Old PC Homelab Motherboard Replacement Considerations?
Old PC Homelab Motherboard Replacement Considerations?
I'm fairly green at self-hosting, recently upgraded to running Proxmox on an old PC from OMV. A fairly simple setup for Plex, Nextcloud, PiHole, and some docker containers. I have an old Ryzen 5 2600 I'd like to replace the current CPU with (an even older FX-8350), but I'll need a new motherboard with an AM4 socket.
In sourcing a new mobo, are there any features or other considerations I should keep in mind, given its sole purpose of being a server now, rather than a general purpose PC? Or just try to find something relatively inexpensive that'll get the job done?
Cheap and low power consumption is king. If there's something you know you'll need like a sata pcie card or whatever, then make sure the mobo has room for it.
Very true, I have an ethernet PCI card on the current one because the on-board one was misbehaving. I might look at a new PSU too and focus on something power efficient for both. Thanks!
Ram capacity, and a solid Ethernet nic with support in your target os are my number 1. # of sata/nvme connectors would priority 2. of course cpu compatibility like you mentioned. I have had good luck over the years with inexpensive or even used mobos. I tend to spend more on the psu than mobo. Make sure you run some stress tests after you install it to help identify any failed components on the board. ``
PCI lanes in alternate of SATA/Ethernet NIC. If it's not on the motherboard there's a damn good chance you can buy a PCI/M.2 card for it.
Yeah I tried browsing for some used options but shipping here in Canada starts to bring the cost close to newer ones. Also, good point on the PSU. That's fairly old too so might look at something newer.