Hi all. I'm looking at ideas for putting together a really cheap, tiny server to run NextCloud at home. There are three of us and it would just be used to store personal files that we don't want to save to the cloud.
A tiny footprint is important due to table space it would plug into the router via an ethernet cable.
I think I would probably boot from a smaller SSD and have an additional SSD for data storage. I considered having 2 raided SSDs for data storage, but I could probably mitigate that by having daily backups. I don't know what backup mechanisms I would use yet, so that's something else to consider.
I would also need get a UPS as we can lose power in summer with storms or if the wind blows in the wrong direction.
Obviously it would run Linux, though I'm not sure which one yet. That might depend on the hardware. I'm familiar with most of the major distros so that's not a concern.
I've read reviews and watched videos about various tiny PCs, such as various Lenovo ThinkCentre (e.g. M900 off the top of my head). I think one of these would work if it can support 2 SSDs. These can get expensive here in Canada, even on the used market. Older examples, such as the M73 are fairly cheap though.
I've also done some research on Raspberry Pi 4. I would have to get a case that could fit 2 SSDs and a good fan for cooling. I just watched a video on the Pi Top case, which includes a battery. That would be useful for when power is lost.
My budget is pretty small - I don't have a max number, but excluding SSD purchases (if not included in the chosen hardware) it might be C$200-250 tax. Is that even possible? Hmmm...
All that to say, any suggestions from people that have already gone down this route? is the Pi4 worth considering for this or should I stick to a tiny form factor PC?
Thanks
A tiny footprint is important due to table space it would plug into the router via an ethernet cable.
I think I would probably boot from a smaller SSD and have an additional SSD for data storage. I considered having 2 raided SSDs for data storage, but I could probably mitigate that by having daily backups. I don't know what backup mechanisms I would use yet, so that's something else to consider.
I would also need get a UPS as we can lose power in summer with storms or if the wind blows in the wrong direction.
Obviously it would run Linux, though I'm not sure which one yet. That might depend on the hardware. I'm familiar with most of the major distros so that's not a concern.
I've read reviews and watched videos about various tiny PCs, such as various Lenovo ThinkCentre (e.g. M900 off the top of my head). I think one of these would work if it can support 2 SSDs. These can get expensive here in Canada, even on the used market. Older examples, such as the M73 are fairly cheap though.
I've also done some research on Raspberry Pi 4. I would have to get a case that could fit 2 SSDs and a good fan for cooling. I just watched a video on the Pi Top case, which includes a battery. That would be useful for when power is lost.
My budget is pretty small - I don't have a max number, but excluding SSD purchases (if not included in the chosen hardware) it might be C$200-250 tax. Is that even possible? Hmmm...
All that to say, any suggestions from people that have already gone down this route? is the Pi4 worth considering for this or should I stick to a tiny form factor PC?
Thanks