Blog
Mini PC reviews, guides, and homelab tutorials — all hands-on tested.
![GMKtec K11 vs GEEKOM A7 MAX: Best Ryzen 9 Mini PC Under $750 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/gmktec-k11-vs-geekom-a7-max/1920.webp)
GMKtec K11 vs GEEKOM A7 MAX: Best Ryzen 9 Mini PC Under $750 [2026]
GMKtec K11 (~$799) vs GEEKOM A7 MAX (~$699): both Ryzen 9. K11 has dual 2.5G and OCuLink; A7 MAX has 550 reviews, 3-year warranty, and WiFi 7. We pick a winner. Updated April 2026.
![MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max vs AI X1 Pro-470: Strix Halo vs Strix Point — $1,000 Gap [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-ms-s1-max-vs-x1-pro-470/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max vs AI X1 Pro-470: Strix Halo vs Strix Point — $1,000 Gap [2026]
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max ($2,399, Strix Halo, 10GbE) vs X1 Pro-470 ($1,359, Strix Point, OCuLink): within-brand flagship comparison. Different use cases despite $1,000 gap. Updated April 2026.
Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Mini PC: All 4 Options Compared 2026
Every Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 mini PC compared: MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370, GEEKOM A9 Max, Beelink SER9 Pro Mini, plus Barebone options. Specs, prices, and which to buy. Updated April 2026.
![MINISFORUM X1-255 vs Beelink SER9: Upgradeable DDR5 vs Soldered LPDDR5X — The RAM Question [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-x1-255-vs-beelink-ser9/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM X1-255 vs Beelink SER9: Upgradeable DDR5 vs Soldered LPDDR5X — The RAM Question [2026]
MINISFORUM X1-255 ($739) vs Beelink SER9 ($839): both Ryzen 7 255, $100 gap. X1-255 has upgradeable DDR5, WiFi 7; SER9 has soldered LPDDR5X, 677 reviews. We pick a winner. Updated April 2026.
![Beelink SER9 vs MINISFORUM X1-255: Best Ryzen 7 255 Mini PC Compared [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/beelink-ser9-vs-minisforum-x1-255/1920.webp)
Beelink SER9 vs MINISFORUM X1-255: Best Ryzen 7 255 Mini PC Compared [2026]
Beelink SER9 vs MINISFORUM X1-255: both have Ryzen 7 255, but differ on RAM type, WiFi, and upgradeability. We compare specs, benchmarks, and value. Updated April 2026.
Beelink SER9 Family Guide 2026: SER9 vs SER9 Pro Mini vs SER9 Pro+ AI — Which to Buy?
Beelink has 3 SER9 models from $719–$999 with confusingly similar names. We break down SER9 vs SER9 Pro Mini vs SER9 Pro+ AI specs, differences, and which to buy. Updated April 2026.
![GEEKOM IT15 vs MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370: Intel Ultra 9 vs Ryzen AI 9 at $1,200–$1,500 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-it15-vs-minisforum-x1-pro-370/1920.webp)
GEEKOM IT15 vs MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370: Intel Ultra 9 vs Ryzen AI 9 at $1,200–$1,500 [2026]
GEEKOM IT15 (Intel 285H, $1,499) vs MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370 (Ryzen HX370, $1,179): 99 vs 80 TOPS, Arc vs Radeon. We benchmark both for AI, gaming, and homelab. Updated April 2026.
Used Enterprise Desktops vs New Mini PCs for Homelab — Which Wins in 2026? | Mini PC Lab
Used Dell OptiPlex / HP EliteDesk vs new mini PCs for homelab: real comparison of performance, power consumption, cost, and 3-year total cost of ownership.
![GEEKOM A7 MAX vs MINISFORUM UM790 Pro: Two Ryzen 9 7940HS Mini PCs Compared [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-a7-max-vs-minisforum-um790-pro/1920.webp)
GEEKOM A7 MAX vs MINISFORUM UM790 Pro: Two Ryzen 9 7940HS Mini PCs Compared [2026]
GEEKOM A7 MAX ($699) vs MINISFORUM UM790 Pro ($779): both Ryzen 9 7940HS. A7 MAX has 550 reviews, Dual 2.5GbE, WiFi 7; UM790 Pro has 32GB included and liquid metal cooling. We pick a winner. Updated April 2026.
