How setting up a Lenovo Q190 with Ubuntu opened up a world of learning in my first homelab

If you’ve ever wondered about setting up your first Ubuntu server, you’re in the right place. Diving into the world of homelabs can feel a bit intimidating at first, but with a compact device like the Lenovo Q190 and a little patience, it becomes a rewarding adventure.

When I started my first Ubuntu server journey, I didn’t have a sprawling rack of hardware. Instead, I began with a simple, modest Lenovo Q190 — a tiny but capable mini PC with 4GB of RAM. This little machine became the heart of my homelab and taught me a lot about the basics of servers, networking, and system management.

Why Choose a Lenovo Q190 for Your First Ubuntu Server?

Small form factor, quiet operation, and energy efficiency make the Lenovo Q190 a fantastic starting point for home server enthusiasts. It’s compact enough to fit on any desk or shelf and uses minimal power, meaning it can run 24/7 without becoming a noise or electricity nuisance. Plus, the 4GB RAM is enough to comfortably handle Ubuntu Server’s requirements for many typical services.

You can find more about this device on Lenovo’s official site: Lenovo Q190 Specs.

Setting Up Your First Ubuntu Server: What You Need to Know

Installing Ubuntu Server on the Lenovo Q190 was surprisingly straightforward. Ubuntu’s official documentation is an excellent resource that walks you through the installation process step-by-step. If you’re new to Linux, Ubuntu’s community forums and tutorials come to the rescue when you have questions.

Ubuntu Server is lightweight, making it perfect for devices like the Q190, and it supports a wide array of server tasks—from file sharing and media streaming to running your own web services.

What My First Homelab Taught Me

Starting this first Ubuntu server taught me how to:

• Set up SSH for remote access so I could manage my server from anywhere.
• Configure basic networking and firewall rules to keep my setup secure.
• Use command-line tools to update and maintain my server efficiently.
• Install and manage services like Plex, Nextcloud, or even simple web servers.

This hands-on learning was far more effective than just reading tutorials. What’s more, I now have a personal playground to experiment with new software and server configurations without risking anything critical.

Helpful Resources to Get You Started

• Official Ubuntu Server Documentation: Ubuntu Server Guide
• Lenovo Q190 Consumer Reviews and Specs: Lenovo Support
• A Beginner’s Guide to Homelabs: ServeTheHome

Jumping into your first Ubuntu server doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With a device like the Lenovo Q190, you can create a homelab that fits your space and budget. Plus, it’s a terrific way to learn about servers, networking, Linux, and much more. So, if you’re curious about homelabs, don’t hesitate — just start with your first Ubuntu server and see where it takes you.

Remember, it’s not about having the flashiest hardware but about getting hands-on and exploring at your own pace.

Facing unresponsive support from AOOSTAR? Here’s how to navigate your product return options.

If you’ve been trying to get your AOOSTAR WTR Pro 4 serviced or replaced under warranty but keep hitting silence from the company, you’re not alone. The AOOSTAR WTR Pro 4 RMA process can sometimes feel frustratingly unresponsive, leaving you wondering what your next steps are. In this post, I’ll walk you through what to do when you can’t get a response from AOOSTAR, and how you might still be able to find a solution.

Understanding the AOOSTAR WTR Pro 4 RMA Process

RMA stands for Return Merchandise Authorization. It’s the formal process companies use to handle defective or damaged products. In an ideal world, you contact the seller or the manufacturer, and they guide you through returning the product, fixing it, or getting a replacement.

With the AOOSTAR WTR Pro 4, the process should be straightforward. However, if you’ve tried emailing or calling AOOSTAR and haven’t heard back, it’s time to explore other avenues.

What to Do When AOOSTAR Support Goes Silent

Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind:

• Review Your Purchase Details: Double-check your warranty status and the store’s return policy where you bought the device.

• Use All Available Contact Methods: Try contacting AOOSTAR through their official website, email, social media, or phone. Sometimes different channels can get different results.

• Reach Out to Your Seller: If you bought from a retailer or marketplace, contact them directly to see if they can assist with the return or replacement.

• File a Complaint: Consider reporting the company to consumer protection agencies or Better Business Bureau equivalents in your country. This often prompts a faster response.

