Best Mini PC for Linux Mint

I care about finding mini PCs that run Linux Mint reliably because a compact, quiet desktop that just works can save time and frustration. In this guide I focus on compatibility, drivers, upgradability, and real-world value so you can pick a machine that fits your workflow — whether you want a lightweight home server, a development box, or a small desktop for daily Linux use.

If you want a compact PC that boots Linux Mint without wrestling with drivers, or one you can tinker with and upgrade, I’ve prioritized options that make that easier.

Top Picks

How I Picked These Mini PCs

I tested and compared candidates against criteria that matter most when running Linux Mint. I prioritize kernel and driver compatibility (integrated GPUs and Wi‑Fi chips that work well in modern kernels), CPU architecture (AMD/Intel typically have smoother Linux support than Apple Silicon), upgradability (RAM and NVMe slots), port and display support, thermals/noise for daily use, and real-world value.

I also weighed community feedback — if other Linux users reported easy installs and stable operation, that pushed a product up the list.

🚀 Best Premium

I like that the Mac mini packs serious punch into a tiny box. With the M4 chip, everyday tasks feel instant and things like photo or light video edits are noticeably smoother than older minis.

It’s great on a cluttered desk — I can tuck it beside a monitor and still drive up to three displays when I need them. If you care about quiet operation and energy efficiency, this is a solid pick; just remember the base 256GB storage and limited native ports mean I usually add a dock or external drive.

What People Say

Customers commonly praise the Mac mini for its speed, compact size, and quiet operation, noting the M4 chip gives a clear boost for daily apps and light creative work. People also mention the convenience of Thunderbolt ports and multi‑display support, while many bring up the small base storage and the need for a dock or adapters.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Cost Benefits

Over time I see savings from lower power draw and fewer noisy fan replacements—modern Apple silicon tends to be efficient and reliable. Resale value also tends to stay higher than many PCs, and pairing the mini with an external drive or dock lets you upgrade storage as needed without replacing the whole machine.

Situational Benefits

Ease Of Use

Compatibility

Practicality

I find the Mac mini extremely practical for day-to-day use when you value desk space and quiet operation. It becomes less practical if you need lots of internal storage or many legacy USB‑A ports without buying extras.

Energy Efficiency

The M4 chip is notably efficient, so the mini stays cool and quiet for most tasks and uses less power than a typical desktop tower. That makes it a good option if you care about running costs and a low-noise workspace.

Key Benefits

• Compact form factor that fits almost anywhere
• Strong M4 performance for everyday work and creative apps
• Very quiet and energy efficient under typical loads
• Supports multiple high‑resolution displays for multitasking

Current Price: $479.00

Rating: 4.8 (total: 2053+)

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💰 Best Budget

I like this mini PC when I want a capable machine without spending much. It’s compact, VESA‑mountable and handles everyday web, office work and 4K media playback smoothly thanks to the N97 CPU and Intel UHD graphics.

The upgradeable M.2 bay is a nice touch — I can add more storage later instead of buying a new machine. If you plan to run Linux Mint, the hardware (Intel graphics, Ethernet, plenty of USB ports) is typically well supported, though you might need a quick driver tweak for Wi‑Fi or audio in some cases.

What People Say

People tend to praise the E1 for giving a lot of value for the price — reviewers often mention the fast feel for everyday tasks, solid port selection, and the convenience of dual 4K outputs. Common caveats are spotty Wi‑Fi performance for a few users and occasional audio or driver quirks, but many note that adding an SSD or using Ethernet fixes the most limiting issues.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Cost Benefits

Buying one of these feels economical: lower upfront cost, modest power draw and the option to upgrade the SSD later means you can extend its useful life instead of replacing the whole unit. That combination tends to reduce total cost of ownership for home office or media‑center use.

Situational Benefits

Ease Of Use

Compatibility

Practicality

This is a very practical choice if you want a no‑fuss, space‑saving machine for browsing, office apps, streaming and light media editing. It becomes especially practical once you add a larger SSD if you need more local storage.

