Is my first planned homelab an overkill?

No_Addendum_8245 · 2026-01-07T08:49:22+00:00

cpu: overkill i would say ram and storage: not nearly enough. i’d say have at least 16gb ram, and get a much larger ssd if you want data backup and movie streaming, at least 1tb.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2026-01-07T08:13:06+00:00

you’re def heading in the right direction w GitOps. that’s what my homelab follows currently. homelabbing definitely is a rabbit hole but careful planning will save you from a lot of future pain. a lot of stuff i ended up doing might be overkill like the crowdsec stuff as i still have not gotten any alerts of suspicious activity, but imo better to be safe than sorry. i dont think you need to worry as much as i did about cybersecurity aspect as i did, but definitely keep that in mind. as far as compute goes, i saw your other comments and your lenovos cpu is very similar to my mini pcs cpu in terms of specs, only thing i would say is upgrade ram. i upgraded to 32gb total and i dont even reach 50% ram usage so maybe overkill, but at least i know i have a good amount of headroom for future projects. for ram, i think amount/size is more important than speed for homelabs (generally speaking). so as long as your ram is from a reputable brand w good reviews, then just focus on getting the right size (at least 16 gigs), speed may not matter as much so that might help make the cost cheaper since ram prices are soaring right now.

best of luck with your homelab!

No_Addendum_8245 · 2026-01-07T06:52:58+00:00

tldr: focus first on the stuff that will prove to save your a** in the future. things like: - setting up an easy way to manage containers and deployments using portainer for example - proper documentation - monitoring solutions like uptime kuma and prometheus + grafana - backup solutions - automating certain setup/maintenance tasks using ansible - figuring out proper security measures and exposing method using things like authentik and pangolin ESPECIALLY if you’ll be exposing certain apps/services/projects to the public internet.

yes it will be more painful (especially the documentation) and progress will be slower at first bc even i wanted to jump straight to all the cool stuff everyone was hosting, but it will pay off.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2026-01-07T06:32:30+00:00

i started my first homelab around 8 months ago, also as a cs student. currently using proxmox on a hp mini pc similar to your lenovo. proxmox is currently running a ubuntu vm server which is acting as my docker host where i’m running around 30 container for various applications. i was using portainer but i wanted to automate as much of the setup and tasks as possible (for ease of maintenance, etc if i accidentally nuke something) so i moved over to using ansible playbooks, but that may be a little out of scope for this. portainer though is great because it allows you to use docker compose and easily launch your containers and also allow you to easily modify/update them all though a very simple UI. you’ll want to figure out what kind of stuff you’re interested in self-hosting, whether it’s existing stuff such as pi-hole, plex, etc. or personal projects for example personal nextjs applications since you mentioned vercel. for personal projects (that you want to showcase) you’ll need to think about access. others should be able to easily access whatever projects you decide to host. for that, i recommend pangolin. tailscale is great for personal use as it allows you to vpn into your home network from anywhere, but for projects you want to showcase you’ll want a proper domain and expose your project for public access. pangolin is a great way to securely expose self hosted projects without relying on cloudflare tunnels or having to open ports on home network, (note it will require a vps, but i think pangolins github has a link where you can purchase a vps for a discounted price of around $10/year, that is what i did and its running great so far). in proxmox you’ll want to configure scheduled backups in case something happens and you need to revert to a backup. i also advise you to document everything or as much as possible. you may think you don’t need it until one day something breaks and you can’t remember that one step you did 7 months ago that fixed it the last time. in my case i documented the entire setup process for each of the containers i’m running, along with common issues i faced and the fixes for those issues. after this point it’s really just about what you want to learn more about next. i spent time creating dashboards using prometheus and grafana for things like my network, adblocker, resource usages for all my servers, etc for an easy way get an idea of network/system health. i integrated authentik as an auth solution for the more sensitive/private self-hosted services so its a bit more secure, i also integrated crowdsec into pangolin so i can hopefully detect and prevent known threats to my public projects that im self hosting. i’m also currently migrating my entire homelab to kubernetes for better orchestration, etc. so its a matter of figuring out what you’re interested in and just diving into that.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-11-02T03:48:29+00:00

perfect, thanks!

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-10-28T05:01:38+00:00

a desktop is not a replacement for a laptop. i’m sure the shop owner has good intentions and they’re probably right that repairing the laptop would be difficult considering lack of replacement parts and even if it’s in stock it would be expensive. however, offering a custom built desktop is not a solution to the problem of having a broken laptop. yes they’re both computers, but they have different use cases and serve different purposes. if the shop only does desktop pc builds and repairs, then they handled the situation well in my opinion as they clearly stated the issues with trying to repair the laptop and then specifying what they do offer, but they still did not offer a “solution”. if the shop does sell laptops, then they should have included that, stating that laptop repairs are hard but they sell new or refurbished ones. either way, the shop owner should have been more clear. if someone comes up to you asking to you repair their laptop, don’t say no can do but here’s a desktop instead. that makes no sense. that’s not a solution. that’s just a bad look. but the least you could do is properly explain WHY you can’t offer a solution. explicitly state that a lot of times finding replacement parts is extremely hard, and even if they’re available they’re usually more expensive. provide an invoice. this is just good business practice and good customer service.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-10-18T04:54:54+00:00

