Help Choosing Intel NUC-Style Prebuilt for GIS & Modelling (32GB RAM Minimum, 600–800€ Budget)

[lman]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for help picking a compact Intel NUC-style prebuilt (or similar mini PC) that can handle some demanding geospatial and modelling work. This will be a secondary machine for use at university and on the go — small form factor is important, but performance matters too.

Software I’ll Be Using:

• ArcGIS Pro & QGIS (large raster/vector processing, terrain modelling)

• MATLAB (simulations, matrix-heavy computations)

• Flow-R (rockfall and mass movement modelling in GIS)

• Occasionally R/Python for geospatial analysis

What I Need:

• Form factor: Intel NUC-style mini PC (can be Intel or AMD)

• OS: Needs to run Windows 10 or 11

• RAM: At least 32GB (either included or with capacity to upgrade)

• CPU: Intel Core i5 (11th gen+) or AMD Ryzen 5/7 equivalent

• GPU: Integrated graphics are fine — no gaming or GPU rendering needed

• Storage: At least 512GB SSD (or slot to add one)

• Budget: 600–800 € (EU-based, so EU links would be awesome)

Priorities:

• Smooth performance in GIS tools and modelling software

• Reliable thermals under load (processing LiDAR, running simulations)

• Upgradeability for RAM and storage

• Solid build quality (I’ll be carrying it between home and uni)

I've been eyeing a few models like the Beelink SER6/7, MinisForum Venus UM790, and some Intel NUC 11/12/13 series, but I’m unsure which would hold up best for these specific use cases.

If you’ve used any of these for GIS, MATLAB, or scientific modelling — or just have good experience with a compact PC in this price range — I’d really appreciate your input!

Thanks a lot

[Blasty Blosty]

Not sure how to help, but I love the effort you put into this post, wish other people did this too

[OddOod]

Welcome to the forums!
Oh BOY those are some tight constraints. If I'm not wrong, most of those programs are thread heavy so a lot of cores is better than fewer faster cores, is that correct? 
I see there is a Minisforum EU store front, I'd start there. They have barebones kits so if you have some M.2 or SODIMM ram laying around you can save some money. I'd start with their storefront and see what you can get for your budget (barebones is almost always gonna be a better deal because you can shop around for the RAM and storage), and if you don't love any of those, check your local used market (in the states that would be Craigslist, Ebay, FB marketplace, not sure for you) specifically looking for previous generation devices.