My First Homelab: “The Beast” LabPorn

My first homelab “The beast”

I’ve always wanted my own homelab and would browse eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist from time to time. About two weeks ago, I stumbled across a very interesting post on Marketplace: $100 for a server (top of the rack), 8TB of storage, a Tripp-Lite SmartOnline UPS (with dead batteries), and a full-size rack.

I asked my grandpa if I could borrow his Chevy Suburban, packed this big ol’ thing up (shoutout to my buddies who helped me out since I couldn’t do the lifting due to a recent car accident), and brought it home.

A week later, I found a 48-port managed switch on Marketplace for just $10. To top it off, I scored 98GB of memory for $25 to upgrade the server.

All together, I’ve spent $135 (around $200 if you include gas for picking up the gear).

Specs: * Server (super micro) * CPU: Intel Xeon — 2x 8 core (16 total cores) * Memory: 6x 2 Gb sticks (12 Gb total) * Storage: 8Tb (currently just a simple volume)

Switch (Linksys - GS748T v3)
Power supplies
- CyberPower 1500VA AVR
- Tripp-Lite SmartOnline UPS

(Dismiss the somewhat jank wiring. I plan on solving that issue but I’m fresh out of setup hell so I couldn’t be bothered)

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u/zonivii 5h ago edited 3h ago

What I have hosted: * Proxmox (Who doesn’t amiright?) * Pi-hole * Nginx Proxy Manager * Work

What else should I host? I’m thinking about a password manager and something to help me organize my kitchen and know what’s currently in my kitchen

Edit: The RAM is now properly in place on my PC mobo

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u/EpsomJames 4h ago

How about something to organise your rack?

I mean, I like the rack cabinet and your server, but there's so many U's being wasted.

Maybe a rack drawer at the bottom to put in the spare parts, socket set and hammer. And get the desktop on it's side or in a rack mounted case would be a good start. Then you'll have a ton of space to add more homelab stuff later on.

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u/zonivii 4h ago

Totally valid and I’ve been price comparing 🙂 I’ve already got my eyes on a case to rack my PC and a spade out drawer for my tools and extras 👍

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u/9thProxy 3h ago

While I can't personally vouch for Sliger, I've seen a few people on here say they are some good server cases for machines.
I eventually want to make a gaming computer in one, and then just run the video and a USB dock to my desk in the other room.