• Seek Community Advice: Look into forums or online groups where other AOOSTAR WTR Pro 4 users might share their experiences and solutions.

Alternative Options If AOOSTAR Won’t Respond

Sometimes, despite best efforts, manufacturer support remains unreachable. If that happens, here are a few alternatives:

• Third-Party Repair Services: Depending on the problem, a trusted local repair shop might be able to fix your device.

• Credit Card or PayPal Buyer Protections: If you purchased the device using a credit card or PayPal, check if your payment method offers purchase protection or dispute options.

• Selling for Parts: If repair isn’t viable, selling your device for parts can at least recoup some cost.

Why It Helps to Know Your Rights

Knowing your consumer rights is crucial. In many countries, products are covered by laws that provide a minimum warranty period even if the manufacturer is unresponsive. Checking laws applicable to your region can empower you to demand fair treatment.

Final Thoughts on the AOOSTAR WTR Pro 4 RMA

Waiting for a response can be stressful, especially when dealing with a device you rely on. Keep your communication polite but persistent. Document all your attempts to reach AOOSTAR—it might help if you need to escalate the case.

If you want to check AOOSTAR’s official support page, here’s a start: AOOSTAR Support.

For general tips on consumer rights and warranties, sites like Consumer Reports can offer valuable guidance.

Navigating a stalled AOOSTAR WTR Pro 4 RMA isn’t ideal, but with patience and the right approach, you still have options.

Balancing power, performance, and storage with the ASRock Rack SIENAD8-2L2T motherboard

If you’re planning to build or upgrade your home server, especially with Proxmox VE in mind, choosing the right hardware can feel overwhelming. Lately, I’ve been looking into a nice balance of power consumption, performance, and expandability for a Proxmox VE build — and one option that keeps popping up is the ASRock Rack SIENAD8-2L2T motherboard paired with an AMD Epyc Siena processor.

This setup caught my attention because it apparently supports plenty of PCIe lanes for NVMe storage and has a solid memory capacity. That’s crucial if you’re running multiple virtual machines (VMs) on Proxmox. But before committing nearly $1700 for the motherboard and CPU, I wanted to dig deeper into what exactly you get and how it holds up under real conditions.

Understanding SATA over MCIO Ports

One interesting feature of the ASRock Rack SIENAD8-2L2T is its ability to use MCIO ports as SATA connections via a specific controller board (1U2G-RB1U2SL-G4). If you’re like me and planning a custom case like the Sliger CX4712, which needs breakout cables to connect separate SATA drives, you might wonder if there are alternatives to this exact controller since it can be tricky to find.

While this specific controller is recommended, exploring other options compatible with MCIO ports is worth looking into. This flexibility is great if you want to customize your storage setup without being locked into one part.

PCI Passthrough Compatibility for TrueNAS VMs

If you’re running a TrueNAS VM on Proxmox, PCI passthrough for storage controllers is a hot topic. The internal SATA controller on the CPU might be more power-efficient than installing an external HBA (Host Bus Adapter). Plus, using the onboard SATA controller could simplify your setup and reduce energy consumption.

Checking if the SATA over MCIO controllers support PCI passthrough is essential for those who want to pass drives directly to their VM. Most users report success with this board in passthrough scenarios, but a bit of research and testing is always good.

Power Consumption Expectations

Power consumption can be tricky to estimate. With multiple VMs running — even if they’re mostly idle — your server will draw more power than silent standby. The AMD Epyc Siena platform, especially with this ASRock board, is designed to be energy conscious, but expect some baseline consumption due to the workloads.

On average, users report power consumption that’s notably lower than older high-power servers, but it varies based on your VM count, active tasks, and peripheral devices. Monitoring power over time is the best way to understand your setup.

Onboard 10GBe NIC vs. Separate SFP+ Card

Networking is another big factor. The ASRock board offers an onboard 10GBe network interface, which is convenient, but 10GBe tends to run hotter and use more power. So should you go with a dedicated SFP+ NIC instead?

Here’s the thing: since the 10GBe NIC is already on the board, it likely consumes some baseline power anyway. Installing a separate NIC could add extra power draw, but might offer better performance or features. If efficiency is your priority, sticking with the onboard NIC might be the better choice, but consider your network needs closely.

