Hello everyone. Currently I have a Minecraft server and a Jellyfin server running on an old Windows 10 gaming PC, but it’s too hot and it makes working in my office (where my UDM SE and switch are in). Both applications are running on a 1TB platter drive. I would like to setup something that is at least cooler and less power hungry to run, as well as give it redundant storage as I would also like to throw NextCloud, and a personal web server into that. What hardware recommendations would you all recommend.
As a bonus question, does anyone have any resources to learn how I could securely setup my network in order to be able to access my personal server from the web without a VPN (my kids would like to invite their friends to the Minecraft server :P)
An old gaming PC is not inherently much worse than any other system as a simple server. If you want to save money, you can just keep using it, but it might be worth reducing the power consumption.
You could start by removing or disabling unnecessary components:
- remove the GPU if it’s not in use
- go into your BIOS and disable anything that is not in use, such as PCI Express slots and USB slots
This can significantly reduce idle power consumption.
As a next step, you could install Linux, which may reduce idle power even more by using fewer system resources.
But all in all, there is no better solution to your heat problem than to move the server to another room. Even my Raspberry Pi and router together produce a noticeable heat in my room.