Forget the $120 basic Raspberry Pi 5; I found a much better and more affordable mini PC that includes a 512GB SSD, a much more powerful CPU, and a real case.
The Mini PC Dreamfyre operates with Windows 11 and has the capability to support three 4K displays.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has recently launched the Raspberry Pi 5, now available with 16GB of RAM. This increase in memory is designed to offer improvements in high-performance distributions such as Ubuntu, especially in desktop environments. However, the new model is priced at $120, which is nearly double the cost of the 8GB model. This high cost for a single-board computer may lead many to wonder if there are better options available for the same amount of money.
An interesting alternative is the Dreamfyre Mini PC (DR02), which presents itself as a competitive x86 option with superior specifications and an included case, available for approximately $120 on Amazon. This mini PC, intended for home, educational, and professional use, features a 12th generation Intel Celeron N95 processor, capable of reaching speeds of up to 3.4GHz.
With dimensions of 116 x 116 x 46mm and weighing just 0.5kg, the device includes 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, expandable up to 2TB. Its design incorporates a silent cooling system that promises good performance without annoying noise, making it ideal for offices or study spaces.
In terms of connectivity, the Dreamfyre Mini PC can handle up to three 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) displays through its triple HDMI 2.1 ports. It also features three USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB-C port, a 1000MB/s LAN port, and a headphone jack. Its design has been aimed at being simple and professional, avoiding distracting LED lights. Additionally, it offers wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
It's important to note that, despite its features, the Dreamfyre Mini PC is not a direct alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5, as it lacks the GPIO pins and extensive community support that are essential for hardware projects and education. Nonetheless, it represents a versatile and powerful option for those seeking an affordable mini PC for general computing tasks, along with an appealing design.
So far, the Dreamfyre Mini PC has only two reviews on Amazon, and both are five stars.
