Best Barebone PCs for Workstation of 2025

Harvey Wall Avatar
Harvey Wall
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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If you're in the market for a new workstation, consider barebone PCs as a budget-friendly option. These machines come without a hard drive, memory, or operating system, allowing you to customize them to your specific needs. They're ideal for graphic designers, video editors, and other professionals who require high-performance computing power. With barebone PCs, you can choose your own components, such as processors, graphics cards, and memory, to create a machine that meets your exact specifications. Plus, they're easy to upgrade in the future, so you can keep pace with technological advancements without breaking the bank.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shuttle XPα Slim DL20NV2 PC/Workstation Barebone 1.35L Large PC Black Intel SoC BGA 1090 N4505 2GHz Cover #TOP 1
Shuttle XPα Slim DL20NV2 PC/Workstation Barebone 1.35L Large PC Black Intel SoC BGA 1090 N4505 2GHz
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Intel NUC NUC8i5BEH i5-8259U 2.3GHz UCFF Black BGA 1528 - PC/Workstation Barebones Cover #TOP 2
Intel NUC NUC8i5BEH i5-8259U 2.3GHz UCFF Black BGA 1528 - PC/Workstation Barebones
ftb score rating icon 9.7
MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation with Intel i9 Cover #TOP 3
MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation with Intel i9
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Barebone PCs for Workstation

#TOP 1

Shuttle XPα Slim DL20NV2 PC/Workstation Barebone 1.35L Large PC Black Intel SoC BGA 1090 N4505 2GHz

SHUTTLE
DL20NV2
black
Shuttle XPα Slim DL20NV2 PC/Workstation Barebone 1.35L Large PC Black Intel SoC BGA 1090 N4505 2GHz Cover
Shuttle XPα Slim DL20NV2 PC/Workstation Barebone 1.35L Large PC Black Intel SoC BGA 1090 N4505 2GHz

Features
Celeron N4505 Dual Core CPU
Fanless SlimPC
2 COM (RS232) Ports, 1 X 2.5 Gbit LAN
#TOP 2

Intel NUC NUC8i5BEH i5-8259U 2.3GHz UCFF Black BGA 1528 - PC/Workstation Barebones

BOXNUC8i5BEH1
Black
Intel NUC NUC8i5BEH i5-8259U 2.3GHz UCFF Black BGA 1528 - PC/Workstation Barebones Cover
Intel NUC NUC8i5BEH i5-8259U 2.3GHz UCFF Black BGA 1528 - PC/Workstation Barebones (8th Gen Core™ i5, i5-8259U, 2.3 GHz, 14 nm, 3.8 GHz, 6 MB)

Features
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
8th Generation Intel Core i5-8259U Processor
M.2 22x42/80 Slot For PCIe NVMe Or SATA SSD
Dual Channel DDR4-2400 SODIMM Support, 32GB Max
2.5" SSD/HDD Bay
#TOP 3

MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation with Intel i9

MS-01
MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation with Intel i9 Cover
MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Barebone PC,with Intel Core i9-12900H (vPro Enterprise Support) Mini PC,2x 10Gbps SFP+/2x 2.5G RJ45/2x USB4/HDIM/1x PCIe4.0x16 slot/Support 3x M.2 2280/22110/U.2 SSD

The MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini PC is powered by the Intel Core i9-12900H processor, delivering exceptional performance for both gaming and productivity. With support for dual-channel DDR5 memory, you can enhance multitasking and run demanding applications smoothly. It also features a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, allowing you to install high-performance GPUs and other external devices for increased capabilities. Additionally, the MS-01 supports enterprise-class storage, accommodating up to three M.2 NVMe SSDs, ensuring you have ample space and speed for all your data needs.

What We Like
High-performance Intel Core i9
Supports dual-channel DDR5
Expandable with PCIe 4.0
Enterprise-class storage options
Ultra-fast connectivity features
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Barebone PCs used for?

A barebone computer is a partially assembled platform or an unassembled kit of computer parts allowing more customization and lower costs than a retail computer system. They are available for desktop computer, notebook (see barebook) and server purposes, and in nearly any form factor.

2. Are PCs easy build?

Building your own computer is actually pretty simple. Don't be afraid to dive right in — all you'll need is a screwdriver, patience, and the ability to follow simple instructions. This process is about building desktop PCs, of course.

3. What are small PCs called?

A nettop (or miniature PC, Mini PC or Smart Micro PC) is a small-sized, inexpensive, low-power, legacy-free desktop computer designed for basic tasks such as web browsing, accessing web-based applications, document processing, and audio/video playback.

4. Are small PCs better?

The best mini PCs might be tiny but they pack enough power to do everything from web browsing, content creation and gaming. Not only are these diminutive computers more convenient than enormous PC towers, they're also super quiet.

Editor's Notes

During our barebone pc for workstation research, we found 5 barebone pc for workstation products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,773 customer reviews through our big data system to write the barebone pcs for workstation list. We found that most customers choose barebone pcs for workstation with an average price of £654.99.

The barebone pcs for workstation are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of barebone pcs for workstation, including SHUTTLE, Intel, MINISFORUM. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 94 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Harvey Wall Avatar

Harvey Wall was born and raised in Norwich. He mastered the art of tool production and finished at the prestigious Norwich University. His area of interest include cutting tools, abrasive finishing and power tools. Harvey is always looking for ways to improve the finesse of industrial tools via his myriads of researches. He also shares some of his experiences on many platforms while writing on tool products.