# Which home server offers the best value for money under £300? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which home server offers the best value for money under £300?

## Products

### Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB)
```yaml
product: raspberry-pi-raspberry-pi-5-4gb
brand: Raspberry Pi
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 4 GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM
cpu_model: Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76
storage_size: microSD card slot (SDR104 high-speed supported)
expandability: PCIe 2.0 x1 interface, 40-pin GPIO header, 2 × 4-lane MIPI transceivers, PoE+ HAT support
number_of_usb_ports: 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × USB 2.0
```

- **Price:** £None [^1]
- **Summary:** Raspberry Pi 5 is a significant performance upgrade with a Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU, VideoCore VII GPU, dual 4Kp60 HDMI outputs, and 4 GB LPDDR4X RAM. It adds PCIe 2.0 for NVMe storage via an adapter and improved I/O (USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet), making it suitable for desktop use, media playback, and DIY servers.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for a home server under £300 because it offers a 2.4GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU, 4 GB LPDDR4X RAM, PCIe 2.0 for fast NVMe storage, and gigabit Ethernet at a low board price.

### Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi 5 8GB kit
```yaml
product: raspberry-pi-raspberry-pi-5-8gb-kit
brand: Raspberry Pi
price_gbp: 130.79
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 8GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM
cpu_model: Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 2.4 GHz
storage_size: microSD (SDR104) with optional M.2 NVMe via PCIe
expandability: PCIe 2.0 x1 for M.2 NVMe (requires separate M.2 HAT), 40-pin GPIO, 2 × 4-lane MIPI camera/display
number_of_usb_ports: 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × USB 2.0
```

- **Price:** £130.79 [^2]
- **Summary:** Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) is a compact single-board computer powered by a BCM2712 quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU and 8GB LPDDR4X, offering dual 4Kp60 HDMI, PCIe 2.0 for NVMe expansion, and a mix of USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. It includes an RP1 I/O controller for improved USB and SD performance, a real-time clock, and a power button, making it suitable for desktop-like tasks, media playback, and embedded projects needing fast storage. The kit bundles the board with essential accessories for quick setup.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable as a home server under £300 because its 8GB RAM plus PCIe NVMe support provides high memory and fast local storage for virtualization or media/backup services.

### ASUS ASUS PN Series PN52 Mini PC
```yaml
product: asus-asus-pn-series-pn52-mini-pc
brand: ASUS
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: Supports up to 64GB DDR4 3200 (2 SO-DIMM slots)
cpu_model: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
dimensions: 11.2 x 6.9 x 2.7 in
storage_size: Supports 2 x M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe and 1 x 2.5 in SATA bay
expandability: 2 x M.2 SSD slots and 1 x 2.5 in SATA bay; up to 64GB RAM
number_of_usb_ports: 7 (including USB-C ports; front and rear combined)
```

- **Price:** £None [^3]
- **Summary:** Compact 1‑liter mini PC powered by AMD Ryzen H-series processors with integrated Radeon graphics, dual HDMI 2.1, USB-C DisplayPort support, Wi‑Fi 6E and a triple‑storage design (2 M.2 + 2.5 in). It offers ample I/O and upgradeability in a small chassis for home office, media, or light server use.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable as a home server under £300 because it supports 2 M.2 NVMe drives plus a 2.5 in SATA bay and up to 64GB RAM, offering high storage flexibility and adequate CPU performance for home server tasks.

### Beelink Beelink EQ12 N100 Mini PC
```yaml
product: beelink-beelink-eq12-n100-mini-pc
brand: Beelink
price_gbp: 178.62
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 8GB or 16GB DDR5 4800 MHz
cpu_model: Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake-N)
dimensions: 12.4 x 11.25 x 3.84 cm
storage_size: 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
expandability: One M.2 2280 slot and one 2.5in SATA bay; single SODIMM slot (up to 16GB)
number_of_usb_ports: 4 (3x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Type-C)
```

- **Price:** £178.62 [^4]
- **Summary:** The Beelink EQ12 is a compact, actively cooled mini PC powered by an Intel N100 Alder Lake-N quad-core CPU, available with 8GB or 16GB DDR5 and a 500GB NVMe SSD. It includes dual 2.5GbE, WiFi 6, triple-display support (2x HDMI + USB-C DP Alt Mode), and internal expansion for a 2.5in SATA drive and M.2 SSD, suited for light desktop use and networked tasks.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for a home server under £300 because it offers dual 2.5GbE networking, 500GB NVMe storage, and up to 16GB DDR5 RAM in a compact, low-power N100 system giving strong value for networked storage and media duties.

