Choosing between a Mac Mini M1 and a small x86 home server
A first proper is being planned around two options. The first option is a used Mac Mini M1 with 16GB memory for €400, plus a TerraMaster D2 external storage box for about €100 to €150. Storage would start with one 8TB and later grow to around 20TB total.
The second option is an AOOSTAR WTR Pro Ryzen 7 5825U barebone for €350, plus about €100 for memory and an SSD. The planned services are Plex for back, Immich for up to about 500GB of photos and videos, Nextcloud for about 30GB of files, Sonarr, Radarr, Prowlarr, a download stack, and . The storage plan starts with no RAID, while important files and photos are backed up to a separate 5TB external .
The Mac Mini is appealing because it is silent, power-efficient, strong enough, and easy to place behind a TV in the living room. The AOOSTAR looks more like a traditional server because it supports x86 Linux, upgradeable memory, and internal storage.
Key points
- The Mac Mini option uses a used M1 model with 16GB memory priced around €400.
- The Mac Mini setup depends on a TerraMaster D2 external storage box and .
- The AOOSTAR option offers x86 Linux, upgradeable memory, and internal storage.
- The planned apps include Plex, Immich, Nextcloud, download tools, and .
- The storage plan starts without RAID and uses a separate 5TB external drive for important backups.