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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Editor’s Note: This article was last updated on 10/1/2023.
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.
- 【Thunderbolt, Wireless,Other Features & Tech.】2x Thunderbolt 4 ports (incl. DisplayPort 2.1 and USB4) via back panel type C connectors,Intel i226V 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet port, 2*front and 1*rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 type A ports 1*rear type A and 2*internal USB 2.0 headers, 2* HDMI 2.1 TMDS Compatible (4K@60Hz), with built-in CEC per port. 3.5mm front stereo headset jack, Up to 7.1 multichannel (or 8-channel) digital audio on HDMI and DP type C ports, Intel Wi-Fi 6E (Gig+),Bluetooth 5.3
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!
- 🔥【4K@144HZ HD & Triple DISPLAY】Beelink Mini PC integrates AMD Radeon 680M 12core 2400 MHz GPU to deliver powerful graphics processing power to easily handle the demands of complex design software, 4K@144Hz UHD video editing, and playback, or light gaming. And it can connect up to three monitors via HDMI2.1 + DisplayPort1.4 + USB4 ports, efficiently handle your tasks, and meet your specific needs.
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.
YLIMPC M3 i7 Mini PC
- A True Desktop: This powerful mini computer does everything a regular computer does, and it can actually be put on your desktop, taking just a little more space than a smartphone. Powered by a modern Intel i7 processor, it runs even faster than a lot of gigantic traditional tower PCs.Note: If you cannot find the auto power settings in the BIOS, please feel free to contact us at any time. If you are using a DP to HDMI cable, you need to use a 4K high-definition cable.
- Incredible 10th Gen Core i7 Performance: Thanks to the Intel i7 10810U processor with 6 cores that runs up to 4.9GHz, this mini desktop is capable of handling heavy workloads while ensure seamless multi-tasking, delivering a workstation class experience with computing power rarely found on a PC this mini.
- High Power Micro Computer with Low Power Consumption: Designed with only 15W processor TDP, the YLimPC M3 tiny PC consumes only a fraction of power of what regular tower PCs does, leaving you a smaller carbon footprint and less cost for electricity.
The YLIMPC gives you a 10th 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 Core i5 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.
- 【UHD 4K Quad Screen Display Support】The Mini PC comes with a 4K@60Hz ultra-high-definition graphics card (Intel UHD Graphics ) to support 4K@60Hz high-definition video playback and enjoy a high-quality visual experience. 2* HDMI ports and 2*USB-C support 4K four-screen output, and can connect four monitors at the same time, quad-screen collaboration meets your needs and can double your work efficiency.
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.
MINISFORUM DeskMini UM580
- 【Powerful Performance】： The MINISFORUM UM580 Mini PC is a small form factor Desktop Tower Computer with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (8C/16T up to 4.4Ghz) processor. The faster performance can handle heavy computing tasks smoothly and better for multitasking. It widely used for light games, image editing, browsing, watching movies, programming etc.
- 【Triple Screen 4K@60Hz Display】: this Mini PC comes with Integrated Radeon Graphics(graphics frequency 1800 MHz), 4K@60Hz three display outputs via two HDMI Ports, and one USB-C Ports, you could connect three independent displays, which ensures smooth navigation, responsive work processes and comfortable handling of apps and files and expands multiple work-spaces for more efficient and comfortable productivity.
- 【2.5Gbps LAN】: This MINISFORUM UM580 Mini Computer comes with 2500Mbps Lan Port, it expands its functions and improved performance of computer to a large extent and allow you to use more networks such as software routers (OpenWRT / DD-WRT / Tomato etc.), firewalls, NAT, network isolation etc.
The second AMD Ryzen mini PC on this list is the more affordable one. However, along with its 2.5GbE port, it comes with dual HDMI outputs and enough power for many hosts.
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.
