✓ Real idle watt measurements✓ Affiliate links disclosed✓ No sponsored rankings✓ Updated prices monthly✓ Open methodology
Interactive
Homelab Planner
Toggle your workloads, see a real parts list update instantly.
Mini-PC
ASUS NUC — Intel N305 (8-core)
A silent, always-on mini-PC covers this at ~21W — about $2.72/mo to run.
$797
est. build cost
16GB RAM8c/8t CPU~21W idle$2.72/mo elec.8TB usable (RAID5 / Z1)
ASUS NUC — Intel N305 (8-core)
32GB DDR5 · 1TB NVMe · 2.5GbE
$339
WD Red Plus 14TB
NAS-rated CMR
2×$229
Open full planner →$3 under budget
All tools
Free, interactive, no account needed.
🏠
Most popular
Homelab Planner
Inputs → CPU/RAM/storage recommendations. Pick your workloads, get a real parts list.
🤖
AI PC Planner
VRAM requirements, token throughput estimates, and GPU recommendations for local LLMs.
💾
NAS / RAID Calculator
Drive count, RAID layout, usable vs raw capacity, cost per TB.
Guides
Honest, opinionated, updated regularly.
Monthly price updates
When prices drop significantly or a new best-value pick appears, we'll let you know. No spam.