Used OptiPlex Micro vs a New Mini PC for Your Homelab
Same idle power, similar prices, very different RAM ceilings. Here's how to pick.
By Brandon Sheley · Updated
Short answer: for a Proxmox node that runs VMs, a used 8th-gen-or-newer OptiPlex Micro, EliteDesk Mini or ThinkCentre Tiny usually beats a new N100 box: more cores, two RAM slots, and the same 12-16W idle power. Buy the N100 if you want 2.5GbE, AV1 decode for a media server, or a warranty.
Most comparisons of these are opinion. The power numbers here are measured by ServeTheHome and CNX Software, and the prices are live from my own SFF tracker.
Side by Side
| Used 1L business mini (OptiPlex Micro, EliteDesk Mini, ThinkCentre Tiny) | New N100 / N150 mini PC | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Typically 8th-10th gen Core i5 T-series, 4 to 6 full cores | 4 efficiency cores |
| Memory | Two SO-DIMM slots | Usually one slot; Intel lists 16GB max |
| Storage | Usually one M.2 NVMe slot plus a 2.5" bay | One or two M.2 slots, depending on model |
| Network | One Intel gigabit port | Often one or two 2.5GbE ports |
| Expansion | Some models have a PCIe slot via riser (Lenovo M720q/M920q) | None |
| Idle power (measured) | About 12-16W | About 12-14W |
| Remote management | Intel AMT on vPro models | None |
| Condition | Used, ex-corporate; warranty usually expired | New, with a warranty |
Idle figures are wall measurements: ServeTheHome measured about 13W on an OptiPlex 7070 Micro (Core i5-9500T), 12-16W on an HP ProDesk 600 G4 Mini and 12-15W on a ThinkCentre M920q; CNX Software measured 12-14W on a Beelink EQ12 (N100). The full list is in the mini PC idle power table.
What They Cost Right Now
| Machine | Listings now | Lowest | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell OptiPlex Micro (used) | 10 | $63 | $65 |
| Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny (used) | 6 | $64 | $70 |
| HP EliteDesk / ProDesk Mini (used) | 19 | $60 | $70 |
| Intel N100 / N150 mini PC (mostly new) | 1 | $240 | — |
Live from current eBay listings on my SFF tracker, refreshed every few hours. "Typical" is the median, shown once there are at least three listings. Configurations (CPU, RAM, SSD) vary a lot between listings, so open them before comparing.
Why a Used Business Mini Usually Wins for Proxmox
- Two RAM slots. This is the big one. VMs run out of memory long before they run out of CPU, and two slots means 32GB or more without hoping a single large stick is supported.
- More CPU. A six-core 8th or 9th gen i5 has full performance cores with hyper-threading on some models, which handles several VMs better than four efficiency cores.
- Remote management on vPro models. Intel AMT gives you a remote power button and console, which is handy for a headless node in a closet.
- A PCIe slot on some Lenovo Tiny models, which is why the M720q and M920q show up in so many firewall builds (see the M720q pfSense build).
When the New N100 Box Is the Better Buy
- You want 2.5GbE. Most business minis have a single gigabit port; many N100 boxes ship with one or two 2.5GbE ports, and some with four, which suits a firewall.
- It's mostly containers and media. The N100's newer media engine decodes AV1 in hardware, which 8th-9th gen Intel iGPUs can't, and that matters for a Plex or Jellyfin box.
- You want new hardware with a warranty and don't want to deal with an unknown fan, worn thermal paste or a missing power brick.
Which Should You Buy?
For a Proxmox node that will run VMs, buy the used business mini. Two RAM slots and more cores matter more than anything the N100 adds, and the idle power is the same. Check that the listing includes the power adapter (and that it's the higher-wattage one for the six-core models), and plan on adding RAM yourself, since it's usually cheaper than a high-RAM listing.
For a quiet box that runs containers, a media server or a firewall, the N100 is a good buy, especially if 2.5GbE or AV1 decode matters to you. If you're torn between N-series chips, see N305 vs N100 for Proxmox.
Related Resources
SFF & Mini PC Price Tracker
Live listings for every machine in this comparison.
N305 vs N100 for Proxmox
If you've decided on an N-series box, which one.
Best Mini PC for Proxmox
The full tier list, up to MS-01-class workstations.
Mini PC Idle Power Table
Measured idle and load watts, with sources.
RAM Price Tracker
Laptop SO-DIMM prices for upgrading a used mini yourself.
Mini PC Proxmox Cluster
Three of these make the classic budget cluster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a used OptiPlex Micro better than an N100 mini PC for a homelab?
For a Proxmox node that runs VMs, usually yes. A used OptiPlex Micro typically has a 4- to 6-core Core i5 and two RAM slots, while most N100 boxes have four efficiency cores and one slot, and both idle at about 12-16W. The N100 is the better pick if you want 2.5GbE ports, AV1 hardware decode for a media server, or new hardware with a warranty.
How much power does a used OptiPlex Micro use?
About 13W at idle for an OptiPlex 7070 Micro with a Core i5-9500T in ServeTheHome's testing, rising past 60W under load. Similar HP and Lenovo 1-liter minis measure 12-16W at idle, which costs roughly $20 a year to run 24/7 at the U.S. average electricity rate.
What should I check when buying a used business mini PC?
Confirm the CPU generation (8th gen or newer is the Windows 11 cutoff and a sensible floor for a node you'll keep for years), that the power adapter is included and is the right wattage for the CPU, how many RAM slots it has, and whether it has an M.2 NVMe slot. Plan on adding RAM yourself, since it's usually cheaper than buying a high-RAM listing.