What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The practical answer: buy a 64-bit Intel or AMD computer with hardware virtualization, enough memory for Proxmox plus every guest, and fast SSD storage sized for virtual disks, snapshots, and backups. A small-form-factor PC can host Home Assistant and other virtual machines, but evaluate its upgradeable RAM, storage slots, wired networking, cooling, noise, and warranty before purchase. Home Assistant OS runs well as a supported virtual machine; add a USB Zigbee, Thread, or Z-Wave radio only when your devices require that protocol.
Do not shop to Proxmox’s installation minimums. Those figures are for evaluation, not for a useful multi-VM home lab. Your actual purchase should be driven by the number and workload of guests you intend to keep online.
Choose the host around your guests, not around a minimum specification
Proxmox VE is the hypervisor, so the host must provide resources for itself and for every virtual machine or container. Proxmox’s requirements identify an Intel 64 or AMD64 processor with Intel VT-x or AMD-V hardware virtualization. PCI Express passthrough additionally requires Intel VT-d or AMD-Vi. These are compatibility floors, not performance recommendations.
Home Assistant’s Linux virtual-machine guide lists a minimum of 2 GB RAM and 2 vCPUs for the Home Assistant guest. That is the allocation to that VM alone. It does not include Proxmox, storage services, monitoring, databases, test VMs, or any other workload. If you buy a host with only enough memory for that one guest, you have built a single-purpose appliance rather than a lab.
#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.
Before choosing a computer, write down each planned guest and its sustained memory, CPU, and storage needs. Include headroom for updates, temporary build jobs, snapshots, and a second service you have not planned yet. No universal total-memory number is established for every home lab; workload and retention policy determine it.
What to verify in a mini PC or small-form-factor system
- Processor virtualization: confirm the exact CPU supports VT-x or AMD-V, and VT-d or AMD-Vi if you expect PCIe passthrough.
- Memory capacity: check the maximum supported RAM, number of slots, and whether memory is soldered. Upgradeability matters more than the launch configuration.
- Storage expansion: identify every M.2 and 2.5-inch bay, the supported interface, and whether a second device can be added for backups or separate VM storage.
- Networking: prefer a reliable wired Ethernet port for an always-on hypervisor. The sources do not establish a universal need for 2.5GbE or multiple NICs; buy those only when your network, storage, or passthrough plan needs them.
- Thermals and acoustics: a tiny enclosure running continuously must dissipate heat without unacceptable fan noise. Check sustained-load cooling rather than burst specifications.
- Support: verify the warranty, firmware-update process, and availability of replacement power supplies before making the host a household dependency.
A mini PC is a legitimate Proxmox host category, not a guarantee of suitability. Model-specific compatibility, price, power draw, and simultaneous-VM capacity must be checked from the current specification sheet; none should be inferred from the form factor alone.
Decide between one virtualized host and a dedicated Home Assistant hub
Home Assistant supports several installation routes, including mini PCs, NUC-style systems, Raspberry Pi systems, and virtual machines. It also offers Home Assistant Green as a plug-and-play dedicated hub. The right choice depends on whether you want consolidation or appliance simplicity.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| Approach | Best fit | What you must provide | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proxmox host with Home Assistant OS VM | Homes that also need other VMs, containers, or lab services | Virtualization-capable x86 host, spare memory and storage, and USB passthrough if radios are used | More flexibility, but you maintain the hypervisor and its failure domain |
| Dedicated Home Assistant hub | Readers who want an already-installed, plug-and-play smart-home appliance | Ethernet and power; protocol accessories may still be required | Simpler operation, with less scope for unrelated virtual machines |
| Home Assistant Container | Administrators comfortable managing Linux, containers, and supporting services themselves | A separately managed Linux host and container environment | No Home Assistant OS apps; some integrations require additional manual handling |
Home Assistant states that “Home Assistant OS is the recommended installation type for most users.” For a Proxmox build that wants the managed Home Assistant experience, create a Home Assistant OS virtual machine rather than treating a container as an equivalent installation.
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.
Size CPU and memory for the whole Proxmox system
CPU considerations
Hardware virtualization support is mandatory. Beyond that, choose enough physical cores for the guests that will run concurrently. Home Assistant itself is usually not the demanding part of a mixed lab; databases, build systems, media processing, and nested test environments can be. Count sustained workloads, not the maximum turbo frequency printed on a product page.
Leave scheduling margin so the Proxmox host can handle storage, networking, backups, and guest management while your main services are busy. A processor with virtualization extensions but insufficient cores for your planned concurrent workloads will feel constrained even when the Home Assistant VM meets its minimum.
Memory planning
Reserve memory for the Proxmox host, then allocate the Home Assistant VM at least 2 GB RAM and 2 vCPUs as specified in Home Assistant’s Linux VM guidance. Add the planned allocation for every other VM and container, and keep unallocated headroom for cache, updates, and recovery tasks. The 2 GB figure is a guest minimum, not a recommendation for total host RAM.
ZFS and other storage designs can also consume memory. Proxmox publishes an additional-memory guideline for ZFS/Ceph on its requirements page, but it is not a measured benchmark or a universal home-lab sizing rule. Treat it as a design input and validate your final layout against the actual services and retention you will run.
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.
Buy SSD storage with snapshots and backups in mind
Proxmox recommends fast SSD storage. SSD latency affects VM boot, package updates, databases, and Home Assistant history, so avoid designing the host around a slow boot device and assuming the guests will be unaffected.
