The demand for reliable and powerful home servers is higher than ever, whether you’re looking to set up a media centre, a home lab, or a secure storage solution.
In this blog, we’ll share our top three home servers, exploring their features and why they stand out as a great option for different needs. We’ll cover a range of products that cater to different requirements.
We’ll also explain where to find affordable servers so you can find the ideal solution for your setup without breaking the bank. Let’s break it down;
Where to buy home servers?
You can buy home servers at most electronics retailers or directly from manufacturers’ websites for the latest releases.
Before buying, you will want to consider refurbished servers, over new models. It will depend on your budget, but used servers can offer significant savings, often providing the same performance for less money.
These servers are typically “off-lease” and about two years old, meaning you’re still getting solid performance without paying full price for something brand new.
However, if you prefer the latest tech and warranties, purchasing a brand-new server might be the way to go.
1. Dell PowerEdge R410
The Dell PowerEdge R410 is a popular choice for home server setups, particularly for those who need a reliable FreeNAS server. With a configuration including dual quad-core CPUs, 32GB of RAM, and 2x2TB HGST drives, it offers excellent performance at a budget-friendly price.
Users can often find it refurbished for around £150 or under $200, making it a great value for those looking to create a powerful yet cost-effective home server.
2. Synology DiskStation DS920+
For those seeking a more straightforward NAS solution, the Synology DiskStation DS920+ is a top option. This four-bay NAS offers excellent performance for home media storage, file management, and even light virtualisation.
With its intuitive interface, Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, and strong support for apps like Plex, this server is perfect for anyone looking to store and stream media efficiently at home.
3. Dell PowerEdge T150
The Dell PowerEdge T150 is a great entry-level server for home lab enthusiasts. It offers solid performance for virtualised environments and Hyper-V setups.
Although it might be overkill for simple file storage or media serving, it’s ideal for users who need a server that can handle Active Directory, web services, and virtualisation tasks.
You can usually find it through outlets like dellrefurbished.com or etb-tech.com, the T150 is often a great deal for a server with an Xeon processor and plenty of expansion options.
So, what is the best home server, and which should you choose?
The best home server for you depends on your budget and requirements. specific needs.
- If you want a budget-friendly, reliable storage server, choose the Dell PowerEdge R410.
- If you’re looking for an easy-to-use media storage and streaming solution, go with the Synology DiskStation DS920+.
- If you need a server for virtualisation or home lab tasks, the Dell PowerEdge T150 is the best option.
Each server excels in its category, so pick the one that fits your needs. Each of these servers has its own strengths. Looking for more on the latest news and advice on the technology front? Read our technology guides.