Linux Distro for Intel N100

boomramada on 22/06/2025 - 17:20
Last edited 22/07/2025 - 10:44 by 1 other user

I have recently acquired a Gmktec G3 Mini PC with Intel N100 (8GB DDR4, 256GB SSD), and I'm planning to run Linux. What would be the best Distro suitable for it?

I'm using it to run several Docker containers, being able to remote into it for basic tasks, ie run a browser or to run a basic GUI application.

I prefer to install it as a network installation. Any good tips?

And what would be the best way to back up the entire system, once it is set up as an ISO, preferably to a network location?

[Edit]Thanks all, I went with the Proxmox> Mint > Docker option. It was pretty easy to install and configure. More importantly, backup procedures.

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  SupeNintendoChalmers on 22/06/2025 - 18:05

  Don't think you'd anything other than Ubuntu imho

  • 

    Mechz on 22/06/2025 - 18:08

    +1

    Mint

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  AndyC1 on 22/06/2025 - 19:21

  +1

  MInt xfce edition or some other Linux with xfce or google "linux lightweight desktop environment" and start reading.

  If it was your day to day desktop I would use Mint xfce edition or if you want to have everything and all the latest graphics widget way or working then Ubuntu.

  I run Linux in various Windows virtual environments and find the full blown Ubuntu too slow compared to other distros designed for less graphics usage.

  • 

    ssfps on 22/06/2025 - 23:39

    If someone needs to ask what distro to use, the answer is usually mint (or ubuntu)!

  • 

    bargaino on 23/06/2025 - 11:42

    Ubuntu MATE is also an option.
    You could run full Ubuntu or Mint, but it won't leave a lot of resources for the Docker containers.

  • 

    Jimbuscus on 24/06/2025 - 20:28

    Intel N100 runs Win11, it'll handle mainline Mint Cinnamon fine.

    I run Cinnamon on a weaker mobile chip, it's never lagged.

    • 

      AndyC1 on 24/06/2025 - 21:04

      But you are not using it as a dev PC where multiple docker containers are running in the background chewing up ram and hdd resources and 5 to 10% CPU at worst case.

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  zfa on 22/06/2025 - 19:57

  +3

  Instead of gong right to installing OS, install Proxmox then try a few different ones on it. Just delete the ones you don't like. Most folk just end up with ubuntu as thats got the most users so easiest to find solns to the problems you encounter. GL.

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  elusive on 22/06/2025 - 20:19

  +3

  Just to echo zfa, distro choice tends to be a fairly personal thing but having a nice stable base to work from is nice. Proxmox tends to be an easy-to-start choice for that, then you can run containers inside it with different distros. It also makes backups easier, since they're somewhat isolated from the hardware and you can just export entire container images.

  Beyond that typically you're looking at three 'categories' in common use:

  • Debian and derivatives (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.) use deb packages and apt. Probably the most common desktop distro.
  • RedHat and derivatives (CentOS, Fedora, etc.) use rpm packages and yum/dnf. More common in the server space.
  • Arch is bleeding edge but also relatively less stable vs the others. Has good community resources.

  Then you have the desktop environments on top of it. Very very much personal preference here. IIRC KDE is the one that's generally considered closest to Windows UI-wise.

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    boomramada on 22/06/2025 - 20:29

    Ah okie thanks, I will experiment a little

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  3dprintdeals on 22/06/2025 - 21:12

  +1

  +1 for proxmox host and then install vms/LXCs on top

  Proxmox Helper scripts makes installing things a breeze

  Chatgpt is a great help to troubleshoot.

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    boomramada on 23/06/2025 - 08:06

    I only got a N100, will it be okay to run a docker on top of Vm on top of proxmox performance-wise?
    However, Proxmox definitely would make my backing up super easy.

    • 

      3dprintdeals on 23/06/2025 - 08:23

      +1

      Yes, no issue.

      Your limitation on how many/type of docker containers will be your ram.