Quick Summary (TL;DR):
A refurbished Dell OptiPlex Micro, HP EliteDesk Desktop Mini or Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny can be an excellent low-cost, always-on home server. Buy by exact processor generation, installed RAM, usable storage slots, BIOS condition and seller warranty rather than the badge on the lid. For a straightforward Proxmox, Home Assistant or Docker host, an 8th/9th-generation six-core Core i5 business mini PCAliExpress price with 16–32GB RAM and a healthy SSD is a sensible starting point if the total refurbished price is attractive. The HP EliteDesk 800 G5 MiniAliExpress price is especially interesting for its manufacturer-documented two storage M.2 positions; the Lenovo M720qAliExpress price/M920q Tiny stands out for an unusual optional low-profile PCIe expansion path; and the Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro is a straightforward, widely documented option. Those are model-specific advantages, not brand-wide guarantees. Most examples have only 1GbE and limited internal disk capacity. Check the exact machine before paying; this is a documentation-led buying guide, not a hands-on test or a claim about live refurbished stock.
The Verdict: Which Refurbished Mini PC Should You Buy?
| What you need | Start by checking | Why | Avoid if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Home Assistant, DNS, MQTT, light containers | Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro, Lenovo M720q Tiny or comparable HP | Common DDR4 SO-DIMM and NVMe/2.5-inch configurations; a well-priced six-core i5 is ample for many light services. | Seller cannot confirm CPU, adapter or BIOS access. |
| Proxmox with several VMs and two SSDs | HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Desktop Mini | HP documents two M.2 storage slots on this generation; verify the particular chassis and 2.5-inch bracket arrangement. | The advertised second SSD slot is inaccessible or missing mounting parts. |
| Extra network ports or a specialised PCIe card | Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q/M920q Tiny with compatible riser | Lenovo documents an optional PCIe 3.0 x8 low-profile slot; uncommon in this size. | You need the 2.5-inch bay simultaneously with the PCIe card. |
| No-fuss refurbished machine with published service documentation | Dell OptiPlex 7060/7070 Micro | Good official BIOS and storage manuals; simple NVMe plus 2.5-inch layout. | You require several internal HDDs or 10GbE without external adapters. |
| Heavy VMs, many drives or redundant power | Larger SFF workstation or purpose-built server | Space for storage, NICs, airflow and expansion matters more than a tiny enclosure. | A one-litre mini PCAliExpress price is being sold as a full NAS replacement. |
Our default purchase: the best-condition six-core i5 unit with a real seller-backed return policy, 16GB or more RAM, a verified SSD and the correct original-rated PSU. At equal all-in cost, prefer the model whose specific expansion options match your workload. There is no universal winner: a newer, healthy Dell can be a better purchase than an older HP, and a complete Lenovo can beat a barebones unit that needs several missing parts.
Why These Ex-Office PCs Make Good Home Servers
Business mini desktops are built to sit under desks for years. A company may replace an entire fleet long before the hardware is obsolete for lightweight Linux services. You inherit an x86-64 processor, standard memory, wired Ethernet, UEFI firmware and generally accessible service documentation in a small enclosure. The downside is that the previous owner may have run the machine hard, changed its components, locked its firmware or removed its power supply.
A home server rarely needs the graphics performance of a gaming PC. It does need stable storage, enough RAM, predictable networking, recovery after a power cut and a maintainable software stack. Refurbished business minis fit that brief well for compute. They are less convincing when asked to house four hard disks, a full-height HBA or several high-speed network adapters. See our existing comparison of a mini PC plus NAS versus a NAS-only home server for that architectural decision.
