Utilizing older hardware for home labs has become increasingly popular among tech enthusiasts. A notable example is the use of Proxmox, a versatile platform that can efficiently operate on devices such as mini-PCs, Intel N100 systems, and even obsolete laptops. By repurposing older machines, users can create effective experimentation nodes instead of letting devices collect dust.
Proxmox's support for Linux Containers (LXCs) is a key advantage, allowing users to run containers directly on the host without the overhead of a virtual machine. This approach is particularly beneficial for laptops, as LXCs are lighter on system resources compared to traditional virtual machines. In practical terms, a Lenovo G510 from 2014, which struggled to run a single GUI-based Debian VM due to hardware limitations, can effectively manage over ten LXCs.
For users looking to enhance their home lab setups, employing ZFS for storage is a common strategy, despite its high memory requirements. While Proxmox typically utilizes XFS for standard Logical Volume Management (LVM), it also permits the creation of ZFS pools, providing users with advanced features. However, ZFS's resource demands must be carefully considered to avoid impacting virtual guest performance.