Bear in mind, a system that is built to be a dedicated server will be meant to crunch data. That means 2 things:
loud fans
heavy electricity use
If you just want a lab, I suggest getting a desktop PC and loading a server OS on it. Practical hardware experience isn’t too valuable because platforms change and they usually make them super simple to maintenance with lots of online support. Getting a desktop will also save you some bread on initial investment.
Exactly. The use-case dictates requirements, then you build according to that. Will this work for a camera system? With the right drive(s) added, sure. Would this run something graphics intensive very well? Not particularly.
I like NVR systems with PoE, Lorex makes some good ones and they do a decent job at trying to secure your device. Granted, that same security makes it more challenging to reset a password, but it’s good to know someone jacking your NVR wouldn’t be able to just use it.
For networks, much of it depends on budget and requirement. Do you want home security cameras on your network? Are you someone who works with large files all the time? Do you have gig plus Internet speeds? Do you own or rent? Lots of factors can affect choices. Start from there and build the infrastructure that works for your need. Don’t go looking to build a monster you’ll never really get moving, that’s a waste. Brand will become a factor once you look at the capabilities you need, you’ll see names come up over and over. At the consumer level, there are a few but price is also a factor. Not much help, I know.
Yep, I’m speaking in generalities. Overall, my point is that a homelab doesn’t need something expensive because it may not be heavily used, so most of those features are not necessary. If the guy had mentioned running a business or customers, that’d be a different story.
You even had to qualify your own statement that one has to modify hard drive power consumption to achieve acceptable noise levels.
I had a SIEM running on a mini-pc like a champ. It cost me fifteen bucks and taught me a lot. Build to requirement, not title.