Mini PCs replaced rack servers for most home use cases. They draw 8-25W idle, run virtualization just fine, and cost less than a NAS. The list below covers our tested picks for Canadian home server use – Proxmox, Docker, Home Assistant, and self-hosted apps.
Our top picks
Beelink EQ12 Mini PC N100
The default 24/7 home server pick. N100 chip, dual 2.5GbE, 8W idle. Runs Proxmox, Home Assistant, Plex transcoding for 1-2 streams.
Approx CAD: 240-310
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Beelink SER7
Step up to Ryzen 7 7840HS when you need real CPU. 8 cores, dual NVMe, plenty for 6-10 LXC containers or VMs.
Approx CAD: 580-700
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Minisforum UM773 Lite
Ryzen 7 7735U + dual 2.5GbE. Quietest mini PC we have tested under sustained load. Good for Plex servers.
Approx CAD: 550-700
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Intel NUC 13 Pro i7
Premium pick – Intel iGPU best-in-class for hardware transcoding. Pricey but bulletproof.
Approx CAD: 850-1100
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GMKtec NucBox K8
Ryzen 7 8845HS with 8845-class iGPU. Strong value if you want AMD and dual NVMe.
Approx CAD: 450-620
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What to look for
- Idle power draw (8-15W ideal for 24/7)
- 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking
- NVMe slots (dual is best)
- Max supported RAM (32GB minimum for serious VM use)
- iGPU transcoding (Intel > AMD for Plex)
- Linux compatibility out of box
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- Best Mini PC for Home Server in 2026: Beelink vs Minisforum vs Intel NUC vs GMKtecComparison of mini PCs for Proxmox/home server use. Beelink EQ12 (N100), Beelink SER7 (Ryzen), Minisforum UM773 Lite, Intel NUC 13 Pro, GMKtec NucBox K8. Cover: idle power draw (watts), 2.5GbE support, max RAM, NVMe slot
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Want help picking the right setup?
Auburn AI is a Calgary-based consulting practice. We help Canadian SMBs and serious homelabbers design + ship complete setups, from NAS picks through Proxmox configuration. Free 20-min audit.
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Affiliate disclosure: HomeNode earns an Amazon affiliate commission when you buy through links above. This does not change the price you pay. We only recommend gear we have either tested or have specific reasons to trust. Full disclosure.