A beginner Proxmox homelab built from reused hardware
A Reddit user shared a beginner homelab made with reused consumer hardware. The setup is centered on Proxmox VE and uses LXC containers instead of full virtual machines when possible. Storage is handled with mergerfs, while remote access is split between Cloudflare Tunnel and Tailscale. The user also runs Pi-hole for local DNS and ad blocking.
Key points
- The homelab uses reused consumer hardware, not enterprise gear.
- The stated goals are low cost, quiet operation, and power efficiency.
- Proxmox VE is the main platform for running the setup.
- The user prefers LXC containers over full virtual machines when possible.
- Cloudflare Tunnel is used for public services, while Tailscale is used for private access.
Quick term guide
- LXC containers
- A lightweight way to run separated services without a full separate computer inside your computer.
- full virtual machines
- A way to run a complete separate computer system inside another computer.
- virtual machines
- Separate computer-like systems that run inside one physical computer.
- virtual machine
- A software-based computer that runs inside your real computer, letting you run a different operating system (like Linux) on your Mac.
- remote access
- Connecting to and controlling a computer from another place.
- Cloudflare Tunnel
- A free service that routes traffic through Cloudflare's servers so your home server stays reachable without opening a router port.
- Mac mini server
- A Mac mini used as an always-on computer for files, apps, backups, or automation.
- enterprise gear
- High-performance computer equipment designed for large companies and data centers.