Compare Actual Models, Not Just Dell vs HP vs Lenovo
The following are specific documented reference models, not a promise that every OptiPlex, EliteDesk or ThinkCentre shares the same design. Refurbished listings frequently omit the exact generation, use recycled product photos or describe an i5 without its suffix. Ask for a BIOS photo or service-tag/model-type evidence before buying.
| Reference model | CPU generation / example | Manufacturer-documented memory | Internal storage / expansion | Typical limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro | 8th-gen Core; e.g. i5-8500T, 6 cores / 6 threads | 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM; Dell manual lists 32GB maximum | One M.2 2280 SSD position plus one 2.5-inch SATA bay | No conventional full-height PCIe slot; typically 1GbE. |
| HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Desktop Mini | 9th-gen Core; e.g. i5-9500T, 6 cores / 6 threads | 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM; HP datasheet advertises up to 64GB | Two M.2 2230/2280 storage positions plus optional 2.5-inch bay depending configuration | Check physical clearances, bracket and exact chassis/graphics option. |
| Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny | 8th/9th-gen Core; e.g. i5-8500T or i5-9500T | 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM; Lenovo PSREF lists up to 32GB | One M.2 NVMe SSD plus one 2.5-inch bay or optional low-profile PCIe 3.0 x8 card | PCIe riser may be absent; PCIe card and 2.5-inch drive are mutually exclusive. |
| Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q Tiny | 8th/9th-gen Core; configuration-dependent | 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM; Lenovo PSREF lists up to 32GB | M.2 NVMe plus 2.5-inch bay or optional low-profile PCIe 3.0 x8 | Check vPro, expansion riser and included PSU by machine type. |
Primary sources: Dell 7060 Micro setup/specifications, HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Desktop Mini datasheet, Lenovo M720 Tiny PSREF and Lenovo M920 Tiny PSREF. Manufacturer-listed maxima are validated configurations, not a guarantee that an unlisted higher-capacity kit works.
Processor Generation Matters More Than an i5 or i7 Sticker
A six-core Core i5-8500T is a more useful baseline for multiple services than many older dual-core i7 systems. Intel changed core counts substantially across generations; even within one generation, a T-suffix processor and a full-power non-T part may use different cooling and power adapters. A seller saying only “Core i7, 16GB” is not enough information to compare value.
| Listing detail | What it tells you | What to ask next |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5-8500T | 8th-generation Coffee Lake; 6 cores / 6 threads | Confirm it is the actual CPU shown in BIOS, not a stock-photo description. |
| Core i5-9500T | 9th-generation Coffee Lake Refresh; 6 cores / 6 threads | Compare full machine condition, not only the small generational change. |
| Core i7-8700T | 8th-generation; 6 cores / 12 threads | Useful if concurrent VM threads matter; check premium over an i5. |
| Core i7-9700T | 9th-generation; 8 cores / 8 threads | More physical cores, but not automatically better for every media workload. |
| “i7, 8GB, 256GB” | Insufficient to judge performance, supported RAM or storage | Request exact CPU, full model code and photographs. |
The T suffix generally denotes a lower nominal processor power envelope; it does not establish wall-plug idle watts. A faster processor can sometimes finish bursty tasks sooner and return to idle. Conversely, old firmware, attached disks, memory population and network adapters may dominate power use. For broader CPU tiers, see Home Assistant local voice and AI hardware.
Which Generations Are Worth Looking For in 2026?
- 8th and 9th generation Intel Core: often the most interesting low-cost starting point when the machine is complete, in good condition and cheap enough relative to a new N100/N150 system. Six-core i5 configurations are common in these specific families.
- 10th and 11th generation Intel Core: worth considering when priced close to older stock, especially if you need additional CPU threads, newer graphics or a more recent support lifecycle. Confirm the exact model and port layout; a 7090 Micro is not a 7060 with a new sticker.
- 6th/7th generation or earlier: potentially fine for a small Linux appliance, but often a false economy if you will buy RAM, an SSD and a PSU separately. Check security-update and OS-support implications before choosing one.
- New low-power mini PCAliExpress price: a legitimate alternative when a refurbished unit needs expensive refurbishment, warranty is weak, or you value current firmware and modern video decode. Compare completed system cost rather than sticker price.
If you plan to run Windows 11 in a VM or on bare metal, check Microsoft’s current supported CPU list, TPM/Secure Boot requirements and the exact configuration. Linux and Proxmox have different requirements; do not conflate Windows eligibility with the ability to run a Linux home server.
