Key takeaways:
- Used Mini PCs offer better computational capabilities than Raspberry Pi for homelab servers without breaking the bank.
- Mini PCs are more power-efficient and provide better storage options than Raspberry Pi.
- Mini PCs are suitable for computational tasks, while Raspberry Pi is better for embedded systems and ARM-based development.
Used mini desktop PCs available on sites like eBay can be a better value for a home server compared to the Raspberry Pi 4B, as they provide better computational capabilities, are more power-efficient, and offer better storage options[3][4]. Mini PCs are particularly suitable for computational tasks, while Raspberry Pi is better for embedded systems and ARM-based development[3].
When choosing a compute device for a home server, consider the project's needs. If the use case is purely computational and does not require any unique characteristics of the Pi, an inexpensive used mini PC is likely a better choice due to its superior performance and storage capabilities[3].
However, there are cases where a Raspberry Pi or similar device might be more appropriate. These include embedding a computing device into something like a robot or drone, where the Pi's lighter weight, smaller footprint, and battery-powered capabilities are advantageous. Additionally, if you're developing code for ARM-based systems, the Raspberry Pi is the better choice, as there are no used PCs that can help in that scenario[3].
In conclusion, carefully evaluate your project's requirements when choosing a compute device for a home server. If computational power and storage are priorities, a used mini PC is likely the better option. If unique characteristics of the Raspberry Pi are required, such as ARM-based development or embedding in a device, then the Pi might be more suitable[3].
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