Setup options/recommendations for HP mini PC.

[HiTekRedneck]

Hi all, new to this side of things but after seeing the LTT episode it sparked my interest.  Seems to be (or could be) the solution I have been looking for.

I have a HP Elitedesk 800 G4 mini with an Intel 8700 cpu.  Got it free from work in the recycling bin and works fine.  The PC has 2 internal M.2 slots.   I am trying to figure out what the best solution is for this setup.

Looking to run 4 4TB HDDs as a family photo backup, plex, whatever else server.  Installing a 500gb nvme drive into one slot and I was hoping there was some type of enclosure/box setup that could be tied into the other slot.  I can keep the lid off and throw the PC plus drives into a separate enclosure if needed. My initial plan was just to run a USB enclosure but after reading more and seeing other comments, that seems to not be the most reliable.

Next thought was an m.2 to sata adapter and possibly using some sort of USB adapter to power the drives. Not sure if someone has recommendations or if this even exists. My head gets stuck on one solution so I am testing waters if that is a possibility or if there is a better solution. Just trying to make due with what I already have vs spending on more hardware.

 

Thanks everyone!

[Mobius]

you could probably use something like this with a usb to molex adapter and pcie/m.2 to sata adapter

I have no idea if this is the best product of the sort but it would like work much better than a usb enclosure

[HiTekRedneck]

Ive given up on trying to find an elegant solution to make this work.  Would end up being a mess of power supplies, wires, and adapters to make this work. Now I am going down the  road of budget systems and my head is spinning.  

I assume this is what happened to everyone here when they started down their Homelab adventure? 😆

[Mobius]

A lot of users using free/recycled components have to deal with that.

I wasn't lucky enough to have access to such a resource so i made my system from scratch. I did wayyyyy too much research on my components before purchasing and even then had some compatibility issues with something i didn't think of accounting for (my nic)


 

[HiTekRedneck]

Currently I am leaning towards a Lenovo Thinkstation P520 with a W-2135.  In between this and a 10700 Intel system.  

Do you have any insight on what the better route might be?  I am starting out using it as a NAS for Plex and Photo backup to try and stop paying for other services.  Then I would eventually like to run a HomeAssistant instance as well as Video solution to stop paying for Ring.  

I know the Workstation chip is a bit older but I figure the system gives me plenty of expansion for PCI cards as well as having native mounts for 6 3.5" drives.  Seems like ECC ram is also a good thing to have with HexOS.from what I am reading.  Ill also have to grab some type of GPU with the Workstation setup as well.  

Sorry for the newbie questions, just trying to have a good starting point for a home system.

[Dylan]

Hi @HiTekRedneck - I just got THIS home NAS. Solid build, quite fans and lost of ports. Please note - I have not really done anything with his device other than to install HexOS and play around with it - so please do your own research, price comparisons and use case evaluations. With that said, for a sub $400 device (plus any HDD's) I have been pleased with it,

Good luck and let mus know if you have any other questions!