HF Homelab Fit

Free checklist

Proxmox homelab pre-buy scorecard

A practical scorecard for mini PC NAS builds, 2.5G networking, ZFS mirrors, HBA passthrough, and recovery-ready homelab operations.

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Mini PC NAS Pre-buy Scorecard

  • Write the exact model, CPU, RAM ceiling, and NIC model before comparing prices.
  • Score storage ownership: Proxmox-managed disks, NAS VM passthrough, or external NAS.
  • Confirm where the first real backup will live outside the mini PC.
  • Mark any unknown NIC, drive, cooling, or restore detail as a buying blocker.

Host Fit

  • Confirm CPU virtualization support and BIOS options.
  • Record RAM capacity, replaceability, and realistic workload headroom.
  • Identify the exact NIC model, not only the port speed.
  • Check cooling, noise, power supply, and whether the chassis can sustain your workload.

Storage Path

  • List every boot, VM, container, NAS, and backup disk.
  • Decide whether Proxmox or a NAS VM owns each disk.
  • For ZFS, plan drive count, mirror/raidz shape, scrub checks, and capacity headroom.
  • Keep the backup destination off the same host.

Networking

  • Record expected link speed, switch port, cable type, and bridge name.
  • Keep local console access before changing network config.
  • Test sustained transfers after install.
  • Document VLANs and gateway settings if the host is also a firewall lab.

Passthrough And Recovery

  • Confirm IOMMU support and device isolation before buying around passthrough.
  • Keep Proxmox boot storage separate from passed-through controllers.
  • Write a rollback plan for HBA, GPU, and USB passthrough changes.
  • Run a restore test before storing important data.

Related Pages

Mini PC NAS Pre-buy Scorecard Answer seven checks and get a low, medium, or high risk read before checkout. Proxmox Mini PC NAS Checklist CPU, RAM, NIC, storage, cooling, and backup fit before purchase. Should You Buy Intel N100 For a Proxmox NAS? Low-power mini PC fit with storage and NIC caveats. Proxmox ZFS Mirror On Mini PC Two-drive local storage planning for small hosts. HBA Passthrough To TrueNAS VM IOMMU, storage ownership, boot separation, and recovery checks.