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If you want a desktop computer on your TV, connect a mini PC to the TV and use the television as an external display. A streaming device gives you its own supported TV apps and interface; it does not turn the TV into a general-purpose computer. Choose the mini PC for desktop apps, files, and computer control, or a streaming device for streaming services.
Choose the setup that matches what you want to do
| Setup | What appears on the TV | Best suited to | How it connects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini PC | A desktop operating system and the apps installed on the computer | Desktop software, files, general web browsing, and computer control | Usually a direct HDMI connection; verify the ports and supported modes for your PC and TV |
| Streaming device | The device’s supported streaming apps and TV interface | Watching services supported by that platform | Connects to a compatible TV HDMI input |
| Wireless projection | A projection of a compatible computer’s display | Showing a computer screen without a direct video cable | Miracast, if both computer and display support it, or a compatible adapter |
A streaming player is not a substitute for a mini PC if you need a conventional desktop environment. A device’s app catalog and features depend on its platform and model.
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Use a mini PC as the computer
The TV acts as the screen; the mini PC runs the operating system and software. You will also need a way to control the computer, typically a keyboard and mouse.
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- Check the video connection. Confirm that the mini PC has a video output compatible with an available input on the TV. HDMI is a common connection, but supported ports, resolutions, and refresh rates vary. Check both device manuals and account for any receiver, switch, or other equipment between them.
- Connect the PC and select the TV input. Plug the video cable into the PC and TV, then use the TV remote’s input/source control to choose that HDMI input.
- Choose how Windows uses the TV. Open Settings > System > Display, or press Win+P, then choose whether to duplicate the computer’s display, extend it, or use the TV as the only display. Microsoft’s guide to using multiple monitors in Windows explains these display modes.
- Connect a keyboard and pointing device. Put them within comfortable reach from your seat. A wireless keyboard with a built-in touchpad can reduce the number of devices to manage, but any compatible keyboard and mouse will do.
- Set a supported picture mode. In the PC’s display settings, select a resolution and refresh rate supported by both the PC and TV. For 4K or HDR, check the graphics output, TV input specification, cable, and any equipment in the signal path; one unsupported link can prevent the feature from working.
With Windows 10, the display connection may still function, but Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. That is a security-support distinction, not a statement that the HDMI connection stopped working. See Microsoft’s screen mirroring and projection guidance for the end-of-support note.
#1 Best Overall
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KAMRUI Pinova P2 Mini PC 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, AMD Ryzen 4300U(Beats 5400U/3500U/N95,Up to 3.7GHz,4C/8T) Mini Computers,Triple 4K Display/HDMI+DP+Type-C/WiFi/BT for Home/Business Mini Desktop Computers
- 【AMD Ryzen 4300U True 4-Core CPU: Outperforms N95 & i3-10110U】KAMRUI P2 Mini PC is equipped with true 4-core AMD Ryzen 4300U processor built on advanced 7nm Zen2 architecture，This means you get consistent, unthrottled performance for hours on end, whether you’re running multiple browser tabs, streaming 4K content, or managing virtual machines. Compare that to Intel N95 (4 efficiency cores that throttle under load) or Intel i3-10110U (only 2 cores total), and the difference is night and day: The KAMRUI P2 AMD Ryzen 4300U (28W) is 40% faster than the Intel i3-10110U and 25% faster than the Intel N95 in multi-core tasks, ensuring smooth, lag-free performance even during heavy workloads.
- 【Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics: 2.5X Stronger for Tri 4K】The KAMRUI P2 AMD 4300U Mini PC have unlocked the full potential of the built-in AMD Radeon Vega 5 graphics with 28W power delivery, making it 2.5 times stronger than the Intel UHD graphics found in the N95 and i3-10110U. This means you can enjoy Tri 4K@60Hz displays without a single stutter, perfect for productivity setups, home theaters, or even light photo/video editing and casual gaming. While the Intel N95/i3-10110U struggle to run a single 4K display without lag, The KAMRUI AMD 4300U Mini PC handles Tri 4K effortlessly, turning your workspace into a high-efficiency hub or your living room into a premium entertainment center.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Easy Expansion】KAMRUI Pinova P2 mini computers is equipped with 16GB LPDDR4 for faster multitasking and smooth application switching. 512GB M.2 SSD ensures fast startup, fast file transfers and plenty of storage space,eliminating slow loading times and ensuring fast responsiveness. the two storage slots (1x M.2 2280 SATA/NVMe PCIe3.0 slot, 1x M.2 2280 SATA slot) can be combined to provide up to 4TB of total storage(Not included). This gives you enough space for all your projects, media and data.
