1. Mini PC N100 B4 (Intel N100, 16GB DDR4, 512GB PCIe SSD)

Powered by the 12th Gen Intel N100 processor, this compact mini PC delivers efficient performance with just 6W TDP. It comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM and a fast 512GB PCIe SSD, making it ideal for school, office, and home theater use. Supports dual 4K displays and features versatile connectivity including USB-C, HDMI, and Gigabit LAN.

Pros:

  • Efficient Intel N100 with 45% performance boost over N5105

  • Dual 4K display support for multitasking

  • 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD included out of the box

  • Gigabit Ethernet plus Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2

  • Multiple ports including USB-C and 4×USB

Cons:

  • Limited to DDR4 instead of DDR5

  • Not designed for heavy gaming or intensive workloads

2. BOSGAME M4 Plus Oculink Mini Gaming PC (Ryzen 9 7940HS, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD)

This high-performance mini PC is built with AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and Radeon 780M graphics, making it suitable for both professionals and gamers. With 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and dual USB4 ports, it supports dual 8K or up to four 4K displays. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E, dual 2.5GbE LAN, and Bluetooth 5.2.

Pros:

  • Ryzen 9 7940HS with up to 5.2GHz boost for demanding tasks

  • Radeon 780M handles modern games at 1080p smoothly

  • Dual USB4 ports with 40Gbps transfer speeds

  • Supports dual 8K or four 4K displays

  • Linux and Ubuntu support with 1-year warranty

Cons:

  • High-end performance may be excessive for light users

  • Larger power consumption compared to entry-level mini PCs


3. GMKtec G9 Plus Mini PC NAS (Intel N150, 12GB DDR5, 64GB eMMC + 1TB SSD)

The GMKtec G9 Plus is a hybrid NAS mini PC featuring Intel N150 with dual boot support for Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu Linux. It includes 4×M.2 NVMe slots for massive storage expansion and dual 2.5GbE LAN for fast networking. Designed with triple cooling fans, it stays quiet while delivering efficient performance.

Pros:

  • Unique NAS + PC hybrid with 4 M.2 NVMe slots

  • Dual boot: Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu 24.10

  • Dual 2.5GbE LAN for server and firewall applications

  • Triple-fan cooling system ensures low noise (33–36dB)

  • Expandable storage for up to multi-terabyte setups

Cons:

  • NAS software not included (requires setup)

  • Entry-level CPU may limit heavy computing performance

4. Chatreey Mini PC (Ryzen 5 5625U, 16GB DDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD)

Equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 5625U and Radeon Vega 7 graphics, this mini PC offers smooth multitasking and light gaming. It includes 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD, expandable up to 64GB RAM and 4TB storage. Supports triple 4K displays and comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro.

Pros:

  • Ryzen 5 5625U with 6C/12T performance up to 4.3GHz

  • Radeon Vega 7 for light gaming and multimedia

  • Expandable RAM up to 64GB and storage up to 4TB

  • Supports three simultaneous 4K displays

  • Compact, lightweight design with lifetime tech support

Cons:

  • DDR4 memory instead of newer DDR5

  • Not optimized for demanding AAA gaming

5. BOSGAME B100 Mini PC (Intel N100, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD)

The BOSGAME B100 features the Intel N100 processor with ultra-low 6W TDP, making it efficient for office, education, and home theater. It supports triple 4K displays with Intel UHD graphics and comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD. Offers wide connectivity including USB-C, HDMI, and RJ45.

Pros:

  • Energy-efficient Intel N100 with AV1 decoding support

  • Supports triple 4K displays via dual HDMI + Type-C

  • Expandable up to 2TB SSD storage

  • Multiple ports including USB-C with PD charging

  • Compatible with Linux (Ubuntu)

Cons:

  • Performance limited to light workloads

  • Integrated graphics not suitable for gaming

Why Choosing the Right Mini PC Matters

Finding the best mini PC for Linux isn't just about specs—it’s about stability, driver support, and efficient thermal design. Whether you're using Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian, not all systems are equally optimized for Linux. A compatible mini PC means fewer driver issues and more productivity.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Mini PC for Linux

Processor and Performance

When choosing a mini PC, the processor is one of the most critical aspects. A mini PC like the Beelink SER5 Max with Ryzen 7 5800H offers great performance for multitasking, development, and even light gaming on Linux. If you’re building a home media center, check out our guide to the best mini PC for streaming movies for more tailored options.

RAM and Storage Options

Aim for at least 16GB RAM and SSD storage for smooth Linux operation. Devices like the MINISFORUM UM773 come with fast NVMe SSDs and are ideal for professionals. If you're running multiple VMs or doing heavier development, opt for models with upgradeable slots.

Linux Compatibility

Not all mini PCs are equally compatible with Linux. The Blackview MP80 and KAMRUI AM08 Pro are known for good Linux support out-of-the-box. You can explore more options in our updated Linux-compatible mini PC guide.

Noise Levels and Thermals

For silent environments, thermal efficiency and fan noise matter. The Intel Alder Lake-N N100 mini PCs are incredibly quiet, making them perfect for setups in quiet areas like your bedroom. Want more suggestions? See our list of quiet mini PCs for the bedroom.

Ports and Connectivity

Make sure the mini PC has enough USB, HDMI, and Ethernet ports for your needs. Models like the Beelink SER6 MAX and ACEMAGIC AM08 Pro support triple display setups and include USB-C ports for modern workflows.

Upgrade Flexibility

Some mini PCs come with soldered RAM, limiting future upgrades. If you want flexibility, consider options like the GMKtec NucBox K6 or MINIX Z100-0dB, which let you expand RAM or storage with ease.

FAQs: Best Mini PC for Linux

Which mini PCs are most compatible with Linux?

Linux works well on most mini PCs with Intel or AMD chips, especially those with recent Ubuntu or Debian support. We recommend models like the ACEMAGIC AK2 Plus and MINISFORUM UM773 for a smooth experience.

Is fan noise an issue with mini PCs?

It depends on the build. Passively cooled systems like the MINIX Z100-0dB are completely silent, while others with fans remain quiet under moderate loads. If you're sensitive to noise, explore our quiet mini PC recommendations.

Can I use a mini PC for streaming and media?

Yes, absolutely. Mini PCs like the Beelink SER6 MAX offer great GPU acceleration for streaming 4K content. Check our full breakdown in the streaming mini PC guide.

What’s the best mini PC for developers using Linux?

Look for options with powerful CPUs and high RAM. The Beelink SER5 Max and N100 mini PCs are great choices depending on your workflow.

Are mini PCs good for 24/7 operation?

Yes, especially fanless or energy-efficient models. Devices like the MINIX Z100-0dB are designed for long-term uptime and low power consumption, perfect for running as a server or Linux node.

Final Thought

Finding the best mini PC for Linux involves balancing performance, compatibility, and design. Whether you're building a NAS, setting up a silent workstation, or running a home server, there's a Linux-friendly mini PC that fits your needs in 2025. From the powerful BOSGAME M4 Plus to the silent MOGINSOK Firewall PC, Linux users have more options than ever.