So someone in FLOSS #DeltaChat group said #ARM #SBCs are terrible at computation power. And that a #miniPC has much better computation power comparing to something like #RaspberryPi. I had plans for a #homeserver and I wanted to use my #LibreComputer #Alta and utilize its #npu.

Libre Computer boards have really good prices comparing to the performance they provide comparing to other ARM SBCs such as #RPi. However, comparing them with a mini or even #microPC, an old micro PC provides better computation power.

LibreComputer #RenegadeElite features a #Rockchip #rk3399, 4GB DDR4 and costs 76 USD:

https://libre.computer/products/roc-rk3399-pc/

On the other hand, this renewed #HP #EliteDesk is 100 USD and with far better specs:

https://www.amazon.com/HP-EliteDesk-Mini-Desktop-Computer/dp/B08L9NB7RD?rnid=2257851011&th=1

Maybe it's not fair compare a renewed product with a brand new one. But it seems for having a homeserver to #selfhost things, if we factor out power usage, an old mini PC is better than a new ARM SBC.

However, if we also consider power usage, the abovementioned LibreComputer board consumes only 15 W under full load. And the old Ryzen 5 on that HP mini PC has a TDP of 35 W. This affects running cost of your homeserver and also the cost for the #UPS. But for myself, there isn't a big deal between 15W and 35W.

Edit: Comments or advises are very welcome!

Edit2: On second thought, I won't go for second hand or renewed. I want to use them as servers and this means 100% uptime. And I doubt second hand ones will survive, especially given the more power they consume which generates heat. And since my budget for a homeserver is 100 USD, ARM SBCs seem to be the only choice. I can research more though.

#selfhosting #selfhostingjourney #selfhostingchronicles #serverathome #server #tech #technology #geek #geekful #geeks #nerd #nerds #nerdy