The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The most flexible way to run Home Assistant alongside other services is an x86-64 Proxmox VE host with hardware virtualization, enough memory for the host and every guest, and fast SSD storage. Home Assistant OS runs well as a virtual machine; its documented guest minimum is 2 GB of RAM and 2 vCPUs, but that is not a specification for the entire server. Size the host around all planned virtual machines, snapshots and backups, then add a USB radio only when your devices require Zigbee, Thread or Z-Wave.
A mini PC can be an excellent small lab, while a dedicated Home Assistant hub is simpler if smart-home operation is your only goal. No single processor, mini-PC model or storage capacity is universally correct. The right purchase depends on guest count, storage growth, networking and whether you need USB or PCIe passthrough.
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Start with the workload, not a product name
Write down what the Proxmox server must run before comparing machines. Include the Home Assistant guest, file or media services, development environments, network tools, databases and any temporary test VMs. For each one, note whether it needs persistent storage, a USB device, a physical network interface or a GPU. This inventory determines the useful CPU, memory, drive and expansion requirements.
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- Home Assistant: Home Assistant’s Linux virtual-machine guide specifies a minimum of 2 GB RAM and 2 processors (vCPUs) for that guest.
- Other guests: allocate resources according to their software requirements and peak use; there is no universal total-memory number for a home lab.
- Host overhead: Proxmox itself, monitoring, storage services and filesystem caching need memory in addition to the amounts assigned to guests.
- Growth: leave room for additional VMs, snapshots and backup staging instead of buying only for today’s first installation.
The 2 GB/2-vCPU Home Assistant figure is a guest minimum, not permission to buy a 2 GB computer. A host must retain memory for its own operation and for every other VM or container running at the same time.
#1 Best Overall
- 【AMD Ryzen 4300U True 4-Core CPU: Outperforms N95 & i3-10110U】KAMRUI P2 Mini PC is equipped with true 4-core AMD Ryzen 4300U processor built on advanced 7nm Zen2 architecture，This means you get consistent, unthrottled performance for hours on end, whether you’re running multiple browser tabs, streaming 4K content, or managing virtual machines. Compare that to Intel N95 (4 efficiency cores that throttle under load) or Intel i3-10110U (only 2 cores total), and the difference is night and day: The KAMRUI P2 AMD Ryzen 4300U (28W) is 40% faster than the Intel i3-10110U and 25% faster than the Intel N95 in multi-core tasks, ensuring smooth, lag-free performance even during heavy workloads.
- 【Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics: 2.5X Stronger for Tri 4K】The KAMRUI P2 AMD 4300U Mini PC have unlocked the full potential of the built-in AMD Radeon Vega 5 graphics with 28W power delivery, making it 2.5 times stronger than the Intel UHD graphics found in the N95 and i3-10110U. This means you can enjoy Tri 4K@60Hz displays without a single stutter, perfect for productivity setups, home theaters, or even light photo/video editing and casual gaming. While the Intel N95/i3-10110U struggle to run a single 4K display without lag, The KAMRUI AMD 4300U Mini PC handles Tri 4K effortlessly, turning your workspace into a high-efficiency hub or your living room into a premium entertainment center.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Easy Expansion】KAMRUI Pinova P2 mini computers is equipped with 16GB LPDDR4 for faster multitasking and smooth application switching. 512GB M.2 SSD ensures fast startup, fast file transfers and plenty of storage space,eliminating slow loading times and ensuring fast responsiveness. the two storage slots (1x M.2 2280 SATA/NVMe PCIe3.0 slot, 1x M.2 2280 SATA slot) can be combined to provide up to 4TB of total storage(Not included). This gives you enough space for all your projects, media and data.
- 【4K Triple Display】KAMRUI Pinova P2 4300U mini desktop computers is equipped with HDMI2.0 ×1 +DP1.4 ×1+USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C ×1 interfaces for faster transmission, Triple 4K@60Hz Display, KAMRUI P2 mini computer is ideal for visual home entertainment, home office, conference rooms, etc. USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A port ×2 with a transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps (21 times faster than USB 2.0) for efficient data transfer. Ideal for seamless multitasking between spreadsheets, browsers and presentations, or for an immersive entertainment experience.
- 【USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C 10Gbps, Versatile connectivity】KAMRUI P2 mini desktop pc fast and versatile connectivity! The USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C port offers a data transfer rate of 10Gbps and simultaneously supports DisplayPort 1.4 video output. The P2 AMD Ryzen 4300U Mini PC is complemented by Gigabit LAN, WiFi and Bluetooth, so nothing stands in the way of a productive working environment.