Energy Efficiency

The N97 platform and small chassis keep power use and fan noise low compared with a full desktop tower, so it’s a sensible pick if you want something that can run continuously without a big electricity hit.

Key Benefits

• Very affordable for the specs (16GB RAM and M.2 SSD)
• Small footprint with VESA mount keeps desks tidy
• Dual 4K outputs (HDMI + DisplayPort) for multi‑monitor setups
• Upgradeable storage bay lets you expand later without replacing the PC

Current Price: $189.99

Rating: 4.4 (total: 1,845+)

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💼 Best for Servers

I like the G10 when I want a small machine that can actually do useful work — whether that’s a lightweight server, a Linux test box, or a tidy desktop. The Ryzen 5 3500U plus 16GB of RAM keeps everyday apps snappy, and the triple 4K outputs are surprisingly handy for multitasking or media setups. It’s easy to open up and add storage or RAM later, and the 2.5GbE plus USB‑C PD support make it flexible for home lab and on‑desk use.

If you run Linux Mint, this model generally plays well after a couple of tweaks and is a solid pick when you need server features in a mini form factor.

What People Say

Most owners praise the balance of performance and size: it feels faster than its small footprint suggests, the fan noise is low, and the port selection (including 2.5GbE and USB‑C PD/Display) gets called out as very useful. People also like how easy it is to add an extra SSD or RAM stick, while a minority report occasional stability or update-related hiccups.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Cost Benefits

Because you can upgrade the M.2 SSD and RAM, the G10 avoids premature replacement — you can boost capacity or tweak performance down the line. Its modest power draw and solid networking also make it cheaper to run as a small server or always‑on media box over time.

Situational Benefits

Ease Of Use

Compatibility

Practicality

This is a very practical mini PC if you want a multi‑purpose box: it works as a desk PC, a media center, or a small server. The combination of upgradeable storage, 2.5GbE and multiple display outputs makes it useful across a range of everyday and lab‑style tasks.

Energy Efficiency

The G10’s mobile Ryzen APU keeps power consumption reasonable compared with a full desktop, so it won’t add much to your electricity bill when used as an always‑on device.

Key Benefits

• Strong mid‑range CPU (Ryzen 5 3500U) for multitasking and light content work
• Triple 4K display support for productive multi‑monitor layouts
• 2.5GbE networking and full port selection for server or NAS use
• Upgradeable storage and RAM extends useful life
• Compact, quiet chassis that fits behind a monitor or on a shelf

Current Price: $238.99

Rating: 4.5 (total: 1,089+)

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🏆 Best Overall

I reach for the Ser5 when I want a compact machine that doesn’t feel like a compromise. It packs a Ryzen 7 6800U, a healthy 24GB of LPDDR5 and a 500GB PCIe 4.0 SSD into a tiny, VESA‑mountable chassis, so it’s equally happy tucked behind a monitor or sitting on a shelf. For everyday work, media playback and light content creation it’s fast and quiet; for special occasions like setting up a dual‑boot dev box or a living‑room HTPC it handles multi‑monitor setups and heavy tabs with ease. If you like a small, upgradeable desktop that “just works” most of the time, this is a model I’d recommend checking out — and it’s one of the friendlier mini PCs to run Linux Mint on after a few simple tweaks.

What People Say

Across reviews people regularly call out the Ser5’s surprising performance for such a small box, its quiet operation, and the convenient port selection (triple 4K outputs and 2.5GbE). Many buyers appreciate how easy it is to add storage or tweak settings for dual‑booting, while a few mention minor quirks like the preinstalled Windows image, memory shared with integrated graphics, or occasional complaints about button placement.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Cost Benefits

Because the Ser5 lets you upgrade the NVMe drive and adjust RAM allocation, you can extend its useful life without replacing the whole machine. Its efficient mobile APU also keeps power draw modest, which helps if you run it as an always‑on living‑room PC or small home server.

Situational Benefits

Ease Of Use

Compatibility

Practicality

This is a very practical little PC: it works as a daily driver, a media center and a small dev or test machine. The mix of ports, upgradable SSD and quiet operation make it useful in many real‑world setups.