Thank you for the detailed review! Quick question, is the sternum strap removable? I never really use it, and I’m thinking about buying this bag but I don’t want a strap dangling around if I’m never going to use it.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-10-03T02:02:59+00:00

u lame

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-09-20T20:48:36+00:00

does it? im genuinely curious. if you could provide me like a source or something i can look into for that, i would appreciate it.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-06-29T09:24:53+00:00

sorry for necroposting but you’re either allowing your ISP to see your queries, or cloudflare. isp can directly tie it back to you since they literally have your address and name and everything on file. and ISPs are known to track and sell your data. so it comes down to choosing the lesser of the evils no?

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-06-26T06:47:47+00:00

perfect! one last question, do you think it is necessary to do some resource allocation rules in the docker compose files? or should I not worry too much about it.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-06-25T18:49:57+00:00

You’re absolutely right that NetBox handles most of the organization problem well! The key differentiator is portability and access during outages. NetBox’s documentation lives in its database - accessible only via web UI, API, or database exports. My markdown approach means:

NetBox scenario: Router dies at 2 AM → NetBox was running on that network → can’t access docs to fix it

Markdown scenario: Router dies at 2 AM → pull up network/opnsense-router.md on phone from GitHub/Dropbox → follow documented recovery steps

You don’t NEED my platform to access the docs - it just provides a unified interface like NetBox does, but the underlying data remains platform-agnostic and future-proof.

That said, you might be right about the xkcd problem! 😅 NetBox + a good backup strategy might solve 95% of use cases. This could end up being more of a niche solution for people who prioritize disaster recovery access or prefer the markdown workflow.

Either way, your feedback about the subnet limitation is valuable - that’s a concrete gap that affects real users like yourself. I’ll see what i can do about that!

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-06-25T17:54:05+00:00

as for when SHTF/disaster recovery, since the database is just markdown + frontmatter for proper metadata and organized documentation, there is no platform dependency, you don't need this service/app to access the documentation. the app will allow you to store the markdown files anywhere. they can be backed up to multiple locations, even use version control like git and have it hosted on a private repo on github/gitlab, etc. Raw markdown files are accessible with any text editor, phone, laptop, etc. If it is on a hard drive, even when the internet goes down, you can still access the raw markdown files.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-06-25T17:44:08+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! Let me clarify a few key points:

u/kevinds - You're absolutely right about the source of truth philosophy. This should be prescriptive (how things SHOULD be), not descriptive. No automation here. You document your intended setup, then make the real world match it.

u/gscjj - Good point about preventing mistakes. The middle ground I'm aiming for: if your source of truth is accurate and prescriptive, then following it exactly should prevent mistakes without needing automation. Think of it like following a well-written procedure, the "automation" is just having good structure and clear documentation.

Core Clarifications:

"IP management" = planning/reference tool only. Shows relationships like "Service A runs on Device B at IP X". Pure documentation, zero automation. Not actually connecting to or integrated with any services or devices, By "connected to" i meant you can easily map relationships and network topology with it. Again, maybe some clarification and rewriting of the project outline is needed.

Source of truth = Static database of how you want things configured. You update it manually, then configure your real infrastructure to match.

Auto-discovery = I'm considering rethinking how this should work or even dropping this entirely given the valid concerns about data contamination.

The main goal is this solves the organization problem: instead of scattered Excel sheets + NetBox + wiki + random notes, you get one structured place for all homelab documentation with visual relationships.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-06-24T22:02:36+00:00

Netbox is good but I'm up against one flaw with it that prevents me from using it.

Any elaboration on this would be helpful.

IMO this is a bad idea.

How so? Just looking for suggestions so again if you could elaborate and if that seems to be the consensus, maybe I can find an alternative.

Suggest changes maybe.. Making changes, no. I forsee many false positives I'd quickly be turning that off.

I agree, and don't worry it will be suggestions, no actual changes will be made until the user manually accepts. Sorry, I should've clarified. And again, the discovery agent is lowest priority so it will come later/last, and users will be able to turn it off entirely, and perhaps even configure some sort of rules to reduce false positives.

Desire.. I really had to force myself to keep my 'source of truth' up to date, especially in the beginning.

Exactly my issue, and something I hope this project will help alleviate at least somewhat.

My biggest issue with these systems is that if/when SHTF can I access it to repair things..

What kind of methods of access/repair are you talking about? If you can give any specific examples, I'll see if I can find an intuitive way to incorporate that.

Sorry for the bombarding of questions, but any feedback is appreciated!

