Budget mini-PCs peaked with the N100, and nothing else comes close for the price – not even the Raspberry Pi
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The Intel N100 processor remains the top choice for budget mini-PCs in 2026, outperforming ARM alternatives like the Raspberry Pi at a comparable price point. As an x86 chip, it offers broad compatibility with Linux distros, home lab platforms, and server tools. A complete N100 mini-PC with RAM, case, and SSD can be had for under $200, and it handles Proxmox VMs, Docker containers, Intel QuickSync media transcoding, and even PS2 emulation. The newer N150 exists but offers minimal performance gains for a higher price, leaving the N100 as the undisputed value king.
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The N100 is an x86 processor in the same price range as typical ARM CPUsIt’s powerful enough for typical home lab projectsSort: