Imagine having a powerful computer that can run many other computers inside it. That’s what Proxmox lets you do! It’s a fantastic way to manage servers and virtual machines. But when you want to use Proxmox with a small, power-saving computer called a Mini PC, things can get tricky.
Many people want to use Mini PCs for Proxmox because they are small and don’t use much electricity. However, choosing the right Mini PC can be confusing. Some might not be strong enough, while others might cost too much. You might worry about slow performance or not being able to run all the programs you want.
This post will help you understand what makes a good Mini PC for Proxmox. We’ll look at what you need to consider so you can pick a Mini PC that works perfectly for your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing the best Mini PC to power your Proxmox setup.
Top Mini Pc For Proxmox Recommendations
No. 1
GMKtec Mini PC, G3 PRO Intel Core i3-10110U (Beats 4300U/N150), 16GB DDR4 RAM (Dual Channel) 512GB Storage Drive, Desktop Computer 4K Dual HDMI/USB3.2/WiFi 6/BT5.2/2.5GbE for Office, Business
- WHY CHOOSE CORE I3-10110U - Better single-core performance: The Core i3-10110U has a higher peak boost clock (4.1 GHz) compared to the Ryzen 3 4300U and the Intel Alder Lake N150 series, making it better for tasks that rely on fast single-core performance (e.g., web browsing, office apps). Better multi-thread performance via Hyper-Threading: the Core i3-10110U offers better performance in multi-threaded workloads compared to the Ryzen 3 4300U, especially for light productivity work and multitasking.
- 16GB RAM MEMORY & 512GB SSD STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3 PRO mini pc is prebuilt with 16GB DDR4 RAM SO-DIMM DUAL CHANNEL, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 512GB M.2 Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files. There is a primary slot and secondary expansion storage. Primary slot is M.2 2280 PCIE/SATA and secondary slot is M.2 2242 SATA .
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox core i3 mini computer is equipped with USB 3.2*4,up to 5Gbps/S, HDMI(4K@60Hz)×2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 6, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 2.5GbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2. This Mini PC supports multiple device connection and can be used with servers, monitoring equipment, office equipment, displays, projectors, televisions, etc.
- 4K DUAL SCREEN DISPLAY - Mini desktop computer is equipped with upgraded Intel Graphics(max 1000MHz), supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding, connect the pc with a projector as a home theatre, enjoy a variety of entertainments. Two HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to multi-task efficiently on two 4K@60Hz displays.
- UPGRADED COOLING FAN - The G3 PLUS has upgraded the cooling fan to reduce fan noise and thermals. We are using an upgraded thermal paste as well to help reduce heat on the CPU.
No. 2
GMKtec G3 Pro Mini PC, Intel Core i3-10110U (Beats 4300U/N150) 16GB DDR4 (Dual Channel) 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD, Desktop Computer 4K Dual HDMI/USB3.2/WiFi 6/BT5.2/2.5GbE for Office, Business
- G3 PRO: WHY CHOOSE CORE I3-10110U - Better single-core performance: The Core i3-10110U has a higher peak boost clock (4.1 GHz) compared to the Ryzen 3 4300U and the Intel Alder Lake N150 series, making it better for tasks that rely on fast single-core performance (e.g., web browsing, office apps). Better multi-thread performance via Hyper-Threading: the Core i3-10110U offers better performance in multi-threaded workloads compared to the Ryzen 3 4300U, especially for light productivity work and multitasking.
- 16GB RAM MEMORY & 512GB SSD STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3 PRO mini pc is prebuilt with 16GB DDR4 RAM SO-DIMM DUAL CHANNEL, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 512GB M.2 2242 SATA Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files. There is a secondary expansion storage using M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe slot.
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox core i3 mini computer is equipped with USB 3.2*4,up to 5Gbps/S, HDMI(4K@60Hz)×2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 6, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 2.5GbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2. This Mini PC supports multiple device connection and can be used with servers, monitoring equipment, office equipment, displays, projectors, televisions, etc.