Stability with Proxmox VE

One of the biggest questions when using new hardware with Proxmox is about stability. The ASRock Rack SIENAD8-2L2T, paired with AMD Epyc Siena processors, generally runs smoothly in Proxmox environments. Most users don’t report major hiccups, but maintaining updated BIOS and firmware is essential.

Also, community feedback is invaluable. If you can connect with other Proxmox users on forums or dedicated groups, you’ll get real-world insights into performance and stability.

Final Thoughts

Building a custom Proxmox VE setup is all about balancing your needs: power, expandability, and energy efficiency. The ASRock Rack SIENAD8-2L2T with an AMD Epyc Siena CPU seems like a solid contender for those priorities.

If you’re considering this setup, make sure to:
– Research compatible MCIO SATA controllers or breakout options
– Verify PCI passthrough compatibility for your NAS or storage VMs
– Monitor power consumption after build-out
– Evaluate networking needs around onboard 10GBe vs. separate NIC
– Keep firmware and BIOS updated for stability

With the right planning, this board can be a great foundation for a robust Proxmox VE build that runs efficiently and reliably for your virtualized environment needs.

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For more on AMD Epyc Siena processors, check out AMD’s official product page.

To learn more about the ASRock Rack products and specifications, visit ASRock Rack’s website.

Finally, if you’re new to Proxmox, the official Proxmox documentation is a fantastic resource to get started and troubleshoot.

How to approach unrecognized LSI cards and what to try next

If you’ve ever tried flashing or working with LSI RAID controller cards and run into the problem where your system just doesn’t recognize the card, you’re not alone. I recently faced similar challenges with my Dell H200 and LSI 9240-8i and thought I’d share what I found about LSI card detection issues and some troubleshooting tips you might find useful.

Why LSI Card Detection Matters

LSI cards are popular for their reliability in managing multiple hard drives, especially for servers and advanced home setups. But sometimes, getting your system to actually detect these cards can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to flash them into IT mode–a common step to unlock better passthrough capabilities.

My Experience With LSI Card Detection

I started by trying two cards: a Dell H200 and an LSI 9240-8i. The problem? Neither showed up when I ran lspci on Linux or when trying firmware flashing tools. I booted into FreeDOS and ran MegaRAID’s megarec and sas2flash utilities, but no dice.

Trying to flash them in the EFI shell using sas2flash, sas3flash, or megarec.efi also failed to detect the cards. I even taped some pins on the cards, a trick some people recommended to fix detection issues, but nothing changed.

To make sure it wasn’t my main PC acting up, I tested in several different systems including a Dell R710 server, an HP Z420 workstation, and a modern gaming rig with a Ryzen 5800X. Same issue every time: the cards just wouldn’t show up.

Interestingly, the heartbeat LED on the 9240-8i lit up, showing the card had power, but it still wasn’t detected by the system.

What Could Cause LSI Card Detection Problems?

• Firmware corruption or bad flash: Sometimes the card can get “bricked” by a bad firmware update.
• Compatibility or slot issues: The PCIe slot or BIOS settings might interfere.
• Hardware failure: The card might physically be damaged.

Tips to Fix LSI Card Detection Issues

1. Check BIOS Settings: Some systems have options to enable or disable certain PCIe slots or legacy option ROMs. Toggling these might help.

2. Try a Different Slot: Sometimes moving the card to a different PCIe slot can help with detection.

3. Redo the Firmware Flashing with Correct Tools: Use official Broadcom manuals and tools such as Broadcom’s SAS2FLASH utility or lsi.megaraid utility documentation to make sure you’re using the right commands.

4. Use Another Host Machine: Testing on another system rules out motherboard or BIOS issues.

5. Inspect Hardware: Look for bent pins or damage, and make sure the card is seated properly.

6. Consider a Hardware Reset: Some cards have jumpers or pins for resetting; consult the manual.

When All Else Fails

If none of these tips work, the card may simply be dead or severely bricked. Sometimes, professional repair or replacement is the only solution. You might also find community forums for your specific card model useful, as some hobbyists develop custom methods or firmware recovery tricks.

