Small Linux Server Options for Home Use
A small Linux server for home runs 24/7 on a compact, low-power computer. Common home server tasks include file storage, media streaming, a network ad blocker, a smart home hub and private cloud storage. Ubuntu Linux is a common choice for these tasks, and the Thinvent range ships its mini PCs, industrial PCs and thin clients with Ubuntu Linux preinstalled.
Choose the processor and memory based on the workload. Lighter tasks such as file storage and a small media library need a 4-core processor and 4 GB to 8 GB of memory. Virtual machines, containers and several services at once need more memory and more cores. The Intel Core i3 and i7 processors and the AMD Ryzen 5 processor offer 6 to 10 cores, and their memory options reach 64 GB.
Comparison of Thinvent Processors for Home Servers
| Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | Cache | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Celeron N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 MB | File storage, light services |
| Intel Celeron J1900 | 4 | 2.4 GHz | 2 MB | Basic storage and network tasks |
| Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | Media, containers, several services |
| Intel Core i3-1315U | 6 | 4.5 GHz | 10 MB | Media, containers, several services |
| Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 12 MB | Virtual machines, heavy workloads |
| AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 MB | Virtual machines, containers, storage |
The Thinvent range does not include an Intel Core i5 processor. Its Intel processors are the Core i3, Core i7 and Celeron models listed above.
Connectivity and Power
Models with a dual band WiFi module connect to wireless networks. Models with No WiFi connect by Ethernet. The industrial PCs with dual LAN have two Ethernet ports for separate networks. The mini PCs and the industrial PCs run on a 12V or 19V DC adapter, which keeps power use low for continuous operation.
Thinvent Mini PCs for Home Linux Servers
The Thinvent Treo Mini PC, Thinvent Aero Mini PC and Thinvent Industrial PC IPC3 and IPC5 run Ubuntu Linux and suit a home server. The Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 with 64GB memory and 1TB SSD suits virtual machines and large storage. The Thinvent Aero Mini PC with Intel Core i3-1315U suits file storage and media. The Thinvent Neo S Thin Client suits a basic network service.