### Beelink Beelink SEi12 Pro (i5-1235U) Mini PC
```yaml
product: beelink-beelink-sei12-pro-i5-1235u-mini-pc
brand: Beelink
price_gbp: 343.05
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 16GB or 32GB DDR4 (upgradable to 64GB)
cpu_model: Intel Core i5-1235U
dimensions: 126 x 113 x 40 mm
storage_size: 500GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD
expandability: Supports M.2 2280 NVMe SSD and 2.5-inch HDD; 2x DDR4 SODIMM slots (up to 64GB)
number_of_usb_ports: 5 (2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB-C)
```

- **Price:** £343.05 [^5]
- **Summary:** The Beelink SEi12 Pro is a compact mini PC powered by an Intel Core i5-1235U, Intel Iris Xe graphics, dual-channel DDR4 (16GB or 32GB) and a 500GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. It offers dual HDMI outputs, WiFi 6, Gigabit Ethernet and multiple USB ports in a small 126 x 113 x 40 mm chassis, with internal options to add storage and upgrade RAM. Its dual-fan cooling and near-silent operation suit sustained workloads and multimedia use.
- **Ideal For:** Good value under £300 for a home server because it includes a 10-core i5-1235U, 500GB PCIe 4.0 SSD and upgradable RAM to 64GB, enabling virtualization and storage expansion within a compact, low-power chassis.

### Beelink EQ12 N100 16GB
```yaml
product: beelink-eq12-n100-16gb
brand: Beelink
price_gbp: 178.62
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 16GB DDR5 4800MHz
cpu_model: Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake-N)
dimensions: 12.4 x 11.25 x 3.84 cm
storage_size: 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
expandability: Supports 1 x M.2 2280 (up to 2TB) and 1 x 2.5-inch SATA SSD/HDD, microSD slot
number_of_usb_ports: 4 USB 3.2 (3 Type-A + 1 Type-C)
```

- **Price:** £178.62 [^6]
- **Summary:** The Beelink EQ12 N100 16GB is a compact, actively cooled mini PC powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor with 16GB DDR5 and a 500GB NVMe SSD. It includes dual 2.5GbE, WiFi 6, triple-display support via 2x HDMI and USB-C DP Alt Mode, and multiple USB 3.2 ports for peripherals, suited to light servers, home labs, and multimedia use.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for the question because its dual 2.5GbE, 16GB DDR5, 500GB NVMe, and support for 2.5-inch HDD expansion provide strong home-server value under £300.

### Beelink SEi12 Pro i5-1235U
```yaml
product: beelink-sei12-pro-i5-1235u
brand: Beelink
price_gbp: 298.2
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 16GB DDR5 4800MHz
cpu_model: Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake-N)
dimensions: 12.4 x 11.25 x 3.84 cm
storage_size: 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
expandability: Supports 1 x M.2 2280 (up to 2TB) and 1 x 2.5-inch SATA SSD/HDD, microSD slot
number_of_usb_ports: 4 USB 3.2 (3 Type-A + 1 Type-C)
```

- **Price:** £298.2 [^7]
- **Summary:** The Beelink EQ12 N100 16GB is a compact, actively cooled mini PC powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor with 16GB DDR5 and a 500GB NVMe SSD. It includes dual 2.5GbE, WiFi 6, triple-display support via 2x HDMI and USB-C DP Alt Mode, and multiple USB 3.2 ports for peripherals, suited to light servers, home labs, and multimedia use.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for the question because its dual 2.5GbE, 16GB DDR5, 500GB NVMe, and support for 2.5-inch HDD expansion provide strong home-server value under £300.

### Dell OptiPlex 7090 Micro i5-10500T
```yaml
product: dell-optiplex-7090-micro-i5-10500t
brand: Dell
price_gbp: 373.68
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 16 GB
cpu_model: Intel Core i5-10500T
dimensions: 3.6 in x 7.0 in x 7.2 in
storage_size: 256 GB
expandability: 2x DDR4 SO-DIMM up to 64 GB; 1x M.2 slot; optional 2.5 in drive bay
number_of_usb_ports: 6
```

- **Price:** £373.68 [^8]
- **Summary:** The OptiPlex 7090 Micro with an i5-10500T is a compact, business-focused mini PC offering a 6-core 10th-gen CPU, 16 GB RAM, and a 256 GB NVMe SSD in an ultra-small chassis with multiple USB ports and M.2 expansion. It suits users needing a space-saving desktop for office tasks, light server duties, or dual-monitor setups.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for a home server under £300 because it offers a 6-core i5 CPU, 16 GB RAM, and M.2 SSD support allowing responsive NAS or light VM workloads at a low cost if found near that price.