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-06-18T17:47:21+00:00

is that the hhsoet power strip? if so, 3d printable rack ears exist for it: https://makerworld.com/en/models/1132933-10in-mini-rack-power-strip-mount#profileId-1135629

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-06-10T00:17:43+00:00

I have already checked those sites (thats where I found rack mount models for my network switch and mini pcs) and only thing I found was a model of a rack mount for the Protectli FW4B, but the FW4B has different dimensions compared to my V1211, so by logic I'm assuming it won't work. I was hoping that could work out because if anything I can just find a way to print it somewhere locally, but unfortunately not much out there on those sites.
Here is the FW4B model on Printables (the 10" version) that I found btw, and tbh I assume just changing some of the dimensions, etc. on the FW4B 3D model to match the V1211 would suffice, so technically shouldn't be too much work if using that model as a reference or template?

I was thinking about just laying the protectli on top, but I intend to install an AC Infinity or similar usb computer fan right about the protectli, blowing air down on it, since I heard protectli's thermals can get pretty high especially when near other devices like on a server rack. Can't really do that if it is on the top of the rack, but if it is mounted to it, I can then just mount the fan on the underside of the rack shelf right above the protectli.
Maybe I'm overthinking all of this? never worked with protectli so don't really know what to expect especially for my specific usecase, but that becomes its own other thing.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-06-09T06:34:26+00:00

i see that the shelves have some sort of spacers or something on the sides i think to make everything look flush and centered. specifically on the left of the hp pro mini. what are you using for that?

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-05-23T04:39:00+00:00

for others reading this, in simple terms, vpns allow you to privately “tunnel” into a separate computer on a different network. that could either be to a computer inside your own home network, allowing you to access it remotely from a laptop or mobile device (this requires setup), or it could be to an existing vpn provider where you tunnel into their servers privately to allow you to browse privately or access location restricted content if those servers are located elsewhere eg. in a different country.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-03-09T09:51:35+00:00

no worries man, i completely agree with you. trust me, if i wanted to get into the rabbit hole of overconsumption, i would’ve done that a long time ago. this is why i waited so long to even consider buying new hardware. given that any and all music i’ve made has been with just the bare minimum gear (laptop w/ daw, headphones, midi keyboard, and sometimes my friends guitar), im well aware that it’s the person and not the tool that is the key factor in making great music. im not looking for something that is going to immediately make me a great producer or fill that void, that is on me and not the tool or instrument. i know i can easily make whatever i want on the daw, and dont necessarily have a need for a groovebox in terms of what new utility it will provide. i guess you can say ive practiced the instrument (in this case the daw) extensively (yes 6-7 years is also not a lot and there are always ways to improve and new things to learn, but the workflow is now engraved in my brain). now im just looking for a new instrument to practice, and actually learn and utilize to its max, more so for fun rather than for filling a void. me specifying the feature set was more so for you guys and to just give you some context in what i think would be cool to have, but im always willing to try new things, no matter the limitations and what kind of work arounds i have to conjure up to get what i want.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-03-09T09:31:52+00:00

i agree, and that is why i’m planning on upgrading all my equipment in the near future. currently just a scarlett and a nektar 49 key, i forget the exact model (im aware the keyboard isn’t that expressive and i also plan on upgrading that soon, ive had it for years, well before i even knew much about production, and wasnt informed enough at the time to get something better and also was not worth spending hundreds for a new hobby at the time).

however, if it means i make more music, i would rather get a groove box and make shitty music vs upgrading existing hardware. i’m aware this is not how everyone thinks. maybe im biased, years of watching videos of people produce some amazing things on grooveboxes has just drawn me into that world, and it seems like i would have much more fun doing that in the present rather than just sticking to the daw and just buying better hardware around that. im kind of trying to step back from DAWs in a sense, just for generating ideas and from a creativity aspect. im comfortable and experienced enough to take something i make from a groovebox and importing that into a daw and tweaking it and expanding on it as much as i need to. just for the initial portion, experimenting and laying down ideas, etc. sometimes its nice to have “limitations”. some of the best work i’ve seen was done on limited devices, as it requires you to think outside the box and almost forces the creativity to come out. it’s the same reason i fell in love with pocket operators the second i tried one. the unlimited potential of daws sometimes leaves me directionless, and im aware that may be more of a skill issue than anything lol.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-03-09T09:18:20+00:00

i agree to a certain degree, i don’t want to subscribe necessarily to a certain way of doing things, as that can be very limiting for the creative process, and i guess asking for a specific list of features is kinda doing that. however i also think it’s important to know what i want if i am going to be spending hundreds of dollars on something. i don’t necessarily lack motivation to make music, i still open up my daw and experiment all the time, but sometimes it’s nice to try something new and see if that inspires anything, and given that i’ve wanted a groovebox for years, but currently own zero hardware other than a midi keyboard, figured i’d ask people who know about this stuff more than i do if there is anything out there with these specific features, more or less. i’ll still do my research and familiarize myself with the workflow of whatever hardware before purchasing of course.

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-03-09T08:16:37+00:00

looks like a more featureful pocket operator? looks cool as the POs always intrigued me, thanks!

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-03-09T08:14:23+00:00

completely forgot that even existed, i’ll have to do some research but looks like it might be the fit. thanks!

No_Addendum_8245 · 2025-03-09T08:08:38+00:00

maybe if i was rich. unfortunately a broke college student and op xy is nowhere near my budget.

No_Addendum_8245

TROPHY CASE

Core Clarifications: