Tested Hardware
Every system on this page has been installed, optimized, and benchmarked with Project NOMAD. Real scores, real performance data, no guesswork.
How We Test
Every device goes through the same three-step process so you can compare results with confidence.
Install
Fresh Ubuntu install, then Project NOMAD. Every device starts from scratch so benchmarks are apples-to-apples.
Optimize
Configure AI models, enable GPU acceleration where available, and tune for best performance on that specific hardware.
Benchmark
Full NOMAD Benchmark suite: CPU, memory, disk I/O, AI inference speed, and time to first token. Published as a single NOMAD Score.
Tested Devices
Real-world benchmarks from devices we've installed, optimized, and tested with Project NOMAD.
Minisforum
MS-02 Ultra
AI powerhouse with discrete GPU. Best choice for running larger AI models at high speed.
Minisforum
AI X1 Pro
Compact all-in-one. Solid AI from an integrated GPU, no discrete card needed.
What We Look For
Not every mini PC is a good fit for NOMAD. Here's what makes a system score well on our benchmarks.
GPU acceleration (integrated or discrete)
AMD Radeon iGPUs, NVIDIA GeForce cards, or Intel Arc all boost AI inference speed dramatically over CPU-only.
32GB+ DDR5 RAM
AI models need memory. 32GB is the minimum for a good experience with 7-8B parameter models.
1TB+ NVMe SSD
Wikipedia, maps, education content, and AI models add up. 1TB gives room to grow.
2.5GbE Ethernet
NOMAD serves content to every device on your network. Fast LAN means faster page loads for everyone.
Compact form factor
A NOMAD server should be small, quiet, and easy to tuck onto a shelf or pack in a bag.
Linux compatibility
NOMAD runs on Ubuntu/Debian. Hardware with confirmed Linux support avoids driver headaches.
Already Running NOMAD?
Run the built-in System Benchmark to see how your hardware performs, and compare your NOMAD Score on the community leaderboard.
View the Community LeaderboardHardware Manufacturers: Get Your Devices Featured
We test and benchmark mini PCs from leading manufacturers and feature the results on this page. Your hardware gets exposure to the Project NOMAD community and our YouTube audience of 500,000+ subscribers.
Interested in getting your hardware tested? Send us a sample and we'll put it through the full NOMAD benchmarking process.
Get in Touch