I just got my first low-end mini PC; 16gb ram, 1TB SSD, Intel N5105 for $369. As it is basically a Celeron, I didn’t expect to run any plugins other than light duty desktop work and YT watching. Just for curiosity, I installed the latest GP 4.5 and I’m shocked: I was able to play not only GP’s built-in sounds but also Kontakt instruments at the buffer size 144! No hint of any crackling or popping. I couldn’t believe it. Now this is no news for Mac users, but for Windows it is. I also run GP in my old 2012 MBP 8gb ram and 1tb SSD. Some of the plugins I have come with standalone version, and usually standalone doesn’t allow me to choose Windows Audio, and I have to set the buffer at 512 to avoid crackling and popping. 512 buffer is not practical for me. However, GP 4.5 allows me to run plugins at at 144 with no issues. A bunch of notes and sustain pedal. No popping! In my total disbelief, I did the ultimate test; Virtuoso Ensembles by Kirk Hunter Studio. It’s a Kontakt library and by far the worst CPU hog I’ve ever run into. I am speechless. I was able to play its multis with no issues.
Thank you for your feedback 
Wow, now that’s what I call a good bargain! 
I’m glad that Gig Performer 4.5 runs that good on your mini PC. 
My impression is my laptop cannot handle standalone versions of some synths (definitely Syntronik and maybe Arturia), but the same VST within GP functions fine.
Is that common?
Jeff
It’s a bargain all right, but doesn’t feel “right.” LOL A $369 mini pc. If you connect a Babyface to it, it would be like playing a $75 guitar connected to a $200 custom cable.
Yes, it has been my experience. For me, standalone is for a quick test drive. In the same vein, I purchased the latest Reason upgrade because now I can run it in GP.
I don’t fully agree. You will have less possibilities, but regarding the PC, it will sound the same. 
Wow, that certainly is interesting test and great outcome ! Did I miss what Audio Device you are using ?
I am purchasing a Focusrite 18i20 today as my new audio hub for all things DAW and hardware and planning on running on older Dell i5 and such laptops from a few years back so I hope for very similar results to what you are seeing.
I wonder if Win 11 is helping with this performance or not. I’m always leery of new released OS.
What is the model I’d. Like to try one
Cheers
I run GP4.5 on a Microsoft Surface Go pretty flawlessly as well. Now, I don’t run any plugins at the moment, just control of my keys and module. I use Kurzweil Artis7, Hammond Xk1, Roland Integra 7, and GSI Burn Leslie module. The midi only devices interface to a iConnectMidi and the USB devices to a USB hub.
My next step is to try and run just simple sound plugins on my Surface, so that I can have a setup that is small for bringing to practice.
from W10 to W11, I haven’t noticed any performance improvements in the audio applications, but maybe others have.
Tests with benchmark software on fairly old or modest machines as well as on powerful newer machines don’t seem to indicate a really significant improvement.
I think the improvements are mostly in usability, touch applications, instant messaging, android application support, server optimization and gamer tools.
On the other hand, it seems that power management has been significantly improved, which would be good news for users on-the-go, i.e. playing live in wheat fields. 
English is my second language, and I don’t fully understand what you are saying. Can you elaborate? Maybe you misread what I was trying to say… I’m not sure.
After I tried out some plugins in my Celeron mini PC, I did a little research and found out that Microsoft worked on reducing latency less than a year or so. Maybe that’s why Widows Audio driver works much better than before?
Mine is by Morefine, but I noticed many manufacturers are beginning to make mini pcs with the same cpu and similar spes. Last week, I bought and cancelled a “high-end” barebone mini pc. I was going to install 64g ram and 4 to 6 TB ssds, but I cancelled as I don’t really need it at this time. I still have my Windows hybrid tablet laptop with 16gb ram and 2TB ssd and plus a MBP.
Robin Vincent (Molten Music Technology) ran tests on the MS Surface Pro 8 a few weeks ago and obtained outstanding results for music production. Possibly the combination of Win 11 plus the SP 8 i.e. a machine designed specifically for the software and vise versa, with no bloatware installed. I’m getting great results with my SP 8.
OK, you can see here the size and other info of this mini PC.
The direct link to this very segment of the stream: LINK.