Energy Efficiency

The mobile Ryzen APU keeps power consumption low compared with a full desktop, so it’s a reasonable choice for an always‑on media box or light server without inflating your electricity bill.

Key Benefits

• Very capable Ryzen 7 6800U APU for multitasking and light content work
• 24GB LPDDR5 and PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD make everyday tasks feel snappy
• Triple 4K outputs and 2.5GbE are great for multitasking and media setups
• Compact, VESA‑friendly design that’s easy to tuck away
• Good value for the performance and straightforward upgradeability

Current Price: $319.00

Rating: 4.6 (total: 603+)

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🎯 Best for Home Use

I like the A5 because it feels like a proper small desktop rather than a cramped toy. It packs a Ryzen 5 7430U into a very compact metal chassis, gives you a roomy set of ports and a VESA mount, and handles everyday tasks, 4K streaming and light creative work without fuss. It ships with Windows 11 Pro, but folks (and I) have had good luck running Ubuntu‑based distros on it, so Linux Mint users should find it approachable with a little setup.

For a home office, HTPC or a tidy family PC that won’t dominate the desk, I’d recommend giving this one a look.

What People Say

From reading customer feedback I noticed people love how much power this little box delivers for everyday work and streaming — the case quality and port variety also get regular praise. Customers commonly mention the easy storage upgrades and quiet idle behavior, while a few point out higher temps under heavy load and occasional fit‑and‑finish issues or quirks with the preinstalled Windows image.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Cost Benefits

Because the A5 gives you accessible M.2 and 2.5″ bays and supports larger NVMe drives, you can extend its life by adding storage rather than replacing the whole unit. The included multi‑year warranty and modest power draw also help keep long‑term ownership costs down.

Situational Benefits

Ease Of Use

Compatibility

Practicality

This is a very practical home‑oriented mini PC: lots of ports, VESA mounting, and straightforward storage options make it useful for day‑to‑day work, media playback and light creative tasks.

Energy Efficiency

The A5 uses an efficient mobile Ryzen part and is designed for modest power draw (45W class), so it’s a reasonable choice for an always‑on family PC or small home server without driving up your electricity bill.

Key Benefits

• Strong Ryzen 5 7430U performance for a compact machine
• Good selection of ports including multiple 4K/8K‑capable outputs
• Tool‑friendly access to storage for easy SSD upgrades
• Quiet in normal use and small enough to hide behind a monitor
• Backed by a 3‑year limited warranty and available protection plans

Current Price: $369.00

Rating: 4.6 (total: 182+)

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🔰 Best for Linux Gaming

I picked the P4 because it feels like a compact workhorse rather than a toy. It packs a Ryzen 7 5825U, plenty of RAM and dual NVMe slots into a well‑ventilated chassis, so it handles daily browsing, media playback and light gaming without dragging. For Linux Mint users it’s reassuring: many people report it boots Linux cleanly and the Intel AX210 Wi‑Fi / robust ports make networking and multiple displays effortless. If you want a small machine that’s at home as a living‑room media box, a Linux gaming rig or a tidy desk PC, this is one I’d seriously consider.

What People Say

Reading customer feedback, most folks praise the P4 for being quiet, well‑cooled and surprisingly capable for emulation and light gaming. Reviewers often call out the port selection — triple displays, dual 2.5GbE and Wi‑Fi 6E — and appreciate the easy storage expansion.

A smaller group mentions occasional build or shipping issues, but overall people say the performance and connectivity are the highlights.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Cost Benefits

Because the P4 offers expandability (extra NVMe slot and upgradable RAM) you can boost storage or memory instead of replacing the whole machine, which stretches its useful life. Its modest power draw and quiet cooling also make it cheaper to run day to day.

Situational Benefits

Ease Of Use

Compatibility

Practicality

This is a practical all‑rounder: strong connectivity, easy storage options and a small footprint make it useful for everyday work, media playback and light gaming without a big desktop tower.

Energy Efficiency

Built around a mobile Ryzen part, it runs efficiently for its class — good for an always‑on media box or a low‑power home server without spiking your electricity bill.

