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10 Best mini PC for plex media server 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#2

GEEKOM IT15, The Most Powerful AI Mini PC with Intel Ultra 9 285H(15th Gen) 99 Tops | 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD | Arc 140T GPU | WiFi 7, 8K Quad Display, Win11 Pro, Video Editing, Coding, and Multitasking

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Connectivity

Most important from
451 reviews

Processor (CPU)
A powerhouse in a very small package that runs demanding AI workloads smoothly with high CPU usage but reasonable response times.
RAM
Lightning-fast performance with an i7/i9 processor and 32GB RAM that handles heavy editing and multitasking without tripping up.
Connectivity
Setup is effortless—just plug in peripherals and start; Windows 11 activation and WiFi connection are straightforward and quick.
Operating System
Setup is effortless—just plug in peripherals and start; Windows 11 activation and WiFi connection are straightforward and quick.
Form Factor
Compact and well-built design that fits perfectly in small desk setups while maintaining durability and quiet operation.

The GEEKOM IT15 is a powerful mini PC designed for advanced tasks such as video editing, coding, and AI work, featuring a strong Intel Ultra 9 285H processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM. Its fast 1TB NVMe SSD ensures quick access to media files, and support for up to four simultaneous displays—including two 8K outputs—enables high-quality video streaming. Connectivity options include WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, which help maintain smooth streaming and remote access without lag. The compact metal design provides durability and quiet operation, suitable for continuous use in home or small office environments. It runs Windows 11 Pro and supports various Linux distributions, offering flexibility for server setups.

With a power consumption of around 120 watts, this mini PC’s high-end features and premium build might exceed the needs of users focused solely on streaming Plex content. The integrated Intel Arc 140T GPU allows for casual gaming and video tasks but is not intended for heavy gaming. This mini PC is an excellent option for those seeking a multipurpose, future-proof Plex server capable of handling demanding creative work, although it could be more than necessary for basic media streaming needs.

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Connectivity

Most important from
451 reviews

Processor (CPU)
A powerhouse in a very small package that runs demanding AI workloads smoothly with high CPU usage but reasonable response times.
RAM
Lightning-fast performance with an i7/i9 processor and 32GB RAM that handles heavy editing and multitasking without tripping up.
Connectivity
Setup is effortless—just plug in peripherals and start; Windows 11 activation and WiFi connection are straightforward and quick.
Operating System
Setup is effortless—just plug in peripherals and start; Windows 11 activation and WiFi connection are straightforward and quick.
Form Factor
Compact and well-built design that fits perfectly in small desk setups while maintaining durability and quiet operation.
#3

GMKtec AI Mini PC Ultra 9 285H (Turbo 5.4GHz) 64GB DDR5 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD Mini Gaming Computer 3X M.2 Expansion Slots, Oculink, Quad Screen 8K Display EVO-T1

Rating
8.5
Processor (CPU)
Form Factor
Operating System
Processor (CPU)
This mini PC delivers impressive power and smooth performance, handling everyday tasks and multitasking without any issues.
Form Factor
The compact form factor saves valuable desk space while still providing a ton of connectivity options and ports.
Operating System
Setup is quick and hassle-free with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed and activated, allowing users to get started within minutes.
RAM
The combination of a high-end Intel processor and fast DDR5 RAM makes it ideal for running AI tools and keeping many browser tabs open simultaneously.

The GMKtec AI Mini PC Ultra 9 285H is a powerful mini PC with a high-end Intel Core Ultra 9 processor boasting 16 cores and speeds up to 5.4 GHz. It comes with a substantial 64GB of DDR5 RAM and a fast 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, plus three more M.2 slots for storage expansion, which is excellent for storing large media libraries and handling multiple streams on a Plex server. Its Intel Arc 140T GPU supports modern video codecs and hardware acceleration, making it capable of smooth 4K and even 8K video playback and transcoding tasks.

Connectivity is strong with 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, multiple USB ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and a unique Oculink port for enhanced bandwidth, useful if you plan to connect external GPUs or fast storage. It supports up to four screens at 8K resolution, although this is more relevant for gaming or editing than Plex use. The compact mini PC form factor saves space and keeps noise low with dual fans.

This mini PC is ideal for users seeking a future-proof, high-performance Plex media server that can handle demanding streaming, AI tasks, and multitasking, while it may be more powerful and expensive than needed for basic Plex server setups.

Rating
8.5
Processor (CPU)
Form Factor
Operating System
Processor (CPU)
This mini PC delivers impressive power and smooth performance, handling everyday tasks and multitasking without any issues.
Form Factor
The compact form factor saves valuable desk space while still providing a ton of connectivity options and ports.
Operating System
Setup is quick and hassle-free with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed and activated, allowing users to get started within minutes.
RAM
The combination of a high-end Intel processor and fast DDR5 RAM makes it ideal for running AI tools and keeping many browser tabs open simultaneously.

Buying Guide for the Best mini PC for plex media server

Choosing a mini PC for a Plex media server involves understanding your needs and matching them with the right specifications. Plex media servers require a balance of processing power, storage, and connectivity to ensure smooth streaming and management of your media library. Here are the key specifications to consider when selecting a mini PC for this purpose.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your mini PC and is crucial for handling the tasks required by Plex, such as transcoding media files. A more powerful CPU can handle multiple streams and higher resolution content more efficiently. For basic usage, a dual-core processor might suffice, but for more demanding tasks, look for quad-core or higher CPUs. If you plan to stream 4K content or have multiple users accessing the server simultaneously, opt for a higher-end processor.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is important for multitasking and ensuring smooth performance. Plex media server can benefit from having more RAM, especially if you are running other applications simultaneously. For basic usage, 4GB of RAM might be enough, but for better performance and future-proofing, consider 8GB or more. If you have a large media library or multiple users, more RAM will help keep everything running smoothly.
StorageStorage is where your media files will be stored. You can choose between SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). SSDs are faster and more reliable but typically offer less storage space for the price compared to HDDs. If you have a large media library, you might need a combination of both: an SSD for the operating system and frequently accessed files, and an HDD for bulk storage. Consider your media library size and future growth when deciding on storage capacity.
ConnectivityConnectivity options like USB ports, HDMI, and Ethernet are important for connecting external drives, monitors, and ensuring a stable network connection. Ethernet is preferred for a stable and fast connection, especially for streaming high-resolution content. Ensure the mini PC has enough USB ports for your external drives and other peripherals. HDMI ports are necessary if you plan to connect the mini PC directly to a TV or monitor.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) can affect the ease of use and compatibility with Plex. Windows, macOS, and Linux are all viable options, but Windows tends to be the most user-friendly for beginners. Linux can offer more customization and control but may require more technical knowledge. Choose an OS that you are comfortable with and that supports Plex well.
Form FactorThe form factor refers to the size and design of the mini PC. Since you are looking for a mini PC, compactness is key. Ensure the mini PC is small enough to fit in your desired location but still has adequate cooling and ventilation to prevent overheating. Some mini PCs are designed to be mounted behind a monitor or TV, which can save space and keep your setup tidy.

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