I Transformed a Windows 11 Mini PC into an Exceptional Linux Workstation

It’s a familiar tale for many tech enthusiasts: you have a capable piece of hardware, but it’s running an operating system that feels more like an anchor than a catalyst. In my recent experience converting the Herk Orion Mini PC into a Linux workstation, I found that ditching Windows 11 not only revitalized the machine but also drastically enhanced its performance.

Herk Orion Mini PC An example of a high-performing Mini PC suitable for various workloads.

Unleashing Power: First Impressions

The Herk Orion is powered by the robust Ryzen 9 CPU, complete with 8 cores and 16 threads. This compact machine, however, came pre-installed with Windows 11, which, under my scrutiny, highlighted the machine’s potential but ultimately felt limiting. After utilizing it in its original state for a couple of weeks, I decided to leap into unknown territory and install the latest version of Ubuntu.

Tech Specs That Impress

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes the Orion tick:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS (8 cores and 16 threads)
Clock Speed: 4.0 GHz Base with Boost up to 5.2 GHz
Memory: 32 GB LPDDR5 Dual Channel
Storage: 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
Cooling: Vapor chamber design
Connectivity: 2.5 Gbps LAN, WiFi6e, Bluetooth 5.2
Ports: Various including dual HDMI

These specifications indicate a machine built for both power and efficiency, and surprisingly, running Linux on this hardware was where it truly flourished.

An Epiphany with Linux

Admittedly, I have a bias towards Linux — it’s where my heart lies. And in this instance, the difference was akin to night and day. The Herk Orion’s transition from Windows to Ubuntu felt like releasing a caged bird. As expected, the boot times were significantly shorter, applications installed and ran without a hitch, and the machine effortlessly managed multiple tasks.

“Where Windows 11 showed the Orion to be capable, Ubuntu 24.04 made it come alive.”

At that moment, I realized I was onto something special. I began contemplating using this machine as my daily driver — a step I had never entertained when restricted to Windows.

Deciding Factors: Price Point and Usability

While my high-end System76 Thelio remains my prized possession, the Herk Orion presents a wallet-friendly alternative at about $649. If budget constraints were a priority, I would undoubtedly choose the Orion. This compact powerhouse sacrifices very little in the way of speed and efficiency.

Quiet Operation

What struck me most about the Orion was its near-silent operation. In a quiet environment, the fan is barely perceptible, and with just a hint of background noise, it fades into the background.

Connectivity Options

With the miniaturized size of the Orion, I anticipated limited connectivity options. Surprisingly, it provides quite an array, although a DisplayPort option could have enhanced its value. However, the dual HDMI ports are more than adequate for most setups, enabling a seamless dual-monitor experience.

Connection Ports Highlighting the Orion’s connectivity options.

Speed That Surprises

One of my favorite moments came during a full system upgrade with Ubuntu. The speed and efficiency of the process left me in awe. While you shouldn’t expect this mini PC to break world records in speed, it excels in regular tasks. Whether it’s web browsing, document editing, or light multimedia work, the Orion serves as a solid companion for everyday tasks.

Wrapping Up: The Case for the Herk Orion

For anyone short on space or those who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic, the Herk Orion Mini PC could be the perfect solution. Its compact design, combined with the ability to run Linux efficiently, makes it a choice worth considering. And if you’re hesitant about Linux, remember that the Windows version still offers a snappy performance.

In conclusion, I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my experience with the Herk Orion. This tiny form factor PC has become one of the most remarkable machines I’ve had the pleasure to operate, proving once again that good things come in small packages.