Mini PCs are all the rage these days, combining portability with performance in a compact package. One such rising star is the Herk Orion, a Ryzen-powered mini PC that promises a lot right out of the box. While it comes equipped with Windows 11, the default operating system, one writer decided to throw convention to the wind and load the Orion with Linux. The result? A massive performance leap that redefines what this tiny piece of tech can do. Let’s dive into the details, explore the technologies at play, and uncover what this means for Windows and Linux enthusiasts.
Here are further standout tech specs:
Here are the benefits observed once Linux was installed:
That said, Linux has become far easier for newcomers to embrace. The usability leap of distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch-based alternatives is palpable, inviting Windows defectors to join without much technical trepidation.
However, the Orion’s strong showing on Windows ensures it remains a versatile option for users who value the familiarity and suite integrations of Microsoft’s ecosystem. At a price point beginning around $649, it competes impressively across both OS spectrums.
Source: ZDNET I converted this Mini PC from Windows to Linux, and it came alive. Here's how
Meet the Herk Orion: The Basics
Before delving into the Linux conversion, let's take a look under the hood of the Orion. It’s powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, a high-performance processor that brings 8 cores and 16 threads to the table, with a clock speed base of 4.0 GHz and peaks at 5.2 GHz boost. Bundled alongside it is an Radeon 780M GPU with RDNA3 architecture, bar none one of the best integrated graphics solutions on the market today.Here are further standout tech specs:
- RAM: 32GB dual-channel LPDDR5.
- Storage: 1TB SSD (PCIe Gen4 x 4 slot, M.2 2280).
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6e, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.2.
- Ports: A mix of USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and USB 4, along with dual HDMI outs.
- Cooling: Vapor chamber cooling, keeping things silent and efficient.
From Windows to Linux: A Transformation
When people think of transitioning between operating systems, the reasons are as varied as the outcomes. In this case, switching from Windows 11 to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on the Herk Orion turned out to be nothing short of revolutionary in terms of performance.Why the Switch?
Windows 11, while sleek and feature-rich, comes with inherent baggage, including resource-intensive background operations and rigid hardware requirements for optimal performance. Even though the Herk Orion handled Windows 11 admirably, the decision to move to Linux wasn’t based on dissatisfaction—but curiosity. Linux, revered for its lightweight architecture and open-source customization, raised big expectations—and delivered.Here are the benefits observed once Linux was installed:
- Faster Boot Times:
The Orion booted up in a fraction of the time, demonstrating Linux’s knack for cutting down unnecessary bloat. - Improved App Responsiveness:
Applications launched quicker, with significantly reduced lag during processing. For a writer who often juggles multiple office productivity, browsing, and streaming tasks, this improvement was front and center. - Smoother Performance Overall:
Multitasking with Ubuntu proved the Orion could truly “breathe,” handling intensive tasks more gracefully than Windows 11 allowed. - Better Hardware Utilization:
AMD Ryzen processors have long been known to thrive on Linux, thanks to Linux’s kernel-level support for AMD systems. The interplay of Ryzen 9 with Linux 6.x kernels (as found in Ubuntu 24.04) maximized CPU and GPU efficiency.
Why Linux Gave the Herk Orion a Boost
Windows PCs and Linux PCs can behave like entirely different species, even on identical hardware. But why is Linux seemingly always the speed demon?- Lean Resource Management:
Unlike Windows, which comes preloaded with processes like Cortana, Xbox-related services, telemetry, and updates in the background, Linux uses fewer system resources, leaving more to power your actual tasks. - Driver Optimization:
Linux comes equipped with a strong reputation for AMD hardware support—including Radeon GPUs—directly through open-source drivers (like Mesa). No extra configuration is needed to squeeze graphical performance out of the Ryzen 9 processor’s Radeon 780M GPU. - Customizability:
Distros like Ubuntu allow tinkerers to disable unnecessary services outright, effectively creating a system that’s tailored, snappy, and resource-savvy.
What Windows Still Does Best
Let’s not pretend Linux has made Windows irrelevant. For users deeply integrated into Microsoft’s ecosystem—think Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, or gaming via Xbox Game Pass—Windows still reigns. Additionally, Windows 11 boasts productivity features like Snap Layouts and seamless multi-monitor management that appeal to professionals.That said, Linux has become far easier for newcomers to embrace. The usability leap of distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch-based alternatives is palpable, inviting Windows defectors to join without much technical trepidation.
Key Takeaways for Windows Users
So, should you ditch Windows entirely for Linux on your next Mini PC? Not necessarily. Here are a few scenarios where Linux might be your operating system soulmate—or not:Why Choose Linux?
- Want better control over performance on machines with mid-range to high-end hardware.
- Prefer a minimalist, distraction-free workflow without background noise (hello, telemetry).
- Require custom scripting, software development, and cutting-edge AMD optimizations baked in.
Why Stay with Windows?
- Heavy reliance on proprietary tools like Microsoft Office, Excel macros, or Adobe Photoshop.
- Avid gamer? Many PC games still run better on Windows due to DirectX compatibility, even though Linux gamers are catered to by platforms like Proton (via Steam).
- Need plug-and-play software? Linux, for all its strengths, occasionally causes hiccups with printer/scanner support or niche software.
Final Verdict: The Herk Orion Shines Either Way
The months spent with the Herk Orion proved one thing convincingly: Linux squeezes every ounce of potential out of AMD Ryzen-powered systems like this. Its ability to optimize boot speeds, task responsiveness, and hardware compatibility may be the tipping point for users who can make the switch.However, the Orion’s strong showing on Windows ensures it remains a versatile option for users who value the familiarity and suite integrations of Microsoft’s ecosystem. At a price point beginning around $649, it competes impressively across both OS spectrums.
Take the Leap
For current Windows users, testing the waters with Linux on machines like the Orion isn’t as daunting as it once was. The worst-case scenario? You dual-boot a setup that gives you the best of both worlds: blazing speed and “it-just-works” reliability. If you’ve got minimal desktop space and maximum expectations, the Herk Orion might just be your next all-star tech companion!Source: ZDNET I converted this Mini PC from Windows to Linux, and it came alive. Here's how