Homelab Classification

#HomeLab

Level 1: ARM Craftsman

Homelab enthusiasts get to this level immediately after they assemble all their childhood dreams Lego sets.

At this level homelabs are built on top of popular single-board ARM computers like Raspberry Pi, Orange PI, etc.

Here is a list of related references: Single Board Computers

Level 2: Small MiniPC Energy

Playing with SBCs is a lot of fun, but in many ways x86 MiniPCs are simply more reasonable. First of all, x86 is more convenient than ARM in regards of software. Power consumption is comparable: these guys play in ~10W idle league.

For the SBC price MiniPCs provide a bit better out-of-the box experience with SSDs, higher quality enclosures, built-in power supply, and so on.

Once in a while, I visit Amazon, to finally answer the question: do I need a new MiniPC? As a result, here is a curated list of MiniPCs that I liked: Awesome MiniPCs

Level 3: Big MiniPC Energy

MiniPCs are incredibly capable but at some point there is might a shift to a world of grown-ups with something more powerful: Awesome High-Power MiniPCs

All high performance MiniPC have one thing in common: power consumption which typically falls between 20w idle and up to 65W under load.

Level 4: PC Handyman

PC Handyman is my alter ago yet to be discovered. Everything related to custom homelab PC builds. Often done in a mini-ATX format.

Level 5: Server Rack in a Laundry Room

Everything is included in the Level 4 but with server components.