![Beelink SER9 Pro Mini vs MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370: H255 vs HX370 — Different CPUs [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/beelink-ser9-pro-vs-minisforum-x1-pro-370/1920.webp)
Beelink SER9 Pro Mini vs MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370: H255 vs HX370 — Different CPUs [2026]
Beelink SER9 Pro Mini ($999, H255/38 TOPS) vs MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370 ($1,179, HX370/80 TOPS): different CPU classes. We compare specs to help you choose. Updated April 2026.
Mini PC vs Raspberry Pi for Home Server — Which Should You Choose? | Mini PC Lab
Mini PC vs Raspberry Pi for home server: honest comparison of performance, cost, power, and use cases. Which one is right for your homelab in 2026?
Mini PC vs Synology NAS — Which Should You Buy for Home Storage? | Mini PC Lab
Mini PC vs Synology NAS for home storage and homelab: honest comparison of storage capacity, apps, power, cost, and expandability. Which is right in 2026?
Intel N100 vs N150 for Home Server 2026 — Which Should You Buy? | Mini PC Lab
Intel N100 vs N150 for homelab and home server use: what's the actual difference, which mini PCs use each chip, and when the upgrade is worth it.
Best Mini PC for TrueNAS 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We tested mini PCs for TrueNAS SCALE and ZFS pools. See our top picks with real power data, SATA and NVMe storage options at every budget.
![GEEKOM IT15 vs GMKtec K11: Intel Ultra 9 vs Ryzen 9 for Homelab and Proxmox [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-it15-vs-gmktec-k11/1920.webp)
GEEKOM IT15 vs GMKtec K11: Intel Ultra 9 vs Ryzen 9 for Homelab and Proxmox [2026]
GEEKOM IT15 ($1,499, Intel 285H) vs GMKtec K11 ($739, Ryzen 9 8945HS): we test iGPU passthrough, Proxmox compatibility, and Linux driver support for homelab. Updated April 2026.
![Beelink SER9 Pro Mini vs GEEKOM A9 Max: H255 vs HX370 — Different CPUs, Different Classes [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/beelink-ser9-pro-mini-vs-geekom-a9-max/1920.webp)
Beelink SER9 Pro Mini vs GEEKOM A9 Max: H255 vs HX370 — Different CPUs, Different Classes [2026]
Beelink SER9 Pro Mini ($999, H255/38 TOPS) vs GEEKOM A9 Max ($1,689, HX370/80 TOPS): different CPU classes. We compare specs to help you choose. Updated April 2026.
Best Mini PC for Proxmox 2026 — Tested | Mini PC Lab
We tested 7 mini PCs for Proxmox VE. See our top picks with real VM benchmarks, power consumption data, and IOMMU support details.
Mini PC vs Laptop as Always-On Home Server — Which Is Better? | Mini PC Lab
Mini PC vs laptop for always-on home server: power draw, battery wear, heat, hardware compatibility, and total cost compared. Which wins in 2026?
![Beelink SER9 Pro Mini Review: Ryzen 7 H255 Mini PC for Under $1000 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/beelink-ser9-pro-mini-review/1920.webp)
Beelink SER9 Pro Mini Review: Ryzen 7 H255 Mini PC for Under $1000 [2026]
Beelink SER9 Pro Mini review: Ryzen 7 H255, 32GB LPDDR5X, USB4, 2.5G LAN, 38 TOPS. Budget entry-level AI mini PC — but is the soldered RAM a dealbreaker? Updated April 2026.
Best Mini PC for Docker 2026 — Tested | Mini PC Lab
We tested container density, RAM usage, and storage I/O on 4 mini PCs for Docker. See our top picks for every budget.
Mini PC Home Server Power Consumption & Electricity Cost Guide | Mini PC Lab
Calculate your mini PC home server's annual electricity cost. Power consumption data for 14 homelab mini PCs plus a manual calculation formula.
![MINISFORUM MS-A2 vs GMKtec K11: Best Mini PC for 10GbE Homelab [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-ms-a2-vs-gmktec-k11/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM MS-A2 vs GMKtec K11: Best Mini PC for 10GbE Homelab [2026]
MINISFORUM MS-A2 ($599 barebone, 8945HX, 10GbE) vs GMKtec K11 ($739 complete, 8945HS, OCuLink): we compare networking, Proxmox compatibility, and total cost of ownership. Updated April 2026.
