To boot a Bmax Mini PC from USB, insert a bootable USB drive, access BIOS/UEFI settings via F2/F12/Del during startup, prioritize USB in boot order, disable Secure Boot if needed, and save changes. Ensure the USB uses compatible formatting (FAT32 for UEFI) and contains verified boot files. Most Bmax models recognize USB 3.0 ports for faster initialization.
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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 preparation is needed before booting from USB?
Create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus or BalenaEtcher. Format the drive as FAT32 for UEFI compatibility and verify ISO integrity. Pro Tip: Use USB 3.0 drives ≥8GB for faster read speeds—older 2.0 drives may timeout during boot initialization.
First, select an 8GB+ USB drive and back up existing data—the creation process formats it. Tools like Ventoy allow multiple ISO files on one drive, ideal for multi-OS testing. For Bmax systems, download the official BIOS updates beforehand in case driver conflicts occur. Did you know? Some Mini PCs require disabling “Fast Startup” in Windows to properly detect USB boot media. Always test the USB on another device first to confirm functionality.
How do I access BIOS/UEFI on Bmax Mini PC?
Press F7/F12/Del repeatedly during power-on. Bmax models typically display a 2-second “Press [key] for Setup” prompt. If missed, force-restart and retry.
Newer Bmax units (2023+) use UEFI with graphical interfaces. Navigate to the Boot tab using arrow keys—look for “Boot Option Priorities.” Some models hide USB options unless drives are pre-connected. Why can’t I see my USB? Enable “Legacy USB Support” if using older bootable media. For dual-boot setups, toggle UEFI/Legacy CSM modes accordingly. Pro Tip: Update BIOS to version F.23 or newer for enhanced USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 compatibility.
| Key | Function | Models |
|---|---|---|
| F2 | Direct BIOS Entry | B3/B5 Series |
| F12 | Boot Menu | X7/X9 Series |
Why won’t my Bmax recognize the USB drive?
Incompatible partitioning causes 70% of detection failures. Use GPT partitioning for UEFI systems instead of MBR.
Check USB port functionality—try all Type-A and Type-C ports. Bmax Mini PCs prioritize rear ports during POST. If using USB-C adapters, ensure they support USB 2.0 signaling. Still not working? Reset BIOS to optimized defaults, then reconfigure boot settings. Pro Tip: For Linux ISOs, disable “Secure Boot” and enable “Allow Third-Party OS” in Security settings.
How to troubleshoot failed USB boot attempts?
Verify boot mode alignment—UEFI requires GPT partitions, Legacy needs MBR. Mismatches trigger “Invalid Boot Disk” errors.
Monitor POST codes via HDMI output—Bmax devices display error beeps (1 long, 3 short for USB device failure). Test with minimal peripherals connected. Advanced users can enable BIOS logging: Navigate to Advanced > Boot > Logging and review error codes. Pro Tip: For persistent issues, create boot media using Bmax’s official Media Creation Tool for hardware-specific optimizations.
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 0x80070015 | USB I/O Timeout | Use front USB port |
| PXE-E61 | Network Boot Priority | Disable PXE in BIOS |
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FAQs
Yes, but only on 2024+ models with Thunderbolt 4 BIOS support—older units treat USB-C as data-only ports during POST.
Does secure boot block Linux installations?
Typically yes—disable it under Security > Secure Boot Configuration before booting Ubuntu/Fedora ISOs.