First home server: a low-power mini PC or one roomy tower
There are two possible setups. The first keeps an Intel i5-13500 processor, 32 GB of memory, and both 5 TB and 4 TB drives inside a Dell tower, making it one all-in-one server. The second moves the processor into an HP Elite Mini 600 G9 with 32 GB of memory and uses a separate device for files.
The planned server will run Proxmox, Nextcloud, , Pi-hole, Plex for local video , and Frigate for camera . The Dell tower currently uses about 12–16 watts while idle. The 5 TB drive should provide enough space for now, while the 4 TB drive is intended to back up important documents and photos.
The main priorities are low power use, , simple management, and good Plex and Frigate . The central choice is whether easier storage expansion is worth the extra cost, power use, and complexity of running two devices.
Key points
- The Dell tower uses about 12–16 watts while idle.
- The 5 TB drive is planned for main storage and the 4 TB drive for important document and photo backups.
- One combined server is cheaper and simpler, while separate storage is easier to expand or replace.
- The same tradeoff applies to a Mac mini because its internal storage is limited.
- A backup inside the same machine cannot fully protect against theft or a whole-server failure.