OPNsense on a Mini PC — Firewall Setup Guide 2026 | Mini PC Lab
Install and configure OPNsense on a mini PC with dual Intel NICs. Covers hardware, installation, WAN/LAN setup, VLANs, and Suricata IDS.
![MINISFORUM MS-A2 Review: 16-Core Workstation with Dual 10GbE for $599 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-ms-a2-review/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM MS-A2 Review: 16-Core Workstation with Dual 10GbE for $599 [2026]
MINISFORUM MS-A2 review: Ryzen 9 8945HX 16-core, dual 10GbE SFP+, U.2 SSD support, barebone for $599. The ultimate homelab/NAS mini PC? Full review with benchmarks. Updated April 2026.
Best Mini PC Under $1000 2026 — AI, Homelab, and Daily Use Picks
We tested 10+ mini PCs under $1000 for AI, homelab, and daily use. Our top picks with real benchmarks, power data, and honest pros/cons for every budget. Updated April 2026.
How to Run Local AI (Ollama) on a Mini PC — Setup Guide | Mini PC Lab
Run local LLMs with Ollama on a mini PC. Covers CPU and GPU inference, ROCm setup for AMD Radeon 780M, model selection for 8–16GB VRAM, and Open WebUI.
Mini PC NAS Setup with TrueNAS SCALE — Complete Guide | Mini PC Lab
Turn a mini PC into a NAS with TrueNAS SCALE. Covers installation, ZFS pool creation, SMB shares, and connecting multiple drives via USB or PCIe.
Best Mini PC for Video Editing 2026 — iGPU Hardware Encoding Tested
We tested 8 mini PCs for DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro. See which iGPUs accelerate 4K editing with real render times and hardware encoding benchmarks. Updated April 2026.
Beelink vs GMKtec 2026 — Which Brand for Your Homelab? | Mini PC Lab
Beelink EQ14 vs GMKtec K11: networking, performance, and value compared across both brands to help you choose the right homelab mini PC.
Best Mini PC for Stable Diffusion 2026 — iGPU Image Generation Tested
We tested Stable Diffusion on 8 mini PC iGPUs from Radeon 610M to 8060S. See real image generation times, ROCm support, and which mini PC to buy. Updated April 2026.
Best Mini PC for Home Assistant 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We ranked the top mini PCs for Home Assistant by reliability, power draw, and add-on support. Real idle watt data included.
Best Mini PC for Running Ollama and Local LLMs 2026 — By Model Size
We tested mini PCs for Ollama from 7B to 70B models. See which hardware runs which LLM size with real tokens/sec benchmarks and RAM requirements. Updated April 2026.
Best Ryzen 7 Mini PC 2026 — Tested & Ranked for Every Budget
We tested 8 Ryzen 7 mini PCs from $327 to $999. See our top picks with real benchmarks, power data, and honest pros/cons for every budget. Updated April 2026.
Best Mini PC for Self-Hosting 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We tested 5 mini PCs for self-hosting Nextcloud, Vaultwarden, and more. See our top picks with real power data and performance benchmarks.
Best Ryzen AI Mini PC 2026 — AMD's AI Processors Ranked
We tested every Ryzen AI mini PC from HX 370 to Strix Halo. See our picks for local AI, LLMs, and creative work with real benchmarks and power data. Updated April 2026.
GMKtec Mini PCs for Homelab 2026 — Full Lineup Guide | Mini PC Lab
We tested the GMKtec lineup for homelab use. The K11 is our top pick — dual 2.5GbE, Ryzen 9 8945HS, and OculLink. Real power data and honest assessments.
Best AI Mini PC 2026 — Tested & Ranked for Local LLMs and AI Workloads
We tested 10+ AI mini PCs for local LLMs, Stable Diffusion, and Copilot+. See our top picks with real TOPS benchmarks, power data, and honest pros/cons. Updated April 2026.
Best Mini PC for Unraid 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We tested 3 mini PCs for Unraid NAS and Docker. See our top picks with real power consumption data, drive configs, and honest pros/cons.
Minisforum Mini PCs for Homelab 2026 — Full Lineup Guide | Mini PC Lab
We tested the Minisforum lineup: UM790 Pro, MS-A2, MS-01, and N5 Air NAS. Real power data, IOMMU details, and honest use-case breakdowns.
Best Mini PC for Pi-hole 2026 — Tested | Mini PC Lab
We tested mini PCs for Pi-hole DNS ad blocking. See our top picks with real idle power data and companion service benchmarks.