- 【4K Triple Display】KAMRUI Pinova P2 4300U mini desktop computers is equipped with HDMI2.0 ×1 +DP1.4 ×1+USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C ×1 interfaces for faster transmission, Triple 4K@60Hz Display, KAMRUI P2 mini computer is ideal for visual home entertainment, home office, conference rooms, etc. USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A port ×2 with a transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps (21 times faster than USB 2.0) for efficient data transfer. Ideal for seamless multitasking between spreadsheets, browsers and presentations, or for an immersive entertainment experience.
- 【USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C 10Gbps, Versatile connectivity】KAMRUI P2 mini desktop pc fast and versatile connectivity! The USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C port offers a data transfer rate of 10Gbps and simultaneously supports DisplayPort 1.4 video output. The P2 AMD Ryzen 4300U Mini PC is complemented by Gigabit LAN, WiFi and Bluetooth, so nothing stands in the way of a productive working environment.
Use a streaming device for TV apps
Connect the player to an HDMI input, power it as directed, and follow its on-screen setup. For Google TV Streamer, Google’s setup guidance covers connecting it and selecting the correct TV input: Set up Google TV Streamer (4K) and Voice Remote. The device supplies its own supported interface and apps; it does not provide the desktop environment of a mini PC.
Resolution depends on the display and the rest of the setup. Google says Google TV Streamer works with a display that has HDMI, and playback is limited to 1080p when the display is 1080p rather than 4K. See Meet Google TV Streamer (4K) and Google’s display settings guidance. Roku likewise says its players work with TVs that have HDMI, while 4K and HDR require a compatible television; consult Roku’s TV compatibility guidance for the relevant player and cable requirements.
Rank #2
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Getorli Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4C/8T, Max 3.7GHz) Small Desktop Computer 16GB DDR4 RAM 512GB NVMe SSD Budget Micro Compact PCs 4K HD Dual HDMI WiFi 6 BT5.3 Prebuilt OS-Home Office Gaming Streaming
- 【Great power in a small computer】Get fast performance from the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U CPU (2.1GHz-3.7GHz, 4 Cores 8 Threads) inside this mini pc, TDP 15W up to 25W. It's perfect for all your home office and business use, like daily computing, web browsing, and smooth media streaming. This small desktop computer handles everyday tasks easily and quietly.
- 【Work on many things at once with lots of storage】This mini PC comes with 16GB of fast DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 32GB), allowing you to smoothly run multiple programs, dozens of browser tabs, and large files all at once. It also features a spacious 512GB NVMe SSD that provides ample storage and delivers dramatically faster boot-ups, app launches, and file transfers compared to a traditional hard drive.
- 【See everything clearly on one or two 4K screens】Connect one or two monitors for more space to work or play. Dual HDMI ports on this mini pc support super sharp 4K Ultra HD video. It's great for doubling your work area for business or watching movies in high definition.
- 【Fast modern connections in a tiny box】Enjoy a better and more stable internet connection with the latest WiFi 6. Use Bluetooth 5.3 to connect wireless headphones, keyboards, and mice without wires. This small pc is very compact to save desk space and has extra USB ports (USB 2.0×2, USB 3.0×2, Type-c 2.0×1, Type-c 3.2 full featured×1, HDMI×2) for your printer, webcam, or other computer accessories.
- 【Reliable Warranty and Support】We provides 1 year warranty for each Mini computers. So you don't need to worry about any product problems. If you have any questions about the product, please contact our customer service, we will provide 24-hour professional technical support and serve you at any time.
