A low-cost homelab built without a rack
A setup in Mexico uses an internet provider modem, a separate router, and an 8-port semi-managed TP-Link switch instead of an expensive rack. The main server is an mini PC with 16GB of memory and a 1TB M.2 SATA drive, running Proxmox. It runs , Jellyfin, Pi-hole, and an arr stack for , media playback, ad blocking, and media-related workflows.
A TerraMaster NAS F2-425 Plus was added recently, with an Intel N150 chip and 8GB of memory. The setup is more about keeping costs down and getting useful services running than building a polished ed system.
Key points
- The setup avoids a dedicated rack because rack prices are high.
- The main server is an mini PC with 16GB of memory and a 1TB M.2 SATA drive.
- Proxmox runs the main services: , Jellyfin, Pi-hole, and an arr stack.
- A TerraMaster NAS F2-425 Plus was added for separate storage.
- owners can use this as a reference for when to split storage from the main server.