Best Mini PC for Local LLM 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We tested 4 mini PCs for local LLM inference with Ollama. See our picks ranked by tokens/sec, model capacity, and price.
Best Mini PC for NAS 2026 — Tested & Ranked | Mini PC Lab
We tested the top mini PCs for NAS use with TrueNAS, Unraid, and OpenMediaVault. Real power data, drive bay comparisons, and honest picks.
![GEEKOM IT12 vs A6 Aurora: Budget Intel vs AMD Under $650 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-it12-vs-geekom-a6-aurora/1920.webp)
GEEKOM IT12 vs A6 Aurora: Budget Intel vs AMD Under $650 [2026]
GEEKOM IT12 ($649, i7-1280P) vs A6 Aurora ($649, Ryzen 7 6800H): same price, different platforms. We compare performance, connectivity, and Linux support. Updated April 2026.
Intel NUC Alternatives 2026 — What to Buy Now | Mini PC Lab
Intel NUC is discontinued. Here are the best alternatives in 2026: GEEKOM, Minisforum, GMKtec, and Beelink models that replace every NUC tier.
![GEEKOM A6 Aurora Review: Ryzen 7 6800H Mini PC Under $650 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-a6-aurora-review/1920.webp)
GEEKOM A6 Aurora Review: Ryzen 7 6800H Mini PC Under $650 [2026]
GEEKOM A6 Aurora Edition review: Ryzen 7 6800H, 16GB DDR5, USB4, and WiFi 6E for $649. Is this older-gen mini PC still worth buying? Full review with benchmarks. Updated April 2026.
Mini PC BIOS Settings for Proxmox — VT-x, VT-d, IOMMU Guide | Mini PC Lab
Configure BIOS settings on Beelink, GMKtec, Minisforum, and GEEKOM mini PCs for Proxmox: enable VT-x, VT-d, IOMMU, and disable Secure Boot.
Mini PC Home Server Beginner's Guide — Start to Finish | Mini PC Lab
Build your first mini PC home server from scratch. Hardware selection, OS choices, first services to run, and how to grow your homelab over time.
![GEEKOM IT12 Review: Best Intel NUC12 Alternative at $649 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-it12-review/1920.webp)
GEEKOM IT12 Review: Best Intel NUC12 Alternative at $649 [2026]
GEEKOM IT12 review: Intel i7-1280P, 16GB DDR5, USB4, 3-year warranty, 332 reviews at 4.4★. The best Intel NUC alternative at $649. Updated April 2026.
AMD Ryzen vs Intel Core Mini PCs for Homelab 2026 | Mini PC Lab
AMD Ryzen vs Intel for homelab mini PCs: GPU acceleration, VM performance, Linux compatibility, and power efficiency compared. Which platform wins?
Best Mini PC for Jellyfin 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We tested 4 mini PCs for Jellyfin with Intel Quick Sync and AMD VCN hardware transcoding. Real power data, stream counts, and annual costs.
![GEEKOM A7 MAX vs Reatan Alloy 9 vs GMKtec K11: Best Ryzen 9 Mini PC Under $900 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-a7-max-vs-reatan-alloy-9-vs-gmktec-k11/1920.webp)
GEEKOM A7 MAX vs Reatan Alloy 9 vs GMKtec K11: Best Ryzen 9 Mini PC Under $900 [2026]
Three Ryzen 9 mini PCs under $900 compared: GEEKOM A7 MAX (~$699), Reatan Alloy 9 ($899), and GMKtec K11 (~$799). Specs, benchmarks, and which to buy. Updated April 2026.
GEEKOM Mini PCs for Homelab 2026 — Full Lineup Guide | Mini PC Lab
We tested the GEEKOM IT12, IT13, and A6 for homelab and server use. Intel or AMD? See our honest breakdown with real specs and use-case recommendations.
How to Set Up a Plex Media Server on a Mini PC | Mini PC Lab
Set up Plex Media Server on a mini PC with hardware transcoding. Covers Docker install, library setup, hardware acceleration via VA-API, and remote access.
Mini PC Home Assistant Setup Guide — Install HAOS or Docker | Mini PC Lab
Run Home Assistant on a mini PC: HAOS in a Proxmox VM or Docker Compose on Linux. Covers installation, first automation, and add-on setup.