CPU and motherboard requirements
Hardware virtualization is non-negotiable
Proxmox VE’s compatibility floor is an Intel 64 or AMD64 processor with Intel VT-x or AMD-V hardware-virtualization support. Confirm the exact processor and firmware settings before purchase. Virtualization extensions can be disabled in firmware even when the CPU supports them, so the BIOS or UEFI should expose the relevant setting and allow it to be enabled.
If you plan PCIe passthrough—for example, assigning a controller or another PCIe device directly to a guest—you also need Intel VT-d or AMD-Vi and a platform that implements it correctly. A specification sheet that lists only a generic “virtualization” feature does not establish passthrough support; check the processor, chipset, firmware and device isolation behavior together.
How to choose core capacity
Do not buy by clock speed alone. Count the guests that may be busy concurrently and look for a processor with enough physical cores to keep interactive services responsive while backups or updates run. Proxmox can schedule more vCPUs than the machine has physical cores, but that sharing is a planning choice, not a substitute for capacity. The appropriate core count depends on your guests; the available guidance does not support a universal “maximum VMs” claim.
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Small-form-factor checks
Mini PCs save space and power, but their compact design makes expansion and cooling important. Before ordering, verify:
- maximum supported memory and whether modules are replaceable;
- the number, type and physical size of internal drive slots;
- wired Ethernet, not only wireless networking;
- access to firmware virtualization and IOMMU settings;
- cooling performance, fan noise and sustained-load behavior;
- warranty terms and the ability to obtain replacement storage or memory.
These are evaluation criteria, not a claim that any untested model meets them. Vendor specifications can change, so check the exact machine’s current documentation.
Memory: reserve it for the host and every guest
Plan memory as a budget. Start with the RAM assigned to Home Assistant, add the allocations for other VMs and containers, then reserve capacity for Proxmox, storage services, filesystem cache and normal bursts. A machine that boots with a single small guest may become unreliable when several guests start, a snapshot is created or a backup is compressed.
Rank #2
- 【Great power in a small computer】Get fast performance from the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U CPU (2.1GHz-3.7GHz, 4 Cores 8 Threads) inside this mini pc, TDP 15W up to 25W. It's perfect for all your home office and business use, like daily computing, web browsing, and smooth media streaming. This small desktop computer handles everyday tasks easily and quietly.
- 【Work on many things at once with lots of storage】This mini PC comes with 16GB of fast DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 32GB), allowing you to smoothly run multiple programs, dozens of browser tabs, and large files all at once. It also features a spacious 512GB NVMe SSD that provides ample storage and delivers dramatically faster boot-ups, app launches, and file transfers compared to a traditional hard drive.
- 【See everything clearly on one or two 4K screens】Connect one or two monitors for more space to work or play. Dual HDMI ports on this mini pc support super sharp 4K Ultra HD video. It's great for doubling your work area for business or watching movies in high definition.
- 【Fast modern connections in a tiny box】Enjoy a better and more stable internet connection with the latest WiFi 6. Use Bluetooth 5.3 to connect wireless headphones, keyboards, and mice without wires. This small pc is very compact to save desk space and has extra USB ports (USB 2.0×2, USB 3.0×2, Type-c 2.0×1, Type-c 3.2 full featured×1, HDMI×2) for your printer, webcam, or other computer accessories.
- 【Reliable Warranty and Support】We provides 1 year warranty for each Mini computers. So you don't need to worry about any product problems. If you have any questions about the product, please contact our customer service, we will provide 24-hour professional technical support and serve you at any time.
Use the Home Assistant minimum as a starting allocation and increase it only when the guest’s integrations or add-ons require more. Avoid assigning all physical RAM to VMs: the host needs working space to manage them and to service storage. If a compact computer has soldered memory or a low upgrade ceiling, that limitation can matter more than a slightly faster CPU.
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Storage: SSD speed, capacity and controller design
Use fast local storage for active guests
Proxmox recommends SSD storage. SSD latency improves VM boot, package updates, databases and Home Assistant history compared with a slow disk. Select capacity from the actual guests, their retained snapshots and the space needed for backups. A drive that is large enough for initial installation can fill quickly when snapshots or ISO images accumulate.