### GEEKOM GEEKOM Mini IT12 (12th Gen Intel)
```yaml
product: geekom-geekom-mini-it12-12th-gen-intel
brand: GEEKOM
price_gbp: 447.68
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 16 GB or 32 GB, upgradable to 64 GB
cpu_model: Intel Core i7-1280P
dimensions: 117 x 112 x 49.2 mm
storage_size: 512 GB or 1 TB (M.2 2280 NVMe)
expandability: 1 × M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4, 1 × M.2 2242 SATA, 1 × 2.5in SATA HDD (7mm)
number_of_usb_ports: 6 (2 × USB4, 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 × USB 2.0)
```

- **Price:** £447.68 [^9]
- **Summary:** Compact Mini PC available with 12th Gen Intel CPUs (i7-1280P or i5-12450H) offering up to 64 GB DDR4, PCIe Gen4 NVMe storage, dual USB4 and multiple display outputs, plus 2.5GbE and Wi‑Fi 6E. It's a small, well‑connected unit suited to multitasking, media playback, light editing, and 24/7 home server use.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal under-£300 home server contender because it supports up to 64 GB RAM, 2.5 GbE networking, and triple-storage expandability (PCIe 4.0 NVMe + M.2 SATA + 2.5in HDD), allowing a high-capacity, networked server build for file serving and media under budget.

### HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Mini i5-10500T
```yaml
product: hp-elitedesk-800-g6-mini-i5-10500t
brand: HP
price_gbp: 406.57
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 16 GB
cpu_model: Intel Core i5-10500T
dimensions: 17.7 x 17.5 x 3.4 cm
storage_size: 512 GB
expandability: Up to 32 GB RAM; NVMe SSD slot; M.2 and 2.5in drive options
number_of_usb_ports: 7
```

- **Price:** £406.57 [^10]
- **Summary:** Compact business-class mini PC with a 10th-gen Intel i5-10500T, integrated UHD 630 graphics, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB NVMe SSD; very small footprint and multiple display/USB ports. Suited for office workloads, home labs and as a small server where space and power efficiency matter.
- **Ideal For:** Good value under £300 if you need a compact home server with 6-core i5 CPU, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB NVMe storage for light virtualization and file services.

### Intel Intel NUC 13 Pro NUC13 Pro Kit
```yaml
product: intel-intel-nuc-13-pro-nuc13-pro-kit
brand: Intel
price_gbp: 1023.37
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 2x SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 (64GB max)
cpu_model: Intel Core i7-1360P
storage_size: 1x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4; 1x M.2 2242 PCIe Gen3/SATA
expandability: 2x SO-DIMM slots; 1x M.2 2280; 1x M.2 2242
number_of_usb_ports: 3 x USB 3.2; 1 x USB 2.0; 2 x Thunderbolt 4
```

- **Price:** £1023.37 [^11]
- **Summary:** The Intel NUC 13 Pro kit is a compact barebones mini-PC using 13th-gen Intel P-class processors with Iris Xe graphics, dual SO-DIMM slots (64GB max), and dual M.2 slots including a PCIe Gen4 NVMe bay. It offers modern connectivity (Wi‑Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1) and is suited for 24/7 small-office, digital-signage, or home lab use.
- **Ideal For:** Not ideal for under £300 because the kit uses a 13th-gen Core i7-1360P, dual SO-DIMM support to 64GB and PCIe Gen4 storage which raises its price above the £300 value target.

### Intel NUC 12 Pro Bean Canyon NUC12WSBi5
```yaml
product: intel-nuc-12-pro-bean-canyon-nuc12wsbi5
brand: Intel
price_gbp: 411.02
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
dimensions: 117 x 112 x 54 mm
expandability: 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 or SATA, 1 x M.2 2242 SATA, 1 x 2.5 in drive bay, 2 x DDR4 SODIMM up to 64GB
```

- **Price:** £411.02 [^12]
- **Summary:** Compact 4x4 mini PC using 12th‑Gen Intel mobile processors with Intel Iris Xe graphics, dual M.2 slots plus a 2.5 in bay, 2.5GbE networking and Thunderbolt 4 for multiple displays and fast I/O. Suited for space‑constrained workstations, edge compute and small home server tasks requiring modern connectivity and upgradability.
- **Ideal For:** Good value under £300 if you find a configured unit near that budget because it offers a 12th‑Gen i5 mobile CPU, dual M.2 storage support and 2.5GbE networking for home‑server workloads.

