Herk Orion Mini PC: Affordable Ryzen Power for Linux Workstations

Transforming a compact Windows 11 mini PC into a full-fledged Linux workstation is a path increasingly traveled by tech enthusiasts looking to maximize both performance and flexibility without breaking the bank. Such was the case with the Herk Orion, a Ryzen-powered mini PC, which has recently garnered attention for delivering snappy performance, quiet operation, and remarkable value—especially when running Linux. But does the hype hold up under scrutiny, and how do the real-world tradeoffs stack up for users aiming to move beyond the default Windows installation?

Understanding the Herk Orion: Small Form, Powerful Heart​

The Herk Orion mini PC is a striking blend of modern industrial design and robust hardware, squarely targeting space-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on performance. At the heart of the machine lies the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, an eight-core, sixteen-thread powerhouse built on an advanced Zen 4 architecture. The CPU is paired with AMD's Radeon 780M (RDNA3) integrated graphics—a combination designed to handle a broad spectrum of tasks from productivity to light creative work and even some gaming.
Hardware highlights include:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.2 GHz boost)
• GPU: AMD Radeon 780M (2,800 MHz, RDNA3 iGPU)
• RAM: 32GB LPDDR5 dual-channel memory
• Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD (2 x M.2 slots; one unused for future upgrades)
• Connectivity: 2.5Gbps LAN, WiFi 6E (up to 2.4Gbps), Bluetooth 5.2
• Ports: Dual HDMI, USB 3.2 x2, USB 2.0 x2, USB 4 (15w) x2
• Cooling: Vapor chamber, promising near-silent operation
• OS Support: Windows 11 and Linux

This hardware stack positions the Orion well above the bulk of mini PCs flooded with older Intel CPUs, undersized SSDs, or limited RAM. At just $649 direct from Herk, the Orion sharply undercuts the price of name-brand compact desktops with even vaguely similar specs.

Windows 11 Default: Capable, But Not Inspired​

Out of the box, the Herk Orion arrives with Windows 11—a natural choice for most mainstream manufacturers, given Windows' massive install base and broad hardware compatibility. During testing, Windows 11 delivered a smooth, responsive desktop experience. The Ryzen chip’s competency ensured that common productivity and entertainment tasks—web browsing, video streaming, office applications—rarely taxed system resources. The integration of fast LPDDR5 RAM and a PCIe Gen4 SSD meant that app launches, file transfers, and multitasking were brisk.
Noise and heat remained non-issues, with the vapor chamber cooling solution earning high marks for maintaining stable CPU temps without adding unwanted fan noise. Even in a perfectly quiet environment, the Orion remained subdued—something rarely guaranteed in budget or miniaturized PCs.
However, Windows 11 brought some familiar headaches for users with advanced expectations:

• Setup and Updates: The initial configuration and routine updates, especially large security patches, often interrupted workflow and system responsiveness.
• Pre-installed Bloatware: As with many OEM installs, a degree of unwanted preloaded software surfaced—something seasoned users may find irksome.
• Background Services: Windows' aggressive background management (telemetry, indexing, Defender scans) could occasionally spike CPU and disk usage, marring the experience.

All told, for many users, a fresh Windows 11 system on modern hardware does feel plenty capable. But for those prioritizing maximum control, speed, and efficiency, the lure of Linux remains potent.

The Linux Alternative: Speed, Flexibility, and (Some) Tradeoffs​

The real magic of the Herk Orion, according to multiple hands-on reports, emerges when swapping Windows 11 for a modern Linux distribution. In the case of the ZDNET review, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS was the distro of choice—a decision underpinned by Ubuntu’s reputation for stability and its robust support for AMD CPUs and GPUs.

Performance Leap​

Here, subjective impressions and quantifiable numbers align. The Orion was observed to:

• Boot Substantially Faster: Linux’s lighter-weight init systems and streamlined boot processes resulted in the desktop appearing in mere seconds.
• Snappier App Launches: Software installations (both via CLI and GUI) completed rapidly, and applications from browsers to IDEs opened without delay.
• Responsive Multitasking: Thanks to both the optimized Linux scheduler and the powerful Ryzen chip, juggling multiple apps—or browser tabs—was effortless.

While Ubuntu doesn’t offer bleeding-edge gaming support compared to Windows, the integrated RDNA3 iGPU performed admirably for office work, HD media consumption, and lightweight creative workloads. Notably, Orion’s Linux experience was free from background interruptions commonly associated with Windows, and the absence of forced updates or bloatware further sweetened the proposition.