Helpful Links

• Broadcom Support for RAID Controllers
• LSI Firmware Flashing Guide (Storagereview)

I hope these insights help you if you’re struggling with LSI card detection. It’s frustrating when hardware won’t cooperate, but a methodical approach usually sheds light on the problem. Have you dealt with similar issues? Feel free to share your experience!

Understanding the growing demand for enterprise storage and its impact on used drives pricing

If you’ve been casually browsing for storage drives lately, you might have noticed that used enterprise drives are getting surprisingly pricey. It’s not just hype or a niche trend—there’s a legit reason behind this surge, tied closely to the booming demand from the world of artificial intelligence (AI). Let me explain why used enterprise drives have become so valuable and what it might mean for those of us running home labs or looking for affordable storage.

The AI Boom and Storage Needs

Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a force driving massive change across industries. But AI workloads are famously hungry for high-performance, reliable storage. Enterprise drives—those robust, high-capacity hard drives designed for data centers and heavy-duty use—have become the go-to for AI systems. Because AI setups constantly process huge datasets, organizations are snapping up these drives faster than ever, pushing up demand beyond what manufacturers can keep up with.

Why Are Used Enterprise Drives Expensive?

When you hear about expensive hardware, you might think new equals costly and old equals cheap. However, the used enterprise drives market bucks this trend right now. The primary reason is simple: scarcity. OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are churning out drives to keep up with this insatiable AI demand, which means fewer old or alternative storage options trickle down to the secondary market.

This shortage makes used enterprise drives surprisingly valuable. These aren’t just any drives; they come from data center environments where durability and performance are paramount. For tech enthusiasts looking to build or upgrade home labs, this means the drives you once expected to snag for a low price now hold significantly more worth. In some cases, enthusiasts are seeing prices of about $5 per terabyte or more, which is much higher than traditional expectations for used drives.

What Does This Mean for Home Labs?

If you’re a home lab enthusiast, the news about used enterprise drives might feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, the higher prices might sting. On the other, it actually signals that these drives are holding value, and sooner or later, many of them will still find their way into personal setups.

Here are a few thoughts about how to approach this situation:

• Patience Pays Off: As AI demand stabilizes or manufacturers increase production, prices may ease.
• Consider Newer Tech Options: Sometimes looking at newer or alternative storage technologies like NAS-specific drives or even SSDs could offer better long-term value.
• Buy Smart: When buying used enterprise drives, check for warranty, condition, and test results to avoid surprises.

Where to Learn More and Buy Safely

If you want to dive deeper into the specifics of enterprise drives and their applications, visiting trustworthy sources like the Seagate Enterprise Drives or Western Digital’s Data Center Drives pages can give you solid info. For buying, marketplaces like eBay often have listings for used drives, but always be cautious to vet sellers and product quality.

Closing Thoughts

Used enterprise drives are a fascinating example of how tech trends—especially AI—can ripple out and affect everyday tech hunting and home projects. Whether you’re upgrading your home lab or just curious about storage trends, knowing why these drives are getting pricey helps you make smarter choices.

Don’t be discouraged by the current price bumps; instead, think of it as a sign of quality and demand. And who knows? The era of $5/TB enterprise drives in homes might be just around the corner as the market adjusts. Stay curious, and happy building!

Discover how I transformed my messy closet shelf into a streamlined homelab with smart network management and security.

If you’ve ever tried to manage your tech gear in a cramped space, you know it can become a total headache fast. I learned this the hard way with my very first homelab network setup. What started as a collection of random switches, audio/video gadgets, and smart home devices piled on a closet shelf turned into an all-out cable nightmare that made troubleshooting a pain.

After moving into my current place a couple of years ago, I had a whole closet to work with, which sounded perfect at first. But as I added more switches and expanded my smart home with more Hue lights, the chaos grew. Devices were everywhere, cables tangled like spaghetti, and finding what I needed felt miserable.

It was clear I needed a better plan. Around May, I started figuring out the size of the equipment rack I’d need. Planning that out took some time, but it was worth it. I finally built and installed my rack by mid-July, turning that cluttered closet into an organized homelab network setup with thoughtful topology and powerful gear.

