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10 Best Mini Pc For Plex Media Server 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

GMKtec Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150 (Upgraded N100), 16GB DDR4 RAM 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD, Desktop Computer 4K Dual HDMI/USB3.2/WiFi 6/BT5.2/2.5GbE RJ45 for Office, Business

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,499
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage

Most important from
807 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Remarkable performance for the price, running games like Clone Hero and Raceroom better than expected.
Memory (RAM)
Easily expandable with straightforward upgrades to RAM and storage.
Storage
Easily expandable with straightforward upgrades to RAM and storage.
Form Factor and Design
Compact and quiet, making it perfect for limited spaces and low-noise environments.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,499
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage

Most important from
807 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Remarkable performance for the price, running games like Clone Hero and Raceroom better than expected.
Memory (RAM)
Easily expandable with straightforward upgrades to RAM and storage.
Storage
Easily expandable with straightforward upgrades to RAM and storage.
Form Factor and Design
Compact and quiet, making it perfect for limited spaces and low-noise environments.
#2

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 7 6800U(6nm, 8C/16T) up to 4.7GHz, Mini Computer 32GB LPDDR5 RAM 500GB NVME SSD, Micro PC 4K@60Hz Triple Display, Mini Gaming Computer WiFi6/BT5.2/HTPC/W-11 Pro

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
1507 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Dual channel memory configuration significantly improves performance; single stick setups limit the graphics and CPU efficiency.
RAM
The system reserves 2GB of RAM for graphics, so upgrading memory enhances overall available capacity for multitasking and heavy workloads.
Storage
Upgrading RAM to 32GB or beyond and adding extra SSD storage unlocks the system’s full potential for multitasking and large media libraries.
Connectivity
The compact design and versatile connectivity support a clean media center setup while handling multiple simultaneous streams without maxing CPU usage.
Operating System
Windows 11 upgrade can be smoothly enabled by activating TPM 2.0 in BIOS, dispelling initial compatibility concerns.
Form Factor
The compact design and versatile connectivity support a clean media center setup while handling multiple simultaneous streams without maxing CPU usage.

The Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC stands out with its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, which means it can handle multiple tasks smoothly and efficiently. This is great for a Plex media server where you might stream to several devices at once or do some light gaming or video editing on the side. Its 32GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM and 500GB NVMe SSD provide plenty of memory and quick storage access, ensuring your media files load fast and multitasking won’t slow it down.

The integrated AMD Radeon Graphics with support for triple 4K displays at 60Hz means you can connect several screens or TVs, making it ideal for high-quality video playback without lag or stutter. Connectivity is well-rounded, including Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple USB ports, allowing for stable wired or wireless networking and flexible accessory connections. The compact mini PC form factor makes it easy to place anywhere without taking much space, perfect if you want a neat media center setup. It runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing familiar software support and compatibility with Plex and other media apps.

While this mini PC packs strong specs, the 500GB SSD might feel limiting if you have a large media library—external storage would be needed. Also, the price might be higher compared to simpler media server PCs, especially if you don’t need all the processing power for gaming or heavy multitasking. The Beelink SER5 MAX is a robust and versatile mini PC that suits Plex users looking for smooth 4K streaming, multitasking, and future-proof hardware. It is ideal for those who want more than just basic media playback, blending power, connectivity, and compact design in one package.

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
1507 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Dual channel memory configuration significantly improves performance; single stick setups limit the graphics and CPU efficiency.
RAM
The system reserves 2GB of RAM for graphics, so upgrading memory enhances overall available capacity for multitasking and heavy workloads.
Storage
Upgrading RAM to 32GB or beyond and adding extra SSD storage unlocks the system’s full potential for multitasking and large media libraries.
Connectivity
The compact design and versatile connectivity support a clean media center setup while handling multiple simultaneous streams without maxing CPU usage.
Operating System
Windows 11 upgrade can be smoothly enabled by activating TPM 2.0 in BIOS, dispelling initial compatibility concerns.
Form Factor
The compact design and versatile connectivity support a clean media center setup while handling multiple simultaneous streams without maxing CPU usage.
#3

GMKtec Mini PC Intel N150(Turbo 3.6GHz) 12GB DDR5 512GB SSD Dual LAN, Desktop Mini Computer 4K Triple Display, WiFi6, BT5.2, Energy Efficient

Rating
9.3
Processor (CPU)
Connectivity
Operating System

Most important from
1194 reviews

Processor (CPU)
It handles multitasking smoothly with enough power for typical home use, streaming, and running multiple applications without lag.
Connectivity
Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and WiFi 6 ensure reliable, high-speed network connections crucial for uninterrupted 4K streaming.
Operating System
Windows 11 comes pre-installed and runs all common software with no compatibility issues, making setup straightforward.
Form Factor
The compact size makes it easy to place anywhere, with the option to mount it behind a monitor for a clean, all-in-one setup.

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.

Rating
9.3
Processor (CPU)
Connectivity
Operating System

Most important from
1194 reviews

Processor (CPU)
It handles multitasking smoothly with enough power for typical home use, streaming, and running multiple applications without lag.
Connectivity
Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and WiFi 6 ensure reliable, high-speed network connections crucial for uninterrupted 4K streaming.
Operating System
Windows 11 comes pre-installed and runs all common software with no compatibility issues, making setup straightforward.
Form Factor
The compact size makes it easy to place anywhere, with the option to mount it behind a monitor for a clean, all-in-one setup.

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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