Affordable High-Performance PC Offer: Delivers Robust Performance and Impressive Graphics for $44
Check out this awesome deal I found while browsing r/buildapcsales – a fully-functional mini desktop PC for a jaw-dropping price of just $44.99! Even better? It's not some limited-time sale trick.
The Wo-We Mini PC boasts a dual-core Intel Celeron N4020 CPU, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of eMMC storage, and Wi-Fi 5 wireless connectivity. It comes preinstalled with Ubuntu Linux, though the specific version remains unclear.
Let's talk I/O: this diminutive device features both a VGA and HDMI port, supporting dual screens and even 4K resolution on a single screen via its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU.
Wo-We claims their Mini PC offers a "powerful performance without breaking the bank," and that the integrated Intel UHD 600 GPU delivers "state-of-the-art" graphics technology. Additionally, they tout the 802.11ac Wi-Fi for "faster, smoother and more stable Internet access."
Measuring 5.12 x 6.61 inches, the sleek black box includes a USB-C 5 Gbps port, microSD and dual USB Type-A 5 Gbps ports on the front, along with the VGA, HDMI, 1 Gbps Ethernet, and dual USB 2.0 ports on the back.
Whether you see it as "Whoa, we got a lot for the money" or "Woe betide we who bought this," depends on your needs. If you're content with web tools, experiencing with Linux (Linux isn't tough to master), and don't push the machine too hard with many tabs open, this could be a great buy.
However, if you like to multitask or have limited patience, the Wo-We Mini PC could leave you staring at a stationary screen. We haven't tested this device ourselves, but its 2019-era Celeron – with its two cores, two threads, 4MB of cache, 1.1 GHz base clock, and 2.8 GHz boost clock – suggests it might lag behind more powerful processors.
For context, many modern desktop CPUs and even mobile CPUs sport boost clocks in the 4 to 5 GHz range. Nevertheless, the CPU utilizes a modest 6W TDP, meaning it doesn't require active cooling, keeping the device whisper-quiet.
The major roadblocks may be the 4GB of RAM – awkward even with a couple of open tabs – and the eMMC memory, which runs about as swift as a typical microSD card, meaning load times for apps and the OS might be on the slow side. However, those struggling with tech might find Linux and its accompanying challenges frustrating.
It's worth considering other cost-effective options, like the Raspberry Pi 4B with 8GB RAM for $44, but during non-sale times, you're looking at 2GB of RAM for the same price, and 4GB will cost you a pretty penny more. With the Raspberry Pi, you'll also need to purchase a microSD card for the OS and micro HDMI cables for video output, and you can't install Windows, unlike on the Wo-We Mini PC (though, Windows 11 isn't an option, anyway).
Wo-We also sells a $54 Mini PC with 8GB of RAM, but with an older AMD Excavator A9-9400 CPU, making this budget model a bit long in the tooth, even for its price.
All things considered, it's impressive to find a brand-new desktop-ready PC for just $44. But the question remains: who genuinely needs one and will be satisfied with such modest specs? Tech-savvy users might have the patience for an occasional slowdown, but those who desperately need computing power – like new users – might balk at its limitations.
The Wo-We Mini PC, with its advanced technology like the Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity, could change your lifestyle by offering an affordable entry into the desktop world, making shopping for a computer more budget-friendly. However, its modest specifications, such as the 4GB RAM and eMMC storage, may not meet the demanding needs of tech enthusiasts seeking superior performance for their daily tasks, leaving them wanting more from the device.
