I converted a mini PC running Windows 11 into a Linux workstation, and it blew me away

I've been using and reviewing PCs for a long time. I used to build my own PCs (back when it was impossible to find a machine that came with Linux pre-installed). While I no longer have time to spend choosing components and building a custom machine, I still appreciate a well-designed, well-built PC.

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The Herk Orion is such a system. This extremely small form factor desktop PC is powered by the Ryzen 9 CPU, which means it can handle just about workflow you throw at it.

The machine I received had Windows 11 pre-installed (even though I requested a Linux version). After a few weeks of using the machine as-is, I decided to install the latest version of Ubuntu and see how the experience compared.

The specs

Here are the specs for the unit I was sent:

CPU - AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS with 8 cores and 16 threads Clock speed - 4.0 GHz with a 5.2 GHz boost
GPU - AMD Radeon 780M at 2800 Hz with RDNA3 iGPU
RAM - LPDDR5 dual channel - 32 GB
Cooling system - vapor chamber
Storage - 1 TB SSD PCIi Gen4 x 4 M.2 2280
Number of M.2 slots - 2x (1 unused)
Connectivity - 2.5 Gbps LAN, WiFi6e up to 2.4 Gbps, and Bluetooth 5.2
Ports - USB 3.2 x2; USB 2 x2; USB 4(15w) x2
Supported OSes - Linux and Windows
Power supply - DC17V/140W

The specs confirm that the Orion is a very capable machine.

My experience

Take the following with a grain of salt because I'll always choose Linux over Windows.

Any machine that runs Windows 11 is already at a disadvantage. When I compare the same machine running Windows vs. Linux, it's no contest and Linux wins every time. The machine boots faster, apps install and launch quicker, and processes run more smoothly -- everything is just better on Linux.

That said, Windows ran really well on the Orion, so much so that I considered leaving the Microsoft OS on the device (in case there came that rare moment when I needed Windows). But eventually, I caved and installed Linux.

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Where Windows 11 showed the Orion to be capable, Ubuntu 24.04 made it come alive to the point where I thought, "Yeah, I can see using this machine as my daily driver.

I've also become a fan of AMD CPUs. My first Ryzen was with my current System76 Thelio, and I've found Linux performs remarkably well with the hardware, and the Orion is no different. Would I replace my Thelio with an Orion? No. However, when I purchased my latest Thelio, I had to drop nearly $2,000 for it. The Orion, on the other hand, sells for $649 from the official Herk site. If money were an issue, I'd seriously consider the Orion as a viable contender for my desktop.

The Herk Orion mini PC is almost silent. Yes, there is a fan in the machine, but it's as quiet a PC fan as I've ever (or have not) heard. In a silent room, you can hear it, but with even a little background noise, the sound of the fan fades away.

Ports a plenty

I'm not saying that the Orion has all the ports I need, but given the system's size, what's included is impressive. The only thing that surprises me is the lack of a DisplayPort option. But with dual HDMI ports, you shouldn't have any problem setting up a dual-monitor workstation.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Speed, speed, speed

This PC is faster than you might think. I ran a full upgrade with Ubuntu and was impressed with how quickly it was completed. The Orion won't break any speed records, but for less than $700, this machine has more speed than you'll likely need (especially if you're using this as a typical desktop computer). 

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Sure, if you throw the Orion some seriously heavy workloads  -- such as hosting a local LLM for AI -- it likely will slow down a bit. But running standard apps -- web browser, email client, music streaming service, office suite -- this machine will put a smile on your face.

ZDNET's buying advice

As with any small form-factor PC, it all boils down to space. If you lack room for a full-blown desktop PC or just like to keep things minimal, the Herk Orion will fill a much-needed void with speed, reliability, and a tiny footprint. 

One last pitch for Linux: Consider purchasing an Orion with Linux pre-installed so you can get the most out of that Ryzen CPU. Linux not for you? The Windows version still makes for a snappy little machine. I've enjoyed my time with the Herk Orion and found it to be one of the best tiny form factor PCs I've used to date.