10 Best mini PC for plex media server 2025 in the United States

The GMKtec Mini PC with the Intel Twin Lake N150 processor is a solid choice for a Plex media server. The upgraded N150 offers decent performance for everyday tasks, office work, and home entertainment, boasting a burst speed of up to 3.6GHz. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD, this mini PC ensures ample memory and fast storage, reducing boot and load times significantly when managing media files or running multiple applications simultaneously.

The dual HDMI outputs supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz make it ideal for streaming high-definition content on multiple displays. Additionally, the integrated Intel graphics coprocessor performs well for media playback, though it may struggle with more intensive graphical tasks. Connectivity is robust, featuring four USB 3.2 ports, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 2.5GbE Ethernet port, which provides fast and reliable network speeds crucial for streaming media.

The compact form factor and upgraded cooling system are also noteworthy, ensuring the device runs quietly and remains cool under load. However, the integrated graphics might be a limiting factor for users requiring higher-end graphical processing, and the single memory slot could restrict future expandability. This mini PC is a capable and efficient device for those seeking a compact and powerful media server setup.

The Dell OptiPlex 7020 MFF is a compact mini PC, particularly well-suited for use as a Plex media server due to its robust hardware and efficient form factor. It is powered by a 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700T 20-core processor, which ensures strong performance with a Max Turbo speed of up to 5.2GHz, making it more than capable of handling multiple streaming tasks and background processes simultaneously. Complemented by 32GB of DDR5 RAM, it supports seamless multitasking and smooth media playback.

Storage is another highlight with a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, offering fast data access speeds, which is crucial for streaming high-definition media. Connectivity options are comprehensive, featuring Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless networking, multiple USB ports for peripheral connections, and HDMI plus DisplayPort outputs that allow for versatile display configurations, supporting up to three simultaneous 4K displays.

Windows 11 Pro comes pre-installed, providing a modern and user-friendly operating system suitable for both personal and professional use. The small footprint of the device allows it to fit neatly into tight spaces or be mounted behind a monitor, adding to its versatility in different environments. Its light weight also makes it portable for those who need a device that can transition between home and office setups.

However, the OptiPlex 7020 does come with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770, which, while efficient for media streaming and basic tasks, may not suffice for more demanding graphic applications or gaming. Additionally, the absence of an optical drive might be a drawback for those requiring physical media access. Nonetheless, its quiet operation and comprehensive features make it a solid choice for a Plex media server, particularly for users prioritizing space-saving and high performance.

The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-370 Mini PC is a powerful choice for running a Plex media server thanks to its high-performance AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 processor, which features 12 cores and 24 threads. This means it can handle multiple streaming tasks and media transcodes efficiently, even for demanding formats or several users at once. Its 96GB of DDR5 RAM is more than enough for smooth operation, and the 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD provides fast storage access, with options to expand up to 12TB, which is great for growing media libraries.

Connectivity is a strong point here, with dual 2.5G LAN ports and support for the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, enabling fast and stable wired or wireless connections—important for streaming high-quality video without buffering. The inclusion of multiple video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB4) is more than most Plex users need but could be handy if you want to use the PC for other tasks or connect multiple monitors.

The compact mini PC form factor saves space and is easy to fit into a home theater setup. The operating system requires users to install and configure Plex themselves, which might need some technical comfort. While the integrated AMD Radeon 890M graphics are strong for general use, they are not essential for a Plex server but could help if you want to use the PC for light gaming or media editing. This mini PC offers excellent processing power, generous RAM, and flexible storage and connectivity options, making it well suited for a Plex media server and other demanding tasks, though it might be more than necessary for basic media streaming and require some initial setup effort.