The Helios64 "Full Bundle" looks nice, but only 4 GB RAM seems limited for ZFS. Plus, for 300 USD, there should be a way to set up a similar x86 system, possibly from second-hand parts. I'm thinking some older AMD Zen with 8-16 GB RAM and a Fractal Design Node or similar case.
Yes, I know that would likely use more electricity, but in my particular case (France), electricity isn't that big of a cost, plus I wouldn't be running this 24/7. More like one or two evenings a week. The only reason why I'm not running recycled "enterprise" servers at home is that my apartment is small and I absolutely cannot stand the noise they make.
But those are usually "consumer" parts (in the broad sense). In particular, they won't take ECC RAM. I'm hoping this will change now that AMD has a believable "enthusiast" offering that has ECC.
This to me is the main issue. Usually, manufacturers think ECC = Enterprise = Running in a computer room = Doesn't need to be quiet.
Of course, usually clients looking for thin, least-possible-U systems doesn't help either.
I've actually gotten my hands on a Lenovo tower server my client wasn't needing anymore which is really pretty quiet. But it's "huge" by rack standards. It's basically a full PC tower in height, but longer.
I could see myself running it in the kitchen or something once I get it home after the lockdowns.
The issue is it only takes 2.5" drives, which are still quite expensive if SSDs or use SMR if HDDs.
Yes, I know that would likely use more electricity, but in my particular case (France), electricity isn't that big of a cost, plus I wouldn't be running this 24/7. More like one or two evenings a week. The only reason why I'm not running recycled "enterprise" servers at home is that my apartment is small and I absolutely cannot stand the noise they make.