What is the most efficient method to set up a home server? - eviltoast

Hey guys, I’m new to self-hosting; I’m trying to set up cloud storage to store pics and other content. However, I’m unsure whether to use my old computer, Buy NAS or ResberryPie to set up a home server.

Also, what is the best privacy-friendly OS to use with the home server?

Lastly, do’s and don’ts.

Any help would be appreciated (:

  • rambos@lemm.eeEnglish
    161·
    11 months ago

    Start with hardware you have already, its high likely overkill anyway. If you have CPU that supports quicksync (intel 7th gen or newer iirc) you could remove GPU to reduce power consumption. QuickSync will make streaming easy.

    Raspberry pi cant transcode so its not best for media server, but it can direct play so that might not be an issue at all. I upgraded from rpi to desktop PC because I had issues with power on rpi USB ports for storage. Its also impossible to upgrade RAM on rpi. Good thing about rpi is super low power consuption, but some small factor PCs can drain ~10W. My PC was at 22W with 3 SSD. You can get power meter like Shelly plug S to see power consuption yourself.

    Any OS (I use debian) of your choice + docker and docker-compose. Then install portainer and manage all services from there.

    • For pictures try Immich, its amazing.
    • For cloud storage Nextcloud
    • For media streaming consider Jellyfin (much better than Plex IMO)
    • Check wiki.servarr.com if you are downloading content with torrents or usenet. It can automate everything and provide awesome UI for users. Next level torrenting
    • If you have only 1-2 users consider Wireguard or tailscale to connect when not at home.

    I was going this route and Im super happy with everything

    • Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      3·
      11 months ago

      Raspberry pi cant transcode so its not best for media server

      To expand on that:
      Kinda right and still wrong.
      You actually can transcode. But the performance wont be great.

      I tried it with Jellyfin by transcoding anime episodes thanks to SSA subs (1080p ~1GB @ 20min episodes). Performance was about 0,7-0,9x

      because I had issues with power on rpi USB ports for storage.

      Corrupted my kernel by having 2 USB powered disks on it (hdd and ssd) and wondered why the write performance sucked so hard if I wrote to both at the same time.
      Then I updated the kernel and corrupted it c:

      Check wiki.servarr.com

      Don’t forget trash guides.

      • hemko@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
        3·
        11 months ago

        The 2 usb ports on RPI share the same usb controller and pcie lines, so you can’t expect max throughput on both ports simultaneously

        • Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
          3·
          11 months ago

          Problem was less the throughput and more the power it could provide to supply both a 2.5" hdd and ssd.
          If you connected the monitor your could see a bolt on the monitor probably warbing about undervoltage/power.
          When I upgraded the kernel it went down during the upgrade.

          • rambos@lemm.eeEnglish
            1·
            11 months ago

            I had an issue with only 1 SSD powered from USB, couldnt even run SMART test. Found that after I got corrupted system. Getting external power supply makes it more bulky and have to be careful with compatibility