Hardware Compatibility​

Historically, Linux on mini PCs could mean a tiresome game of hunting drivers for WiFi chips, Bluetooth, or fan controllers. Here, however, praise was near-universal; Ubuntu 24.04 LTS detected all the Herk Orion’s hardware out of the box, including WiFi 6E and Bluetooth adapters. No post-install driver hunts, no kernel flags, no arcane troubleshooting.
The only notable omission lies in display output: The Orion, at least in this configuration, lacks a DisplayPort connector—a minor sore spot for multi-monitor users reliant on higher refresh rates or resolutions that sometimes exceed HDMI specs.

Silent (and Cool) Running​

Miniature PCs often struggle with heat and noise, but the combination of modern 5nm Ryzen silicon and vapor chamber cooling delivers impressively stable thermals. Under Linux, fan profiles skewed unusually quiet. System noise was virtually undetectable unless seated in silence, and even then, some users characterized the fan as a gentle hum rather than an intrusive whine.

Expandability and Connectivity​

Despite a chassis size that could fit in one’s palm, the Orion is impressively versatile:

• Ample USB assortment: With two USB 4 ports (Thunderbolt 4 equivalent), users can connect high-speed storage, docks, or even external GPUs in some scenarios.
• Dual HDMI outputs: Out-of-the-box support for two monitors makes setting up a cost-effective workstation trivial.
• Extra M.2 slot: The presence of a second, spare M.2 slot for SSD upgrades offers a surprisingly generous expansion path.

Yet, in fairness, advanced “power users” may still pine for a DisplayPort socket or additional high-speed USB ports. But, considering the Orion’s physical limits, the trade-offs appear well-judged.

Price-to-Performance: Punching Above Its Weight​

One of the Orion’s most striking features is its price. At $649 for a Ryzen 9, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, it offers a nearly unmatched combination against mainstream competition—and certainly demolishes equivalent form-factor Apple or Intel-based systems.
For comparison’s sake:

• System76 Thelio: A beloved desktop among open-source enthusiasts, but a similarly specced unit routinely crests $2,000—largely due to US manufacturing and premium sustainable materials.
• Intel NUC Mini-PCs: Devices like the NUC 13 Pro with comparable CPU and memory often retail above $1000 and still come with weaker integrated graphics.
• Apple Mac Mini (M2): Apple’s M2-based Mac Mini starts at $599 (with far less RAM and storage), and a comparable build costs over $1100.

A potential buyer, then, gets nearly workstation-grade horsepower, silent operation, and minimal physical footprint for less than $700. Even if Linux isn’t your default OS, running Windows 11 on this hardware provides a fluid experience—so long as users are able to manage some OEM quirks and Windows’ ongoing update cycles.

Critical Analysis: Is the Herk Orion Linux Path Right for You?​

The Herk Orion makes a compelling case as both a value leader and a practical daily driver—especially for those who value a minimalist, clutter-free workspace. But “mini” PCs aren’t a perfect fit for all users. Here’s a breakdown of critical strengths and potential drawbacks.

Highs​

• Exceptional Performance-per-Dollar: The combination of Ryzen 9, fast RAM, and modern SSD in a $649 PC is rare, bordering on unique.
• Linux-Ready Out of the Box: No driver gymnastics, no esoteric kernel flags—just install Ubuntu and everything works.
• Quiet, Efficient Cooling: Vapor chamber design keeps things cool and whisper-quiet, making the Orion suitable for living rooms, dorms, or office nooks.
• Expandable Storage: Dual M.2 slots—unusual in this class—allow huge storage growth for media, codebases, or virtual machines.
• Great Connectivity: USB 4, WiFi 6E, fast Ethernet, and dual HDMI cover most day-to-day needs.

Lows and Risks​

• Limited GPU Muscle: For 3D gaming or advanced creative workloads, the integrated Radeon 780M, while strong for its class, can’t compete with discrete GPUs. Heavy machine learning, video editing, or AAA gaming will push this system past its prime.
• No DisplayPort: For users with professional multi-monitor setups or specific high-refresh-rate monitors, the HDMI-only output might frustrate.
• Potential Thermal Throttling: While reviews find the cooling more than adequate for typical workloads, edge cases (prolonged, sustained CPU/GPU load) could induce thermal throttling—standard with most ultra-compact designs.
• Form-Factor Constraints: Expansion is limited. No PCIe slots, virtually no room inside for future upgrades beyond SSDs; what you buy is (mostly) what you’re stuck with.

