Best Mini PCs for Self-Hosted AI (2026)
Best mini PCs for running AI models locally in 2026. Compare GEEKOM, Beelink, and MinisForum mini PCs with NPU support for quiet, compact AI servers.
Last updated: February 7, 2026
🎯 Why This Matters
Mini PCs are perfect for always-on AI servers. They're silent, energy efficient (15-65W), and small enough to hide behind a monitor. With 32-96GB RAM and modern CPUs with NPU (Neural Processing Unit) support, they handle 7B-13B models surprisingly well. Think of it as your personal AI appliance.
🏆 Our Recommendations
Tested and ranked by real-world AI performance
Beelink SER7 (AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, 32GB)
✅ Pros
- Great value at $449
- Ryzen 7840HS has XDNA NPU
- 32GB DDR5 included
- Very quiet under load
- Compact form factor
❌ Cons
- 32GB limits larger models
- iGPU not fast enough for meaningful AI acceleration
- No eGPU support on most models
- Soldered RAM on some versions
GEEKOM A8 (AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, 64GB)
✅ Pros
- 64GB RAM handles 13B models easily
- Ryzen AI NPU for future optimization
- Excellent build quality
- Dual NVMe slots
- Near-silent operation
❌ Cons
- $799 is steep for a mini PC
- Still CPU-only for LLM inference
- Can't match discrete GPU speed
- Limited upgrade path
MinisForum MS-A1 (AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D, 96GB)
✅ Pros
- 96GB RAM for larger models
- OCuLink port for eGPU expansion
- 3D V-Cache for excellent CPU inference
- 2TB storage included
- Thunderbolt 4 / USB4
❌ Cons
- $1,199 before eGPU
- eGPU adds cost and desk space
- OCuLink bandwidth limits GPU performance
- Overkill without eGPU plans
💡 Prices may vary. Links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we'd actually use.
🤖 Compatible Models
Models you can run with this hardware
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can mini PCs actually run AI models?
Yes! Modern mini PCs with 32-64GB RAM and recent AMD/Intel CPUs handle 7B models at 10-18 tok/s — perfectly usable for chat and coding assistance. They won't match a desktop with a GPU, but they're silent, compact, and energy efficient.
Should I get a mini PC or build a desktop for AI?
If you want to run 7B-13B models quietly and efficiently, a mini PC is great. If you need 30B+ models or the fastest inference, build a desktop with a discrete GPU. Mini PCs excel as always-on AI servers you can forget about.
What about Intel mini PCs for AI?
Intel's Core Ultra series (Meteor Lake and Arrow Lake) include NPUs, but AMD's Ryzen AI chips currently offer better CPU inference performance and more RAM options. Intel catches up with each generation, but for pure LLM inference in 2026, AMD mini PCs have the edge.
Ready to build your AI setup?
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