I converted this Windows 11 mini PC into a Linux workstation – and I didn’t regret it

I have 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 preinstalled). Even though I no longer have time to spend choosing components and building a custom machine, I still appreciate a well-designed and well-built PC.

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THE Herk Orion is such a system. This super small desktop PC is powered by the Ryzen 9 processor, which means it can handle just about any workflow you throw at it.

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

Technical specifications of the Herk Orion

Here are the specifications of the unit sent to me:

• Processor – AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS with 8 cores and 16 threads
• Clock speed – 4.0 GHz with a boost of 5.2 GHz
• GPU – AMD Radeon 780M at 2800 Hz with RDNA3 iGPU
• RAM – Dual channel LPDDR5 – 32 GB
• Cooling circuit – steam chamber
• Storage – 1TB PCIi Gen4 x 4 M.2 2280 SSD
• Number of M.2 slots – 2x (1 unused)
• Connectivity – LAN 2.5 Gbps, WiFi6e up to 2.4 Gbps and Bluetooth 5.2
• Ports – USB 3.2 x2; USB2x2; USB 4 (15W) x2
• Supported operating systems -Linux and Windows
• Food -DC17V/140W

The specifications confirm that the Orion is indeed a very capable machine.

My experience

Take the following with a grain of salt, as I will always choose Linux over Windows.

Any machine running Windows 11 is already at a disadvantage. When I compare the same machine running Windows and Linux, it’s not a contest; Linux wins every time. The machine boots up faster, applications install and launch faster, and processes run more smoothly: everything simply runs better on Linux.

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

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Where Windows 11 showed off the Orion’s capabilities, Ubuntu 24.04 brought it to life to the point where I said to myself, “Yes, I can consider using this machine as a daily driver.”

I have also become a fan of AMD processors. My first Ryzen was with my current System76 Thelio, and I found Linux to work 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 last Thelio, I had to spend almost $2,000 to purchase it. The Orion, meanwhile, sells for $649 on Herk’s official website. If money were an issue, I would seriously consider the Orion as a viable desktop competitor.

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 not) heard. In a quiet room you can hear it, but with even a little background noise the fan noise fades away.

Ports galore

I’m not saying the Orion has every port I need, but given the size of the system, what’s included is impressive. The only thing that surprises me is the lack of a DisplayPort option. But with two HDMI ports, you should have no problem setting up a dual-monitor workstation.

Speed, speed, speed

This PC is faster than you think. I did 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 probably need (especially if you use it as a typical desktop computer).

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Of course, if you throw really heavy workloads at Orion, like hosting a local LLM for AI, it will probably slow down a bit. But running standard applications (web browser, email client, music streaming service, office suite), this machine will make you smile.

ZDNET’s purchasing advice

As with any small form factor PC, it all comes down to space. If you’re short on space for a full-fledged desktop or just want to keep things to a minimum, the Herk Orion will fill a much-needed gap with speed, reliability and a reduced footprint.

One last argument for Linux: consider buying an Orion with Linux preinstalled so you can get the most out of this Ryzen processor. Linux not for you? The Windows version is still a lively little machine. I enjoyed my time with the Herk Orion and found it to be one of the best small form factor PCs I’ve used to date.