🖥️ About the Server

Welcome to my home server project — a self-hosted, ever-evolving hub for experimentation, learning, and sharing. Built from a curated collection of modern hardware and second-hand gems, this server is the heart of everything running behind the scenes on this site.

💡 Why Build a Home Server?

This project started as a way to reclaim control over digital tools—hosting my own services, managing backups, and running experimental environments without relying on third parties. But it quickly became more than that. It became a platform for learning, tinkering, and building something meaningful with a mix of new parts and donated components.

Whether it’s file hosting, running Docker containers, managing virtual machines, or testing new Linux environments, this server is designed to be flexible, reliable, and surprisingly powerful for its size.

🧰 What Makes It Special?

Rather than relying on a generic off-the-shelf NAS or cloud platform, this server is a fully custom-built machine assembled from carefully chosen hardware:

A 6-core/12-thread Intel Core i7 CPU that balances performance with efficiency

64 GB of DDR4 memory for virtualization and multitasking headroom

An enterprise-grade 32 TB of total storage for handling everything from media libraries to automated backups

A quiet, cool, and compact cube case that fits seamlessly into any setup

It’s not just a machine—it’s a showcase of what’s possible with smart part selection, a bit of creativity, and a growing collection of hardware from generous supporters.

🔗 Connected and Contributing

The server isn’t just sitting quietly in a corner. It’s constantly working—providing services, supporting testing environments, and serving up content. With time, it will expand to include more advanced setups like remote access dashboards, automated scripts, media transcoding, and network-wide tools.

And best of all? It’s an open project. If you’d like to contribute, suggest ideas, or even donate old parts, I’d love to hear from you.

🚀 Ready to Dive In?

Want to see what powers it all under the hood?
Check out the full hardware breakdown below

🧩 Motherboard

MSI Z370M MORTAR (Micro ATX, LGA1151)

A compact yet capable board, ideal for fitting into smaller cases without sacrificing I/O:

  • Chipset: Intel Z370, supporting full CPU feature set and overclocking if desired

  • 4 × DDR4 DIMM slots (supports up to 64GB memory)

  • Dual M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports for storage expansion

  • Realtek Gigabit LAN, USB 3.1 Gen1 & Gen2, HDMI + DisplayPort

  • Reinforced PCIe slot and quality VRMs ensure long-term stability

Perfect for home lab setups where space efficiency and expandability are key.

❄️ CPU Cooler

Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE

This cooler is a refined tower-style air cooler designed to deliver excellent thermal performance quietly:

  • Supports LGA 1700/1851 mounting out of the box

  • 4 heatpipes and a dense fin stack for fast heat dissipation

  • 120mm PWM fan balances airflow and quiet operation

  • Capable of cooling CPUs up to ~150W TDP

While this server uses a locked chip (non-overclocked), the cooler ensures quiet and reliable long-term operation—even under heavy loads.

🧠 CPU

Intel Core i7-8700 (3.2GHz, 6-Core / 12-Thread)

A solid choice for multitasking and server-grade performance without breaking the power budget. The i7-8700 features:

  • 6 physical cores and 12 threads – excellent for virtual machines, containers, and simultaneous tasks

  • Base clock of 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz

  • Support for Intel VT-x and VT-d (great for virtualization and passthrough)

  • Reliable performance on a 65W TDP, which helps keep heat and power draw in check

This CPU brings enough muscle to handle self-hosted services, development tools, backups, and more.

💾 Memory

64 GB DDR4-3200 (2 × 32 GB Kingston ValueRAM)

Built for server workloads and multitasking, this configuration delivers:

  • High capacity (64 GB total) – great for Docker, KVM/QEMU, file caching, or media encoding

  • Non-ECC but reliable, JEDEC-compliant Kingston ValueRAM

  • 3200 MHz clock speed with CL22 latency for balanced performance

  • Single-rank sticks for better compatibility in tighter configurations

Whether you’re running containers, virtual machines, or caching large files, this amount of memory ensures your server won’t be starved for RAM.

🎮 GPU

Quadro P400 (2 GB GDDR5)

A low-power, workstation-grade GPU that provides:

  • Basic video output for headless or GUI setups (3 × Mini DisplayPort)

  • Hardware acceleration for light media encoding and decoding (NVENC)

  • Excellent Linux compatibility with mature NVIDIA driver support

  • Low profile and silent operation

While not a gaming GPU, the P400 is more than enough for remote desktop, media previews, or even Plex hardware transcoding in a pinch.

🗃️ Storage

4 × Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB 7200RPM (32 TB Total Raw Capacity)

Enterprise-grade reliability with bulk storage capacity, ideal for self-hosted services:

  • 7200 RPM spindle speed for faster read/write vs. desktop drives

  • 256MB cache helps with burst performance

  • 512e sector format, great for compatibility and performance

  • Rated for 2.0M hours MTBF and 24/7 operation

  • Designed for data centers—perfect for ZFS, backups, media storage, or file archiving

These drives are housed securely with good airflow in mind, ensuring long life and stable I/O for heavy workloads.

⚡ Power Supply

Corsair CS550M (550W, 80+ Gold, Semi-Modular)

A reliable and efficient power source for the build:

  • 80+ Gold certified for high efficiency under load

  • Semi-modular design keeps cable clutter minimal

  • 550W provides headroom for current and future upgrades

  • Quiet fan curve and Corsair’s proven reliability

While not flashy, this PSU is a workhorse that quietly and efficiently powers the entire system.

🏠 Case

Fractal Design Node 804 (MicroATX Cube Case)

This case is built like a tank and optimized for airflow and storage:

  • Dual-chamber design – separates heat zones for better cooling

  • Supports up to 10 HDDs/SSDs with removable trays

  • Heavy-duty steel and brushed aluminum front

  • Filters on all intakes, front fan mountings, and PSU bay

  • Clean internal layout perfect for NAS or home server builds

Its compact cube shape fits nicely into home setups while packing a serious punch.

💖 Support the Server

Help Keep the Home Lab Running and Growing

This project is a personal passion—but it’s also powered by real hardware, real electricity, and a lot of hours behind the scenes. If you like what I’m doing and want to support this server, here’s how you can help:

🧾 Why Donate?

🔧 Expand the server – More storage, RAM, or new services for everyone to enjoy

⚡ Offset operating costs – Power, bandwidth, cooling, and maintenance

🔄 Recycle your old tech – Hardware donations are always welcome and put to good use

💬 Support a community project – Every cent goes directly into improving the server and services

📦 What You Can Donate:

💵 Monetary Donations – One-off or recurring via our upcoming payment options

🧩 Old Parts & Hardware – Drives, memory, fans, and accessories

🧠 Knowledge or time – Got a script, service, or config you want to share?

Every contribution, no matter the size or form, helps keep the project alive and growing.

Donate