Mini PCs are versatile computing devices, thanks to their compact design, low power consumption, and often quiet operation. However, you can significantly enhance their capabilities by pairing them with a solid Linux distribution.
One of the biggest advantages of Linux is that it is not limited to just a couple of versions, unlike proprietary platforms. There are numerous distros to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and capabilities.
With the right Linux distro, you can precisely tailor your Mini PC for its intended role, whether that’s a simple workstation for everyday computing or a discrete home theater PC for your entertainment needs. So, here are some of my top picks for six of the most common use cases of a Mini PC.
6
For Workstations: Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an excellent choice for transforming your Mini PC into a capable daily workstation. It makes the most sense due to its excellent stability, impressive hardware support, and general user-friendliness. It also benefits from its massive community and popularity, as you will have no trouble getting resources for any help that you may need.
Besides online resources, its popularity helps in terms of software availability. By default, it doesn’t come with much pre-installed. However, you can access a large selection of compatible apps through its App Center, which offers DEB and Snap packages. Snap packages are favored by the App Center, which some people dislike. One easy solution for this is GNOME Software, which allows you to choose whether you want the DEB or Snap package of an app, if available.
If your Mini PC hardware isn’t very powerful or is on the older side, there are several excellent lightweight distros, many of which are based on Ubuntu, that you can consider as alternatives.
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5
For Running a Server: Debian
It’s hard to go wrong with Debian as the distro for a Mini PC that’s going to be used as a home server or NAS. Its exceptional stability and solid security make it pretty reliable for a machine that’s going to run around the clock. More importantly, Debian’s release model allows for long-term deployment, meaning you won’t be forced into regular maintenance or re-installs and can continue to upgrade your original install for years.
Another advantage of using Debian is its low resource footprint, allowing your server apps to take full advantage of the Mini PC hardware.
Moreover, Debian has established a strong reputation for security throughout its long history, and its stable releases are supported by thorough testing. You may not get the latest flashy features, but the result is fewer bugs and surprises.
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4
For Modern Gaming: Pop!_OS
Although System76, the creator of Pop!_OS, doesn’t highlight the Linux distro as gaming-oriented, it’s an excellent choice for modern gaming. It’s based on Ubuntu, meaning you get a reliable and stable foundation. Moreover, its Cosmic desktop environment, which is a custom version of GNOME, is easy to use and beginner-friendly. To simplify the installation process, System76 offers a version of the Pop!_OS ISO that is bundled with NVIDIA drivers crucial for many gaming PC builds.
While it doesn’t come with any of the gaming-specific software pre-installed, the included Pop!_Shop offers seamless access to Steam, Heroic, Lutris, and GameHub. As a result, you’ll have no trouble playing your favorite games on the distro.
Although you shouldn’t have trouble with AMD GPUs on Pop!_OS, ChimeraOS is an excellent alternative to consider for Mini PCs with AMD hardware. It’s optimized for AMD GPUs and can be configured to turn your PC into a gaming console, booting directly into Steam’s Big Picture Mode.
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3
For Retro Gaming: Batocera
Looking to give your Mini PC a retro gaming console makeover? Batocera is a solid choice. It supports a wide range of retro consoles and arcade systems, and depending on your Mini PC’s hardware, you can emulate even the more demanding systems, such as older PlayStation consoles.
It typically boots directly into a user-friendly interface that you can easily navigate with your controller. Speaking of controllers, there is plug-and-play support for USB and Bluetooth gamepads, arcade encoders, Wiimotes, Sinden light guns, and various racing wheels.
In addition to the core game emulation, Batocera provides a range of supplementary features to enhance your gaming experience. There is support for retro-achievements and automatic downloading of game artwork. You can also save your game at any point. Moreover, you can even install Steam onto Batocera and play modern titles.
The installation process is relatively straightforward, and you should be able to get the hang of Batocera quickly.
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2
For Home Theater PCs (HTPCs): LibreELEC
If you plan to set up your Mini PC for Home Theater use, LibreELEC is an easy choice. It’s built solely to be a platform for HTPCs. It’s ultralight and boots directly into Kodi, which functions as your media center. Thanks to its lightweight footprint, it can deliver smooth performance on less powerful Mini PCs.
Another advantage of using LiberELEC is its read-only file system, which makes the platform more resilient and provides better stability than general-purpose distros.
If you aren’t familiar with Kodi, you’ll need to learn the app, as it’s the primary way to interact with the platform. Kodi is pretty customizable and allows you to extend its functionality through add-ons, including integrating support for streaming services, video sites, and more. While its official repositories offer a wide range of add-ons, there is a vibrant ecosystem of third-party add-ons that can be sideloaded. However, not all third-party add-ons are actively maintained.
As LibreELEC is limited to Kodi, it may not be suitable for everyone. Any good general-purpose workstation distro will better serve folks who want access to more than just Kodi on the HTPC.
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1
For Home Automation Hub: Home Assistant OS
Home Assistant OS is your best bet for converting your Mini PC into a dedicated home automation hub. As the name suggests, it’s built to run the Home Assistant ecosystem and strips away any unnecessary components to deliver a lean and efficient system. It’s easy to install and maintain.
It also has very low idle power consumption, which is helpful in terms of electricity costs, as your Mini PC will be running continuously.
While most people rely on Raspberry Pis for home automation needs, using a Mini PC gives you more performance headroom, which will come in handy when you extend the OS’s functionality through add-ons. There is no dearth of excellent add-ons that can take the Home Automation OS to the next level.
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As I have explored, it’s not hard to find a Linux distro that will suit your Mini PC use case. Once you have settled on the one you want, our handy “how to install Linux” guide can help you put that on your machine. However, if you aren’t completely sure about your choice, you can take it for a test drive before rushing into an installation. This will give you an idea of how a particular distro functions and whether it can do what you want.
