🔌 1.5 Years with a Proxmox Box

🚀 How it Started

I have been learning Linux for some time and started pursuing certifications. To deeply understand specific versions/distributions of Linux, setting up each environment within a virtual machine is optimal. To support running several virtual machines and containers simultaneously, building a simple server for home use, often referred to as a home lab, seemed ideal.

🖥️ The Hardware

I started with an HP Z230 Workstation purchased on Amazon for $120. I chose a workstation for several reasons:

1. A reliable Power Supply Unit
2. Extra PCI-E Sockets
3. Extra SATA Ports

📡 Adding a Hardware SAS/SATA Controller

It’s important to use a SATA controller to expand the number of available drive connections and offload processing to a dedicated chip. LSI SAS controllers are popular for this purpose, so I opted for an LSI 9207-81 for $100 CAD.

🌐 Adding a Dual NIC Converged Ethernet Controller

For reliable network performance, having two independent Network Interface Controllers is crucial. Notably, for BSD, Intel-made NICs are a requirement. Therefore, I went with a 1Gb converged Ethernet controller with Intel NICs.

🌀 Additional Cooling

Quiet cooling is essential. The original machine was too loud for continuous operation next to my desk. I replaced the original fans with soft-mounted economy Noctua Fans.

🛠️ Many Mounts Later

The system was firmly assembled with all cards seated. Extra zip ties and adhesive mounts were used to shockproof the case and solidly hold strangely positioned fans.

🌟 First Boot

I started with one SATA drive connected to the motherboard. Booting into the BIOS, I altered boot options, cleared any settings, and removed old administrative locks.

Note: Not an actual photo from my BIOS.

🔄 Second Boot

I connected a second drive of the same size and type via SATA directly to the motherboard and booted to Proxmox. These two drives were destined to be my raided boot disk.

📁 BTRFS

I set up the matching SSDs as a mirrored pair in Better File System (BTRFS) before installing Proxmox. This would give me Copy on Write (COW) Versioning and Snapshots, perfect for experimenting and making mistakes.

🐧 Proxmox

After installing Proxmox, I was impressed by its intuitive interface and robust features. The platform made managing virtual machines and containers straightforward, enhancing my learning experience.

🖥️ Installing VMs

Installing various VMs was a breeze on Proxmox. I experimented with different Linux distros, setting up each environment to mirror the requirements of my certification studies.

📚 Lessons Learned

Throughout this journey, I gained invaluable insights into server management, virtualization, and network setup. This hands-on experience was far more enriching than any theoretical study could offer. I look forward to continuing my exploration and sharing more discoveries.