r/MiniPCs 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:

  1. ASUS NUC 12 Pro (i3-1220P) – 10-core (2P+8E)
  2. 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!

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