No particular SSD model, endurance rating or performance result is established here. Check the drive’s current specifications, warranty and endurance claims for your write pattern rather than treating a generic interface label as a guarantee.
Decide on redundancy before buying a controller
Choose the filesystem and disk-management architecture first. Proxmox cautions against placing local ZFS storage behind a hardware RAID controller that manages the disks. ZFS should be able to see and manage the drives directly; inserting a controller that hides disk health or changes write behavior undermines that design.
Hardware RAID is a different architecture. Proxmox distinguishes hardware RAID with battery-backed cache from non-RAID ZFS configurations. Do not mix the two casually: decide whether the controller will provide RAID or whether the operating system and ZFS will manage individual disks, then buy compatible disks, cables and bays.
Rank #3
- 【AMD Ryzen 3 5300U CPU: Outperforms N150 & 3500U】 BOSGAME E5 mini PC is powered by the TSMC 7nm FinFET architecture AMD Ryzen 3 5300U processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 3.8GHz boost, 6MB total cache). Compared to low-end Intel N150 or 3500U chips which only have 4 single threads and throttle under load, the 5300U delivers over 30% faster multi-core speed. Run 30+ browser tabs, large Excel sheets, and Zoom meetings simultaneously without system lag.
- 【8GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB NVMe SSD Storage】 Installed with high-speed 8GB DDR4 dual-channel memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, eliminating slow boot times and application loading delays. To accommodate growing data requirements, the upgradeable hardware design features dual SODIMM slots that allow you to expand memory up to 64GB RAM, ensuring smooth operation during heavy multitasking.
- 【High-Capacity Dual M.2 SSD Storage Expansion】 Never worry about running out of space for your business files. In addition to the pre-installed 256GB system drive, the motherboard houses an extra empty internal M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slot. This allows you to easily add a second solid-state drive for up to an additional 2TB of storage capacity (upgrades not included) without needing to remove or reinstall the original operating system.
- 【Radeon 6-Core Graphics & Triple 4K Displays】 Integrated with official AMD Radeon Graphics (6 Graphics Cores, 1500 MHz frequency) for casual gaming, photo editing, and crisp 4K media decoding. Featuring 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 1x DisplayPort, and 1x Full-Function Type-C port, the E5 outputs true 4K@60Hz resolution to three monitors at once. This multi-screen setup eliminates constant window-switching for traders, programmers, and office workers.
- 【Dual 2.5GbE LAN Ports for Advanced Networking】 Experience fast wired network transmission speeds up to 2500Mbps without lagging or buffering. The integration of dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports (powered by Realtek RTL8125 controller) makes this compact computer an exceptional hardware choice for tech enthusiasts. Easily configure it into software routers, hardware firewalls (pfSense, OpnSense), home NAS servers, or local homelabs.
Plan backups separately
Snapshots are useful for short-term rollback but are not an independent backup. Reserve space on another device or system for Proxmox backups and test that a guest can be restored. If the mini PC has only one internal drive, an external or network backup target becomes part of the design, even though it is not needed to boot the host.
Networking and physical interfaces
Use wired Ethernet for an always-on Proxmox host and Home Assistant guest. Home Assistant’s hardware installation paths list Ethernet, and a cable avoids wireless roaming and driver surprises during boot or recovery.
There is no universal requirement for 2.5GbE, multiple network ports or a special switch. Choose faster links when your storage server, backup target or LAN can use them; choose multiple NICs when you have a defined separation or failover plan. Otherwise, one reliable wired interface is simpler.
Count USB ports and internal headers if you expect to attach radios, backup drives, UPS monitoring or other controllers. A compact chassis with only one convenient USB port may force a hub, which can complicate device identification and passthrough.
Mini PC host or dedicated Home Assistant hub?
Home Assistant documents several deployment routes, including mini PCs, NUC-class systems, Raspberry Pi systems and virtual machines. It also offers Home Assistant Green as a plug-and-play dedicated hub. The choice is about responsibilities rather than a universal performance winner.
| Option | Best fit | What you must provide | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proxmox host with a Home Assistant OS VM | Homeowners who want Home Assistant plus other VMs or containers | x86-64 virtualization, host and guest memory, SSD storage, wired networking and any required passthrough | More flexibility, but you maintain the hypervisor, storage and guest configuration |
| Mini PC running Proxmox | Small labs with modest expansion needs | Verified memory ceiling, drive slots, thermals, firmware options and warranty | Compact size can limit upgrades, cooling and physical interfaces |
| Dedicated Home Assistant Green | Users who want an already-installed, plug-and-play smart-home hub | Network connection and any protocol-specific radio required by the devices | Simpler operation, but it is not a general Proxmox server for unrelated guests |
| Home Assistant on other reused hardware | Existing systems where cost or reuse matters most | Compatibility checks for the chosen installation method and peripherals | Age, storage health and upgrade limits may constrain reliability |
A combined host is aligned with consolidation. A dedicated hub is appropriate when the priority is an appliance-like Home Assistant experience and no other virtual workloads are needed.