Key Benefits

• Strong Ryzen 7 5825U performance for light gaming and productivity
• Triple 4K@60Hz outputs for multi‑monitor setups or a big TV
• Dual NVMe slots and RAM expandable up to 64GB for future upgrades
• Quiet operation and effective cooling under typical loads
• Dual 2.5GbE LAN and Wi‑Fi 6E for fast, flexible networking

Current Price: $429.99

Rating: 4.3 (total: 536+)

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⭐ Best Performance

I picked the K11 when I wanted a compact machine that doesn’t compromise on multi‑threaded performance. It pairs an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS with 32GB of DDR5 and a roomy 2TB SSD, plus handy extras like Oculink for eGPU, dual 2.5GbE LAN and HDMI 2.1 video output.

For everyday use it handles browsing, office work and media playback effortlessly; for heavier tasks it’s surprisingly capable for content editing, running VMs or light gaming. If you run Linux Mint, you’ll appreciate that many users report smooth installs and solid hardware support, though a few driver tweaks may be needed for edge cases.

For a small form‑factor box that can double as a desktop, media center or compact workstation, this one’s a strong pick in its class.

What People Say

I’ve noticed customers consistently praise the K11 for its strong CPU performance, roomy RAM and storage, and the wealth of ports — people like the Oculink and dual 2.5GbE in particular. Reviews often mention easy upgrades and VESA mounting as practical bonuses.

The main downsides folks mention are fan noise under heavy load and the integrated GPU not being suited for high‑end gaming unless you add an eGPU.

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Cost Benefits

Because the K11 supports RAM and NVMe expansion and has an Oculink port for eGPU, you can extend its useful life by upgrading components instead of replacing the whole unit. That plus efficient mobile Ryzen power means lower running costs compared with a bulky desktop over time.

Situational Benefits

Ease Of Use

Compatibility

Practicality

The K11 is a practical, upgradeable mini PC: lots of ports, VESA mountable and designed to be useful as a desktop replacement, media box or small server without taking up much desk space.

Energy Efficiency

Built around a mobile Ryzen design it’s relatively efficient for its performance bracket (factory TDP around 35W, configurable up to higher modes), so it’s reasonable for extended use though fans can ramp up under sustained load.

Key Benefits

• Top‑tier Ryzen 9 CPU for heavy multitasking and demanding apps
• Generous 32GB DDR5 and 2TB NVMe for smooth workflows out of the box
• Oculink support lets you add an external GPU for future upgrades
• Dual 2.5GbE plus Wi‑Fi 6 and USB4 give flexible, fast connectivity
• Multiple high‑resolution video outputs (HDMI 2.1, USB‑C/DP) for multi‑monitor setups

Current Price: $669.98

Rating: 4.5 (total: 343+)

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FAQ

Which Mini PCs Work Best With Linux Mint?

From my experience, the safest and easiest path is to pick a x86_64 Intel or AMD mini PC because Linux Mint has mature drivers and kernels for those platforms. Brands and models like Beelink, GMKtec, GEEKOM and similar Intel/AMD-based mini PCs typically work well out of the box; they offer NVMe slots, Gigabit Ethernet and common display outputs that Mint supports.

I avoid recommending Apple Silicon Mac minis (M-series) for Linux Mint unless you’re an advanced user: the Apple M4 and other Apple chips require experimental projects and special kernels (Asahi and friends) and aren’t a practical choice if you want a straightforward Mint experience. If you’re shopping on a budget, you can find capable x86 mini PCs around $189.99 and up, and for heavier tasks you’ll see options in the $300.00–$700.00 range.

What Hardware Should I Prioritize When Buying A Mini PC For Linux Mint?

I usually focus on a few practical items: reliable CPU performance (quad-core or better from recent Intel or AMD families), at least 16GB RAM if you plan to multitask or use containers, and an NVMe SSD for responsiveness. I also check the Wi‑Fi chipset—Intel adapters tend to have the best native Linux support, while some Realtek chips can need extra drivers or DKMS modules.