- 4K DUAL SCREEN DISPLAY - Mini desktop computer is equipped with upgraded Intel Graphics(max 1000MHz), supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding, connect the pc with a projector as a home theatre, enjoy a variety of entertainments. Two HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to multi-task efficiently on two 4K@60Hz displays.
- WiFi6 & BT5.2 - Features the latest wireless connectivity with 802.11ax which offers speeds up to 600Mbps. Built-in Bluetooth 5.2 enables you to connect multiple wireless devices such as mice, keyboard, monitoring equipment, printer and monitor. High-speed wireless connection technology, reliable and efficient transmission speed, providing a faster internet experience for browsing and streaming. Small pc supports Wake On LAN, PXE Boot, RTC Wake and Auto Power On, ideal to use as a server.
No. 3
GMKtec Mini PC N95 (Beats N100, 3.4GHz) 8GB RAM 256GB M.2 SSD Mini Desktop Computer with VESA Mount for Office Home Business HTPC Proxmox, Dual 4K Display, WiFi 5, Gigabit Ethernet G3S
- 12th Intel Alder Lake N95 Processor – The GMKtec G3 S Mini PC is powered by the 12th Gen Intel N95 processor with 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB cache and a burst frequency up to 3.4GHz. Compared with N100/N5105/N5100/N5095, the N95 delivers up to 36% overall performance improvement. Perfect for routine tasks, office work, and home entertainment, this compact mini desktop is more convenient than traditional bulky PCs.
- 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD Storage – Pre-installed with 8GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2242 SSD, the G3 S mini desktop offers quicker startup, smoother multitasking, and faster file transfers. Enjoy seamless performance whether you’re working on multiple applications, browsing, or streaming content.
- Rich Interfaces & Connectivity – The G3 S mini computer comes equipped with USB 3.2 (up to 10Gbps), dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), and a 3.5mm audio jack. With support for WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 1000MbE), it connects easily with monitors, projectors, printers, office equipment, and other peripherals, making it versatile for both home and business use.
- Dual 4K Display Support – Featuring upgraded Intel UHD Graphics (up to 1000MHz), the G3 S supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding for a smooth viewing experience. With dual HDMI outputs, you can connect two 4K@60Hz displays simultaneously, enabling efficient multitasking for work and entertainment.
- GMKtec WARRANTY - GMKtec offers a 1-year limited GMKtec's warranty for each mini PC, starting from the date of the purchase. All defects due to design and workmanship are covered. With a professional after sales team always ready to attend to your needs, you can simply relax and enjoy your mini PC.
No. 4
GMKtec G10 Mini PC Ryzen 5 3500U (Beats N150/N97), 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, 2.5GbE LAN for Desktop Office Home Business HTPC Proxmox, Triple 4K Display, WiFi, BT, USB-C, DP, HDMI 2.1 (Black)
- POWERFUL OFFICE & LIGHT GAMING MINI PC --- The GMKtec NucBox G10 features the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4C/8T, up to 3.7GHz) with Radeon Vega 8 Graphics up to 1200MHz. Built on Zen+ 12nm architecture, it delivers 35% faster performance than Intel N150/N100 series chips, making it ideal for light gaming, video playback, home office, and multitasking workstations.
- RYZEN 5 3500U vs RYZEN 3 4300U COMPARISON - Why Choose Ryzen 5 3500U: Better multi-threaded performance: More threads, better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. Better graphics: With Vega 8, it's superior for casual gaming, video playback, and GPU-intensive tasks. Overall higher performance: Higher boost clock and better ability to handle a variety of workloads, from light gaming to productivity tasks. So, if you're looking for a more balanced processor with stronger multitasking capabilities and better GPU performance, the Ryzen 5 3500U would be the clear choice.
- HIGH-SPEED 16GB DUAL DDR4 + 512GB PCIe SSD --- Comes preinstalled with 16GB dual-channel DDR4 (2×8GB) and a 512GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD for blazing-fast boot, load, and transfer speeds. Easily upgradeable up to 32GB RAM and 2×8TB SSDs with dual M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 slots for unmatched storage flexibility.
