A Mac mini home server built into an understairs cupboard
A Mac mini is being used as the central machine for home and smart home support. Several external provide storage for media files, and Homebridge connects devices that do not have direct Apple Home support. The home also has Hue lighting, gear in the living room, and a network connection to a converted garage used as a dedicated listening room.
The equipment sits in a UK understairs cupboard where a normal would not fit because the door is too wide and the space is too shallow. A custom rack was built so it can be pulled out of the cupboard when parts need to be changed. Cooling uses two 200mm Noctua fans, with one pushing air in and one pulling air out from the bottom and top of the cupboard.
The space usually stays only 2 to 3 degrees Celsius warmer than the room, with monitoring and automatic fan control based on surrounding .
Key points
- The Mac mini acts as the central machine for and smart home bridging.
- External are used for .
- Homebridge connects non-Apple-Home devices into the Apple home setup.
- A custom pull-out rack was built because a normal would not fit.
- Two 200mm Noctua fans and automatic fan control keep the cupboard close to room .