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Mini PCs are a great choice for installing Linux. Due to their compact and small design, they take up significantly less space than the standard PCs and can be easily put on a shelf or desk.
The Linux-compatible mini PCs mentioned here can even outperform your standard desktop PC. You can use them as a Linux Desktop for general usage or turn them into personal Linux servers.
Note: Although you can install Linux on Raspberry Pi, I have not included it on this list.
Here’s a summary of the best Mini PC for Linux:
| Linux Mini PC | Link to Product |
|---|---|
| MINISFORUM EliteMini HX90 | See details at Amazon |
| System76 Meerkat (meer6) | See details at System76 |
| Beelink SER5 | See details at Amazon |
| Intel NUC 11 | See details at Amazon |
| MINISFORUM DeskMini UM350 | See details at Amazon |
Before you proceed:
1. Although the Mini PCs mentioned in this list work with most Linux distros, I can’t vouch for every Linux distribution.
2. Make sure to double-check the WiFi chipset before purchasing any mini pc for Linux. The manufacturers tend to change the WiFi chipset without changing the model number/name of the Mini PC itself.
3. Most Mini PCs mentioned here are also available in barebone (No RAM, No SSD) version. If you already have RAM and SSD lying around, then you can choose this version to reduce the cost of your Linux Mini PC and add the RAM and SSD yourself to complete the build.
Best Mini PC for Linux
1. MINISFORUM EliteMini HX90
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (8 Cores/16 Threads) |
| Memory | 32 GB (Upgradable to 64 GB) |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| WiFi Chipset | Mediatek MT7921K |
The first Mini PC for Linux on this list is the MINISFORUM EliteMini HX90. It is bundled with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor that has 8 cores/16 Threads and a max boost clock of up to 4.6GHz.
It is available in many RAM and storage variants. The one I am mentioning here has 32 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. You can upgrade the RAM to a maximum of 64 GB.
As for storage, you can get it up to 2 TB SSD. Moreover, you can add HDDs for more storage with the included two 2.5-inch SATA (3.0 6.0Gb/s) HDD slots. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the lack of storage capacity.
EliteMini HX90 has Integrated Radeon Graphics along with two HDMI and two Display ports that can output to 4 displays with 4K resolution at 60Hz.
When it comes to networking, EliteMini HX90 has a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Apart from that, this mini PC has 5 x USB3.0 ports (Gen1), 1 x USB-C Port and 2 x MIC included.
Thanks to the premium liquid metal compound on the CPU and a wide degree of open ventilation, the HX90 is able to perform at its best.
With all the great features this Mini PC has to offer, the price will be higher than most Mini PCs mentioned on this list. However, if you want a powerful Mini PC for Linux, then there is no better option than the MINISFORUM EliteMini HX90.
2. System76 Meerkat (meer6)
| Processor | Intel i3, i5, i7 (11th Gen) |
| Memory | Up to 64 GB |
| Storage | Up to 8 TB SSD (short) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD or Iris Xe Graphics (Dependent on CPU) |
| WiFi Chipset | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 |
Meerkat (meer6) by system76 is a great Linux Mini PC. You can customize the configuration of this Mini PC according to your needs before purchasing. It is available in 11th-generation Intel i3, i5 and i7 CPU variants.
Meerkat is available in many RAM and storage variants. The RAM ranges from 8 GB to a maximum of 64 GB and storage from 128 GB to a whopping 8TB.
As for the graphics, you’ll get integrated Intel graphics depending on the CPU you choose while designing your system. If you chose the i3 CPU, you’ll get the Intel UHD graphics, whereas, if you chose the i5 or i7 CPU, you’ll get the Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
When it comes to networking, Meerkat has a 2.5 GbE Ethernet port along with support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth. The other ports include – 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, 1 x USB 2.0 Type A, 1 x USB 4 / Thunderbolt 4 (Type C) port, 1 x USB 4 / Thunderbolt 3 (Type C) port, 2 x HDMI and 2 x DisplayPort (1.4a) via USB Type C.
The best part, you can choose between Pop!_OS or Ubuntu as a pre-installed OS for your Linux Mini PC. Ubuntu and Pop!_OS lovers will get a working Linux distro out-of-the-box.
3. Beelink SER5
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H (6 Cores / 12 Threads) |
| Memory | 16 GB (Upgradable to 64 GB) |
| Storage | 500 GB SSD (Expandable Up to 2 TB) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| WiFi Chipset | Mediatek MT7921K |
Beelink SER5 Mini PC is bundled with AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor that has 6 cores / 12 threads and a max boost clock of up to 4.2 GHz.