Mini PC Power Consumption — Real Measurements & Electricity Costs | Mini PC Lab
Real-world mini PC power consumption data: idle watts, load watts, and annual electricity costs for every major homelab mini PC. Measured at the wall.
![Reatan Alloy 9 vs GMKtec K11: Unknown Brand vs Proven Value Under $900 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/reatan-alloy-9-vs-gmktec-k11/1920.webp)
Reatan Alloy 9 vs GMKtec K11: Unknown Brand vs Proven Value Under $900 [2026]
Reatan Alloy 9 ($899) vs GMKtec K11 ($739): both Ryzen 9, similar specs. Reatan has 4.8 stars (9 reviews); K11 has dual 2.5G, OCuLink, 2TB. We pick a winner. Updated April 2026.
![Reatan Alloy 9 Review: Underrated Ryzen 9 7940HS Mini PC Under $900 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/reatan-alloy-9-review/1920.webp)
Reatan Alloy 9 Review: Underrated Ryzen 9 7940HS Mini PC Under $900 [2026]
Reatan Alloy 9 review: Ryzen 9 7940HS, 32GB DDR5, USB 4.0, quad display, and 2.5G LAN for $899. An underrated mini PC? Full review with benchmarks. Updated April 2026.
How to Run Docker on a Mini PC Home Server — Complete Setup Guide | Mini PC Lab
Set up Docker on a mini PC home server from scratch. Covers Docker Engine install, Compose, Portainer, networking, and 5 essential containers to run first.
Mini PC vs Full Tower Server for Homelab — Which Is Right for You? | Mini PC Lab
Mini PC vs full tower server for homelab: real comparison of performance, cost, power, noise, and expandability. Which one fits your setup in 2026?
BOSGAME Mini PCs for Homelab 2026 — P4 and M4 Reviewed | Mini PC Lab
We tested BOSGAME's P4 and M4 mini PCs for homelab use. Dual 2.5GbE at budget prices — but are they worth it over Beelink? Honest breakdown.
KAMRUI Mini PCs for Homelab 2026 — Budget Options Reviewed | Mini PC Lab
KAMRUI mini PCs are cheap — but are they good for homelab use? We break down the AM06PRO specs, limitations, and honest use-case recommendations.
Beelink EQ14 Review 2026 — Best Budget Proxmox Host? | Mini PC Lab
Beelink EQ14 review for homelab: Intel N150, dual 2.5GbE, 6W idle. We test Proxmox, OPNsense, and Pi-hole to find where it excels and where it falls short.
![GMKtec EVO-X2 vs Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Best Strix Halo Mini PC Showdown [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/gmktec-evo-x2-vs-minisforum-ms-s1-max/1920.webp)
GMKtec EVO-X2 vs Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Best Strix Halo Mini PC Showdown [2026]
GMKtec EVO-X2 vs Minisforum MS-S1 Max: two Strix Halo mini PCs with Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 128GB RAM. We compare price, cooling, and AI performance. Updated April 2026.
Best Mini PC for AI Server 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We tested 4 mini PCs for local AI inference and LLM workloads. Top picks ranked by AI TOPS, memory, and real token speed with power data.
Backing Up Your Mini PC Home Server — Complete Guide | Mini PC Lab
Backup strategies for mini PC home servers: Proxmox Backup Server, Docker volumes, rsync to NAS, and offsite Backblaze B2. The 3-2-1 rule for homelabs.
![GMKtec EVO-X2 vs GEEKOM A9 Max: Strix Halo 128GB vs Strix Point — $1,300 Upgrade Question [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/gmktec-evo-x2-vs-geekom-a9-max/1920.webp)
GMKtec EVO-X2 vs GEEKOM A9 Max: Strix Halo 128GB vs Strix Point — $1,300 Upgrade Question [2026]
GMKtec EVO-X2 ($2,999, 128GB, Strix Halo) vs GEEKOM A9 Max ($1,689, 32GB, Strix Point): is 4x RAM and 40 GPU CUs worth $1,300 more? We benchmark both for AI. Updated April 2026.
How Much RAM Do You Need for a Home Server? — Complete Guide | Mini PC Lab
How much RAM does a home server need? Real recommendations for Docker, Proxmox, NAS, media servers, and AI workloads with actual usage numbers.
Best Mini PC for Firewall 2026 — Tested | Mini PC Lab
We tested 3 mini PCs for OPNsense and pfSense firewalls. See our top picks with real throughput benchmarks and power consumption data.