Project wirelessly from a compatible computer
Wireless projection mirrors or extends a computer display; it does not make a streaming stick run computer software. In Windows 11, press Win+K and select an available wireless display. The TV or receiver must support Miracast. If it does not, Microsoft says you can use an HDMI Miracast adapter, provided the PC supports Miracast and wireless networking is available. Follow Microsoft’s projection steps and wireless display troubleshooting guidance.
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Wireless results depend on the devices and wireless environment. There is no single latency or image-quality result that applies to every setup.
Rank #3
BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5300U 4C/ 8T, Business Home Office PC
- 【AMD Ryzen 3 5300U CPU: Outperforms N150 & 3500U】 BOSGAME E5 mini PC is powered by the TSMC 7nm FinFET architecture AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 3.8GHz boost, 6MB total cache). Compared to low-end Intel N150 or 3500U chips which only have 4 single threads and throttle under load, the 5300U delivers over 30% faster multi-core speed. Run 30+ browser tabs, large Excel sheets, and Zoom meetings simultaneously without system lag.
- 【8GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB NVMe SSD Storage】 Installed with high-speed 8GB DDR4 dual-channel memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, eliminating slow boot times and application loading delays. To accommodate growing data requirements, the upgradeable hardware design features dual SODIMM slots that allow you to expand memory up to 64GB RAM, ensuring smooth operation during heavy multitasking.
- 【High-Capacity Dual M.2 SSD Storage Expansion】 Never worry about running out of space for your business files. In addition to the pre-installed 256GB system drive, the motherboard houses an extra empty internal M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slot. This allows you to easily add a second solid-state drive for up to an additional 2TB of storage capacity (upgrades not included) without needing to remove or reinstall the original operating system.
- 【Radeon 6-Core Graphics & Triple 4K Displays】 Integrated with official AMD Radeon Graphics (6 Graphics Cores, 1500 MHz frequency) for casual gaming, photo editing, and crisp 4K media decoding. Featuring 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 1x DisplayPort, and 1x Full-Function Type-C port, the E5 outputs true 4K@60Hz resolution to three monitors at once. This multi-screen setup eliminates constant window-switching for traders, programmers, and office workers.
- 【Dual 2.5GbE LAN Ports for Advanced Networking】 Experience fast wired network transmission speeds up to 2500Mbps without lagging or buffering. The integration of dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports (powered by Realtek RTL8125 controller) makes this compact computer an exceptional hardware choice for tech enthusiasts. Easily configure it into software routers, hardware firewalls (pfSense, OpnSense), home NAS servers, or local homelabs.
Fix common picture and connection problems
- No picture: Confirm the cable joins the PC’s video output to the TV’s input, select that input on the TV, and check that Windows is set to an available external-display mode. Microsoft’s multiple-monitor guide covers display configuration.
- Edges are cut off or the image looks zoomed: Check the PC’s output resolution and the TV’s picture-size controls. Depending on the TV, look for settings such as aspect ratio, zoom, screen fit, screen fill, or computer mode. Apple defines overscan as picture margins hidden beyond the screen edges and recommends checking display and TV picture-size settings in its overscan and underscan guide.
- Bars appear around the picture: The TV or computer may be preserving the picture’s aspect ratio, leaving unused space at the sides or top and bottom. Adjust picture-size settings only if you are comfortable with any resulting crop or distortion.
- 4K or HDR is unavailable: Check that the PC or streaming device, the particular TV input, cable, and every receiver or switch in the signal path support the feature. Roku’s compatibility guidance describes its 4K/HDR requirements and cable recommendations. A 4K-capable streaming player does not make a 1080p TV display 4K.
- Wireless projection cannot find the TV: Verify that both devices support Miracast, Wi-Fi is on, and the display or adapter is available for connection. If the TV lacks Miracast, Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance covers using an adapter when the PC supports Miracast.
What you need for a comfortable setup
- For a desktop: An HDMI-equipped mini PC, a compatible TV input, and a keyboard and mouse. Use a suitable HDMI cable if one is not included or the existing cable does not support the resolution and features you want.
