> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 7 Mini PCs That Come With Linux Pre-installed - URL: https://itsfoss.com/linux-based-mini-pc/ - Published: 2015-03-10T01:04:34.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-14T08:07:50.000Z - Description: Looking for a Linux-based mini PC? Here are the options that let you replace your traditional bulky desktop with a compact yet powerful mini PC. - Author: Abhishek Prakash - Tags: Gadgets 🎛️, #toc-only-till-h2 When [looking for a Linux computer](https://itsfoss.com/get-linux-laptops/), most people consider a laptop or a desktop. But there’s a relatively new type of gadget in the same segment of the market, the mini PC. Mini PCs, in my opinion, will take over traditional desktop computers for many users. A traditional desktop is bulky that takes up a lot of space with its fan running like a blower (it depends). Mini PCs, on the other hand, are tiny and compact. Barely 4″ or 5″ in size, they can be easily placed on a table. Moreover, many of these mini PCs are fanless, which is an added virtue. Of course, you can buy fanless regular desktops, but their space consumption is still an issue. I also find the mini PC cute in looks. If you’re considering buying a new desktop PC and don’t need to use it for serious gaming, I highly recommend buying a Linux-based mini PC. Mini PCs are tiny but much more powerful than [single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi](https://itsfoss.com/raspberry-pi-alternatives/). They can replace traditional desktops as their specs are on par with most desktops on the market. If you’re considering following my recommendation and buying one, you might wonder what options you have. Worry not. I’ll list some of the best Linux mini PCs you can buy today. Please note that some of these gadgets are manufactured in small quantities and run out of stock periodically. Therefore some might not be available to order all the time, and you may have to wait for a little. The list is not in any particular order of ranking. Some affiliate links may give us a small commission when you purchase at no extra cost to you. Please read our affiliate policy [here](https://itsfoss.com/affiliate-policy/). ## 1\. Meerkat by System76 ![meerkat 2022](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/11/meerkat-2022.jpg) [System76](https://system76.com/?ref=itsfoss.com) is a computer manufacturer exclusively dealing with Ubuntu-based desktops, laptops and servers. [Meerkat](https://system76.com/desktops/meerkat?ref=itsfoss.com) is their mini PC offering with Pop!\_OS pre-installed. It's their own Ubuntu-based distribution. There’s also a short and tall variant where the storage options differ. The base configuration uses an Intel Core 3 100U, 16GB of RAM and a 500GB SSD. You can choose a Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 processor if you need more computing power, then configure the memory and storage to suit your work. If you don't want to install Linux yourself, this is one of the more straightforward options here for people based in the US. Check the [configurator](https://system76.com/mini/meerkat?ref=itsfoss.com) carefully, since graphics capabilities and some ports depend on the configuration. Let’s take a quick look at its specifications: #### Specifications Overview - Processor: Intel Core 3 100U, Core Ultra 5 225H or Core Ultra 7 255H - RAM: 16GB DDR5 in the base configuration; up to 96GB - Memory speed: 5200 MT/s with the non-Ultra CPU, despite the 5600MHz module rating - Storage: 500GB PCIe 4.0 SSD in the base configuration; up to 16TB configurable - Graphics: Intel integrated graphics; Arc availability depends on CPU and memory configuration - Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and up to dual 2.5GbE - Ports: Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A and 2 HDMI outputs - Operating system: Pop!