Key Components of My Homelab Network Setup

One of the first priorities was power protection and smart shutdowns. Everything except the amplifiers is plugged into a UPS, which connects to a server programmed to safely dismount and shut down when running on battery power for two minutes, then restart automatically when power returns. This setup buys me around 50 minutes on UPS runtime, enough to avoid any data problems if the power cuts out.

For networking, I’m using a Firewalla Gold SE router and Firewalla AP7 Wi-Fi access points. These devices handle my network security with features like automatic device quarantine and device grouping. All my smart home gear lives on an IoT VLAN, which is isolated with strict internet blocking rules. I also use a Wireguard VPN for most of the network, tweaking group rules to keep things flexible for devices that need location services or external access.

Outdoor brute force attacks on my server during summer pushed me to tighten security further. Now, the NAS runs on a separate VLAN and only accepts connections from my main network IPs. I disabled risky services like myQNAPcloud and switched to VPN-only remote access. Plus, any device that fails login three times gets blocked immediately.

Rack and Cooling Solutions

The physical setup includes fans cleverly linked to maintain temperature. An exhaust fan hidden near the closet top blows air out, paired with an intake fan near the bottom. They kick on automatically if the monitored router or AVR sections hit 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with an alarm at 110 degrees to warn me of any heat issues.

For media, I built slide-out shelves inside the rack housing gaming consoles like Xbox and Nintendo Switch alongside streaming devices like Apple TV. This design makes removing devices for travel or troubleshooting super easy. A patch panel connects HDMI and USB ports to the NAS, NVR, AVR, power, and Xbox for direct interface access — no crawling around behind racks needed.

Lessons Learned and Tips

This has been one of my longest home projects, and honestly, it feels like I could keep talking about it forever. Managing cables, planning layouts, and upgrading equipment gave me a much better sense of control and confidence in my homelab network setup.

If you’re thinking about building your own, here are some tips that helped me get better results:

• Start with a plan: Sketch out rack size, network topology, and device placement before buying parts.
• Isolate smart devices: Use VLANs to keep IoT devices on a separate network with limited internet to reduce vulnerabilities.
• UPS and power management: Protect your data and hardware with a good UPS and automation to handle outages.
• Stay flexible: Use group policies and VPNs to balance security with device functionality.
• Keep cooling in mind: Good airflow prevents overheating in tightly packed equipment.

For a deep dive into setting up secure VLANs and using Firewalla devices, you can visit the official Firewalla site here or explore comprehensive tech guides at SmallNetBuilder. If NAS security interests you, QNAP’s own security advisories and best practices are a great resource too: QNAP Security.

Transforming a messy closet shelf into an efficient homelab network setup has been an eye-opening process. It’s all about bringing order, security, and functionality together so technology works quietly in the background — letting you focus on what matters.

If you’re diving into your own homelab adventure, know that it’s okay to take your time and tweak as you go. Every piece of gear, every cable run, every security tweak adds up to a smoother experience.

Happy homelabbing!

Is an HP ProDesk 600 G3 enough for your home server needs? Let’s find out.

If you’re like me and interested in setting up a home lab PC without breaking the bank, you’ve probably wondered about the right specs and components. I recently got an HP ProDesk 600 G3 with an i7-7700 and 16GB of RAM for just $65. Naturally, I wanted to know if that’s a good deal and whether it’s powerful enough to handle common tasks like running Proxmox, Home Assistant, qBittorrent, Jellyfin, and even some automation for downloading movies and series. Spoiler: It more than holds up for these!

Why This Home Lab PC Makes Sense

The primary thing I look for in a home lab PC is versatility and solid performance for multitasking. The HP ProDesk 600 G3 packs an Intel i7-7700 CPU, which, despite being a few years old, is still capable of handling virtualization and media streaming quite well. Paired with 16GB RAM, it provides a healthy foundation for running a hypervisor like Proxmox, hosting smart home automation with Home Assistant, and handling media server tasks with Jellyfin.

