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Looking to build a K8s cluster, what are your strategies for finding affordable hardware? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 month ago by Eldaroth@lemmy.world to c/selfhosted@lemmy.world
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I currently run all my self-hosted apps either on Podman in a VM or in LXCs on Proxmox. For hardware, I'm using a Chinese-made mini computer with an Intel N150 and 16GB of DDR5 RAM that I bought before the whole AI hype started. I also have a Synology NAS that I use mainly for media and photo storage.

I've been thinking about tinkering with Kubernetes in my homelab for a while now (I already use it extensively at work, so I'm quite familiar with it), and I started looking around for used hardware to use as bare metal nodes. Nothing fancy—I'm looking for 1 or 2 mini servers or SFF with at least 16GB of memory and a decent CPU (4–6 cores). But with current prices, even decently priced used hardware (~200–250€) is quite difficult to find in Europe, and most of it is HP stuff with Lenovo being a rare breed around here. I won't even get started on newly bought hardware...

If you've bought hardware in this market recently, how did it go for you? Or are most of you holding out for now, waiting for better times?

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[-] irmadlad@lemmy.world 6 points 1 month ago

Nothing fancy—I’m looking for 1 or 2 mini servers or SFF with at least 16GB of memory and a decent CPU (4–6 cores)

Not in the EU, so......

The Optiplex 7020 SFF with the i7-4790 chip are pretty robust little computers, regularly sell on Amazon for less than $200. The 9020 MT is a bit older, however still capable @ well under $200 USD on Amazon. I'd upgrade the 9020 to a i7-4790 chip which you can normally find, used, on ebay for less than $50 USD. The models in that range take DDR3 which you can find good prices for at https://www.memorystock.com/. I've been using them for years. The bad part about shopping for used computers on ebay is that, while you might be able to find some killer deals initially, most often they stick it to you good with shipping.

Also: Dell OptiPlex 3050 Micro Not too shabby either.

I just recently got a Optiplex 9020 MT 16 GB RAM for $124 USD / free shipping off of Amazon. Shopped around ebay for the i7-4790 which cost me $35 USD, and 16 GB DDR3 RAM for $50. Not a bad little set up for right at the $200 USD mark. I'm setting it up for a friend of mine's son who wants to get into selfhosting at the age of 10. It's no threadripper but a solid piece.

this post was submitted on 25 May 2026
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