\_OS 24.04 COSMIC or Ubuntu 24.04/26.04 LTS #### Price The base configuration starts at $999\. That includes the Core 3 100U, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD and Linux installation. Shipping and any applicable taxes or import charges are additional. System76 is based in the USA so better suited for residents of United States of America. ## 2\. Star Labs Byte ![starlabs byte](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/11/starlabs-byte.png) [Byte by Star Labs](https://us.starlabs.systems/products/byte?ref=itsfoss.com) is worth considering if you want a choice of Linux distributions and coreboot firmware. The current model uses an eight-core Intel N355, rather than the Ryzen 7 in the earlier version. You get 16GB of memory and a 1TB SSD in the base configuration. The firmware uses coreboot and edk II, and you can select from a range of distributions including Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, Manjaro, Zorin OS and MX Linux. #### Specifications Overview - Processor: 8-core Intel N355, up to 3.9GHz - Graphics: Intel UHD - RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200 by default; up to 32GB - Storage: 1TB M.2 SSD by default; internal 2.5-inch SATA expansion support - Firmware: coreboot and edk II - Networking: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, 2.5GbE plus Gigabit Ethernet - Ports: 4 USB-A, USB-C with DisplayPort output, HDMI and DisplayPort - Operating system: Multiple Linux distributions selectable #### Pricing Pricing starts from $888 for 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, excluding destination-dependent duties, taxes and fees. StarLabs is based in the UK but does offer international shipping. ## 3\. OnLogic CL100 ![Logic Supply CL100](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2015/03/logic-supply-cl100-1-800x401.jpg) [CL100](https://www.onlogic.com/computers/industrial/fanless/cl100-series/?ref=itsfoss.com) is a fanless, dustproof, industrial mini PC from OnLogic (previously known as Logic Supply). Ubuntu is offered as the main operating system on it. CL100 can be configured according to your requirements but this means the price will go up if you go for a high-end hardware configuration. It also has two years’ limited warranty. You might want to install the operating system yourself as they do not offer latest Ubuntu desktop as pre-configured options when updating this article. #### Specifications Overview - Processor: Intel N150 or N250, 4 cores and 4 threads - RAM: 8GB soldered LPDDR5-4800 - Storage: M.2 2280 slot supporting NVMe or SATA; included SSD not verified - Cooling: Fanless industrial enclosure - Networking: Dual Gigabit Ethernet - Ports: 2 USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 output, 4 USB-A and a serial interface - Operating system: Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop/Server documented; factory installation requires confirmation #### Pricing Starts at $1200 and goes up for different models as configuration is changed. ## 4\. TUXEDO Nano Pro Gen14 AMD ![tuxedo nano pro](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/11/tuxedo-nano-pro.jpg) TUXEDO is a Germany-based hardware vendor that deals exclusively in Linux-based hardrware. Laptops, desktops and ever servers, TUXEDO has a solid line up for European customers. TUXEDO [Gen14 AMD version](https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en/TUXEDO-Nano-Pro-Gen14-AMD.tuxedo?ref=itsfoss.com) comes with a Ryzen AI 5 340 or Ryzen AI 7 350 processor, and you can choose Debian-based TUXEDO OS or Ubuntu preinstalled. The base configuration includes 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 500GB NVMe SSD. You also get USB4, two HDMI outputs and two Ethernet ports. Components were in stock when checked, with assembly quoted at 1 to 3 weeks. TUXEDO also lists an Intel-based [Nano Pro Gen15](https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/en/TUXEDO-Nano-Pro-Gen15-INTEL.tuxedo?ref=itsfoss.com) with a Core Ultra X7 358H and Arc B390 graphics. #### Specifications Overview - Processor: Ryzen AI 5 340 or Ryzen AI 7 350 - Graphics: Radeon 840M or Radeon 860M, depending on processor - RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600 in the base configuration; platform supports up to 96GB - Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD in the base configuration; 2 M.2 slots - Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet plus 2.5GbE - Ports: 2 USB4, 3 USB-A and 2 HDMI outputs - Operating system: TUXEDO OS or Ubuntu 24.04/26.04 LTS, including encrypted options - Warranty: 2 years #### Price Gen14 AMD base configuration costs €984.87, excluding taxes, customs and shipping for the base configuration and goes up according to the hardware specs you choose. ## 5\. Slimbook ONE ![slimbook one 2022](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/11/slimbook-one-2022.jpg) Another European hardware vendor that deals exclusively in Linux-based hardware. Slimbook is based in Spain and it offering [ONE](https://slimbook.es/en/one-en?ref=itsfoss.com) is a compact Linux-based mini PC that packs in a lot of power with Ryzen 7 H 255 