I’ve been using Proxmox for my virtualization needs for a few years. Over the last year, I’ve transitioned all of my hosts to small form factor PCs. I’ve written an article that recommends Proxmox mini PCs that will work well for most people. However, many of you have reached out to me looking specifically for 2.5GbE Proxmox mini PCs, meaning they have 2.5GbE Ethernet connections. Well, I listen to my readers, so here are some top options for you!
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Table of Contents
Intel NUC 13 Arena Canyon
- 【13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P CPU】Intel NUC 13 Pro Mini PCs, Kits, offer the perfect combination of size, performance, sustainability, and reliability to drive modern business. It all starts with 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P processor that deliver outsized performance in a 4×4 form factor. up to 12 cores (4P+8E), 16 threads,18MB Intel Smart Cache, P-Cores: Up to 5.00 GHz Turbo, E-Cores: Up to 3.70 GHz Turbo, Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, 1.50 GHz, and up to 64GB dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory.
- 【Memory & Storage】Intel NUC 13 pro configured with 2x DDR4-3200 SODIMMs (up to 64GB),M.2 22×80 key M slot for PCIe x4 Gen4 NVMe SSD, M.2 22×42 key B slot for PCIe x1 Gen3, USB 3.2 Gen2 and SATA SSD expandability.
Intel NUCs are the most popular mini PCs, and of course, they have some offerings that include 2.5GbE ports. The one above also comes in a Core i5 variant if you are looking to save a little money.
Beelink SER6 Mini PC AMD Ryzen 9
- 🔥【POWERFUL PERFORMANCE】Beelink SER6 ryzen mini pc equips with 8-core/16-thread AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX(up to 4.9GHz), The base frequency is 3.3GHz / the dynamic frequency can reach 4.9GHz. Beelink mini pc ryzen is a robust hub for your every work and gaming need. Beelink micro pc excellent in Heat Fins, Heat Pipe and 1 fan designed makes it excellent in texture, durable and keeps its cool, standby for a day without getting hot.
- 🔥【CAPACITY STORAGE】This Mini Computer comes with the AMD 6nm Processor, 32GB DDR5 Memory(4800MHz, can upgrade to 64GB, 2 x 32GB), and 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD(Dual M.2 PCIe Gen4.0). This High-Performance Mini PC designed by our talented European designers delivers enough power and storage for you to play, create and enjoy all day!
I tend to stick to Intel processors to reduce compatibility issues that may happen when moving VMs across hosts with different architectures. However, AMD Ryzen computers offer great value and performance for virtualization. This Beelink has multiple M.2 slots and a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor.
MINISFORUM NPB6
- 【Excellent Performance】The MINISFORUM NPB6 Mini PC is equipped with Intel Core i7-13620H(10 cores/16 threads/up to 4.9GHz) Processor. It runs faster and improves the quality of games and other applications. Stream videos, multitask, listen to music, and more while enjoying high performance on the go, at work, or at play.
- 【8K Quad Screen Output】 This i7 Mini PC is Equipped with 2x HDMI (4K@60Hz) and 2x USB4 (8K@60Hz) Outputs, you can connect ultra HD screens to 4 displays at the same time. Increase work efficiency by expanding multiple workspaces. It can be used for various applications such as video wall systems, digital signage, professional AV systems, and security fields.
The NPB6 gives you a 13th Gen Core i7 processor along with its 2.5 GbE port for a good price. It’s also a pretty good-looking computer that is energy efficient. If you want to save some money, you can go with the 12th Gen variant.
DeskMini TH50 Mini PC
- 【Excellent performance】 NAB5 is equipped with Intel Core i5 12450H processor (8 cores/12 threads/12M Cache/up to 4.4GHz), Intel UHD Graphics (Graphics Frequency 1.2 GHz), widely used in light gaming, streaming media playback, photo editing, etc, in-home and business It performs well in home and business work.
- 【Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports】Sleek design dual 2.5-gigabit ethernet port design provides more applications, such as firewalls, multichannel aggregation, file storage servers, etc. At the same time, dual-band Wi-Fi6, BT5.2 with more substantial resisting disturbance and more stable wireless signal. No matter how complicated your environment, NAB5 mini desktop computers can provide a relatively stable and smooth network.
Another good-looking mini PC (IMHO), the DeskMini provides an 11th Gen Core i5 and compares favorably with the Intel NUC above. However, it comes with two 2.5 GbE ports, which is why I also recommend it as hardware you can use with pfSense.
GMKtec Mini PC
- 【Super Work Center】GMKtec K7 mini computer is equipped with a 13th generation Intel Core i5-13500H processor, main frequency up to 4.7 GHz, 12 cores, 16 threads, 18MB cache, running faster than i9-11900H, R7 7735HS and R7 5800H, Windows PC series, smooth and no lag, no delay in daily tasks
- 【32GB DDR5 RAM & 1TB PCIe SSD】Installed with DDR5 32GB RAM Dual Channel (2x16GB), the Nucbox K7 mini pc supports expansion to 64GB RAM. Featured with 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, supports dual slot expansion to 2*PCIe 4.0 2TB SSD up to 4TB. (Upgrades not included)
This small-form-factor PC also offers a 13th Gen Intel processor, but this one is a Core i5 processor. It has a generous set of ports including two 2.5GbE LAN ports, which could make is useful for virtualizing a router. It should make a great Proxmox host. You can move up to the core i7 version for more power.
USB 2.5GbE NICs
There are fewer suitable mini-PCs out there than I thought. I’m sure this will change over the years as more people move to 2.5GbE and eventually to 10GbE with their network infrastructure. Technology keeps moving!
That said, you can turn a plain old gigabit machine into a 2.5GbE with one of these adapters below:
Final thoughts
So there you have it! A few good options for powerful mini PCs with 2.5GbE ports at a few different price points. More and more of these will be available in the future, and you can retrofit a gigabit machine using a USB NIC now.
Do you know of some other good options or have experience with one of these? Let us know about it in the comments below or on Twitter.