- SMOOTH TRIPLE 4K@60Hz DISPLAY OUTPUT --- Supports triple-display setup via HDMI 2.1 TMDS, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C. The Radeon Vega 8 GPU handles 4K@60Hz video editing, office visuals, and casual design tasks smoothly. Ideal for financial trading, productivity dashboards, and multi-window workflows.
- 2.5GbE ULTRA-FAST NETWORKING + SERVER READY --- Equipped with a 2.5GbE RJ45 LAN port, the G10 offers up to 2500Mbps stable wired internet speed. Perfect for office work, media server setups, Pfsense, Untangle routers, or secure network appliances. No more bottlenecks in data-intensive environments.
No. 5
GMKtec Mini PC Computers Intel N95 Processor (Turbo 3.4GHz) 8GB DDR4 256GB SSD Desktop Computer 4K Dual HDMI Display/3x USB3.2/WiFi 5 BT5.0/RJ45 Ethernet Nucbox G3S
- 12th INTEL ALDER LAKE N95 PROCESSOR - The G3S mini pc uses the 12th Intel N95 CPU 4 Core 4 Threads 6MB cache, burst speed up to 3.4GHz. Compared with (N100/N5105/N5100/N5095), the N95 offers an overall performance improvement of 36%. Ideal for routine tasks, office work and home entertainment,which is more convenient than traditional desktop pc
- 8GB RAM MEMORY & 256GB SSD STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3S mini pc is prebuilt with 8GB DDR4 RAM, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 256GB M.2 2242 SSD Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox G3 Plus mini computer is equipped with USB 3.2, up to 10Gbps/S, HDMI(4K@60Hz)×2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 5, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 1000MbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0. This Mini PC supports multiple device connection and can be used with servers, monitoring equipment, office equipment, displays, projectors, televisions, etc
- 4K DUAL SCREEN DISPLAY - Mini desktop computer is equipped with upgraded Intel Graphics(max 1000MHz), supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding, connect the pc with a projector as a home theatre, enjoy a variety of entertainments. Two HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to multi-task efficiently on two 4K@60Hz displays
- WiFi5 & BT5.0 - Built-in Bluetooth 5.0 enables you to connect multiple wireless devices such as mice, keyboard, monitoring equipment, printer and monitor. High-speed wireless connection technology, reliable and efficient transmission speed, providing a faster internet experience for browsing and streaming. Small pc supports Wake On LAN, PXE Boot, RTC Wake and Auto Power On, ideal to use as a server
No. 6
GMKtec Mini PC Ryzen 5 3500U (Beats N150/N97), 16GB RAM 512 SSD, 2.5GbE LAN Desktop Computer Office Home Business HTPC Proxmox, Triple 4K Display, HDMI 2.1, WiFi, BT, USB-C, DP
- POWERFUL OFFICE & LIGHT GAMING MINI PC --- The GMKtec NucBox G10 features the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4C/8T, up to 3.7GHz) with Radeon Vega 8 Graphics up to 1200MHz. Built on Zen+ 12nm architecture, it delivers 35% faster performance than Intel N150/N100 series chips, making it ideal for light gaming, video playback, home office, and multitasking workstations.
- HIGH-SPEED 16GB DUAL DDR4 + 512GB PCIe SSD --- Comes preinstalled with 16GB dual-channel DDR4 (2×8GB) and a 512GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD for blazing-fast boot, load, and transfer speeds. Easily upgradeable up to 32GB RAM and 2×8TB SSDs with dual M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 slots for unmatched storage flexibility.
- SMOOTH TRIPLE 4K@60Hz DISPLAY OUTPUT --- Supports triple-display setup via HDMI 2.1 TMDS, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C. The Radeon Vega 8 GPU handles 4K@60Hz video editing, office visuals, and casual design tasks smoothly. Ideal for financial trading, productivity dashboards, and multi-window workflows.