and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 versions. Linux installation choices include Ubuntu-based Slimbook OS, Linux Mint, Fedora and Debian, among others. #### Specifications Overview - Processor: Ryzen 7 H 255 (8 cores/16 threads) or Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12 cores/24 threads) - Graphics: Radeon 780M or Radeon 890M - Listed base options: 16GB DDR5 and a 500GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD; live selection needs confirmation - Advertised regular-edition capacity: up to 128GB RAM and 16TB across 2 NVMe drives; upgrade stock varies - Networking: Dual 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 - Ports: 3 USB-A 3.2, 1 USB-A 2.0, 2 USB-C 4.0, HDMI, DisplayPort and OCuLink - Operating system: Multiple Linux installation choices listed; confirm the selected distribution when ordering #### Price [Ryzen 7 H 255 version](https://slimbook.com/en/shop/product/one-amd-ryzen-7-h-255-1956?ref=itsfoss.com) starts at €832 and the [Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 version](https://slimbook.com/en/shop/product/one-amd-ryzen-ai9-hx-370-1955?ref=itsfoss.com) at €1,132. ## 6\. Kubuntu Focus NX Gen 3 ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/11/kubuntu-focus-mini-pc.jpeg) If you prefer KDE Plasma, the [Kubuntu Focus NX Gen 3](https://kfocus.org/spec/spec-nx.html?ref=itsfoss.com) gives you a compact desktop with Kubuntu 26.04 LTS preinstalled. It also includes the Kubuntu Focus Suite, with hardware optimizations, system tools and validated software updates. You can choose an Intel Core Ultra 5 225H or Core Ultra 7 255H processor. The base configuration includes 16GB of dual-channel DDR5 memory and a 500GB SSD, while the configurator offers up to 96GB RAM and 6TB across two drives. The pricing will go up accordingly, of course. #### Specifications Overview - Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 225H (14 cores/14 threads) or Core Ultra 7 255H (16 cores/16 threads) - Graphics: Intel Arc 130T or Arc 140T, depending on processor - RAM: 16GB dual-channel DDR5-5600 in the base configuration; up to 96GB - Storage: 500GB Crucial P310 SSD in the base configuration; primary M.2 2280 slot supports PCIe 5.0, plus a secondary M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 slot - Maximum configurable storage: 4TB primary SSD plus 2TB secondary SSD - Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and 2.5GbE - Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort 2.1, 2 HDMI 2.1, 4 USB-A and 1 additional USB-C - Dimensions: 117 x 112 x 37mm; VESA mounting bracket included - Operating system: Kubuntu 26.04 LTS with KDE Plasma 6.6 LTS and the Kubuntu Focus Suite - Warranty: 1 year included; 2- and 3-year options available #### Price The [base configuration](https://kfocus.org/order/order-nx.html?ref=itsfoss.com) costs US$1,275 with the Core Ultra 5 225H, 16GB RAM, a 500GB SSD, Kubuntu and a 1-year limited warranty. Ground shipping is free in the US and Canada. ## 7\. ASUS NUC 16 Pro ![Asus NUC](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/11/asus-nuc-pro.webp) Most of the devices listed here are based on Intel NUC. Intel used to offer NUC itself but now it continues under ASUS, with the [NUC 16 Pro](https://eshop.asus.com/us/90ar00w2-m00170-asus-nuc-16-pro-mini-pc.html?ref=itsfoss.com) among the newer options. There is no preconfigured SSD or operating system. You'll need to add storage and install Linux yourself. ASUS lists Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 as supported systems. #### ASUS NUC 16 Pro Specifications Overview - Processor: Intel Core Ultra X7 358H - Graphics: Intel Arc integrated graphics - RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 included in the checked kit - Storage: M.2 NVMe SSD support; no SSD included - Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 and dual 2.5GbE - Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4, 2 HDMI, 4 USB-A and 1 additional USB-C - Operating system: None included; Linux installation required #### Price Pricing starts at $1,699 before any taxes or shipping fees. You'll need to budget for an SSD. ## What’s your pick? I have deliberately not included the [Raspberry Pi](https://itsfoss.com/raspberry-pi-2-specs/) or other single board computers. This is because I don’t think SBCs fall into the same category as mini PCs. What do you think? Are you tempted to replace your desktop with a mini PC? Is there another player that I missed from this list of **best Linux-based mini PCs**? Do share your views.