I’m currently facing a dilemma. Right now, I have a synology NAS that I use to host my homelab containers (*arr, pi-hole, vaultwarden, Plex, etc).

I am planning to offload as much of that as possible to a dedicated machine, which hopefully will allow me to continue self-hosting even more demanding services (Immich, etc).

I was lucky enough to get a proper server - Supermicro, for free, with 64GB Ram DDR4 and 1TB. However, I plugged it in and that thing is NOISY.

My rack will be in the home office, where I will spend at least 8 hours a day, so I can’t afford that level of noise.

What should I do? Should I try to sell the supermicro and buy something else with that money? Should I keep the RAM and SSD (and CPUs?) and build something else with them? Are there any quiet servers I could look into (I am guessing better performance but more expensive), or Should I go the MiniPC route instead (cheaper and smaller, but more limited specs)?

  • youkak@lemmy.worldEnglish
    11·
    9 days ago

    I totally understand your dilemma. The Supermicro server might be a beast, but noise levels can be a major issue, especially in a home office.

    First, let’s break down your options:

    1. Sell the Supermicro and buy something else: This might be the most straightforward option. You can sell the server and use the funds to purchase a more suitable, silent solution. However, you’ll need to consider the cost of the new hardware and potential losses from selling the existing server.
    2. Keep the RAM and SSD, build something else: If you like the performance and features of the Supermicro, you can try to create a custom build using the existing RAM and SSD. This way, you can still utilize the components you like, but in a more compact and quiet form factor.
    3. Quiet servers: Yes, there are servers designed to be quiet, often using passive cooling or low-noise fans. These servers might be more expensive, but they can provide excellent performance and minimal noise. Some examples of quiet servers include the Nimbini, the Hetzner EX41, or the Shuttle SH310R4. Keep in mind that these servers might not be as powerful as the Supermicro, but they can still offer great performance.
    4. MiniPC route: Mini PCs can be a great option if you’re looking for a compact, quiet solution. They often come with lower specifications, but they can still handle most home lab tasks. Some popular mini PC