You’ve found three mini PCs that look almost identical in price and photos, but their spec sheets read like three different languages. One lists “TDP 28W,” another says “PBP 45W / MTP 115W,” and a third just prints “Radeon 780M” as if you’re supposed to know what that means for your video editing workflow. You’re not alone — spec sheets are written by engineers for other engineers, not for someone trying to decide if a $400 box can handle a home server or some light gaming.
This guide decodes every common line on a mini PC spec sheet — CPU, TDP/cTDP, integrated GPU (iGPU) naming, memory, storage, ports, and power — so you can compare products correctly instead of guessing. The short version: TDP (Thermal Design Power) tells you the sustained heat and power a chip is built around, cTDP (configurable TDP) is the range an OEM can dial that number up or down within, and PBP/MTP are Intel’s version of the same idea. These power numbers affect real-world sustained performance far more than the marketing name of the chip does. We’ll use currently published specs from Intel, AMD, Beelink, GMKtec, and ASUS to show exactly what each line means and how to compare them apples-to-apples.
Quick Facts: Spec Sheet Terms Decoded
| Term | What It Means | Typical Published Example |
|---|---|---|
| TDP (Thermal Design Power) | Sustained power/heat the chip is designed around | 45W default (AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS) |
| cTDP (configurable TDP) | Range an OEM can set the sustained power limit within | 35W–54W (Ryzen 7 8845HS, AMD spec) |
| PBP (Processor Base Power) | Intel’s term for the sustained/base power figure | 45W (Core Ultra 9 185H, Intel ARK) |
| MTP (Maximum Turbo Power) | Intel’s short-burst peak power ceiling | 115W (Core Ultra 9 185H, Intel ARK) |
| iGPU | Graphics processor built into the CPU die | Radeon 780M / Intel Arc Graphics |
| SODIMM vs onboard RAM | Socketed (upgradeable) vs soldered (fixed) memory | 2x DDR5 SODIMM, up to 96GB |
| M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 | Storage slot physical size + interface generation | up to ~5,000 MB/s read, manufacturer rated |
| Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 | 40Gbps data ports; Thunderbolt 4 certification typically includes PCIe tunneling and dual-display support | 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports |
Source note (as of August 2026): power, clock, and port figures throughout this guide are drawn from Intel ARK, AMD’s official product pages, and each brand’s published spec sheet at the time of writing.
1. The CPU Line: Cores, Threads, and Clock Speed
The first line on almost every spec sheet is the processor name, followed by core/thread count and clock speed. Cores are physical processing units; threads are how many tasks each core can juggle at once through simultaneous multithreading (Intel’s Hyper-Threading or AMD’s SMT). A chip listed as “8 cores / 16 threads” can handle 16 parallel software threads, though real-world speedup depends heavily on the software.
Clock speed comes in two numbers: base clock (the guaranteed minimum under sustained load) and boost or turbo clock (the short-burst maximum, achievable only for seconds at a time, and only if thermal headroom allows). A spec sheet listing “up to 5.1GHz” is a manufacturer claim about peak burst speed, not a number the chip holds continuously — that’s exactly where TDP and cTDP come in.
2. TDP vs cTDP vs PBP/MTP: The Power Numbers That Actually Predict Performance
This is the single most misread line on any mini PC spec sheet — and it’s the real editorial focus of this guide. Two mini PCs can use the exact same chip model and still perform noticeably differently, because the OEM chose a different point in that chip’s configurable power range.
How AMD labels it
AMD publishes a default TDP and, for many of the mobile/embedded chips used in mini PCs, a configurable TDP (cTDP) range. AMD’s own product page for the Ryzen 7 8845HS lists a default TDP of 45W with a cTDP range of 35W to 54W. A mini PC brand can configure that chip to run as low as 35W (quieter, cooler, less headroom for sustained loads) or as high as 54W (louder fan, more sustained performance) depending on the cooling they build around it. The chip’s model name alone doesn’t tell you which setting the OEM chose — you have to check the mini PC brand’s own spec sheet, not just the CPU’s.
