Cheap Homelab Setup for under $100!! [Setup a Mini HomeLab for Beginners]

So you want to get started and build a #homelab? Let's talk about some ideas to keep costs under $100. Below is some of the tech needed to get started.
- $30-$70 | A Computer or Computers
- $20 | A Monitor
- $10-$20 | Network Switch
- $5-$10 | A large Hard Drive to store your data

Just remember that this is the only the start of your learning, next start building your different servers. Try things such as Virtualization, Windows Server and #linux!

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My name is Emilio Aguero and I’m a technology enthusiast from Melbourne Australia. I’ve been into computers ever since setting up my first pentium computer years ago. I love technology and make videos about all things tech every week. Would love it if you support my channel by subscribing and staying up to date with what I'm releasing!

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[billyscarbrough]

This is well put, since you cannot beat starting with just a cheap computer. Several years ago I started with only an old 32 bit Gateway laptop with 2GB of RAM and I installed so many different linux distros onto that thing, just tinkering around. Ended up getting a T1 position at an MSP, brought home old recycled equipment, learned more and worked up to be a Systems Engineer. Enjoy the journey

[emacsking]

Thanks man. I won't go into his situation completely but my buddy is 16 and just lost his Dad. Times are tough financially but he followed your guide to build his home lab!

[jaytea]

I did exactly what you recommended. I asked around for anyone that has extra computers. I ended up with 7 desktops (all free), one of which is actually a decent mid level gaming PC from a buddy who had it sitting in his closet collecting dust. Now just need to figure out what to do with it all 😂

[davidguerrero]

As someone who is just starting to get into building a lab, this video is what I was looking for thanks.

[johnmine]

4tb sata drives can be had from Fleabay for under $30. A 4/5 bay Usb dock/enclosure is under $100 a single bay dock/enclosure is under $30. so massive amounts of storage can be added pretty cheaply.

[Mbro-dqdo]

I got an 8 port tp link switch for 3$ on ebay. in the box working great. Hes exactly right. got the same one but 5 port for under 5$ both in Mint condition. Same exact tp link switch at Micro center is 30$

[Wduss-efuv]

One thing I am a little worried with.. is power efficiency, if im about to have all these free pcs somewhere all pulling 300+ watt this can start to become a much more expensive endeavour in the long run by electricity bills...

[killowatraibikio]

This is perfect for a noob like myself.

[lucianistoc]

You can get cheap dell optiplex desktops with decent cpus and decent ammount of ram, 4-6th gen i5s might be dated but are enough for this purpose

[moonlightsoldier]

Myself I just have a lenovo thinkpad with 16 gb of ram 250 gb ssd I have a Dell optiplex sff with 22gb of ram and a 500gb hdd which I'm going to add a tpu and gpu into but planing on getting a workstation something with dual cpus and enough pcie slots for combining gpus and tpus and like you I plan to use a combination of Linux and windows and maybe a Nas and a gpu rig too but it's a long ways off

[Budgeman]

This is a good idea for two 30 year old desk tops I have. I just need to reformat the hard drives get a couple external ssds for more hard drive storage and get a switch to connect the two together and then figure out a space to make this happen

[Mr.Anderson-yj]

Solid video. What are the minimum necessary specs for an older laptop to run a few VMs as a server?

[wiltzie]

My whole problem with home labs is not having. a license of Windows server to install, do you have any suggestions?

[GyanaJyothiShurashetty]

Thank you Sir! This is soooo helpful for me, exactly what I was looking for. You explained it so well. 👌