The availability of used and refurbished mini PCs, particularly the Dell Optiplex series, has surged online, largely due to their widespread use in businesses and subsequent refurbishment. These compact desktops are well-suited for self-hosting purposes, offering sufficient processing power even from older models, such as those with Intel's Sandy Bridge architecture, although it is advisable to opt for models from the Haswell generation or newer.
These mini PCs can be upgraded for RAM and storage, providing ample input/output options at a competitive price point compared to single-board computers. They are capable of running various applications smoothly, including media-serving solutions like Plex, Jellyfin, and Emby, which allow users to self-host their media libraries.
In addition, software like Immich enables users to create self-hosted alternatives to cloud photo services, while tools such as openmediavault can transform these PCs into network-attached storage systems. Furthermore, they can serve as local smart home control centers using platforms like Home Assistant, allowing users to manage devices without relying on internet connectivity.