Rank #4
- Office Gaming Mini PC - UPGRADED GMKtec Nucbox M5 Ultra Series is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, 8 Cores/16 Threads, Base 2.00GHz (Power Saving Quiet Mode) with Turbo Boost up to 4.50GHz (Performance Mode) in BIOS settings, Based on the ZEN 3+ architecture, this small but powerful mini pc delivers satisfying results in productivity, office work, and gaming. 35% Performance increase over AMD Ryzen 5 7430U/ Ryzen 7 5700U, 5600U, 5560U, 5500U.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB PCIe SSD - Installed with DDR4 16GB RAM (1x16GB), the Nucbox M5 Ultra mini pc support expansion to 64GB RAM. Featured with 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, support dual slot expansion to 4TB SSD. (Upgrades not included)
- DUAL NIC LAN 2.5G RJ45 - Fast Network Speeds: Enjoy up to 2500Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle, Pfsense or as a server office PC.
- Mini Desktop Computer with 4K Triple Screen Display - Nucbox M5 Ultra integrates AMD Radeon Graphics 8 Cores 2000 MHz GPU to deliver powerful graphics processing power to easily handle the demands of complex design software, 4K@60Hz UHD video editing, and playback. It can connect to 3 display screens simultaneously.
- Fast Internet WiFi 6E + BT5.2 Connection - GMKtec Mini PC with WiFi-6E Wireless, have 2.5G/5G/6G triple band, more faster and lower latency. Bluetooth 5.2 allowing you more quickly to connect other wireless devices (headset, mouse, keyboard, etc.) Interface features 2*USB3.2 ports, 2*USB2.0 ports, 1*HDMI 2.0 port(4K@60Hz), 1*USB-C port(PD/DP/DATA), 1*DP Port, 1*Audio 3.5mm (HP&MIC), 1*DC Power Port.
Install Home Assistant in Proxmox
Home Assistant states that Home Assistant OS is the recommended installation type for most users. It can run on physical hardware or in a virtual machine. For a Proxmox build that wants the managed Home Assistant experience, use a Home Assistant OS VM rather than assuming a container provides the same features.
- Enable virtualization in firmware. Turn on Intel VT-x or AMD-V. If passthrough is required, enable the platform’s VT-d or AMD-Vi/IOMMU option as well.
- Install Proxmox VE on SSD storage. Keep the storage and controller layout consistent with your chosen ZFS or hardware-RAID design.
- Create the Home Assistant VM. Allocate at least 2 GB of RAM and 2 vCPUs, then leave additional host capacity for Proxmox and every other guest.
- Attach the Home Assistant OS image using the current installation instructions. Use the image and virtual hardware settings specified by Home Assistant at the time you build the VM.
- Connect the host by Ethernet. Give the VM a network path that remains available when the host reboots.
- Add radios only if needed. Pass a compatible USB controller through after the base VM starts successfully.
- Configure backups and updates. Schedule Proxmox guest backups and maintain Home Assistant OS from its supported update path; test a restore before relying on the system.
Choose radios by the protocols in your home
Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave are optional accessories, not replacements for the Proxmox host. First list the protocols used by your sensors, lights and locks. Buying a radio for a protocol you do not use adds cost and another device to maintain.
Zigbee and Thread
Home Assistant lists Connect ZBT-2 as its current adapter for Zigbee or Thread use. Confirm that its firmware and operating mode suit your installation, then connect it to the Proxmox host by USB. The adapter must be made available to the Home Assistant VM, not merely plugged into the host.
Z-Wave
For Z-Wave, Home Assistant lists Connect ZWA-2 and maintains compatibility and firmware guidance. Check that guidance for your region and controller version before purchase. Z-Wave compatibility is separate from Zigbee or Thread support; one radio does not automatically provide all three protocols.