RAM: Buy Capacity You Can Verify, Not a Seller Promise
For a Linux host running Home Assistant, an MQTT broker, DNS and a few small containers, 16GB is a comfortable practical target. For Proxmox with several VMs, start your budget at 32GB if you expect Windows guests or memory-hungry applications. These are planning suggestions, not vendor minimum requirements. ZFS, databases and media applications can change the requirement substantially.
| Planned workload | Sensible RAM starting point | Upgrade consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Linux + DNS/MQTT + lightweight containers | 8–16GB | 8GB can work; 16GB gives headroom for caches and future services. |
| Home Assistant OS VM + 2–4 small Linux guests | 16–32GB | Reserve RAM for the host and allow realistic peak use. |
| Several active Windows/Linux VMs | 32GB or more | Confirm the manufacturer-documented ceiling before ordering. |
| ZFS, larger databases, dense VM lab | 32–64GB where supported | A tiny machine may be the wrong platform if memory is the constraint. |
Dell documents a 32GB ceiling for the 7060 Micro; Lenovo’s M720q and M920q PSREF sheets list 32GB. HP’s 800 G5 Desktop Mini datasheet advertises up to 64GB. Some enthusiasts report unofficial capacities, but a purchasing guide should not turn a forum anecdote into guaranteed compatibility. Verify DDR4 SO-DIMM voltage, supported speed, matched-module requirements and BIOS revision. A used machine advertised as “32GB maximum” with only 8GB installed is not a 32GB system.
For a deeper breakdown of memory consumption by service, see How Much RAM Does a NAS Need for Docker, Plex and VMs?.
Storage: The Hidden Difference Between These Tiny PCs
An inexpensive refurbished unit may ship with a tired 128GB SATA SSD, a reused 256GB NVMe drive or no disk at all. Ask for SSD model, health/SMART report and the exact interface. M.2 describes the physical card shape; it does not by itself prove NVMe support. For example, Dell documents both M.2 SATA and PCIe NVMe options for the 7060 Micro. A 2.5-inch bay needs the appropriate caddy, SATA ribbon/cable and sometimes screws that are missing from ex-corporate units.
HP 800 G5 Mini: two M.2 storage positions are a real differentiator for mirrored boot or separate OS/VM storage, but verify the particular unit’s board, retention hardware and drive/bracket clearances. An installed 2.5-inch caddy can obstruct an SSD arrangement on some builds. Lenovo M720q/M920q: the PSREF explicitly states that the 2.5-inch drive and optional PCIe card cannot be used together. Dell 7060 Micro: its documented M.2-plus-2.5-inch arrangement is easy to understand but does not offer a standard add-in PCIe slot.
| Storage approach | Benefit | Risk / limitation |
|---|---|---|
| One healthy NVMe SSD | Simple, low noise and responsive for VMs | Single drive failure can take down the host; back up elsewhere. |
| NVMe OS + 2.5-inch SATA SSD | Separate workloads or keep local backup staging | SATA caddy/cable may be missing; two disks in one chassis are not an off-site backup. |
| Two internal M.2 SSDs (supported HP configurations) | Potential for separation or redundancy | Check BIOS, thermals, retention parts and actual slot access. |
| USB HDD enclosure | Cheap removable backup target | Not a substitute for reliable multi-bay NAS storage or tested recovery. |
| External NAS over Ethernet | Scalable disks, independent storage and backup | Extra appliance, switch, power, network and maintenance costs. |
Avoid using a second internal disk as the only backup of a first disk. Theft, fire, power problems and operator mistakes can affect both. For large media libraries or irreplaceable files, a dedicated NAS and an independent backup destination are usually cleaner. Our HDD vs SATA SSD vs NVMe guide explains which drive type pays off for different workloads.
Networking: Mostly 1GbE, With One Important Lenovo Exception
The reference Dell 7060 Micro, HP 800 G5 Desktop Mini and Lenovo M720q/M920q Tiny are typically equipped with one onboard Gigabit Ethernet port. That is sufficient for Home Assistant, backups of modest VMs and ordinary home networking, but it can bottleneck large transfers to fast SSD storage. If you need 2.5GbE or multiple routed interfaces, factor in adapters, drivers and switch ports before buying.
