Hey!

I’ve decided that it’s time to finally get something resembling an actual server for my home setup, and I was hoping you folks could give me some pointers (given the current prices).

My current set up is just my old laptop with 2 external hard drives plugged in - one is the regular portal USB HDD, another is 3.5 HDD plugged via powered enclosure (ZFS and LUKS on both). I want to switch that for something relatively small, but extendable, as I want to add more disk space in the future. I’m selfhosting Plex, Immich and Navidrome, and occasionally some multiplayer games like Valheim. I’m not planning to use Proxmox or TrueNAS/whatever, I mostly just plan to throw Debian on it and spin everything in Docker.

I looked through some guides on https://selfhosting.sh/ and on Reddit, but that just got me more confused, as everyone keeps suggesting Optiplexes and NUCs, but I don’t get how to combine that with 20TB+ disk space while ensuring the disks are secure and well powered. Plus my understanding is most of those mini-PC’s/refurbished workstations use regular DDR3/4, whereas I was hoping to get ECC.

Should I go DIY route, or is there something I could get as a solid enough base to expand in the future? If DIY is the answer - what mobo/cpu/case should I get? My ideal budget (for everything excluding hard drives and maybe PSU since I have one lying around) is ~500 euros, but if paying a bit more would mean a substantially better deal - then I’d be OK with that. I’m in Berlin, so if you know any good local markets - that’d be great too.

Thanks!

  • graynk@discuss.tchncs.deOPEnglish
    1·
    12 hours ago

    I just realized this almost reads like a Terramaster ad, that’s not my goal; you can search for similar options from other fabricants.

    I don’t mind that, I’m actively looking for recommendations. I also got pointed to https://www.minisforum.com/products/n5-air, but that one is 500 with no RAM at all, which is quite hefty.

    So far I’m leaning towards trying to assemble something generic from used components, though I’m not quite sure what to pick best, motherboard being the hardest one.

    As for TrueNAS - I might check it out if I do get off the shelf NAS, but I don’t imagine I’ll be using the Web UI much, to be honest. And I know about Jellyfin, I’m sticking to Plex just because I already have a lifetime Plex Pass and I like the app on my TV. If they keep shoving “community” features down my throat though - I’ll do the switch.

    • Danitos@reddthat.comEnglish
      1·
      10 hours ago

      but that one is 500 with no RAM at all, which is quite hefty.

      I got mine open box off from eBay. You could search in a similar way. I hunted for a few days, with terms like “NAS”, “N100”, “N150”, “MiniPC”, “4 Bay”, etc.

      though I’m not quite sure what to pick best, motherboard being the hardest one.

      I’m not sure on this, so take it with a grain of salt, but I think non-NAS oriented mothebaords aren’t optimized for low energy consumption, specially on idle.

      Best of luck!