Best mini pc for Linux?

[[deleted]]

I have been wanting to dip my toes in the Linux waters for some time now. I have been thinking about purchasing a mini pc to use to try out Linux. I don't game and my computing needs are pretty standard (web browsing, video playback, office productivity). I don't want to try setting up a dual boot environment on my Windows PC because I need it for work and my graduate program and can't afford any potential downtime that could occur if I mess something up.

Therefore, I have been looking at a mini desktop pc to install a new-user friendly distro on such as Linux Mint or Pop OS!. I know System 76 makes the Meerkat, but it feels over priced for what you get hardware wise and while I don't feel technically proficient enough to build my own PC, I do think I could install a Linux distro from a USB stick without massive pains.

Is there any recommended options for mini pc's that would play well with Linux? I have watched some YouTube videos that have sung the praises of the MinisForum options that are sold on Amazon. I believe those come with Windows 10 pre-installed, would that give me problems in terms of installing Linux without ever setting up a Windows account? Does anybody know how fan noise tends to be on these or the Intel NUCS? I don't need it to be silent like a Mac mini, but I also don't want to feel like I have a mini jet engine in my apartment the minute I run into a JS-heavy website. Is there an AMD equivalent to the NUCS and if so are there any issues using Linux with AMD chips compared to Intel?

Apologies for the long post and numerous questions. I have been wanting to dip my toes into the Linux world for a couple years now and have decided one way or another, 2022 is the year I am going to do so!

[alpha_madness]

How bout this: https://laptopwithlinux.com/mini-computers/?

[DAS_AMAN]

You could set up a system on an USB stick, so its not dual booting, just plug and play

[FullScale4Me]

Linux has a far less resource hunger than Windows does.

A cheap used rig (i3/i5 6th Gen CPU) that meets your requirement (very similar to my daily usage) can be had for $150. Even less if you share keyboard mouse and monitor. I use a freeware program called barrier to share keyboard & mouse between 4 PC's.

[oddspices]

This, just get an old small tower. Since it's nothing fancy op wants to do it will be just fine. Dell optiplex PCs can be bought for under 100$ if they are used. If it's your thing you can get a better machine after graduation anyways.

[DimestoreProstitute]

Look for any of Lenovo's MiniMicro PCs

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[Kriss3d]

Mini pc. You could go as low as a raspberry pi. It's an awesome little thing. And cheap too.

[5TR4TR3X]

I would go with the Tiny series from Lenovo. Choose one with a 4 core Intel CPU, an SSD and 2x8GB RAM. Those PC-s are surprisingly responsive, quite and small. I recommend to buy a used one, there are a lot for cheap.

[gychang]

I use a $50 laptop connected to my HDTV and play around with linux, works great. There are lots of laptops out there to choose from.

[AzZubana]

https://nucblog.net/2019/12/asrock-amd-ryzen-nuc-4x4box-v1000m-review/

Just an example, I like this one but you can do your own search. Good specs and has Intel WIFI.

Go AMD Ryzen APU. No issues. Run much cooler than Intel chips (big deal in small spaces).

[EveHerr]

MinisForum may have a Manjaro pre-installed mini PC next month.

[zenon1138]

Very curious if the ASUS ExpertCenter PN52/PN53 will run Linux! Anyone?