In the ideal world my primary server for my applications would be my Dell R710, which runs ESXI and VCenter server. This machine offers plenty of CPU cores and RAM to work with, and it can virtualize both Windows server and desktop environment setups. However, I don’t use it as much as I’d like to due to its inefficiency, which is why I now use my Raspberry Pis for my services. They are much more efficient and capable of running 90% of the things I need.
In addition to the R710 and Pi’s, I have two older desktop PCs that I’m planning to repurpose into a Kubernetes K3s cluster. Currently, one of them is serving as my Plex home photos media center and running my GitLab docker instance.
I also have two more high-powered PCs in my setup. One of them is dedicated to running Windows, while the other is used as a TrueNAS file backup server. I typically only boot it up a few times a year due to energy costs, but it’s a useful tool to have when I need it. Otherwise I have a Pi as a 24/7 photo backup location with Nextcloud.
Overall, my setup allows me to be flexible and adapt to a variety of development and learning needs. Whether I’m working on a complex project or simply managing my personal media collection, I have the resources I need to get the job done.
Leave a Reply