Calculate usable capacity
Start with the virtual disks for all guests. Then add space for Proxmox, Home Assistant’s recorder database, ISO images, templates, logs, snapshots, and backup copies. Snapshots are not backups: they remain dependent on the same storage pool and can consume substantial space while a guest changes. If you cannot explain where a failed disk’s restore copy lives, the capacity plan is incomplete.
Choose a controller and filesystem as one design
Proxmox cautions against putting local ZFS storage behind a hardware RAID controller that manages the disks. A RAID card can hide disk health and undermine ZFS’s direct-drive model. Proxmox distinguishes hardware RAID with battery-backed cache from non-RAID ZFS configurations; select a coherent controller/filesystem arrangement before buying disks or a RAID card.
Recommended Free Tools
No specific SSD model, capacity, endurance rating, or performance result has been established for this guide. Verify current drive specifications, workload write endurance, and the number of storage devices your chosen chassis can actually hold.
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.
Plan networking and smart-home radios
Use wired Ethernet for the host
An always-on hypervisor is easiest to administer over wired Ethernet. Home Assistant’s hardware installation paths also list Ethernet. Wireless can be useful for a temporary setup, but a dependable wired link avoids an additional point of failure for VM access and automation.
There is no universal requirement for 2.5GbE, multiple NICs, or a dedicated switch. Add faster links when your NAS, backup target, VLAN design, or other traffic can use them; otherwise, spend that budget on memory, SSD capacity, or a better-supported chassis.
Match the radio to the protocols in your home
USB radios are optional. Buy one only after checking which protocols your devices use:
- Zigbee or Thread: Home Assistant lists Connect ZBT-2 as its current adapter for these protocols.
- Z-Wave: Home Assistant lists Connect ZWA-2 and publishes compatibility and firmware guidance for Z-Wave deployments.
- No radio protocol: if all devices use Wi-Fi, Matter over an existing network path, or another service that needs no USB coordinator, you may not need a radio at all.
When Home Assistant runs in a VM, the USB controller must be passed through to that guest. Connect the adapter to the Proxmox host, add the specific USB device in the VM’s hardware configuration, then confirm that the Home Assistant guest sees it. Keep the adapter’s identity stable where possible; moving it between ports can change device paths and disrupt integrations. Follow the adapter’s current compatibility and firmware instructions before pairing devices.
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.
Install Home Assistant OS as a Proxmox virtual machine
The exact Proxmox labels can change between releases, but the workflow is consistent. Download the current Home Assistant OS image intended for a virtual machine, create a new VM with the documented guest resources, and boot it from that image.
- Prepare the host: install Proxmox on the x86-64 computer, connect it to wired Ethernet, apply current firmware and Proxmox updates, and verify that hardware virtualization is enabled in firmware.
- Create storage: choose the SSD-backed datastore for the Home Assistant virtual disk and reserve capacity for snapshots and backups. If using ZFS, ensure the disks are not hidden behind a hardware RAID controller.
- Create the VM: assign at least 2 GB RAM and 2 vCPUs to Home Assistant, then add additional resources only if your workload justifies them. Use the virtual disk and network bridge appropriate to your LAN.
- Attach the Home Assistant OS image: use the current virtual-machine image and its installation instructions. Do not substitute a container image when your goal is the Home Assistant OS experience.
- Boot and complete onboarding: open Home Assistant from its displayed network address, create the administrator account, and configure the location, time zone, and integrations.
- Add a radio if required: shut down or edit the VM hardware as appropriate, add the USB Zigbee/Thread or Z-Wave device to the guest, boot Home Assistant, and verify the adapter before pairing devices.
- Back up outside the host: schedule Home Assistant backups and Proxmox guest backups to storage that is not the same physical device as the running VM.
Keep the hypervisor and Home Assistant failure domains in mind: a host reboot takes the VM offline, so maintenance windows and an external backup are more important than squeezing the last amount of capacity from a tiny computer.
Common buying and setup mistakes
Buying to the installer minimum
A host that barely installs Proxmox cannot comfortably run several guests. Use the 2 GB and 2-vCPU Home Assistant figures only for that guest, then add host, storage, and other-service requirements.
Ignoring upgrade paths
Soldered memory, one occupied storage slot, or a proprietary power supply can turn a low-cost mini PC into a dead end. Confirm maximum RAM and expansion before purchase.
Assuming every USB radio works in a VM
Protocol support and USB passthrough are separate checks. Verify the adapter’s Home Assistant compatibility and make sure Proxmox can expose the device reliably to the guest.
Putting ZFS behind hardware RAID
This conflicts with Proxmox’s storage guidance. Decide between direct-disk ZFS and a controller-managed RAID design instead of layering both without a documented reason.
Confusing snapshots with backups
A snapshot on the host does not protect against host or storage failure. Keep a restorable copy on another device or system and periodically test that restore process.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
A purchase checklist
- Intel 64 or AMD64 CPU with VT-x or AMD-V; VT-d or AMD-Vi if PCIe passthrough is planned.
- Enough RAM for Proxmox, the Home Assistant VM, all other guests, and operational headroom.
- Fast SSD capacity for virtual disks, retained snapshots, logs, and the backup strategy.
- A storage controller/filesystem plan that does not place ZFS behind a hardware RAID controller.
- Reliable wired Ethernet and cooling suitable for continuous operation.
- Confirmed RAM and storage upgrade limits, firmware support, and warranty terms.
- Only the radios your device protocols require, with verified compatibility and a USB-passthrough plan.
- An external backup destination and a maintenance plan for host reboots.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