- USB 2.5GbE: convenient for a file server, but check Linux driver support, USB controller stability and whether you would trust it for a critical firewall uplink. Do not assume every USB NIC behaves well after sleep or reboot.
- Lenovo Tiny PCIe: M720q/M920q designs document an optional PCIe 3.0 x8 low-profile slot. It requires the correct compatible riser, bracket, card clearance and cooling. The 2.5-inch bay is sacrificed when using the PCIe card. Not every second-hand listing includes the riser.
- Dell/HP: check the exact optional rear-port module and internal expansion layout; neither of the reference mini models should be treated as having a conventional full-size PCIe slot.
- For a true multi-NIC router: consider a purpose-built firewall appliance or SFF PC rather than assembling a chain of unverified USB adapters.
Remember that an advertised 2.5GbE USB adapter needs a compatible switch and peer device to deliver a meaningful network upgrade. Our 2.5GbE switch guide covers the rest of the network.
Can You Run Proxmox on a Refurbished Business Mini PC?
Yes, provided the CPU, firmware and storage meet the requirements. Proxmox VE supports x86-64 hardware with Intel VT-x or AMD-V for KVM guests, and passthrough requires the relevant IOMMU/VT-d support. These features must also be available and enabled in the BIOS. An advertised “vPro” badge is not proof of a usable remote-management configuration; vPro/AMT depends on the CPU, chipset, firmware and provisioning.
- Before installing: ask the seller to confirm that BIOS setup is accessible and no unknown administrator password remains. Check for organisation enrolment/management locks and request a clean, legitimate decommissioning.
- Update firmware: use the exact model’s manufacturer support page. Read release notes and update with stable power. Do not flash a BIOS for a similar-looking model.
- Set firmware options: enable Intel Virtualization Technology; enable VT-d/IOMMU only if you need passthrough. Confirm UEFI boot and consider “power on after AC loss” for unattended operation.
- Install Proxmox: use its official installer and a wired network connection. Installation erases the selected disk; back up any retained data first.
- Plan memory and storage: leave RAM for the hypervisor, avoid exhausting SSD free space, and establish an external VM-backup destination.
- Prove recovery: test a reboot, remote login, VM auto-start, shutdown, backup restore and recovery after an actual simulated power interruption.
The official Proxmox system requirements and installation guide are the authoritative starting points. For a working example of radio-device mapping once the host is running, see Home Assistant on Proxmox: Zigbee and Thread USB Passthrough.
Home Assistant, Docker, Plex and Jellyfin: Match the Workload
| Service | Is a used business mini PC suitable? | What actually decides |
|---|---|---|
| Home Assistant OS in a VM | Yes, commonly a good fit | Stable USB radio access, enough RAM, backup and restart behaviour. |
| Docker, MQTT, Pi-hole/AdGuard, Tailscale | Usually excellent | RAM, SSD health, Linux drivers and keeping services updated. |
| Plex/Jellyfin direct play | Usually fine for modest households | Network, storage throughput and client codec support. |
| Plex/Jellyfin transcoding | Depends on exact Intel iGPU and software | Quick Sync codec support, host/guest access, licensing and simultaneous streams. |
| Frigate with several IP cameras | Needs careful sizing | Decode acceleration, detector choice, camera streams and recording disk endurance. |
| 4–8-bay NAS with redundancy | Poor fit as the sole enclosure | Insufficient internal 3.5-inch bays and expansion/cooling constraints. |
An 8th/9th-generation Intel iGPU can be useful for media transcoding, but not every codec, colour format or application supports the same acceleration path. Hardware decode, encode and tone mapping are separate capabilities. Virtualising the media server adds passthrough and permission considerations. Avoid claims such as “handles eight 4K streams” unless tested on the exact hardware and software combination. If media is your priority, consult our Plex and Jellyfin hardware guide.
Refurbished Warranty, Returns and Condition: More Important Than the Logo
The original corporate warranty may be expired or tied to an organisation. A reseller’s own written warranty is a different promise. Ask who pays for return shipping, what happens if the machine is dead on arrival, whether replacement parts are used and whether a return is a refund or store credit. Read the listing’s actual terms; a generic “12-month warranty” badge does not describe exclusions.
