This Dell T5810 homelab build is a powerhouse. A recent upgrade transformed this workstation into a versatile server capable of handling everything from Plex transcoding and gaming to AI workloads and document management. Let’s dive into the hardware and software that make this setup tick.
Hardware Upgrades for Maximum Performance
The heart of this homelab is a Xeon E5-2680 v4 processor, boasting 14 cores and 28 threads. This CPU provides ample processing power for demanding tasks. The system retains 32GB of ECC DDR4 RAM for reliable operation. A key feature is the dual GPU setup. A Quadro K2200 handles Plex transcodes, Kasm Workspaces, and Open WebUI for large language models (LLMs). An RX470 powers a virtual machine dedicated to light gaming and emulation.
Storage is a mix of fast and spacious. A 512GB NVMe PCIe drive ensures quick access to frequently used files, while three 2TB HDDs provide ample storage for media and other data. Future plans include adding three 4TB WD Red drives for even more capacity, and potentially upgrading the RX470 to an RTX 2060 for increased graphics performance.
Software Stack: A Versatile Ecosystem
The entire system runs smoothly on Unraid, a popular operating system for home servers. Here’s a breakdown of the software stack:
Media Management
- Plex: Streaming media server.
- Radarr: Movie management.
- Sonarr: TV show management.
- Jackett: Indexer for finding content.
- Transmission: Torrent client.
Tools and Utilities
- Kasm Workspaces: Browser-based virtual desktops.
- pyLoad: Download manager.
- JDownloader: Another download manager.
- ConvertX: Media conversion tool.
- Open WebUI: Interface for LLMs.
- Memos: Note-taking application.
- Palmr: Personal RSS reader.
Document Management
- Paperless-ngx: Document scanning and archiving.
Networking
- Zoraxy: Proxy manager.
- Speedtest Tracker: Monitors internet speed.
- Pocket-ID: Local single sign-on solution.
- Fritz!Box router status: Monitors router status.
Quiet and Efficient Operation
The T5810 operates quietly and efficiently under a desk. The balanced hardware and software configuration ensures stable performance for all tasks. This homelab demonstrates how older hardware can be repurposed into a powerful and versatile server with the right upgrades and software choices.
Looking for More
This home server setup is constantly evolving. The owner is always exploring new plugins and containers to enhance its functionality. What are some of your favorite Unraid tools, plugins, or containers?
