The Best Mini PC for Linux!
Discover the best Mini PC for Linux beginners in 2024! Join me, CJ from Elevated Systems, as I explore the Minisforum Venus Series UM1290, a powerful yet affordable Mini PC perfect for new Linux users. I’ll cover the specs, installation process, and performance on popular Linux distros like Ubuntu, Manjaro, and Fedora. Whether you’re new to Linux or looking for a budget-friendly option, this video has everything you need to get started. Don’t miss out on finding your ideal Linux Mini PC!
Products Highlighted (Affiliate Links):
Minisforum UN1290. – https://amzn.to/4dkM2Sw
Beelink SER6 – https://amzn.to/3WI2fKX
GMKtec M6 – https://amzn.to/3LGMGxL
Timecodes:
00:00 – Opener
00:31 – Intro
01:37 – Considerations
05:44 – The Linux Pick!
06:31 – Specs & Features
08:04 – The Linux Distros Tested
08:24 – Not to Techy Performacne Results
09:07 – Simple Linux Instalation
11:47 – it’s Supported!
12:25 – It Just Works!
13:51 – Dedicated Linux Mini PCs
14:36 – Final Thoughts
Find me on Social Media
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elevatedsystems
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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@cj.elevated
My Studio Equipment (Paid Links)
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Pro – https://amzn.to/3tA6ScP
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 – https://amzn.to/2VjqKSR
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ300 – https://amzn.to/2WJnxw6
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens – https://amzn.to/3quDgM0
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens -https://amzn.to/3uv13Of
Panasonic LUMIX G Lens, 25mm, F1.7 – https://amzn.to/3A9f9Vi
Magnus REX VT-5000 2-Stage Tripod – https://amzn.to/3GxsGJH
Neewer 72.4-Inch Camera Tripod – https://amzn.to/3fsRuqU
SMALLRIG Parabolic Softbox – https://amzn.to/3Hyvbxt
SmallRig RC 120D COB Light – https://amzn.to/3S9Grp4
Kshioe Softbox Lighting Kit – https://amzn.to/3A5vZEq
Neewer Camera Slider Motorized – https://amzn.to/3ltX54e
Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Mic – https://amzn.to/3fziRPv
SAMSON Q2U Dynamic Microphone – https://amzn.to/3ikExBe
Sennheiser XS Wireless Lavalier System – https://amzn.to/3ilSIpA
PreSonus Eris E3.5 Studio Monitor – https://amzn.to/3CcVx4d
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB DAC – https://amzn.to/3ZmyOOO
Gator Frameworks Deluxe Boom Stand – https://amzn.to/3fs7Os3
Glide Gear TMP100 Teleprompter – https://amzn.to/3CdgIDy
GLEAM Microphone Stand – https://amzn.to/3A4dth5
Davinci Resolve 17 & Speed Editor – https://amzn.to/3fsECRG
AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA – https://amzn.to/3CCH5nV
Apple 2022 Mac Studio – https://amzn.to/3GXW6mS
LG 40WP95C-W 40” 5K2K Display – https://amzn.to/3ZtiiN6
INNOCN 15.6″ OLED Portable Monitor. – https://amzn.to/3jEOqgu
BenQ ScreenBar Halo – https://amzn.to/3XpUZ52
Audio file(s) provided by Epidemic Sound
https://www.epidemicsound.com
by Elevated Systems
linux download
Got 6 of these mini pc's all of various types and all now have Linux on them, mostly mint but a few have different flavors.. all work really well. I plan to buy more to build a cluster.
Good point on WiFi and removing MediaTek platforms. IMHO WiFi compatibility is one of the top problems with Linux compatibility. So far I've had machines with the Intel ax series
Video is amazing, product not so much. This not your fault you picked the best product that met with your goals. For anyone reading this comment please watch the video before reading my spoiler.
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Spoiler —
I have two Minisforum UN1290's – I bought both from amazon. One of them worked out of box the other:
The fan would never kick on and it would TT all the time. I put win 11 back on it and the fan would work.
Not sure the cause – So I returned the one that failed to work with linux and got a replacement witch works so if you run into the issue with the fan just send it back and get another one.
I have this issue with some U700 and U850 as well. All of of the AMD version minus the Wireless cards have been solid out of the box.
I setup kiosk/wallboards for charter schools and SMB's – So many mini PC's – They do the job and commodity hardware.
Better then the days of the M900's…
An my beelink n100 mini pc i can't find option in bios to turn off always on usb port. So for example my usb dac led is still glowing even if the pc is shut down. Super annoying.
A few months ago I got my Minisforum MS-01 /w the 13900H. I haven't had any issues, but given what has come to light, I wish I had gotten the Gen 12 version. hopefully Steve/GN can put some real pressure on Intel to do something, but it's not looking good. They definitely don't want to recall millions of CPUs. Still, the unit works great (today), especially given I have both 10Gbit SFP+ ports connected to a Qotom mini PC I am using as a switch/router. One port for LAN traffic and one dedicated for WAN traffic works out great.
If you are looking for something that is not windows, Mac Mini is pretty much unmatched in terms of power, speed and affordability. I've never been a huge Apple fan but that hardware is unmatched. Silent too. Complete game changer compared to any other mini pc.
System 76 Mini, slightly over priced intel nuc but from a US based company with a decent history and lifetime Linux support. And it doesn't come with Windows.
Might consider Mint for future tests/videos that have newbies in mind. Good video, tho!
Awesome video! Extremely well edited, such an underrated channel.