For UK consumer purchases from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act generally requires goods to be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality in context, including their used condition. Distance-sale cancellation rules may also apply. Rights differ for private sales and by country, so check the applicable rules rather than treating the seller’s voluntary warranty as your only protection. The UK Trading Standards consumer-rights guidance is a useful starting point.
| Condition claim | What it should mean | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| “Refurbished” | Seller has inspected, cleaned and prepared the machine | Actual testing scope, SSD health, fan noise and grading. |
| “Grade A” | Cosmetic grading, not a universal technical standard | Photographs of the exact unit and a clear return policy. |
| “Fully tested” | A statement, not a standardised certification | BIOS photo, memory test, SSD SMART data and network/USB test. |
| “Windows included” | Potential OS licence or installation | Legitimate activation/entitlement; irrelevant if you will install Linux. |
| “Power supply included” | May be original or replacement | Correct connector, voltage, current/wattage and safe condition. |
| “Warranty 12 months” | A contractual promise from a named party | Coverage, exclusions, postage, replacement and refund procedure. |
A Pre-Purchase Checklist You Can Send to the Seller
- Exact identity: model family, generation, manufacturer service tag or Lenovo machine type, and photographs of the actual unit.
- Processor: full Intel CPU model including suffix, not just “i5” or “i7”.
- Memory: installed GB, number of occupied SO-DIMM slots, and whether the advertised maximum is officially supported.
- Storage: installed SSD make/model/capacity, interface and SMART health; confirm whether an M.2 slot is empty.
- Missing pieces: 2.5-inch caddy, SATA ribbon, M.2 screw, Wi-Fi antennas, VESA bracket or Lenovo PCIe riser if needed.
- Power: correctly rated adapter and undamaged DC connector; no “universal” replacement with uncertain polarity.
- Firmware: accessible BIOS/UEFI, no administrator password, no unresolved corporate-management lock.
- Boot and ports: verified Ethernet, USB, video, fan and cold-start behaviour.
- Cooling: no abnormal fan noise, thermal shutdowns or excessive dust; ask whether thermal maintenance was performed.
- Returns: written warranty length, test period, return address, postage costs and dead-on-arrival process.
- Tax and delivery: total checkout cost including VAT where applicable, shipping and any import charges.
- Seller status: business trader or private seller, with appropriate consumer protections and traceable payment.
If the seller refuses to identify the processor or demonstrate BIOS access, treat that as a reason to choose a different listing. A machine that is £20 cheaper but requires a proprietary PSU, new SSD and an hour of troubleshooting can be the expensive one.
How to Calculate the Real Cost of a Refurbished Home Server
Do not compare a barebones, no-SSD, no-PSU auction against a fully configured new mini PC. Build a landed, usable-system budget for each listing. Avoid relying on a price quoted in an old review: refurbished supply and condition vary from unit to unit. The table below is a worksheet, not a set of invented market prices. Fill it using actual offers in your region.
| Cost component | Dell OptiPlex offer | HP EliteDesk offer | Lenovo ThinkCentre offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase price including tax | Your quoted amount | Your quoted amount | Your quoted amount |
| Delivery / import costs | Add actual charge | Add actual charge | Add actual charge |
| RAM upgrade to target | Price compatible SO-DIMM | Price compatible SO-DIMM | Price compatible SO-DIMM |
| SSD replacement / extra storage | Healthy SSD or replacement | Healthy SSD or replacement | Healthy SSD or replacement |
| PSU, caddy, ribbon or PCIe riser | Only if missing | Only if missing | Only if missing |
| UPS allocation and backup destination | Include your planned share | Include your planned share | Include your planned share |
| Network adapters / switch upgrade | Only if needed | Only if needed | Only if needed |
| Three-year energy cost | Measure and calculate | Measure and calculate | Measure and calculate |
| Total ownership cost | Sum all rows | Sum all rows | Sum all rows |
Ownership formula: purchase + delivery + RAM + SSD + missing parts + backup + UPS + network accessories + electricity + expected maintenance. If you already own an adequate UPS or NAS, allocate only the incremental cost you genuinely incur. Conversely, do not count a reused, worn-out SSD as free if you intend to replace it before storing important data.