- For streaming: A streaming device supported by your TV and the services you use. It is the simpler choice when you want that device’s TV apps rather than computer software.
- For wireless projection: A Miracast-compatible computer and display, or an appropriate adapter if the display lacks native support.
Before buying anything, check the exact PC and TV model specifications, especially the available inputs, supported resolution and refresh rate, and whether the TV’s specific HDMI input supports the features you intend to use. Also consider how you will operate the setup from your viewing position.
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GMKtec Mini PC, G3 Ultra Intel Pentium Gold 7505 16GB LPDDR4 RAM 512GB SSD
- WHY CHOOSE G3 ULTRA MINI PC PENTIUM GOLD 7505 - Choose the Intel Pentium Gold 7505 for snappier everyday responsiveness: It delivers up to 30% faster single-core performance than the Ryzen 5 3500U, making office apps and web browsing feel noticeably quicker, while its Intel UHD Graphics (48 EUs) provides 2.4x the GPU performance of the N100 & N150's 24-EU graphics, ensuring smoother 4K streaming and light photo editing.
- 16GB RAM MEMORY & 512GB STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3 Ultra mini computer is prebuilt with 16GB LPDDR4 RAM at 3200 MT/s, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 512GB M.2 SATA Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files. There is a primary slot and secondary expansion storage. Primary slot is M.2 2280 PCIE and secondary slot is M.2 2280 SATA.
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox pentium mini computer is equipped with 3* USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, up to 10Gbps/S, 1*USB 2.0, HDMI(4K@60Hz)*2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 6, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 2.5GbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2. This Mini PC supports multiple device connection and can be used with servers, monitoring equipment, office equipment, displays, projectors, televisions, etc.
- 4K DUAL SCREEN DISPLAY - Mini desktop computer is equipped with upgraded Intel Graphics(max 1000MHz), supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding, connect the pc with a projector as a home theatre, enjoy a variety of entertainments. Two HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to multi-task efficiently on two 4K@60Hz displays.
- UPGRADED COOLING FAN - The G3 Ultra has upgraded the cooling fan to reduce fan noise and thermals. We are using an upgraded thermal paste as well to help reduce heat on the CPU.
Rank #4
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GMKtec M5 Ultra Gaming Mini PC Computer Ryzen 7 7730U 16GB RAM 256GB SSD
- Office Gaming Mini PC - UPGRADED GMKtec Nucbox M5 Ultra Series is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, 8 Cores/16 Threads, Base 2.00GHz (Power Saving Quiet Mode) with Turbo Boost up to 4.50GHz (Performance Mode) in BIOS settings, Based on the ZEN 3+ architecture, this small but powerful mini pc delivers satisfying results in productivity, office work, and gaming. 35% Performance increase over AMD Ryzen 5 7430U/ Ryzen 7 5700U, 5600U, 5560U, 5500U.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB PCIe SSD - Installed with DDR4 16GB RAM (1x16GB), the Nucbox M5 Ultra mini pc support expansion to 64GB RAM. Featured with 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, support dual slot expansion to 4TB SSD. (Upgrades not included)
- DUAL NIC LAN 2.5G RJ45 - Fast Network Speeds: Enjoy up to 2500Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle, Pfsense or as a server office PC.
- Mini Desktop Computer with 4K Triple Screen Display - Nucbox M5 Ultra integrates AMD Radeon Graphics 8 Cores 2000 MHz GPU to deliver powerful graphics processing power to easily handle the demands of complex design software, 4K@60Hz UHD video editing, and playback. It can connect to 3 display screens simultaneously.
- Fast Internet WiFi 6E + BT5.2 Connection - GMKtec Mini PC with WiFi-6E Wireless, have 2.5G/5G/6G triple band, more faster and lower latency. Bluetooth 5.2 allowing you more quickly to connect other wireless devices (headset, mouse, keyboard, etc.) Interface features 2*USB3.2 ports, 2*USB2.0 ports, 1*HDMI 2.0 port(4K@60Hz), 1*USB-C port(PD/DP/DATA), 1*DP Port, 1*Audio 3.5mm (HP&MIC), 1*DC Power Port.
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