How Intel labels it
Intel replaced the old single “TDP” number with two figures: Processor Base Power (PBP), the sustained figure comparable to AMD’s default TDP, and Maximum Turbo Power (MTP), the short-burst ceiling. Per Intel ARK, the Core Ultra 9 185H lists a PBP of 45W and an MTP of 115W, while the more efficient Core Ultra 7 155H lists a PBP of 28W and the same 115W MTP ceiling. Intel also lets OEMs configure cTDP within a published range, similar to AMD, though the exact figures vary by SKU.
Side-by-side power comparison
| Chip | Vendor Term | Sustained/Base Power | Peak/Turbo Power | Configurable Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | PBP / MTP | 45W | 115W | OEM-configurable (check Intel ARK and the OEM’s stated setting) |
| Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | PBP / MTP | 28W | 115W | OEM-configurable (exact range varies by SKU) |
| Intel N100 | PBP / MTP | 6W | 6W | Fixed, not configurable |
| AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS | TDP (default) | 45W | n/a | cTDP 35W–54W |
| AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS | TDP (default) | 45W | n/a | cTDP 35W–54W |
The practical takeaway: a chip run at the low end of its cTDP range in a fanless, ultra-compact box will run cooler and quieter but throttle sooner under sustained load — think long video exports or compiling code. The same chip run at the high end, in a mini PC with a bigger fan and heatsink, will hold higher clocks longer, at the cost of more fan noise and higher power draw. If a spec sheet doesn’t state which cTDP the OEM chose, that’s a real information gap worth noting before you compare it to a review of a “same chip” competitor that may be configured very differently.
3. iGPU Naming: What Intel and AMD’s Graphics Tiers Mean
Integrated GPU names look like arbitrary marketing until you know the generation tiers behind them. This matters for anyone planning light gaming, multi-monitor setups, or GPU-accelerated video encoding on a mini PC without a discrete graphics card.
| Brand | iGPU Name | Architecture | Relative Tier | Typical Chip Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | UHD Graphics | Gen9/Gen11 (older) | Entry | N-series, older Core U/H |
| Intel | Iris Xe Graphics | Xe-LP | Mid | 11th–13th gen Core U/P/H |
| Intel | Arc Graphics (integrated) | Xe-core (Meteor Lake) | Mid-high (Xe-core count varies by SKU) | Core Ultra 5/7/9 (Series 1) |
| AMD | Radeon 660M / 680M | RDNA2 | Entry/mid | Ryzen 6000 series |
| AMD | Radeon 740M / 760M / 780M | RDNA3 | Entry/mid/high | Ryzen 7000/8000 series |
| AMD | Radeon 890M | RDNA3.5 | High | Ryzen AI 300 series |
As a rule of thumb, a higher tier within the same architecture generally means more graphics throughput, but the architecture generation matters too — a newer RDNA3-based 780M will typically outperform an older RDNA2-based 680M in the same tier, per AMD’s own generational performance claims. Note that “Arc Graphics” as an integrated GPU name (built into Meteor Lake CPUs) is a different product family from discrete Arc A-series graphics cards — don’t confuse the two when reading a spec sheet.
4. Memory Line: Type, Speed, Capacity, and Upgradeability
The memory line usually reads something like “2x DDR5 SODIMM, up to 96GB, 5600MHz.” Each part matters:
- DDR generation (DDR4 vs DDR5): DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and is now standard in newer mini PCs; DDR4 is cheaper and still common in budget models.
- SODIMM vs onboard/soldered: SODIMM slots are user-upgradeable; onboard LPDDR4x/LPDDR5 memory is soldered to the board for space and power efficiency but cannot be upgraded later.
- Channel count: “2x” slots populated with two matched sticks run in dual-channel mode, which roughly doubles memory bandwidth versus single-channel — this matters a lot for iGPU performance since integrated graphics borrow system RAM.
- Speed (MHz or MT/s): Higher numbers mean more bandwidth, but the CPU’s memory controller sets the real ceiling; exceeding it won’t add benefit.
- Maximum capacity: Always a manufacturer claim tied to what SODIMM stick sizes the board’s memory controller supports (commonly up to 32GB or 48GB per stick as of 2024–2025).