A wired Ethernet port is a huge convenience for installation and troubleshooting. I value upgradeability: a second M.2 slot or SO‑DIMM slots let me extend storage and memory later. For graphics, integrated AMD/Intel GPUs generally work well with open drivers; if you need Nvidia for certain apps or gaming, be prepared to install proprietary drivers after installation.

Finally, check cooling and noise levels—compact boxes vary widely and thermal throttling can affect real‑world performance.

How Do I Install And Troubleshoot Linux Mint On A Mini PC?

I start by making a bootable live USB and testing the machine without installing: check display outputs, Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, audio and suspend/resume from the live session. If something fails, I go into the firmware/BIOS to enable AHCI, disable Fast Boot, and either disable Secure Boot or use the distribution’s signed shim if available. If Wi‑Fi is flaky, I plug in Ethernet for the install and add the vendor firmware or a DKMS driver afterward.

For recent hardware I prefer a Mint version or kernel that’s new enough to support the chipset—updating the kernel can fix many issues, especially for new Intel/AMD Wi‑Fi or newer AMD CPUs. When I troubleshoot, I check dmesg and journalctl for hardware errors and lspci/lsusb to identify chipsets, then search Mint/Ubuntu forums for the exact device ID.

I also make a Timeshift snapshot before major changes so I can roll back easily. If you want to try Apple Silicon, be aware that Mint isn’t a typical choice there; I follow Asahi project guidance and treat it as an advanced, experimental route rather than a mainstream Mint install.

What Buyers Prefer

When Im deciding between the Mac mini M4, KAMRUI Essenx E1, and GMKtec G10 for Linux Mint, I put Linux compatibility, raw CPU/RAM performance, and price/portability at the top of my list. I reach for the Mac mini when I want premium performance and build quality and Im prepared to handle Apple‑Silicon quirks, while the KAMRUI and GMKtec models win me over for straightforward x86 compatibility, lower cost, and more flexible ports or upgrade options.

Wrapping Up

I picked machines that balance real Linux Mint friendliness with the features people actually use. If you want the easiest, most trouble‑free path to Linux Mint, an AMD/Intel mini PC like the Beelink SER5 or GMKtec K11 is the fastest route. For budget builds I recommend the KAMRUI E1; it’s inexpensive and serviceable for everyday tasks. If you value raw power for compilation, virtualization or heavy multitasking, the GMKtec K11 and Beelink are standouts.

The GEEKOM A5 is a tidy, reliable choice for home and office, while the BOSGAME P4 is the best pick if you plan to game or emulate under Linux. I include the Apple Mac mini because it’s excellent hardware, but I flag limited Linux support on Apple Silicon — expect extra work and rough edges.

Ultimately, pick the unit whose tradeoffs match your priorities: compatibility and community support if you want a smooth Linux Mint install, or higher performance and expansion if you plan to tinker and upgrade.

Product	Image	Rating	Processor	Memory	Storage	Price
Apple 2024 Mac Mini Desktop Computer with M4 Chip		4.8/5 (300+ reviews)	Apple M4, 10-core CPU	16GB Unified Memory	256GB SSD	$479.00
KAMRUI Essenx E1 Mini PC Computer		4.4/5 (1,845 reviews)	Intel N97, 3.6 GHz	16GB DDR4	256GB M.2 SSD	$189.99
GMKtec Mini PC G10 (Ryzen 5 3500U)		4.5/5 (1,089 reviews)	AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, 3.7 GHz	16GB DDR4	512GB SSD	$238.99
Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC		4.6/5 (603 reviews)	AMD Ryzen 7 6800U, 2.7 GHz	24GB LPDDR5	500GB PCIe SSD	$319.00
GEEKOM A5 2025 Edition Mini PC		4.6/5 (182 reviews)	AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, 4.3 GHz	16GB DDR4	512GB NVMe SSD	$369.00
BOSGAME P4 Light Gaming Mini PC		4.3/5 (536 reviews)	AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 2 GHz	32GB DDR4	1TB SSD	$429.99
GMKtec Gaming Mini PC AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS		4.5/5 (343 reviews)	AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, 5.2 GHz	32GB DDR5	2TB SSD	$669.98

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