The Goal
I put together a bit of a Frankenstein mini rack for my home server setup; piecing it from a mix of inspiration and practicality. I borrowed ideas from various creators online (credit below). Everything from 3D-printed 1U shelves to clever cable management tricks and modular mounting approaches. I combined these concepts into something that fit my exact needs, using a blend of purchased parts from DeskPi, an SBC, KVM, and a few custom tweaks to make everything align. The result is what I believe to be a clean beginner setup for a Mini Homelab that is highly functional with each component reflecting a different influence I came across while researching and building.
Attribution
Jeff Geerling - The reason I created a mini rack to begin with.
Michael Klements - Founder of Lab Rax. The bulk of this setup was influenced by his creations.
Gary Algier - For his PanelMaker design that holds the JetKVM and Switch.
Tech Units
Non-Affiliate Links
- JetKVM - open-source hardware device that lets you remotely control any computer’s keyboard, video, and mouse over the internet—even if the system is off or unresponsive.
- TP-Link TL-SG108PE V3 - An 8-port gigabit smart switch with 4 PoE+ ports that delivers both network connectivity and power to devices.
- Zimaboard 2 Model#1664 - The brains behind the operation. A compact SBC (single-board computer) that lets you run a NAS, media server, router, or homelab in a small, low-power device.
- Crucial BX500 Currently 2x4TB - A 2.5-inch SATA SSD that provides fast, reliable storage.
Hardware
Non-Affiliate Links
3D Printed Parts
Additional Information
The 3D printed parts from Michael K. require additional accessories to fully assemble and function as intended, including items like a soldering station kit for any electronic connections, as well as screws, nuts, and bolts to securely mount and reinforce the structure. Beyond just the printed components, having access to a 3D printer is essential to produce these parts in the first place, giving you the flexibility to customize, reprint, or modify pieces as needed. While it adds an extra step and some upfront investment, owning or accessing a 3D printer greatly expands what you can build and adapt within a project like this.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, I plan to evolve this setup into a more robust and versatile homelab by integrating software like Plex for centralized media streaming, alongside Docker and Kubernetes to deploy, manage, and scale containerized applications efficiently. On the hardware side, I intend to expand storage with additional SSDs to support growing data needs and improve performance. I’m also planning to incorporate PoE-powered devices—such as security cameras—leveraging the existing network infrastructure to create a more capable, always-on system that handles both media and home automation workloads.
The Goal
I put together a bit of a Frankenstein mini rack for my home server setup; piecing it from a mix of inspiration and practicality. I borrowed ideas from various creators online (credit below). Everything from 3D-printed 1U shelves to clever cable management tricks and modular mounting approaches. I combined these concepts into something that fit my exact needs, using a blend of purchased parts from DeskPi, an SBC, KVM, and a few custom tweaks to make everything align. The result is what I believe to be a clean beginner setup for a Mini Homelab that is highly functional with each component reflecting a different influence I came across while researching and building.
Attribution
Jeff Geerling - The reason I created a mini rack to begin with.
Michael Klements - Founder of Lab Rax. The bulk of this setup was influenced by his creations.
Gary Algier - For his PanelMaker design that holds the JetKVM and Switch.
Tech Units
Non-Affiliate Links
Hardware
Non-Affiliate Links
3D Printed Parts
Additional Information
The 3D printed parts from Michael K. require additional accessories to fully assemble and function as intended, including items like a soldering station kit for any electronic connections, as well as screws, nuts, and bolts to securely mount and reinforce the structure. Beyond just the printed components, having access to a 3D printer is essential to produce these parts in the first place, giving you the flexibility to customize, reprint, or modify pieces as needed. While it adds an extra step and some upfront investment, owning or accessing a 3D printer greatly expands what you can build and adapt within a project like this.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, I plan to evolve this setup into a more robust and versatile homelab by integrating software like Plex for centralized media streaming, alongside Docker and Kubernetes to deploy, manage, and scale containerized applications efficiently. On the hardware side, I intend to expand storage with additional SSDs to support growing data needs and improve performance. I’m also planning to incorporate PoE-powered devices—such as security cameras—leveraging the existing network infrastructure to create a more capable, always-on system that handles both media and home automation workloads.