Latest Blog
When Is More CPU or RAM Worth Paying For in a Home Assistant Server?
Pay for CPU when compute delays control; buy RAM when memory pressure causes swapping or restarts. Otherwise, fix the measured bottleneck first.
What to Check Before Buying a Used Server for Home Assistant
A used server is worthwhile only when its full platform, power, noise, storage health, parts, and recovery path pass inspection.
How to Choose Storage and Network Interfaces for Home Assistant
Prioritize reliable local SSD storage and stable Ethernet; pay for faster interfaces only when backups or shared workloads can use them.
How to Choose Home Assistant Hardware for a Quiet Living Space
A fanless or slow-fan system fits a living space only when heat, storage, radio placement, and recovery remain acceptable under peak load.
How to Choose a Home Server for Home Assistant Whole-Home Device Control
A buyer framework for selecting a reliable Home Assistant server, from a reused PC baseline to expandable x86 hardware for heavier smart-home workloads.
How Much Expansion Headroom Should You Buy for Jellyfin?
A practical formula for buying enough Jellyfin storage, bays, and upgrade paths without overpaying for idle capacity.
When Is 2.5GbE or 10GbE Worth Paying More For With Jellyfin?
A threshold-based guide to deciding when Jellyfin needs 2.5GbE or 10GbE—and when ordinary Gigabit Ethernet remains the better buy.
What to Verify Before Buying Drives for Jellyfin
Choose Jellyfin drives by verified recording method, interface, physical fit, workload, warranty, acoustics, health data, rebuild needs, and recovery plan.
