Downsizing My Homelab: Embracing Efficiency and Simplicity

Introduction #

Previously, I had a powerful Unraid server that consumed significant power due to multiple hard drives (>50TB!) and other components. I made the switch to a more energy-efficient and streamlined setup centered around an M2 Mac Mini running Asahi Linux. Additionally, I incorporated the use of rclone to mount Google Drive cloud storage to makeup for the lack of storage.

1. The Conundrum #

The primary catalyst for downsizing my homelab was the excessive power consumption and bloat of my Unraid server. With numerous hard drives and power-hungry components (such as my RTX 3070), my electricity bill was spiraling out of control. Unraid was always warning me my hardware was constantly hitting high temps heating up my office, and creating a ton of noise with its fans. I was running a ton of docker containers and virtual machines that were not being utilized. Recognizing the hard truth of what my home really needs, I sought a more lean, quiet, cost-effective, and power-efficient alternative.

2. The Mac Mini #

Enter the M2 Mac mini. I opted for the base model with 8GB memory and 256GB SSD. This compact yet mighty device caught my attention for its exceptional performance and energy efficiency. By opting for the Mac mini, I drastically reduced power consumption. Power specs from Apple

The compact size seamlessly integrated into my workspace without compromising on capabilities.

3. Embracing Asahi Linux #

I opted out of using macOS to conserve resources and keep it lean. Instead to fully utilize the potential of the M2 Mac mini, I decided to install Asahi Linux, a community-driven project that brings Linux compatibility to Apple Silicon devices. This open-source endeavor allowed me to harness the power of the Mac mini while maintaining the flexibility and familiarity of a Linux environment. At the time of installation the M2 Mac Mini was not offically supported which meant I had to make a lot of tweaks to the installer script and finish the installation without any display. Once setup I’m able to bring the essential homelab services I DO run such as scrypted and homeassistant using docker containers.

4. Unlimited storage with Rclone and Google Drive #

One concern I had while downsizing was the storage capacity. However, I discovered a powerful solution in rclone. Google Workspaces offers unlimited storage for $20 a month. By leveraging rclone’s ability to mount Google Drive cloud storage, I unlocked virtually unlimited storage potential while reducing the physical hardware required (unless Google revokes my grandfathered plan). Rclone also handles encryption of the data, so Google cannot view any sensitive information I am storing. The seamless integration of rclone with my homelab services allowed me to maintain data accessibility and security.

Below is the usage in rclone mount vs in google drive. (The mount makes it seem like a petabyte lol)

There are some extra enhancements such as using mergerfs for fast initial read/write speeds and syncing it later with a scheduled service. Overall though, pretty nifty!

Conclusion #

The combination of power efficiency, space optimization, and streamlined services has enhanced both the functionality and aesthetic of my setup. Integration of rclone and Google Drive has provided me with unparalleled storage scalability and flexibility. I no longer need to worry about physically expanding my storage capacity or managing multiple hard drives. The cloud-based solution has simplified my data management while ensuring data integrity and accessibility. I encourage you to evaluate your own homelab and consider the benefits of downsizing. Embracing efficiency and simplicity can lead to a more enjoyable and sustainable homelab experience.