Remplacement for an old Rpi 3b

[red vortex]

Hello,

I would like to get a new machine to run my HA server since my RPi with 1gb is near the end what is capable of doing.

I’m currently looking at minipc (like Beelink EQ14, also saw the Beelink Me mini who could also be a Nas for my use) but thats ~ 300€ so I would prefer to go with a cheaper solution

I’m also looking at second hand solutions like this HP Prodesk 400 G2, Intel core i5, 16gb ram, 500go Hdd ~ 75€
Would this one be enough to handle Home Assistant, Hacs and some devices (mostly lights, sensors and possibly tts) ?

Thanks a lot
(Sorry for my english, I’m French, si jamais un français passe par là et peux m’aider dans mon choix, c’est avec plaisir)

[dreamy patio]

I have some notes on the subject HERE.
My personal HA Server is running on top of proxmox on a EQ14 and it works great. Although I would probably recommend the S13 for most people instead if you are going that route.

the cheaper HP system will likely be fine too but if its a HDD then swap that out for an SSD
there are possibly other older thin client type systems that are reasonably priced too.

[gloomy briar]

Some more notes: https://gist.github.com/Impact123/6ee130240bdc6a7fed2d5224616544a0
I think a used Tiny/USFF PC is a great choice.

[dreamy patio]

if your dealing with a small setup and are just now outgrowing the rpi3b then a Green might also be a good option. low power/works out the box/etc...

[red vortex]

I’ve been very gentle with my config for now, pretty limited, but I plan to play around more with the new one, cameras, a system like Jarvis etc, so I think a Green Will be soon not enough, want something more future proof

[dreamy patio]

yeah that makes sense.

[red vortex]

Forget to mention than i’ll try myself with virtualisation, with proxmox. What do you think I should get ?

[dreamy patio]

my current general recommendation is the beelink S13. but cheaper old systems can work too if you want to do it cheaper.

[red vortex]

Yeah, i’m hesitating.. cheaper but maybe limited and will have to change machine soon or later or, 300bucks but I’m ok for many years thats it ?

[dreamy patio]

I suspect the low end beelink's and similar might disappear for a while soon too. its not worth putting ram in them...

it really depends. you can probably go through a couple of cheaper 2nd hand things over some years instead of paying more for something newer now.

[red vortex]

Haha thats not this easy for me, cause I dont wanna start things from scrap (like i’ll probably gonna need to do now since my HA keep crashing) every month and then. Will think about it, thanks you

[dreamy patio]

moving between systems is easy with the backup/restore system built in to home assistant if you have to. just be sure you have the backup file and the encryption key to use it safe.