- 2.5GbE ULTRA-FAST NETWORKING + SERVER READY --- Equipped with a 2.5GbE RJ45 LAN port, the G10 offers up to 2500Mbps stable wired internet speed. Perfect for office work, media server setups, Pfsense, Untangle routers, or secure network appliances. No more bottlenecks in data-intensive environments.
- COMPACT SIZE, FULL I/O, NEXT-GEN WIRELESS --- Palm-sized mini desktop comes packed with dual USB 3.2 Gen1, USB 2.0, USB-C (Full-Function: PD/DP/Data), DisplayPort, HDMI, and 3.5mm audio jack. Stay connected with WiFi 5 + Bluetooth 5.2. Great for office desks, minimalist setups, or VESA mounting.
No. 7
GMKtec Mini PC Ryzen 5 3500U 1TB SSD 16GB(8 * 2) DDR4 2.5GbE NIC LAN Office Home Desktop Computers, HTPC Proxmox, HDMI 2.1, USB-C, DP Triple 4K Display Nucbox G10 Black
- OFFICE LIGHT GAMING MINI PC - GMKtec Nucbox G10 Series is equipped with the Ryzen 5 3500U, a 64-bit quad-core mid-range performance x86 mobile microprocessor. This processor is based on AMD's Zen+ microarchitecture and is fabricated on a 12 nm process. The 3500U operates at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz with a TDP of 15 W and a Boost frequency of 3.7 GHz. This APU supports up to 32 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2400 memory and incorporates Radeon Vega 8 Graphics operating at up to 1.2 GHz. 35% Performance increase over the similar Intel N-Series N150/N100/N97/N95 processor chips
- 16GB DUAL CHANNEL DDR4 + 1TB SSD - Installed with DDR4 16GB SO-DIMM RAM Dual Channel (2x8GB) and a 1TB SSD, the Nucbox G10 mini pc supports memory expansion to 64GB RAM. Featured with Dual M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 slots, supports dual storage slot expansion to 16TB SSD (2*8TB). (Upgrades not included) This model supports a configurable TDP-down of 12 W and TDP-up of 35 W
- 2.5GBE ETHERNET FAST NETWORK SPEEDS - Enjoy up to 2500Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle, Pfsense or as a server office PC
- MINI DESKTOP COMPUTER WITH TRIPLE DISPLAY SCREEN - Nucbox G10 integrates AMD Radeon Vega 8 1200 MHz GPU to deliver powerful graphics processing power to easily handle video editing, and playback, or casual gaming. And it can connect to 3 display screens simultaneously via HDMI 2.1 TMDS/ DPv1.4/ TYPE-C
- FAST WIRELESS INTERNET WIFI 5 + BT5.0 - Enjoy blazing WiFi 5 & Bluetooth 5.0 alongside a powerhouse selection of ports - dual USB 3.2, USB 2.0, stunning 4K@60Hz HDMI 2.1 TMDS, Full Function USB-C (PD/DP/Data), dedicated DisplayPort, 3.5mm audio, and PD Power Supply for seamless multitasking and premium connectivity
Your Mini PC Proxmox Powerhouse: A Smart Buyer’s Guide
Setting up your own private cloud or home lab can be exciting! Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) is a fantastic tool for this. It lets you run many virtual machines and containers on one computer. A mini PC is a great choice for Proxmox because it’s small and doesn’t use much power. This guide will help you pick the perfect mini PC for your Proxmox adventures.
1. Key Features to Look For
When choosing a mini PC for Proxmox, think about what you want it to do. More power means you can run more virtual machines. Here are the important features:
- Processor (CPU): This is the brain of your mini PC. For Proxmox, a faster CPU is better. Look for Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 processors, or AMD Ryzen 5, 7, or 9. The more cores and threads, the more tasks your mini PC can handle at once.
- RAM (Memory): Proxmox uses RAM to run your virtual machines. You need enough RAM for Proxmox itself and for all the operating systems you plan to run. Aim for at least 16GB of RAM. 32GB or more is even better if you plan to run many demanding virtual machines.