5. Storage Line: Slot Size, Interface, and Speed
A typical storage line reads “2x M.2 2280, PCIe 4.0 NVMe.” The numbers after “M.2” describe the physical size in millimeters — 2280 means 22mm wide by 80mm long, the most common size; 2242 and 2230 are shorter, often used in ultra-compact boxes with limited internal space.
PCIe generation (3.0, 4.0, or 5.0) sets the maximum theoretical speed ceiling — PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives are commonly rated by manufacturers at up to roughly 5,000 MB/s sequential read, while PCIe 3.0 tops out around 3,500 MB/s. Some mini PCs also include a 2.5-inch SATA bay for a second, slower (up to ~550 MB/s) but higher-capacity drive. Always treat listed speed numbers as manufacturer claims for the drive itself — the mini PC’s spec sheet is only promising a compatible slot, not guaranteeing you’ll hit that speed with every drive.
6. Ports and I/O: Reading the Alphabet Soup
| Port Type | Max Speed / Bandwidth | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 5Gbps | Sometimes labeled USB 3.0; basic peripheral speed |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 10Gbps | Common on USB-A ports for external SSDs |
| USB4 | 40Gbps | May include PCIe tunneling and dual-4K display support, but neither is required by the base USB4 spec |
| Thunderbolt 4 | 40Gbps | Typically includes PCIe tunneling, dual 4K@60Hz display output, and higher host-side charging power |
| HDMI 2.0 | 18Gbps | Typically maxes out around 4K at 60Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 | 48Gbps | Typically supports up to 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz, depending on implementation |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | 32.4Gbps | Supports 4K at 120Hz with DSC compression |
USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 both max out at 40Gbps on paper, but Thunderbolt 4 certification generally includes a stricter feature set — PCIe tunneling for external GPUs and storage enclosures, plus dual-4K display support — that plain USB4 ports don’t always match. If a spec sheet lists “USB4” without the Thunderbolt name or logo, treat PCIe tunneling and dual-display support as optional rather than guaranteed.
7. Power Adapter and Thermal Design
The power adapter wattage listed on a spec sheet should comfortably exceed the chip’s peak power draw (MTP or the top of its cTDP range) plus headroom for RAM, storage, and fans. A mini PC built around a chip with a 115W MTP but shipped with only a 90W adapter is relying on the OEM’s power-limiting firmware to keep the system within that budget — not a defect, but worth knowing if you plan to add power-hungry M.2 drives or run sustained workloads.
Never open a power adapter or the mini PC’s internal power circuitry to inspect or modify it, and never substitute a lower-wattage or non-matching-voltage adapter than what the manufacturer specifies — doing so risks damaging the board or creating a fire hazard. If a spec sheet lists “120W (19V/6.32A) external adapter,” that voltage and amperage pairing is specific to that unit’s charging circuit.
8. Full Spec Sheet Comparison: Three Real Mini PCs
Here’s how these lines come together in three real, currently shipping mini PCs spanning budget to prosumer tiers. (GMKtec NucBox K10 specifications verified against GMKtec’s official K10 product page.)
| Spec | Beelink SER8 | GMKtec NucBox K10 | ASUS NUC 14 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, 8C/16T | Intel Core i9-13900HK, 14C/20T | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16C/22T |
| Base/Boost Clock | 3.8GHz / up to 5.1GHz | up to 5.4GHz | up to 4.8GHz |
| Power Spec | TDP 45W default, cTDP 35–54W | TDP 45W | PBP 28W, MTP 115W, OEM-configurable cTDP |
| iGPU | Radeon 780M (RDNA3) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics (Xe-core based) |
| RAM | 2x DDR5 SODIMM, capacity varies by SKU, up to 5600MHz | 2x DDR5 SODIMM, capacity varies by SKU, up to 5600MHz | 2x DDR5 SODIMM, up to 96GB, 5600MHz |
| Storage | 2x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe | 3x M.2 2280 slots | 1x M.2 2280 + 1x M.2 2242, both PCIe 4.0 |
| Ports | 1x USB4 (rear USB-C, 40Gbps), 1x front USB-C 10Gbps, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 2.0, HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 3.5mm audio | 1x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort/data), 4x USB-A 3.2, 4x USB-A 2.0, 2x HDMI (4K@60Hz), DP 1.4, 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 3.5mm audio jack, COM port | 2x Thunderbolt 4, 3x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x 1GbE LAN, audio combo |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Dimensions | ~135 x 135 x 44.7mm | check GMKtec’s published dimensions for your exact SKU | ~117 x 112 x 37mm |
| Weight | ~0.75kg | ~0.9kg | ~0.63kg |
| Power Adapter | 120W (19V/6.32A) external | 120W (19V/6.32A) external | ~120W external |
9. A Quick Checklist for Reading Any Mini PC Spec Sheet
- Find the CPU’s base and boost clocks, then check the power line (TDP/cTDP or PBP/MTP) to see how much sustained performance the OEM is actually allowing.
