Quick-Start Examples

This is an overview of some quick-start computers you can use to create a server for your self-hosted cloud services.

Your experiences may vary. 
Always make sure to test for stability when installing new services.

Single-Board Computer

The Raspberry Pi – who popularized this style of computer – currently sell three versions of their board: 3B+, 4, and 5.  Other options include: similar vendors such as Banana Pi, Orange Pi and Pine Board; the completely open hardware Libre Board; the Asus TinkerBoard and the Texas Instruments Beagle Board.

Great for hosting a small server where you run services only for yourself.

These computers are reasonably priced with decent specifications.

• Price Range: $35 to $200
• Minimum Specs: 1.2GHz 64-bit ARM quad-core system-on-a-chip; 4GB of RAM; 32GB of Class 10 SDXC flash memory; 1Gbit Ethernet.
• Recommended Specs: 1.8GHz 64-bit ARM quad-core system-on-a-chip; 8GB of RAM; 128GB of Class 10 SDXC flash memory; 1Gbit Ethernet.
• Where To Buy:  AdaFruit, LoveRpi, CanaKit, SparkFun, AmeriDroid, and other online marketplaces. 
  

This class of commodity computers use ARM processors that are part of a system-on-a-chip. They are extremely power efficient with performance specifics being dependent on the model you purchase.  Generally, the are powered using a USB connector and a high-quality cable.

By default, many come with an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI and 3.5mm audio output.  These board also come with a GPIO port which offers programmable pins for HAT add-ons and project development.

• Home Server: Use a Raspberry Pi 4 for Home Assistant to manage your smart devices and Grocy to keep track of your kitchen inventory.
• Personal Cloud: The Raspberry Pi 5 and a USB 3.0 Hard Drive can be a personal OwnCloud server for your calendar, contacts and files.  Add Collabora to edit documents, slideshows and spreadsheets directly in your browser.
• Personal Website: Use the Raspberry Pi 3B+ to host a basic website or personal resume from home.
• Personal Wiki: Use the Libre Computer Solitude for hosting your own BookStack or MediaWiki to keep track of your personal knowledge.

Single-board computers work well for small servers, but can struggle under heavy or consistent usage.  While cost-effective, they are also examples of minimalist computer systems with adequate processing power to match.  You may experience the occasional stutter, but these computers can run for months without needing to be restarted.

Mini PC

Small form-factor traditional computers have become popular for creating your own personal media server and set-top boxes using Plex or Jellyfin.  These are sold by many notable PC manufacturers, such as Intel NUCs or Dell's OptiPlex and Precision series.  There are other direct-to-consumer options like BeeLink and GeekomPC.

Great option for hosting a small media server or a cloud solution for your family.

These computers can be reasonably priced with a traditional x86 processor and expandable storage.

• Price Range: $150 to $1500
• Minimum Specs: 2.5GHz 64-bit 4-core x86 processor; 16GB of RAM; 250GB platter hard disk; 1Gbit Ethernet.
• Recommended Specs: 3.0GHz 64-bit 4-core x86 processor; 32GB of RAM; 250GB NVME SSD; 2.5Gbit Ethernet.
• Where To Buy: BeeLink, GeekomPC, Newegg, and other online marketplaces. 
  

These types of computers uses the traditional x86 architecture which gives them more processing power at the cost of more power usage.  Depending on the model, they may use a desktop or mobile processor and have differing levels of extensibility for add-ons like graphics cards or hard drives.

Radarr, Sonarr, Bazarr + Jellyfin

Multiple Personal websites and a knowledge wiki

Refurbished Computer

Minimum recommended specs

All Arr apps , Kavita, audiobookshelf, jellyfin

OwnCloud, Collabora, paperless, Vikunja, vscode

WordPress + Flarum

Dell refurbished or new egg

Good will, savers, local refurbished computer shop.  Green PC and interconnection.  Decent server grade computers can even be found refurbished.

Custom-Built Computer 

Preferred system requirements

System 76

Media server and personal cloud

Website + forum + wiki + admin tools