USB passthrough in a VM
USB passthrough assigns the physical controller to the Home Assistant guest. Identify the adapter by its stable device information, attach it to the VM in Proxmox’s hardware settings, and verify that Home Assistant sees it after a reboot. Avoid relying on a transient bus number that can change when devices are unplugged or the host restarts. If the controller disappears, check host USB power, VM attachment, guest permissions and whether another VM has claimed the device.
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A purchase checklist
- CPU is Intel 64 or AMD64 with Intel VT-x or AMD-V.
- VT-d or AMD-Vi/IOMMU is available if PCIe or USB passthrough is part of the plan.
- Memory can cover Proxmox, Home Assistant and all other guests, with upgrade headroom.
- SSD capacity includes VM disks, snapshots, ISO files and local working space.
- Storage controller matches the filesystem plan; local ZFS is not placed behind a hardware RAID controller.
- There is dependable wired Ethernet and enough USB or internal connectivity for required peripherals.
- Mini-PC thermals, noise, warranty, memory ceiling and drive slots are acceptable for continuous operation.
- A separate backup destination and a restore procedure are available.
- Any Zigbee, Thread or Z-Wave adapter is documented as compatible and can be passed through to the VM.
Common buying and setup mistakes
Buying to the installer minimum
Proxmox’s evaluation minimum is intended for testing, not for a host running multiple guests. Likewise, Home Assistant’s 2 GB and 2-vCPU values describe one VM. Correct the mistake by totaling guest allocations and reserving host memory before ordering.
Best Value
- WHY CHOOSE G3 ULTRA MINI PC PENTIUM GOLD 7505 - Choose the Intel Pentium Gold 7505 for snappier everyday responsiveness: It delivers up to 30% faster single-core performance than the Ryzen 5 3500U, making office apps and web browsing feel noticeably quicker, while its Intel UHD Graphics (48 EUs) provides 2.4x the GPU performance of the N100 & N150's 24-EU graphics, ensuring smoother 4K streaming and light photo editing.
- 16GB RAM MEMORY & 512GB STORAGE - GMKtec Nucbox G3 Ultra mini computer is prebuilt with 16GB LPDDR4 RAM at 3200 MT/s, you will enjoy a speedier experience with Built-in 512GB M.2 SATA Hard Drive. Our mini desktop pc boots up in seconds, work on multiple browser tabs, software applications and quickly transfers files. There is a primary slot and secondary expansion storage. Primary slot is M.2 2280 PCIE and secondary slot is M.2 2280 SATA.
- RICH INTERFACE - Nucbox pentium mini computer is equipped with 3* USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, up to 10Gbps/S, 1*USB 2.0, HDMI(4K@60Hz)*2, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports WiFi 6, and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 2.5GbE network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2. This Mini PC supports multiple device connection and can be used with servers, monitoring equipment, office equipment, displays, projectors, televisions, etc.
- 4K DUAL SCREEN DISPLAY - Mini desktop computer is equipped with upgraded Intel Graphics(max 1000MHz), supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding, connect the pc with a projector as a home theatre, enjoy a variety of entertainments. Two HDMI 2.0 ports allows you to multi-task efficiently on two 4K@60Hz displays.
- UPGRADED COOLING FAN - The G3 Ultra has upgraded the cooling fan to reduce fan noise and thermals. We are using an upgraded thermal paste as well to help reduce heat on the CPU.
Assuming a fast CPU fixes insufficient storage
A high-clocked processor cannot compensate for a nearly full or slow VM datastore. Add SSD capacity and a backup plan before spending more on CPU performance.
Putting ZFS behind a RAID controller
This hides disks from ZFS and conflicts with the recommended design. Reconfigure the controller for direct disk access where supported, or choose a coherent hardware-RAID architecture instead of combining both approaches.
Choosing a radio without checking the protocol
Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave require different controllers. Match the adapter to the devices in the home, verify firmware guidance and test passthrough before migrating automations.
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Virtualization and IOMMU may be disabled in firmware, while a fanless or cramped machine may throttle under sustained storage or backup loads. Check settings, cooling and warranty terms before treating a compact computer as an always-on server.
How to make the final decision
Choose the smallest host that satisfies four constraints simultaneously: virtualization and passthrough support, memory for the complete guest plan, SSD capacity for active data and backups, and the physical interfaces your network and radios require. If any one of those constraints is uncertain, select a machine with documented upgradeability or a less restrictive chassis rather than guessing from a processor name.
Quick Recap
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