / substance creation Very restricted; moderate trades, rendering will lag Mac (particularly with Apple silicon) is distant stronger
Gaming (indie / light) Possible at moo settings / unassuming titles Mac isn’t gaming powerhouse, but discrete GPU frameworks beat both
Long-term bolster & resale Riskier, weaker resale, less upgrade guarantee Stronger program back, way better resale value
Ecosystem integration (macOS, iOS dev, Apple apps) Not appropriate / workaround Native / consistent integration
If your needs are generally light — you fair require a compact desktop for Office, browsing, spilling — at that point the N150 smaller than expected PC is a compelling esteem. If you do overwhelming inventive work or require profound Apple integration, the Mac Scaled down still offers a premium experience.
Verdict & caveats
The feature “nearly 4× cheaper” is broadly precise in numerous comparisons between a $170 N150 smaller than expected PC and a standard Mac Smaller than expected (~$599).
But the deal as it were holds if your execution desires are unassuming. These scaled down PCs are not “Mac Smaller than expected replacements” in each domain.
For clients who don’t completely require macOS or high-performance GPUs, they offer an opportunity to get “good enough” execution at a division of the cost.
Always check specs, guarantee, surveys (particularly thermal/fan behavior) some time recently buying — not all $150 smaller than expected PCs are made rise to
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