How to Choose the Best Budget Server

Finding a budget-friendly computer to use as a server can be challenging. This guide will help you find the perfect home server to kickstart your homelabbing journey!

Decide how you will use the server

1. NAS

For a simple NAS (Network Attached Storage), 4-8GB of RAM and a low-power CPU are sufficient. You can expand storage by adding USB hard drives, which are easy to install but may offer slower speeds. If your budget allows, consider investing in traditional hard drives or SSDs for better performance.

2. Virtualization

For virtualization, consider 16-32GB of RAM, depending on the number of VMs you plan to run. A more powerful CPU with at least 4 cores (preferably 6) is also recommended. Additionally, explore different virtualization software options like VMware or Proxmox to find the best fit for your needs. Note that VMware requires a license to use.

3. Game servers

Running your own game server offers full control and eliminates the need to pay for potentially unreliable hosting services. For instance, a Minecraft server for a few friends requires 3-5GB of RAM. While a high-end CPU isn't necessary unless you need fast chunk generation, and the storage amount should be based on player activity. Here are some recommendations:

HP, Dell, and Lenovo are among the best companies to consider. They offer budget-friendly computers with excellent specifications suitable for server use.