### Minisforum UM700 Ryzen 7 6800U
```yaml
product: minisforum-um700-ryzen-7-6800u
brand: Minisforum
price_gbp: 298.2
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5 (soldered)
cpu_model: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
dimensions: 80 × 80 × 43 mm
storage_size: 512GB (models also listed with 1TB)
expandability: M.2 2230 SSD slot; no SODIMM upgrades (RAM soldered)
number_of_usb_ports: 5 (two USB4, three USB 3.2 Type-A)
```

- **Price:** £298.2 [^13]
- **Summary:** Compact mini PC powered by the Ryzen 7 6800U with Radeon 680M graphics, soldered LPDDR5 RAM (16GB or 32GB) and an M.2 NVMe SSD; features dual USB4, multiple USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1 and Wi‑Fi 6E in a very small 80×80×43 mm chassis. Suited for space-constrained desktops, light gaming, media playback and portable workstation use.
- **Ideal For:** Not ideal for a home server under £300 because RAM is soldered and there is only an M.2 2230 slot (limited storage expandability) despite a powerful Ryzen 7 6800U.

### MinisForum MinisForum N100 Mini PC
```yaml
product: minisforum-minisforum-n100-mini-pc
brand: MinisForum
price_gbp: 186.84
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
ram: 16GB LPDDR5
cpu_model: Intel N100 (Alder Lake-N)
dimensions: 127.5 x 112.4 x 39.9 mm
storage_size: 512GB M.2 SSD
expandability: M.2 2280 SSD slot and 2.5in SATA bay, microSD slot
number_of_usb_ports: 5
```

- **Price:** £186.84 [^14]
- **Summary:** Small, low-power mini PC built around an Intel N100 4-core processor with 16GB LPDDR5 and a 512GB M.2 SSD, triple 4K display outputs (2x HDMI + USB-C), gigabit/2.5G Ethernet and multiple USB ports. Compact dimensions and support for a 2.5in drive and M.2 expansion make it suitable for home offices, media playback, and light server tasks.
- **Ideal For:** Good value under £300 for a home server because it pairs a 6W Intel N100 CPU with 16GB RAM and a 512GB M.2 SSD plus a 2.5in bay for extra storage, giving efficient performance and expandable capacity.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Raspberry Pi (official), accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-5/
[^2]: PiShop (alternate listing), accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.pishop.us/product/raspberry-pi-5-8gb/?srsltid=AfmBOoobbi3AatxdtZ4tuR6a5PJlPb_GbscrNxkEDYMxxhTLbh54feAX
[^3]: ASUS (product page), accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.asus.com/news/ap7ajf1nzz1v1rzu/
[^4]: Beelink Store, accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.bee-link.com/products/eq12-mini-pc
[^5]: Beelink (official store), accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.beelink.com/product/SEi12.html
[^6]: Beelink Store (manufacturer), accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.bee-link.com/products/beelink-eq12-mini-pc
[^7]: Amazon, accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8XXXXXX
[^8]: PC Liquidations, accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.pcliquidations.com/p136141-dell-optiplex-7090-micro?srsltid=AfmBOop_CEHJF8fUYqBAjeuTfiXvZsAdk0ApKxiTiRE7uPNXuhN4z58m
[^9]: Best Buy, accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.bestbuy.com/product/geekom-it12-mini-pc-12th-gen-intel-i7-1280p-nuc12-mini-computers-16gb-ddr4-1tb-pcie-gen-4-ssd-windows-11-pro-pre-installed-blue/J3GW668XP6
[^10]: Refurb.io, accessed 2026-06-12. https://us.refurb.io/products/hp-elitedesk-800-g6-mini-desktop-i5-10500t-16gb-ram-512-gb-solid-state-drive-windows-11-pro-refurbished
[^11]: CTI Store (alternate SKU), accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.ctistore.pl/intel-nuc13-pro-kit-nuc13anki3-core-i3-1315u-slim-kit-eu-cord-p-222260.html
[^12]: MITXPC, accessed 2026-06-12. https://mitxpc.com/products/nuc12wshi50000
[^13]: Minisforum product listing (spec page), accessed 2026-06-12. https://store.minisforum.com/pages/product-spec-amd?srsltid=AfmBOoqfTCDQLNQBUVEP5c7CDbhbH1O2239RGnpUWBD1UJXn0JiECcsJ
[^14]: Central Computers, accessed 2026-06-12. https://www.centralcomputer.com/minisforum-un100l-mini-pc-intel-12th-gen-n10016gb-lpddr5-ram-512gb-ssd-desktop-pc-4k-triple-display-4xusb-portsgigabit-etherne.html