![GMKtec EVO-X2 AI Review: 128GB Strix Halo Mini PC for Local AI [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/gmktec-evo-x2-ai-review/1920.webp)
GMKtec EVO-X2 AI Review: 128GB Strix Halo Mini PC for Local AI [2026]
GMKtec EVO-X2 AI packs Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB LPDDR5X, and 40 RDNA 3.5 CUs. We tested running 70B LLMs locally. Full review with AI benchmarks and power data. Updated April 2026.
How to Install Proxmox on a Mini PC — Step-by-Step Guide | Mini PC Lab
Install Proxmox VE 8 on any mini PC in under 30 minutes. Covers BIOS settings, USB boot, disk configuration, first login, and post-install steps.
![AMD Radeon 890M vs 780M: Which Mini PC iGPU Is Worth the Upgrade? [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/radeon-890m-vs-780m-mini-pc/1920.webp)
AMD Radeon 890M vs 780M: Which Mini PC iGPU Is Worth the Upgrade? [2026]
Radeon 890M (16 CUs, RDNA 3.5) vs 780M (12 CUs, RDNA 3): we benchmark both in mini PCs for gaming, Stable Diffusion, and video encoding. Is the upgrade worth it? Updated April 2026.
Best Mini PC for Kubernetes (K3s) 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We tested mini PCs for K3s and Kubernetes clusters. Top picks for single-node and multi-node homelab setups with pod capacity data.
How to Pass Through GPU on Proxmox (Mini PC) — VFIO Guide | Mini PC Lab
Configure GPU passthrough on Proxmox with a mini PC's AMD Radeon 780M or discrete GPU. Covers IOMMU, VFIO, VM config, and iGPU passthrough steps.
Best Budget AI Mini PC Under $1000 2026 — Local AI Without Breaking the Bank
You don't need $3,000 for local AI. We tested 6 AI-capable mini PCs under $1,000 for LLMs, Stable Diffusion, and Copilot+. See our picks with benchmarks. Updated April 2026.
Best Mini PC for Media Server 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We tested 4 mini PCs for Plex and Jellyfin media servers. Top picks with real transcoding benchmarks, power data, and stream counts.
Building a Proxmox Cluster with 3 Mini PCs — Setup Guide | Mini PC Lab
Build a 3-node Proxmox cluster with mini PCs for HA, live migration, and shared storage. Covers cluster creation, Ceph setup, and HA configuration.
![MINISFORUM AI X1-255 Review: Budget Ryzen 7 255 Mini PC with WiFi 7 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-ai-x1-255-review/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM AI X1-255 Review: Budget Ryzen 7 255 Mini PC with WiFi 7 [2026]
MINISFORUM AI X1-255 with Ryzen 7 255, WiFi 7, and USB4 at $739. We test this budget AI mini PC for homelab and productivity use. Full review with benchmarks. Updated April 2026.
Minisforum MS-01 Review 2026 — 10GbE Proxmox Powerhouse | Mini PC Lab
Minisforum MS-01 review: dual 10GbE SFP+, PCIe slot, Intel i9-13900H, 96GB RAM. We test it as a Proxmox cluster node and Ceph storage host.
2.5GbE vs 1GbE — Does Networking Speed Matter for Your Home Server? | Mini PC Lab
2.5GbE vs 1GbE for home server and NAS: real throughput differences, when it matters, when it doesn't, and what hardware you need.
MINISFORUM AI X1 Series Buyer's Guide 2026: X1-255 vs X1 Pro-370 vs X1 Pro-470
MINISFORUM has 4 X1 models from $327 to $1,439. We break down the confusing X1 lineup: X1-255, X1 Pro-370, X1 Pro-470, and barebone options — which to buy. Updated April 2026.
Beelink Mini PCs for Homelab 2026 — Full Lineup Guide | Mini PC Lab
Beelink mini PC lineup reviewed for homelab. Compare EQ14, SER9 PRO+, and Me Pro with real power consumption data and honest use-case recommendations.
Best Mini PC for pfSense 2026 — Tested | Mini PC Lab
We tested 3 mini PCs for pfSense CE with dual NICs and FreeBSD compatibility. See top picks with power data.
Dual NIC Mini PCs — Why They Matter for Homelab & Which to Buy | Mini PC Lab
Why dual NIC mini PCs matter for homelab use: OPNsense firewall, network segmentation, higher throughput. Best dual NIC mini PCs for 2026 with real specs.
![MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370 vs X1 Pro-470: Is $180 More Worth 6 Extra TOPS? [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-x1-pro-370-vs-x1-pro-470/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370 vs X1 Pro-470: Is $180 More Worth 6 Extra TOPS? [2026]
MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370 ($1,179) vs X1 Pro-470 ($1,359): same chassis, $180 gap, 80 vs 86 TOPS. We benchmark both to answer if the HX470 upgrade is worth it. Updated April 2026.
Beelink SER9 PRO+ Review 2026 — Best Mid-Range Proxmox Host? | Mini PC Lab
In-depth Beelink SER9 PRO+ review: Ryzen 7 H 255, 32GB LPDDR5X, Radeon 780M. We test Proxmox VM density, Plex transcoding, and AI inference.
Best Mini PC for OPNsense 2026 — Tested | Mini PC Lab
We tested 3 mini PCs for OPNsense with real firewall throughput and Suricata IDS benchmarks. See our top picks with NIC compatibility data.
![MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-470 Review: The Fastest Ryzen AI Mini PC You Can Buy [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-ai-x1-pro-470-review/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-470 Review: The Fastest Ryzen AI Mini PC You Can Buy [2026]
We tested the MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-470 with Ryzen AI 9 HX470 and 86 TOPS AI performance. See real benchmarks, power data, and honest pros/cons. Updated April 2026.
Can You Use a Mini PC as a Server? Complete Answer | Mini PC Lab
Can a mini PC be used as a home server? Capability, limitations, best workloads, and which mini PCs are best for server use in 2026.
How to Choose RAM for Your Mini PC Server — Complete Guide | Mini PC Lab
How much RAM does a mini PC home server need? Guidelines for Proxmox, Docker, TrueNAS, and AI workloads, plus upgrade tips for all major mini PCs.
Best Mini PC for Virtualization 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We ranked the best mini PCs for virtualization with VM capacity estimates and hypervisor compatibility.
![GEEKOM IT15 vs A9 Max: Intel vs AMD AI Mini PC Showdown [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-it15-vs-geekom-a9-max/1920.webp)
GEEKOM IT15 vs A9 Max: Intel vs AMD AI Mini PC Showdown [2026]
GEEKOM IT15 (Intel Ultra 9 285H) vs A9 Max (AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370): 99 vs 80 TOPS, Intel Arc vs Radeon 890M. We benchmark both to find the best AI mini PC. Updated April 2026.
Pi-hole on a Mini PC — Complete DNS Ad Blocking Guide | Mini PC Lab
Set up Pi-hole on a mini PC via Docker to block ads for your entire network. Covers installation, blocklists, DNS-over-HTTPS, and router configuration.
Best Mini PC for Plex 2026 — Tested | Mini PC Lab
We tested 4 mini PCs for Plex transcoding. Top picks with real power data, stream counts, and Intel vs AMD benchmarks.
![GEEKOM IT15 Review: Intel's Best AI Mini PC with Core Ultra 9 285H [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-it15-review/1920.webp)
GEEKOM IT15 Review: Intel's Best AI Mini PC with Core Ultra 9 285H [2026]
GEEKOM IT15 review: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, 99 TOPS AI, Arc 140T GPU, 32GB DDR5, 2TB SSD. The best Intel AI mini PC? Full benchmarks and honest verdict. Updated April 2026.
![GEEKOM A7 MAX Review: Best Budget Ryzen 9 Mini PC for Creators [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-a7-max-review/1920.webp)
GEEKOM A7 MAX Review: Best Budget Ryzen 9 Mini PC for Creators [2026]
GEEKOM A7 MAX review: Ryzen 9 7940HS, Radeon 780M, USB4, Dual 2.5GbE, WiFi 7, and 550+ reviews at 4.6 stars for ~$699. See benchmarks, power data, and honest pros/cons. Updated April 2026.
Beelink vs Minisforum 2026 — Home Server Comparison | Mini PC Lab
Beelink SER9 PRO+ vs Minisforum UM790 Pro for Proxmox: specs, power, networking, and community support compared to find the better homelab mini PC.
Best Mini PC for Emulation 2026 | Mini PC Lab
We tested 3 mini PCs for PS3, Switch, and PS2 emulation. See our top picks with real performance data, power draw, and honest pros/cons.
