The best mini PCs with dual Ethernet ports in 2025 combine compact design, robust performance, and network flexibility. Top options include the ASUS NUC15Pro (thick variant) with 2.5GbE ports and PCIe expansion, the high-performance Mechrevo Mini GTX featuring Ryzen 9 processors, and budget-friendly solutions like the Shuttle DS61 for networking applications. These systems support advanced routing, NAS setups, and enterprise-grade connectivity while maintaining small footprints under 1L volume.
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Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
What makes ASUS NUC15Pro ideal for dual-network setups?
The ASUS NUC15Pro thick variant stands out with dual 2.5GbE ports and PCIe x4 expansion. Its 12th-gen Intel Core i7-1260P delivers 28W TDP for sustained throughput, while military-grade MIL-STD-810H certification ensures reliability in 24/7 operation. Pro Tip: Use the vacant M.2 2280 slot for adding a 10GbE NIC to create a triple-network configuration.
Beyond basic connectivity, this system supports advanced VLAN segmentation through its Windows 11 Pro license. The 64GB DDR5-4800 RAM capacity handles simultaneous routing/NAS workloads without bottlenecking. For example, users achieve 940Mbps wire-speed routing using OPNsense while maintaining Plex transcoding. Transitionally, the chassis design deserves mention – its 45mm height accommodates full-size cooling solutions, maintaining 35dB noise levels under load. But how does it compare to rack-mounted alternatives? The NUC15Pro delivers equivalent throughput in 1/8th the space, making it perfect for edge computing deployments.
Why choose Mechrevo Mini GTX for high-performance networking?
Mechrevo’s 0.82L powerhouse features dual RJ45 ports (1x 2.5GbE + 1x 1GbE) and AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS APU. Its 54W TDP configuration enables 5Gbps VPN throughput through AES-NI acceleration, outperforming many dedicated firewalls. The dual USB4 ports (40Gbps) allow daisy-chaining multiple units for distributed firewalling.
Practical testing shows 9.2μs latency in pfSense configurations – comparable to MikroTik’s CCR2004 at half the cost. The Radeon 780M iGPU adds value for surveillance systems, decoding 8x 4K streams simultaneously. Transitionally, thermal management deserves praise: vapor chamber cooling maintains CPU temps below 85°C during 48-hour stress tests. What about expansion? While lacking PCIe slots, the dual M.2 Gen4 x4 slots support 8TB NVMe storage for high-speed packet capture.
| Feature | Mechrevo GTX | ASUS NUC15Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Network Throughput | 5Gbps VPN | 10Gbps NAT |
| CPU Power | 8-core Zen4 | 12-core Alder Lake |
| Expandability | Dual M.2 | PCIe x4+M.2 |
Are budget dual-Ethernet mini PCs viable?
The Shuttle DS61 redefines value with dual Intel i210AT controllers at $179. While using aging H61 chipset, its 35W TDP supports basic routing/NAS tasks efficiently. Three SATA III ports enable RAID5 storage configurations rarely seen at this price point.
Real-world deployments show 750Mbps throughput using OpenWRT – sufficient for 500Mbps ISP connections. The PCIe x16 slot (Gen2) accommodates low-profile NICs for 10GbE upgrades. Transitionally, power efficiency stands out – 9W idle consumption makes it ideal for solar-powered remote sites. But what’s the catch? Limited to 16GB DDR3L-1600 RAM, complex firewall rules may cause swap-related latency spikes.
| Model | Shuttle DS61 | Beelink EQ12 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x 1GbE | 2x 2.5GbE |
| CPU | Core i3-3220 | N5105 |
| Power | 35W TDP | 10W TDP |
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FAQs
Yes, when using firewall distros like pfSense/OPNsense. Ensure CPU has AES-NI (e.g., Intel Core i5+/Ryzen 3+) for VPN acceleration.
Do both Ethernet ports operate at full speed simultaneously?
On premium models with separate controllers – ASUS NUC15Pro maintains 2x 2.5GbE throughput. Budget units may share PCIe lanes, capping total bandwidth at 5Gbps.