It is available in many RAM and storage variants. The one I am mentioning here has 16 GB RAM and 500 GB SSD storage. The RAM can be upgraded to a maximum of 64 GB and you can get SSD storage of up to 2 TB.
The GPU of Beelink SER5 is AMD Radeon Graphics and supports 4K video playback. You can connect up to three screens using the 2 x HDMI port and one USB Type-C port which supports video output.
As for networking, the SER5 has a single 1 Gbps LAN port along with support for WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Apart from the LAN, HDMI and Type-C ports mentioned previously, there are other ports on Beelink SER5 which include 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0 and 1 x Earphone jack.
The proper heat dissipation is carried out by the large fan and the dual heat conduction technology. It keeps the system cool and allows better performance.
It is a great Mini PC for Linux, there is even a Manjaro Edition of the Beelink SER5 Mini PC, that ships with Manjaro Linux pre-installed.
4. Intel NUC 11
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 Cores / 8 Threads) |
| Memory | 16GB (Upgradable to 64 GB) |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| WiFi Chipset | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 |
Intel NUC 11 is the official Mini PC by Intel. The one I am mentioning here is sold by GEEK+ on Amazon. It is equipped with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor that has 4 Cores/8 Threads and a max turbo frequency of 4.20 GHz.
Just like other Mini PCs on this list, this one is also available in many RAM and storage variants. You can choose the 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage variant and upgrade the RAM to 32 or 64GB (maximum) if the need arises.
Intel NUC supports four displays through its HDMI, USB-C and Mini Display ports. It also has integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 8k support.
As for networking, it has one LAN port and Intel Wireless-AX 201 chipset that provides support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Also, it has 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack.
Intel devices are supported by Linux, and their graphics and wireless drivers are already integrated into the Linux kernel. If you are planning to install an OS that is updated to the latest kernel version, then most of the time it will work without any driver-related issues. Hence, Intel NUC is a great choice as a Mini PC for Linux.
5. MINISFORUM DeskMini UM350
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3550H (4 Cores/8 Threads) |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Graphics | Radeon Vega 8 Graphics |
| WiFi Chipset | Intel AC-7265 |
The last Mini PC for Linux on this list is the MINISFORUM DeskMini UM350. It is integrated with AMD Ryzen 5 3550H (4 Cores/8 Threads) and has a max boost clock of up to 3.7 GHz.
The UM350 mentioned here has 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. However, you have a variety of RAM and storage variants to choose from. The RAM can be upgraded to a maximum of 64 GB and the SSD storage can be expanded up to 2TB.
DeskMini UM350 has triple-display support through the HDMI, USB-C and display port. Moreover, it is powered by the Radeon Vega 8 Graphics and can render in 4K resolution at 60Hz refresh rate.
When it comes to networking, this Mini PC has 1 x RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Port. Unlike other Mini PCs on this list, UM350 ships with an Intel AC-7265 chipset that doesn’t support the latest WiFi 6 standard. You’ll get WiFi 5 along with Bluetooth.
Apart from the display and LAN ports, this mini pc also has 3 x USB3.1 Gen2 Port, 1 x USB3.1 Gen1, 1 x USB-C Gen2 port and a headphone/microphone jack.
DeskMini UM350 is a small and powerful Mini PC. It is designed with a press and pop-up clasp for easy upgradation. Since it’s a DIY-friendly box, you can easily upgrade to a WiFi 6 chipset.
Just like the Beelink SER5 Mini PC, this one also has a Manjaro edition, which comes pre-installed with Manjaro Linux. It is a great Linux Mini PC and that too at an affordable price.
Linux Mini PC Buying Guide
Selecting a Linux-compatible WiFi chipset is the most important part that you should focus on when buying a Mini PC for Linux. Other components like RAM, Storage, and CPU (Intel and AMD), most likely don’t pose any issues.
The WiFi chipsets used in the above-mentioned Linux Mini PCs are:
| WiFi Chipset | Wifi Technology | Linux Kernel Version |
|---|---|---|
| MediaTek MT7921K | WiFi 6E | 5.19+ |
| Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 | WiFi 6 | 5.2+ |
| Intel Wireless AC 7265 | WiFi 5 | 3.3+ |
If you are using the appropriate Linux kernel, then the WiFi will work out of the box. If needed to install drivers manually, then you can download the drivers from the Mini PC manufacturer’s website or from MediaTek or Intel website.
Conclusion
This concludes the best Mini PC for Linux list. Not all Mini PCs mentioned here ship with a pre-installed Linux system. You have to install your favourite Linux distribution like Ubuntu or Linux Mint via dual-booting or after removing Windows.
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