Budget mini PC homelab raises network and storage choices
The first rack-mounted homelab plan is built around hardware already on hand: one Lenovo mini PC, parts from a scrap PC, and a QNAP NAS. The network avoids a full UniFi setup to save money. A would handle gateway, router, and firewall duties, while a simple TP-Link 5-port switch would handle wired connections.
Power would come through a PDU and UPS. The main concern is whether a UCG-Ultra and a managed TP-Link switch work well together, especially when VLAN tagging is used. Storage between Proxmox and the QNAP NAS is another open choice, with NFS and iSCSI being compared under a 1Gbps network limit through the switch.
The rack itself is 3D printed, so future expansion also depends on practical accessories and layout choices.
Key points
- The planned homelab uses a Lenovo mini PC, scrap PC parts, and a QNAP NAS.
- The network would mix a with a TP-Link switch to reduce cost.
- VLAN tagging is the main concern in the mixed network setup.
- Proxmox storage access to the QNAP NAS is being weighed between NFS and iSCSI.
- All storage traffic would pass over 1Gbps, which may limit .