Electricity: Calculate From Measured Wall Power, Not CPU TDP
An always-on device runs for 8,760 hours in a normal 365-day year. The useful formula is (average watts ÷ 1000) × 8,760 × electricity tariff per kWh. Measure the whole computer at the socket in its real workload, with the final SSDs, RAM and USB devices installed. A 65W or 90W adapter label is its capacity, not its continuous consumption.
| Illustrative average wall draw | Annual electricity use | Annual cost at an example £0.28/kWh | Three-year cost at that assumed tariff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10W | 87.6kWh | £24.53 | £73.58 |
| 18W | 157.68kWh | £44.15 | £132.45 |
| 28W | 245.28kWh | £68.68 | £206.04 |
These wattages are hypothetical calculation inputs, not measured results for Dell, HP or Lenovo; the £0.28/kWh rate is an example, not a current UK tariff quote. The difference between a hypothetical 10W and 18W system is about £58.87 over three years at that tariff. That saving might matter, but not enough to justify a large purchase premium without considering reliability, RAM and workload. Also measure the UPS, switch and external storage if you are comparing complete systems. For more, see our UPS buying guide.
Maintenance and Security: Do This Before It Becomes Your 24/7 Server
- Confirm lawful ownership and clean decommissioning. Check for asset tags, organisation enrolment and any unresolved firmware or management restrictions. Do not try to circumvent someone else’s security lock.
- Run diagnostics. Check RAM stability, storage SMART data, CPU temperatures and the Ethernet port. A brief boot to desktop does not prove 24/7 reliability.
- Inspect cooling. Remove accessible dust carefully and ensure the fan operates without grinding. Replace a failing fan rather than trusting it with a home automation stack.
- Update UEFI firmware. Obtain the exact update from Dell, HP or Lenovo. Use stable power and record the firmware version.
- Install a clean operating system. Do not rely on the previous owner’s image, accounts or security settings.
- Configure auto-restart after AC recovery. Then test it with a controlled power-cycle; setting names differ between vendors.
- Keep services reachable only where needed. Use a firewall, strong authentication and security updates. Do not expose Proxmox administration to the public internet.
- Back up off-device. Schedule backups to a NAS, removable disk or trusted remote destination, and test a restore.
- Monitor and protect power. A compatible UPS helps prevent abrupt power loss; ensure shutdown signalling is configured rather than merely plugging into battery sockets.
If a machine will run heating, alarms, cameras or other important home automation, add an alert for disk errors and service outages. The cheapest refurbished hardware is only a bargain when it can recover predictably after a failure.
When a New Mini PC or an SFF Desktop Is the Better Buy
A used one-litre business PC is not automatically the greenest or cheapest answer once you add all missing components. Consider a new low-power mini PC when the refurbished unit’s SSD, fan, PSU and warranty are questionable, or when you specifically need a newer integrated graphics engine. Consider an SFF business desktop when you want a standard PCIe NIC, a second internal drive without awkward brackets, or more cooling capacity. Consider a proper NAS enclosure for multiple 3.5-inch disks, accessible drive trays and storage-focused management.
For a modest Home Assistant instance and a few background services, either a sound used i5 or a modern N100/N150 may be enough. For dense VMs and memory-hungry applications, compare against a newer Ryzen/Core i5 system rather than assuming any cheap office mini is adequate. Our Home Assistant OS vs Docker vs Proxmox article can help choose the software architecture before spending money.
Common Buying Mistakes
- Buying the oldest i7 instead of a newer six-core i5: compare full CPU model, cores/threads and platform, not the badge.
- Assuming 64GB works in every Tiny/Micro: official memory ceilings differ; do not generalise an HP datasheet to a Dell or Lenovo.
- Buying a Lenovo for PCIe but missing the riser: the optional card path is useful only when the correct parts and clearance are present.
- Planning both Lenovo PCIe and a 2.5-inch disk: the documented M720q/M920q arrangement makes them mutually exclusive.
- Counting an M.2 Wi-Fi slot as a second NVMe slot: M.2 keying and lane wiring matter.
- Ignoring the power adapter: proprietary DC connectors and CPU-specific wattage can add cost and risk.
