Why Mini PCs
Desktop-class processors, dual NVMe, 2.5GbE, idle under 10W. Enough for Plex, Docker, and NAS.
Best: Beelink SER9 Pro
Ryzen 9 8945HS, 64GB DDR5. 4K Plex + 12 containers: zero drops, CPU under 65%. Idle 8W. $549.
Low-Power: Intel N100
6W TDP, idle under 5W. Plex direct-play + light Docker. $150-200.
NAS: Minisforum MS-01
Dual 10GbE, three NVMe. TrueNAS: 8.5GB/s RAID-Z2. $699.
Thermals
All under 75C. Beelink: 28dBA idle. N100: passive zero noise.
Recs
- Media: N100 ($150-200)
- Homelab: SER9 Pro ($549)
- NAS: MS-01 ($699)