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 GMKtec Mini PC with Intel N150 processor is a compact and efficient choice for a Plex media server. Its quad-core CPU with speeds up to 3.6GHz offers decent performance for streaming and handling multiple tasks without lag. The 12GB DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking and quick responsiveness, while the 512GB SSD provides fast boot times and ample storage for your media and server apps, with options to expand if needed.

Connectivity is a strong point here, featuring dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for reliable wired network connections, which is crucial for streaming high-quality 4K videos without buffering. It also supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast wireless connections and peripheral compatibility. The mini PC can drive up to three 4K displays simultaneously, making it easy to connect to various screens or a home theater setup. Its small form factor (about the size of a small book) makes it easy to place anywhere without clutter.

While the Intel UHD integrated graphics support 4K playback, this setup may struggle with heavy transcoding tasks if you have many simultaneous streams or use demanding codecs. The 512GB storage might fill up fast if you plan to keep large media files directly on the device, so external storage or network-attached storage would be advisable for big libraries. The GMKtec Mini PC delivers a balanced mix of power, connectivity, and compact design, well suited for users wanting a dedicated Plex media server that handles 4K streaming smoothly in a home environment without taking up much space.