Guide · Virtualization
Best mini PC for Proxmox in 2026
By Tiny · how I pick
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through these links supports the site at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure
Proxmox runs whole virtual machines as well as containers, and that changes what hardware you need. For services in Docker, almost anything works. For virtual machines, cores and RAM become the limit, because each one wants its own share of both.
Not sure you need Proxmox yet? Read Docker vs Proxmox first. If you're sure, here's what to buy.
Words you'll see in this guide
- Proxmox: free software that splits one computer into several virtual computers.
- Virtual machine (VM): a complete computer simulated in software, running inside your real one.
- LXC container: a lighter-weight alternative to a full virtual machine that Proxmox can also run.
- NIC: a network card, the part that plugs into your network.
- 2.5GbE / 10GbE: network speeds. Most home networking is 1GbE; 2.5GbE is about 2.5 times faster, and 10GbE about 10 times.
- SFP+: a type of network port used for fast 10GbE connections, common in business gear.
How much you need
- RAM: 16 GB for two or three light virtual machines. 32 GB once you want a Windows VM alongside Linux ones.
- Cores: four is fine for one or two virtual machines. Eight is where a lab with several stops feeling cramped.
- Network chip: the detail people miss. Look for models with an Intel i226-V network chip. Some cheaper boxes use Realtek chips, which have shakier support in Proxmox.
My top 3 picks
Intel N100 mini PC (Beelink EQ12 / EQ13, dual 2.5GbE)
For most beginners, the Beelink EQ13 is the right first Proxmox box. It has four cores, up to 32 GB of RAM on some models, two Intel 2.5GbE network ports, and an idle draw around 6 W. Full virtual machines run fine.
The limit is the four cores, so plan on one or two virtual machines plus a few LXC containers. The two Intel network ports also make it a good choice for running a router or firewall in a virtual machine.
Check price on AmazonIntel N305 mini PC (8-core, 32 GB)
Eight cores is the real upgrade over an N100 once several virtual machines are competing for the processor. An N305 mini PC with 32 GB of RAM comfortably runs Proxmox with a handful of virtual machines, Docker, and Jellyfin with Quick Sync, all at once.
It idles around 6 to 8 W and peaks near 25 W. This is the sweet spot for a home lab that's going to grow.
Check price on Amazon
Minisforum MS-01 (Intel i5-12600H)
The Minisforum MS-01 has twelve threads, room for 96 GB of RAM, two 10GbE SFP+ ports plus two 2.5GbE ports, and several NVMe slots. It's a real small server. It runs many virtual machines at once and includes Quick Sync too.
Not for you if: you're just starting. It's more than a beginner needs, and it costs more and uses more power to match.
Check price on AmazonAlso worth considering
The cheapest way to learn Proxmox, if you don't need fast networking.
-
Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q Tiny (i7-8700T, used)Six cores, up to 64 GB of RAM, and an optional PCIe riser slot for a second network card. The best-value way to learn. See the used tiny PC guide. ThinkCentre M920q i7Check price on Amazon
Side by side
| Pick | Cores | Max RAM | Networking | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel N100 (EQ13) | 4 | 32 GB | Two 2.5GbE | A first Proxmox box |
| Intel N305 | 8 | 32 GB | Two 2.5GbE | A home lab that will grow |
| Minisforum MS-01 | 12 threads | 96 GB | Two 10GbE | A serious multi-VM lab |
| ThinkCentre M920q (used) | 6 | 64 GB | 1GbE, plus the riser option | The cheapest way to learn |
What I'd buy
- Learning: an N100 box.
- You already know the lab will grow: an N305.
- You need many virtual machines and fast networking: the MS-01.
If you only want to run containers rather than full virtual machines, you might not need Proxmox at all. Here's how to tell.
Free email updates
I'm writing up my own Proxmox setup step by step. Subscribe and I'll send each part as it goes up.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.