- Storage: You’ll need space for Proxmox, your virtual machines, and any data. A fast Solid State Drive (SSD) is a must. It makes everything load much quicker. Consider at least a 250GB SSD for Proxmox and a few virtual machines. You might want a larger SSD or a second drive for more storage.
- Network Ports (Ethernet): Good networking is important for Proxmox. Look for mini PCs with at least one Gigabit Ethernet port. Two ports are even better for more flexibility.
- Expansion Options: Can you add more RAM or storage later? Some mini PCs let you upgrade components. This is a good feature if you think you’ll need more power down the road.
2. Important Materials and Build Quality
The way a mini PC is built matters. A well-made PC will last longer and work better.
- Case: Most mini PCs have metal or sturdy plastic cases. Metal cases often help with cooling.
- Cooling System: Proxmox can make your mini PC work hard. A good cooling system prevents it from overheating. Look for mini PCs with quiet fans and good airflow design.
- Internal Components: The quality of the motherboard, power supply, and other internal parts affects reliability. Buying from reputable brands usually means better quality components.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a mini PC great for Proxmox, while others can cause problems.
- Improve Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better support and more reliable products.
- Customer Reviews: Read what other people say about the mini PC.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the company stands behind its product.
- Reduce Quality:
- Overheating: If a mini PC can’t cool itself properly, its performance will suffer, and it might even break.
- Lack of Upgradability: If you can’t add more RAM or storage, you might need to buy a new PC sooner.
- Cheap Components: Using low-quality parts can lead to failures and shorter lifespan.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
A mini PC for Proxmox offers a lot of flexibility. Your experience will depend on your setup and what you want to do.
- Home Lab: You can run different operating systems to test software or learn new things.
- Network Attached Storage (NAS): Set up a central place to store your files and access them from anywhere.
- Media Server: Stream movies and music to all your devices.
- Smart Home Hub: Control your smart devices and automate tasks.
- Web Server: Host your own websites or applications.
A good mini PC for Proxmox should be easy to set up. You should be able to install Proxmox without much trouble. The performance should be smooth, even when running multiple virtual machines. The noise level is also important, especially if the PC is in your living space. A quiet mini PC makes for a better user experience.
Mini PC for Proxmox: Your Top 10 Questions Answered
Q: What is Proxmox and why use it on a mini PC?
A: Proxmox VE is software that lets you run many virtual computers on one physical computer. A mini PC is small and uses little electricity, making it a good choice for running Proxmox at home.
Q: How much RAM do I need for Proxmox on a mini PC?
A: At least 16GB of RAM is recommended. More RAM, like 32GB or more, is better if you plan to run many virtual machines.
Q: What kind of processor is best for Proxmox?
A: A powerful processor is key. Look for Intel Core i5 or higher, or AMD Ryzen 5 or higher. More cores and threads help a lot.
Q: Is an SSD important for a Proxmox mini PC?
A: Yes, an SSD makes your Proxmox system and virtual machines run much faster. It’s a must-have for good performance.
Q: How many network ports should a Proxmox mini PC have?
A: At least one Gigabit Ethernet port is needed. Two ports offer more options for networking.
Q: Can I upgrade a mini PC for Proxmox later?
A: Some mini PCs allow you to add more RAM or storage. Check if the model you like has expansion options.
Q: What are the common uses for a Proxmox mini PC?
A: People use them for home labs, file servers (NAS), media servers, and smart home control.
Q: How important is cooling for a Proxmox mini PC?
A: Cooling is very important. Proxmox can make the PC work hard, and good cooling prevents overheating and keeps performance steady.
Q: Should I worry about the noise of a mini PC running Proxmox?
A: Yes, if the PC is in a living area. Look for mini PCs with quiet fans for a better experience.
Q: What brands are good for mini PCs for Proxmox?
A: Reputable brands like Intel NUC, Beelink, Minisforum, and some higher-end industrial mini PCs are good choices. Always check reviews.