![MINISFORUM X1 Pro vs GEEKOM A9 Max: Which Ryzen AI 9 Mini PC Is Better? [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-x1-pro-vs-geekom-a9-max/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM X1 Pro vs GEEKOM A9 Max: Which Ryzen AI 9 Mini PC Is Better? [2026]
MINISFORUM X1 Pro-370 vs GEEKOM A9 Max: both pack Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 but differ on price, RAM, and connectivity. We compare specs, benchmarks, and value. Updated April 2026.
![MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-370 Review: Best Value Ryzen AI 9 Mini PC [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-ai-x1-pro-370-review/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-370 Review: Best Value Ryzen AI 9 Mini PC [2026]
MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-370 packs Ryzen AI 9 HX370, 80 TOPS AI, dual 2.5GbE and OCuLink in a compact mini PC. See our full review with benchmarks and honest verdict. Updated April 2026.
![GEEKOM A9 Max Review: Premium Ryzen AI 9 Mini PC with Upgradeable RAM [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/geekom-a9-max-review/1920.webp)
GEEKOM A9 Max Review: Premium Ryzen AI 9 Mini PC with Upgradeable RAM [2026]
GEEKOM A9 Max review: Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 80 TOPS AI, dual 2.5GbE, upgradeable DDR5 to 128GB, and 3-year warranty. See benchmarks, power data, and honest pros/cons. Updated April 2026.
![Beelink SER9 vs SER9 Pro+ AI: Same Ryzen 7 H255 — Which One to Buy? [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/beelink-ser9-vs-ser9-pro-plus/1920.webp)
Beelink SER9 vs SER9 Pro+ AI: Same Ryzen 7 H255 — Which One to Buy? [2026]
Beelink SER9 ($839) vs SER9 Pro+ AI ($719): both have Ryzen 7 H255, 32GB LPDDR5X. We compare specs, reviews, and value to find which is the better buy. Updated April 2026.
![Beelink SER9 Pro+ AI Review: Ryzen 7 H255 Mini PC for $719 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/beelink-ser9-pro-plus-review/1920.webp)
Beelink SER9 Pro+ AI Review: Ryzen 7 H255 Mini PC for $719 [2026]
Beelink SER9 Pro+ AI review: Ryzen 7 H255, 32GB LPDDR5X, USB4, 2.5G LAN for $719. The cheapest Ryzen 7 H255 mini PC — worth the 3.2-star risk? Updated April 2026.
![Beelink SER9 Review: Ryzen 7 H 255 Mini PC with 677 Reviews [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/beelink-ser9-review/1920.webp)
Beelink SER9 Review: Ryzen 7 H 255 Mini PC with 677 Reviews [2026]
Beelink SER9 review: Ryzen 7 H 255, 32GB LPDDR5X, USB4, 2.5G LAN. With 677 reviews, is this the most proven Ryzen 7 mini PC? Full benchmarks and verdict. Updated April 2026.
![GMKtec K11 vs Beelink SER9 Pro Mini: Homelab Features vs Premium Price [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/gmktec-k11-vs-beelink-ser9-pro/1920.webp)
GMKtec K11 vs Beelink SER9 Pro Mini: Homelab Features vs Premium Price [2026]
GMKtec K11 ($799) vs Beelink SER9 Pro Mini ($999): K11 has dual 2.5G, OCuLink, upgradeable RAM; SER9 Pro Mini has H255/38 TOPS. We pick a winner. Updated April 2026.
![GMKtec K11 Review: Ryzen 9 8945HS Mini PC with OCuLink and Dual 2.5G [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/gmktec-k11-review/1920.webp)
GMKtec K11 Review: Ryzen 9 8945HS Mini PC with OCuLink and Dual 2.5G [2026]
GMKtec K11 review: Ryzen 9 8945HS, OCuLink for eGPU, dual 2.5GbE, 32GB DDR5, and 2TB SSD for $739. Full benchmarks, power data, and homelab verdict. Updated April 2026.
![MINISFORUM UM790 Pro Review: The Ryzen 9 7940HS Baseline at $779 [2026]](/images/heroes/variants/minisforum-um790-pro-review/1920.webp)
MINISFORUM UM790 Pro Review: The Ryzen 9 7940HS Baseline at $779 [2026]
MINISFORUM UM790 Pro review: Ryzen 9 7940HS, 32GB DDR5, liquid metal cooling, dual USB4 with PD. The baseline 7940HS mini PC with 145 reviews. Updated April 2026.