My Cheap Home Server
Opening
I started putting together my home server back in August of 2024. Originally, I wasn’t planning to go in the direction I did, but due to difficulties getting the parts I originally wanted, this is where I landed. Looking back, though, I think it worked out for the better in terms of performance.
Hardware
I went with the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X for its 8-core architecture, and it offering a good balance of power and efficiency. It handles multi-core tasks really well while still delivering good single-core performance.
For the graphics card, I grabbed a random one from Goodwill (lol), figuring it’d do the job for now. I now regret that decision, handling video with Nextcloud and Jellyfin using GPU acceleration is a pain.
The RAM situation was a bit of a mess. It started with 16GB (2x8GB), but that wasn’t enough, so I upgraded to 32GB modules (2x16GB), bringing the total to 48GB. Even that wasn’t quite enough, and one of the 8GB modules ended up failing. In the end, I decided to buy another 32GB kit, bringing the total to 64GB of RAM.
As for the motherboard, it was the only decent option I could pick up at insert computer store here the same day. It gets the job done.
And lastly, for the case, I had to get it due to space constraints in the server cabinet, and it's been great other than for airflow TwT.
Operating system
Originally, I wanted to use OpenBSD for my server, because of it's security, stability, and simplicity. It was the best choice for my needs, however, my girlfriend pointed out software compatibility so we ended up using Debian. Debian, while it wasn't my first choice, has been a solid decision overall. The package manager (apt) is great, I’ve had no major issues with software compatibility, and it’s still lightweight enough to keep everything running smoothly without being a pain. I also already have experience with Debian, as I run a fork of it (Devuan) on my laptop and use it on my desktop as my workstation OS.
Performance
The server has been running pretty well overall. However, there are a few performance issues, mainly due to thermal throttling. Which is entirely on me for putting a high-performance CPU in a case with poor airflow and using the AMD stock cooler (I definitely need to upgrade that soon). The most intensive tasks it handles are game servers, mainly Minecraft and Arma 3, along with typical home server duties like running Nextcloud and Jellyfin. Despite the thermal issues, it’s been holding up, but I know it could perform even better with better cooling.
Cost
All in all, the build ended up being pretty cheap, coming in at around $600 for all the components, not including the networking equipment, the server cabinet, or the damaged and replaced parts. Considering the performance I’m getting out of it, I’d say that’s a pretty solid deal. I had to make some compromises here and there, especially with the GPU and some of the RAM issues, but honestly, it was a fun project, and I got a lot of value out of it. Plus, it’s been great for things like running game servers, the file server, the media server, and various personal projects without breaking the bank. The networking gear and the cabinet were an additional cost, but even those weren’t crazy expensive. All things considered, I’m happy with how it turned out for the price. Here's a table if you're interested in the itemized cost:
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | $173.84 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 | $15.00 |
| RAM | 64GB (16x4) Corsair Vengeance 3600MHz | $89.99 |
| MOBO | MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI | $159.99 |
| CASE | Plink USA 2U Front Access Short Chassis | $165.00 |
Shipping included, prices are what I paid excluding sales tax, and all of the prices are in USD.