- Look up the iGPU name’s architecture generation and relative tier — don’t assume a bigger-sounding name is automatically faster without checking the generation.
- Confirm RAM is SODIMM (upgradeable) or soldered (fixed), and note whether both slots are populated for dual-channel mode.
- Check storage slot sizes (2280/2242/2230) and PCIe generation, plus whether a second SATA bay exists for expansion.
- Distinguish USB4 from Thunderbolt 4 if you need PCIe tunneling for an external GPU or guaranteed dual-4K-display support.
- Match the power adapter wattage against the chip’s peak power draw plus a safety margin.
- Note exact external dimensions and weight if the unit needs to fit a VESA mount or tight shelf space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between TDP and cTDP?
TDP (or PBP for Intel) is the default sustained power figure a chip is designed around. cTDP (configurable TDP) is the range an OEM can adjust that sustained power limit within, based on their own cooling design — the same chip can behave very differently in two different mini PCs depending on where in that range the manufacturer set it.
Does a higher TDP always mean better performance?
Not by itself. A higher TDP setting generally allows higher sustained clock speeds under load, but only if the mini PC’s cooling (fan size, heatsink, case airflow) can actually dissipate that heat. A high-TDP chip crammed into a poorly cooled case can throttle down to similar real-world performance as a lower-TDP chip in a well-cooled one.
What do PBP and MTP mean on an Intel spec sheet?
PBP (Processor Base Power) is Intel’s sustained power figure, roughly equivalent to AMD’s default TDP. MTP (Maximum Turbo Power) is the short-burst peak power ceiling the chip can draw for brief periods, according to Intel’s published ARK database.
Is Intel Arc Graphics better than Iris Xe Graphics?
Generally yes — the integrated Arc Graphics found in Meteor Lake-based Core Ultra chips uses a newer Xe-core architecture, and Intel’s own generational claims position it above Iris Xe (Xe-LP) for graphics throughput, though actual gains vary by workload and the exact Xe-core count differs by SKU.
Should I buy a mini PC with soldered (onboard) RAM instead of SODIMM slots?
Soldered RAM can allow a smaller, more power-efficient design, but it locks you into whatever capacity the manufacturer shipped with — there is no future upgrade path. If you expect your memory needs to grow, prioritize a spec sheet listing SODIMM slots.
What’s the real difference between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 ports?
Both are rated at 40Gbps, but Thunderbolt 4 certification generally includes a stricter feature set — PCIe tunneling for external GPU or storage enclosures and dual-4K display support. Plain USB4 ports may lack one or both of those features, so don’t assume parity between the two based on speed alone.
How do I know if a mini PC’s power adapter is powerful enough?
Compare the adapter’s rated wattage against the CPU’s Maximum Turbo Power (MTP) or the top of its configurable TDP range, plus extra headroom for RAM, storage, and fans. Never substitute a different wattage or voltage adapter than the one specified by the manufacturer.
Why do two mini PCs with the “same” CPU model perform differently in reviews?
Because the CPU model name doesn’t tell you the OEM’s chosen cTDP setting or the quality of the cooling system. A chip configured near the top of its cTDP range with a larger fan will sustain higher clocks longer than the identical chip configured near the bottom of its range in a smaller, quieter case.
Reviewed and edited by Jason Paik. Spotted an error? Tell us — we verify and correct. See how we create content.