Hi all,
I want to spin up a small home server. Nothing crazy, maybe 4 or 8GB ram at most. 1 Docker instance running a few privacy frontends (Invidious, Redlib, Xcancel, SearxNG, etc.) and split tunneling VPN connections for each one.
Obviously, a Raspberry Pi 4 or higher is the internet’s favorite choice, but I don’t need wireless connectivity, I just need a single HDMI and 2 USB ports to get everything set up, one ethernet port, and a dream in my heart.
Has anyone use alternatives like Le Potato or Orange Pi? I’m curious what their community support is like, and if there’s a FOSS-friendly standard.
Thanks!
I actually have one of these: Dell Optiplex 3020 Micro
Has a 16 GB RAM max. Doesn’t come with HDMI but you can utilize one of these VGA/HDMI or Display port /HDMI
Surprisingly snappy little machines. Drop in another 8 GB stick of RAM for $25 and you’re off to the races.
Dell Optiplex 7020 SFF with the i7-4790 maxed out to 32 gb RAM are pretty nice too and can be found on Amazon for around $125.
Gonna second the dell optiplex. Been using one for my home server for a while now, and it’s been perfect.
I have actually been rather pleasantly surprised with the 7020 SFF. Going in, I was like 'OK it’s a $117 USD. Not going to break the bank to test it out. So I now have 40+ containers running on the 720 and my load averages look like it’s not even turned on. LOL
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The newer Dell Optiplex micro like the 5070 come with more modern hardware, HDMI and all that. I was fortunate to get a couple for free from my BIL who works in IT and was given them as E-waste.
I usually try to stay within the upper ranks of DDR3 equipment. DDR4, while a better option, is far more pricey than DDR3.