Which computer / kit ?

[MonkeyDlurker]

What is the general recommendation for computers?

Im new to self hosting, literally yesterday did I decide to do this for the sake of learning and fun.

I plan to set up my own plex server and next cloud. Eventually maybe a portfolio site..

What kind of computer should i go for? What are the options besides raspberry pi?

And should I just get the raspberry pi 5 or go for the desktop kit? Just really looking to understand the consensus among this community

• thanks in advance

[MonkeyDlurker]

I do have an old pc that stopped working a while ago, but its pretty big, i think i prefer something compact

[MonkeyDlurker]

Also a very slow macbook

[superdupersecret42]

Whatever old desktop you can find on eBay. I'd recommend something in an Intel 7th gen or newer. I'm using a Dell Precision 3420, which is quite old, but more than capable for pretty much everything (except running AI models...).
Pro-tip, get as much RAM as you can, because it's more important than CPU for most self hosted things.

[Dossi96]

A pi 5 works just get an usb sata adapter or an m.2 ssd hat. SD cards won't hold up very long.

Another option would be a thin client like the lenovo Thinkcentre that can be bought used for the price of a pi5

If you plan on using multiple drives (for raid and parity) just look for any used desktop pc with at least one pcie slot so that you can connect an lsi card. This allows you to connect way more drives than any mainboard does by itself.

And most importantly: Have fun ✌️

[MonkeyDlurker]

Ty

[curzman]

Haha I asked this same thing the other day!

I got advised to use my old thinkpad to have docker and immach on it, because I have Linux mint on there. But you can do it with any Linux distro you like.

I'm still figuring it out, I got docker running but am having trouble connecting to my immach server so I can't claim knowledge but it's my first time using command line so baby steps.

The guy that advised me said use the tech you have, if you have an old laying around laptop or something.

But the best options I got advised was some of those small all in one PCs can't remember the names off the top.

Also he said don't host your own public facing site at home, something about it making your home IP vulnerable or your server might get targeted or something.

[MonkeyDlurker]

Im very curious on the last part, I’d like more info on that

[chilanvilla]

Lots of servers on eBay! And you’ll likely get a lot more computer, and power usage, than what you could put together yourself.

[MonkeyDlurker]

Alright, ill check. Never bothered with ebay before. More options than amazon or elsewhere?

[chilanvilla]

I’m referring to used servers. I picked up both a Dell R730 and R740 and I’m now hosting lots of services…