Running Proxmox and Applications Smoothly

Proxmox is my go-to hypervisor for managing virtual machines and containers. This setup will allow me to isolate different services: Home Assistant to keep my automation in check, Jellyfin for streaming media on a direct play basis (which reduces CPU load), and qBittorrent to handle downloads seamlessly.

This kind of setup benefits a lot from sturdy hardware, but actual high-end gear isn’t always necessary. The i7-7700 manages virtualization features and multitasking well, making this home lab PC quite capable. If you ever need more power or storage, you can expand or even add a second, more dedicated machine in the future.

What Else Can You Run on This Home Lab PC?

Aside from my core applications, you might consider adding:

• Pi-hole or another network-wide ad blocker to improve your browsing experience.
• Nextcloud for self-hosted cloud file storage and syncing.
• An automated backup solution to safeguard your data.

Planning ahead with individual VMs or containers helps keep things organized and secure.

Looking Ahead: Building a Second PC

I’m already thinking about building a second PC that focuses on NAS (Network Attached Storage) and Jellyfin, especially for heavier media streaming loads or storage needs. This approach lets me separate roles and optimize performance.

If you’re interested, checking official specs for HP ProDesk 600 G3 and details about Proxmox VE helps get a better understanding of capabilities and limitations. For media server setups, Jellyfin’s official documentation is a great resource.

Final Thoughts on DIY Home Lab PC

If you’re starting out, this budget-friendly home lab PC is a solid choice. It handles virtualization, smart home automation, media streaming, and downloads with ease. Plus, there’s plenty of room to grow with upgrades or add-ons down the line. It’s an affordable way to get your home server running without overwhelming complexity or cost.

Hope this gives you a clear idea if you’re considering a similar setup. Building a home lab PC like this can be surprisingly simple, practical, and fun—just like having your own little tech playground at home!

A practical guide to finding furniture that fits your Jonsbo N5 homelab, D41 Mesh PC, and APC UPS all in one stylish place

If you’re like me, setting up a homelab and a powerful PC can easily turn into an exciting but challenging adventure. One question that often pops up is: how do you find the right furniture to hold all your gear neatly without turning your space into chaos? Today, I want to share some straightforward tips on choosing white furniture for homelab setups, especially when you’re working with specific gear like the Jonsbo N5 and the Jonsbo D41 Mesh PC cases.

Why White Furniture for Homelab?

White furniture has a clean look that helps your setup feel open and airy—even if you’re cramming a bunch of tech into a small space. It’s also super versatile; it matches most room decors and reflects light, brightening your space better than darker colors would.

Measuring Up: Know Your Equipment

Before diving into shopping, you want to be certain about the size of your equipment. For example, the Jonsbo N5 case measures about 355 mm wide by 403 mm deep and 350 mm tall. On the other hand, the Jonsbo D41 Mesh PC case is a bit narrower and taller: 205 mm wide by 392 mm high and 440 mm deep. Plus, you need to accommodate an APC UPS that’s about 10 cm wide.

Knowing these dimensions helps you avoid the headache of buying something that doesn’t quite fit your gear. Measure your space, too, to make sure the furniture won’t crowd your room.

What to Look for in Furniture

Sturdy and Stable: Your gear isn’t light or delicate, so the furniture has to be strong enough to hold everything without wobbling.

Proper Depth and Width: The depth of the shelves should be at least a few centimeters more than your deepest piece (in this case, 440 mm for the D41 Mesh) so you don’t have to squeeze things in awkwardly.

Ventilation or Easy Access: Some furniture pieces have backs or panels that can block airflow or access. Since your homelab and PC are going to generate heat, consider options with open backs or added ventilation to keep things cool.

Additional Space: Planning a spot for your UPS and possibly some cables and peripherals keeps your setup tidy.

Shopping Tips for White Furniture for Homelab

Start with popular furniture retailers that offer modular options. IKEA, for instance, has some sturdy white shelves and cabinets (like the KALLAX or BESTÅ series) that tech folks often repurpose for their setups. The key is picking shelves that let you tweak the height or add inserts.

Custom-built is also an option if you want a perfect fit. Many woodworkers and DIYers create custom shelves tailored for their tech, and platforms like Etsy or local workshops are good places to check.

