Mini PCs for a home lab
What to check
- ✓At least 16 GB RAM if you plan to run Proxmox or several containers
- ✓Two NICs (2.5 GbE) make firewall and router builds possible
- ✓Check idle power draw: it runs 24/7
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Gear we’d buy, and what to check first
Short buying checklists for the gear our readers ask about most. Each button opens Amazon with that search, so you see today’s prices and stock.
NAS hard drives and SSDs
What to check
- ✓Choose CMR, not SMR, drives for ZFS and RAID
- ✓Buy drives from different batches for redundancy
- ✓Enterprise SSDs with power-loss protection suit ZFS logs
Switches, routers and firewall boxes
What to check
- ✓Managed switches give you VLANs for lab, IoT and guest networks
- ✓PoE saves wiring for access points and cameras
- ✓Fanless firewall appliances run pfSense and OPNsense well
Portable monitors
What to check
- ✓Single-cable USB-C needs DisplayPort Alt Mode on your laptop
- ✓IPS panels and 300+ nits are easier to use outdoors
- ✓Check whether a stand or case is included
USB-C docks and hubs
What to check
- ✓MacBooks with M-series chips may need DisplayLink for two external screens
- ✓Look for 100 W pass-through charging
- ✓Ethernet built in beats Wi-Fi for video calls
Webcams and streaming gear
What to check
- ✓Lighting matters more than resolution
- ✓A capture card turns a mirrorless camera into a webcam
- ✓OBS Studio works with almost any UVC webcam
Microphones for calls, podcasts and video
What to check
- ✓Dynamic mics reject room noise better than condensers
- ✓USB plus XLR outputs let you upgrade to an interface later
- ✓A boom arm and pop filter improve sound for little money
Ergonomic desk setup
What to check
- ✓Monitor top at eye level, arm's length away
- ✓Adjustable lumbar support beats extra padding
- ✓A sit-stand desk only helps if you actually stand
Smart home starter kit
What to check
- ✓Matter-certified devices work across Apple, Google and Alexa
- ✓Local control (Zigbee, Thread) keeps working when the internet is down
- ✓Home Assistant runs well on a mini PC
Books on AI and automation
What to check
- ✓Pick books with hands-on exercises you can follow
- ✓Check the publication date: AI tooling ages fast
- ✓Pair a strategy book with a practical one
Books by our founder
All books on Amazon →
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