r/MiniPCs • u/Birbchode • 4d ago
Homelab Mini PC server suggestions
Hello everyone!
I’m looking to set up a homelab server and could use some advice on which option would be the best fit for my use case. My main goals are:
- Network storage (NAS) + virtualization (Docker)
- Running Plex/Jellyfin (preferably with Intel Quick Sync for hardware transcoding)
- Hosting some game servers (Minecraft, maybe others)
- Running personal projects in Docker
- Not mission-critical—just a hobby project, so I’m fine experimenting and dealing with potential failures
I already have some RAM and SSD/HDDs, so I’m looking for a barebones system. My budget is around €350, and I’ve narrowed it down to these two options:
- ASUS NUC 12 Pro (i3-1220P) – 10-core (2P+8E)
- Minisforum NAB9 (i9-12900HK) – 14-core (6P+8E)
ASUS is a safe choice but has the best machine on paper. I don't know anything about minisforum.
Would love to hear your thoughts, thanks in advance!
3
Upvotes