Have you got a PC at the office that hasn’t been used in years? Instead of discarding it, consider turning it into a strong and energy-saving home server or NAS, as repurposing something means saving money and the environment.
In this article, we’ll provide the steps to change an old office computer into a stable home lab computer. You’ll learn how to choose the right hardware, install the best software, and optimize power consumption—all without breaking the bank so you can reinvest into your hobby of playing Mason Slots!
Why Repurpose an Old Office PC?
Before diving into the build, let’s look at why this is a great idea:
1. Cost Savings
Buying a brand-new NAS or server can be expensive, as a pre-built one from Synology or QNAP can cost hundreds of dollars; meanwhile, an old office PC is either free (if you already have one) or dirt-cheap from local listings.
2. Environmental Benefits
As e-waste is becoming a serious issue, reusing outdated hardware helps keep landfills clean and lets electronics last for a longer time.
3. Learning Opportunity
If you build a homelab, you gain valuable IT skills such as networking, storage management, and running servers, which are useful for both amateurs and professionals.
Choosing the Right Hardware
Not all old PCs are equal, as some are better suited for a NAS/server than others, so here’s what to look for:
1. CPU and RAM Requirements
- CPU: A dual-core or quad-core processor (either Intel Core i3/i5 or its AMD equivalent) is enough for simple file and media usage.
- RAM: A bare minimum of 4GB RAM is enough, but if you’ll be using Plex, Nextcloud, or Docker, you should pick 8GB or more.
2. Storage Options
- HDDs vs. SSDs: Hard drives (HDDs) are cheaper for bulk storage, while SSDs are faster but more expensive, so a mix of both works well… SSD for the OS and HDDs for data.
- SATA Ports: Check how many drives your motherboard supports, as more ports mean more storage expansion.
3. Power Efficiency
Older computers can be power-hungry, so to reduce electricity costs:
- Replace the power supply with a modern 80+ Bronze or better unit.
- Use low-power components where possible.
- Enable power-saving features in the BIOS.
Setting Up Your NAS/Server
Now, it’s time to set up the software. Here are two great options:
Option 1: TrueNAS Core (FreeNAS)
TrueNAS is a popular open-source NAS OS with robust features:
- ZFS File System: Protects against data corruption.
- Easy Sharing: Supports SMB (Windows), NFS (Linux), and AFP (Mac).
- Plugins & Jails: Run additional apps like Plex or Nextcloud.
Installation Steps:
- Download the TrueNAS ISO and flash it to a USB drive.
- Boot the old PC from the USB and follow the installer.
- Configure storage pools and user permissions.
Option 2: Ubuntu Server + OpenMediaVault
If you prefer Linux, Ubuntu Server with OpenMediaVault (OMV) is a lightweight alternative:
- Debian-Based: Stable and widely supported.
- Web Interface: Easy management via browser.
- Docker Support: Run containers for extra functionality.
Installation Steps:
- Install Ubuntu Server from a USB.
- Run sudo apt install openmediavault to add OMV.
- Set up drives and shares via the OMV web panel.
Optimizing for Power Efficiency
A homelab should be powerful but not a power hog. Here’s how to keep energy use low:
1. Undervolting the CPU
Reducing voltage slightly can cut power consumption without sacrificing performance, so tools like throttled (Linux) or Intel XTU (Windows) help.
2. Spin Down Idle Drives
Configure HDDs to spin down when not in use, as this saves power and extends drive life.
3. Schedule Downtime
If the server isn’t needed 24/7, use cron jobs (Linux) or Task Scheduler (Windows) to shut it down overnight.