Security buffs should note: While modern Linux is generally resistant to malware and enjoys rapid security updates, the Herk Orion is a new brand with limited support infrastructure compared to giants like Dell or HP. Firmware and BIOS updates may be slower, and long-term hardware support is always worth confirming with smaller vendors.

User Experience: Is Linux Really That Much Faster?​

Often, claims that “Linux is always faster” are a shade too broad, but substantiated reviews—including this one—find genuine, everyday performance improvements on the Orion after the switch:

• Boot times drop dramatically (often from 30–40 seconds on Windows with a fresh install to well under 10 seconds with Ubuntu on SSD)
• App launches and multitasking feel more immediate due to the absence of antivirus background scans, Windows search indexing, Cortana, or telemetry services.
• Updates are less disruptive—Linux offers streamlined system/software updates that don’t generally force reboots at awkward times.

For office productivity, web browsing, coding, and even lightweight media editing, the combination of Orion’s premium AMD silicon and Ubuntu’s efficient desktop stack creates a notably faster, less intrusive computing platform.

When Windows Still Wins​

There are, however, clear areas where Windows holds the edge:

• Specialized software: Many proprietary/industry applications—Adobe Creative Suite, certain CAD tools, Pro Tools—are Windows (or macOS) exclusive.
• Gaming: While Proton/Steam Play on Linux have closed the gap, the best PC gaming experience, especially for anti-cheat titles, remains on Windows.
• Peripherals: Niche or high-end peripherals/inputs (specialty printers, biometric sensors, professional audio) can lack native Linux drivers.

Who Should Buy the Orion—and Who Shouldn't​

Ideal Buyers​

• Developers and tinkerers who want a quiet workstation that works “out of the box” with Linux.
• Students or remote workers seeking maximum speed, reliability, and a minimal desktop footprint.
• Multi-monitor power users (if HDMI is sufficient) who crave plenty of USB and storage expansion in a tiny package.
• Anyone looking for value: For the price, few machines combine this level of performance, RAM, and user-upgradable storage.

Who Should Hesitate​

• Power gamers or creative professionals reliant on high-end GPUs.
• Users needing DisplayPort connectivity.
• Buyers requiring absolute predictability in long-term technical support.
• Expansion enthusiasts: If you plan to add capture cards, custom cooling, or lots of internal drives, look elsewhere.

The Bigger Picture: Mini PCs, Windows, and the Linux Renaissance​

The Herk Orion’s example underscores a broader truth: Mini PCs are no longer synonymous with underpowered or “secondary” machines. Thanks to leaps in mobile processor efficiency, fast LPDDR5 RAM, and PCIe 4.0 SSDs, they now rival traditional desktops for most workloads. For home offices, student dorms, or anyone prioritizing a clean, silent workspace, ultra-compact PCs like the Orion are an obvious fit.
Simultaneously, the Linux desktop renaissance—bolstered by hardware vendors who care about upstream support—means that “just works” is no longer limited to Windows or Mac. Distributions like Ubuntu 24.04, Fedora, or even Arch can offer drop-in performance, stability, and compatibility on modern hardware.
This shift is eroding two persistent myths:

• That Linux is “hard” to install and maintain
• That mini PCs are suitable only for niche or lightweight use-cases

Both are flatly disproved by the Orion experience: a quick, driverless install, hassle-free operation, and robust day-to-day multitasking—all for under $700.

Final Verdict: The New Standard for Compact Linux Workstations?​

The Herk Orion’s greatest trick is its ability to “just work”—regardless of whether you prefer Windows or, as many users increasingly find, a modern Linux distribution. For those tired of bulky desktops, nagging fans, or performance bottlenecks, the Orion is a revelation: compact, capable, and ready to handle nearly any workflow outside of professional 3D or gaming contexts.
While it’s not perfect—no machine in this class is—the balance struck by the Orion between price, performance, and convenience is arguably unmatched in the current market. For Windows enthusiasts curious about making the leap to Linux, or for anyone hunting the ideal minimalist workstation, this is a system well worth considering—and perhaps, the new standard by which future mini PCs ought to be measured.

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Source: ZDNET I converted this Windows 11 mini PC into a Linux workstation - it was so worth it