- Trusting a reused SSD without a health report: replacing it is often sensible for a VM host.
- Using the only internal disk for backups: a copy on the same chassis is not an independent recovery plan.
- Assuming low CPU TDP means low annual energy cost: measure at the wall.
- Expecting a tiny desktop to be a multi-bay NAS: storage expansion, airflow and recovery matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Dell OptiPlex Micro better than an HP EliteDesk Mini for Proxmox?
Not as a brand-wide rule. Compare the actual CPU, RAM, storage slots, BIOS state and warranty. A documented HP 800 G5 Mini can be attractive for two M.2 SSD positions, while a Dell 7060 Micro offers a straightforward M.2-plus-2.5-inch layout. A newer or healthier Dell may still be the better purchase.
Why do people recommend Lenovo M720q and M920q Tiny for home labs?
They offer an unusual optional low-profile PCIe 3.0 x8 expansion route in a one-litre chassis. That can be useful for compatible NICs, but you need the right riser and cooling clearance, and the 2.5-inch drive bay cannot be used simultaneously with the PCIe card on the documented designs.
How much RAM should a used Proxmox mini PC have?
For a small mixed home lab, 16GB is a reasonable starting point and 32GB is more comfortable for multiple VMs. The correct answer depends on guest allocation, storage design and concurrent workload. Check the specific model’s documented RAM ceiling before purchasing.
Can I add two SSDs to these machines?
Sometimes, but the arrangements differ. Dell 7060 Micro supports an M.2 SSD and 2.5-inch SATA drive; Lenovo M720q/M920q can use M.2 plus 2.5-inch storage when not using the optional PCIe card; HP 800 G5 Desktop Mini documents two M.2 storage positions with configuration-dependent physical constraints. Verify the actual board, caddy and mounting hardware.
Will an 8th-generation Intel mini PC run Home Assistant?
Generally yes, if it has sufficient RAM, reliable storage and a supported installation method. Running Home Assistant OS as a Proxmox VM is common; USB radio mapping and backups need attention. Home Assistant does not require a high-end processor for a typical small installation.
Is a used mini PC safe to leave on all day?
It can be, but age and previous use create uncertainty. Check fan condition, dust, temperatures, SSD health, firmware, PSU and power-recovery settings. Use backups and a suitable UPS if outages would be disruptive. Do not mistake a short seller power-on test for a reliability guarantee.
What is the best cheap used mini PC for a home server?
The best value is a complete, well-tested machine with a known six-core CPU, enough RAM, healthy storage and a credible warranty at the lowest total cost. Without comparing current local offers, declaring a specific refurbished model “cheapest” would be misleading.
Related ESP32 and Home-Server Guides
- Mini PC Plus NAS vs a NAS-Only Home Server — decide where compute and bulk storage belong.
- How Much RAM Does a NAS Need for Docker, Plex and VMs? — plan memory before buying.
- Home Assistant OS vs Docker vs Proxmox — choose the operating model.
- Home Assistant on Proxmox: Zigbee and Thread USB Passthrough — practical radio mapping.
- HDD vs SATA SSD vs NVMe for NAS — storage upgrade decisions.
- Best UPS for Home Assistant, Router and NAS — power protection.
- Best 2.5GbE Switches for a Smart Home and Home Lab — networking upgrades.
Official Specifications and Further Reading
- Dell: OptiPlex 7060 Micro setup and specifications — processors, RAM, storage and BIOS.
- Dell UK: OptiPlex 7090 Micro specifications — example of a newer, different chassis configuration.
- HP: EliteDesk 800 G5 Desktop Mini datasheet — platform and M.2 storage positions.
- HP: EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini support and manuals — identify exact configuration.
- Lenovo PSREF: ThinkCentre M720 Tiny — RAM, disk bay and PCIe constraints.
- Lenovo PSREF: ThinkCentre M920 Tiny — configuration and optional expansion.
- Proxmox: system requirements — virtualisation and passthrough prerequisites.
- Proxmox: official installation instructions — install and configure the host.
- UK Trading Standards: consumer rights when buying online — trader versus private seller considerations.