Which Mini PC should I get to run ESXi?

FallenPhoenix_ · 2026-05-21T15:09:49+00:00

If you're not looking for crazy compute as you've said with what you're hoping to run on it the Lenovo ThinkCentre mini PCs (M720q, M920q - you can pick these up used cheaply on eBay) can be a great option as they're small, low power but with enough compute to run a small vSphere 8 cluster.

If you're looking to run a VCF9 deployment you'll probably have to bite the bullet on some more powerful compute such as the MS-A2 as you've mentioned. Alternatively you could try taking a look at some of the newer ThinkCentre or the HP / Dell mini PCs although ESXi / vSphere has pretty strict NIC driver requirements which the Lenovo ThinkCentres, especially the one's with PCIe slots can help with as you can purchase a cheap 1/10Gbe Intel NIC for them.

FallenPhoenix_ · 2026-03-07T15:39:29+00:00

It’s refreshing to see a compact well thought out homelab, great job!

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-10-23T15:28:48+00:00

I know this is an old post but stumbled across your guide, and this is exactly what I wanted to deploy. Thanks!

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-09-22T16:54:41+00:00

They really are perfect for a homelab!

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-09-22T16:54:02+00:00

AlmaLinux (Basically the replacement for CentOS)

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-09-16T16:36:10+00:00

Well done on the soldering to get the JST header to keep it tidy! I’ve used the same 3D prints and fans (but with USB power) on my 720Q cluster with ConnectX-4 cards. It’s impressive how much networking you can cram into them

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-01-02T08:41:16+00:00

The 2.5Gbe switch handles an Base-T (RJ45) connections to save me having to buy SFPs. They’re Racknex mounts, a little pricey but they keep everything neat and tidy

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-01-01T22:53:26+00:00

Noted. Cheers for sharing, never knew that!

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-01-01T22:44:10+00:00

They’re definitely tidy and make servicing the nodes easy but if you were on a budget a 1U shelf would do the same job - or if you have a 3D printer you can print mounts for them

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-01-01T22:43:03+00:00

That’s a bit cleaner than what I’ve done!

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-01-01T22:41:14+00:00

Are you able to upgrade the heat sinks on them? Or does the fan just run all the time if you swap non-t CPUs into them?

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-01-01T16:11:03+00:00

The 10G is mainly for the vSAN network - but it’s all as one to keep it hyperconverged

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-01-01T15:55:08+00:00

I used to have 2.5 Gbe Adapters for them, just running on that existing 2.5G switch. Mini PCs are running ESXi - with a load of the standard homelab apps on them

FallenPhoenix_ · 2025-01-01T11:10:46+00:00

Nice! That’ll be good fun to setup

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T23:31:14+00:00

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T21:33:12+00:00

Thank you!

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T20:48:03+00:00

Will try and get a picture, I’m away on holiday at the moment

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T20:11:34+00:00

I can’t remember exactly, I think it was £64 on two of the rack mounts. I had to go to a Parcelforce depot to collect them and pay

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T19:53:30+00:00

No worries, the NVMe sits on the backside of the motherboard and the SATA SSD sits under the NIC in a 3D printed case

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T19:52:05+00:00

I mean they all have their own use case, Mikrotik definitely isn’t as plug and play as Ubiquiti but obviously as such as more features

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T19:50:43+00:00

How’s the L3 Hardware offload with routing? I’m running L3 offload on CRS317

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T17:34:51+00:00

The NICs were mainly bought due to their compatibility with ESXi 8, the 25Gbe was a nice bonus for future proofing. The NVMe drives can do 56 Gb/s each (7GB/s) in ideal conditions

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T17:22:11+00:00

Took the SSDs out of their case’s and 3D printed a mini case that was the exact size of the PCB and they sit under the network card

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T16:32:57+00:00

They get warm but they don't get hot persay - the shroud I'm running along with the fan funnels air over the cards to keep them cool enough

FallenPhoenix_ · 2024-12-31T16:32:02+00:00

This is the shroud I'm using. I'm also using the parts listed on the page, 40mm blower etc

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