How I Would Do It

Given the dimensions of the Jonsbo N5 and the D41 Mesh, plus your APC UPS, I’d look for a furniture piece with at least two shelves: one for the homelab and one for the PC. Each shelf should be at least 45 cm deep to comfortably fit the D41 Mesh PC.

Having a dedicated space for your APC UPS on the side is smart to keep power management handy but out of the way. With white furniture, you can also add cable channels or clips inside or behind the shelves to keep everything neat.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right white furniture for your homelab setup isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating a functional and breathable space for your gear. Keep the measurements in mind, prioritize sturdiness and ventilation, and think modular. Your homelab and PC will thank you.

For more details on the cases mentioned:
– Jonsbo N5 specifications
– Jonsbo D41 Mesh details

Also, learn about UPS options and best practices at APC by Schneider Electric.

If you’re setting up a homelab or PC corner, I hope these tips help you pick furniture that fits and works well with your gear. Happy building!

Discover how Proxmox-GitOps streamlines container management using Infrastructure-as-Code and GitOps on Proxmox VE

If you’ve ever dreamed of running a homelab that manages itself, you might want to hear about Proxmox-GitOps. It’s a tool that helps automate container management on Proxmox VE by using Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) principles combined with a GitOps approach. Simply put, Proxmox-GitOps lets you provision, configure, and orchestrate Linux Containers (LXC) in a reproducible, version-controlled way, making your environment easier to manage and much more reliable.

What is Proxmox-GitOps?

Proxmox-GitOps is an extensible, self-bootstrapping GitOps environment designed for Proxmox VE (PVE). It aligns with Proxmox 9.0 and the latest Debian release (Debian Trixie) to create a solid base for your containers. The cool part is that you can bootstrap your entire setup with just a single command—from deploying on Docker to running containers in Proxmox recursively.

At its core, it uses tools like Ansible for provisioning, and Chef (or Cinc, a community fork of Chef) for inside-container configuration. This combination ensures that your containers have consistent base configurations, including apps, users, keys, and tooling. Everything is managed through code, so your setups are deterministic and idempotent, which means they behave the same way every time.

How Does the Pipeline Work?

One of the unique things about Proxmox-GitOps is its recursive GitOps pipeline. Your entire container environment lives in a monorepository, with submodules for shared libraries and container-specific code. When you push changes, this triggers a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline that updates containers automatically according to the desired state defined in your repository.

This automated process includes:
– Bootstrapping new containers
– Applying configurations inside containers
– Enforcing consistent states across all containers
– Updating references and libraries recursively

The automation communicates with Proxmox through its API, using Ansible for provisioning. Inside the containers, Chef manages app-specific configs. This setup allows you to manage your infrastructure much like you manage application code, making updates safer and more predictable.

Why Use Proxmox-GitOps for Your Homelab?

If you’re running a homelab or a small compute environment, managing containers by hand can quickly get messy. Proxmox-GitOps simplifies this by putting your entire container lifecycle under version control and automating the whole process. If something breaks or you want to roll back, it’s as easy as reverting a commit.

Another benefit is that because the control plane itself runs inside containers provisioned by the same system, you get built-in verification of your infrastructure’s foundation. It’s kind of like the system checking its own work.

Plus, it’s super extensible, so you can adapt it as your needs grow. Since this environment is actively developed, there might still be rough edges, but it’s already a solid starting point if you want a homelab-as-code experience.

Getting Started and Resources

Curious to explore or contribute? You can check out the project on GitHub where it’s openly maintained. For those new to IaC or GitOps, it might help to brush up on Ansible and Chef since they’re key to how this system manages everything.

If you want to get a broad overview of Proxmox itself, the official Proxmox VE documentation is a great place to start.

Final Thoughts

Proxmox-GitOps is a neat way to bring modern DevOps practices right into your homelab or small server setup. It embraces Infrastructure-as-Code and GitOps principles, making container automation more manageable and less error-prone. By using familiar tools and a recursive pipeline, it offers a fresh approach to managing Linux containers on Proxmox VE.

If you’re excited about automating your Proxmox containers with code and want a reproducible, version-controlled setup, Proxmox-GitOps is definitely worth exploring. And as you tinker, sharing feedback and experiences can help shape its future too!