Advice needed: Intel mini PC (preferably i9/Core Ultra 9), Linux-friendly, 96GB RAM support, no Windows

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for guidance from the community to choose a high-end mini PC for professional workloads (data engineering, containers, light AI inference).

My key requirements:

• Intel CPU preferred (ideally Core i9 or Core Ultra 9)
• Must support up to 96GB RAM (2×48GB DDR5)
• Either:
  • ships with Linux, or
  • barebone / no OS so I can install Linux myself
• I explicitly want to avoid paying for a Windows license
• Good Linux compatibility (Ubuntu / Proxmox friendly)
• Decent integrated GPU (Intel Arc is fine)
• Good thermals under sustained load
• At least one NVMe Gen4 slot (Gen5 is a plus)
• Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 would be highly desirable (possible future eGPU)

Context:
I’m based in Mexico, so availability and shipping restrictions from some EU/Asia vendors can be an issue. Models easy to obtain in North America are strongly preferred.

Models I’m currently considering:

• ASUS NUC 15 Pro / Pro+
• Beelink GTi15 Ultra
• Geekom IT15 (not sure about the 96GB limit)

From what I’ve seen, some newer mini PCs with Intel Core Ultra 9 can support up to 96GB DDR5 in dual-channel, but real-world Linux experience matters more to me.

Questions for the community:

1. Which Intel mini PCs actually handle 96GB reliably?
2. Any Linux compatibility issues I should watch for (Arc drivers, Wi-Fi, etc.)?
3. Are there models I’m missing that fit these requirements (or exceeds them)?

Appreciate any real-world experience

Thanks in advance.