One box, or several?
The same workload, four different architectures — a single powerful server, a mini PC + NAS, a server + NAS, or fully separated storage and compute. See how the choice changes cost, energy, reliability, upgradability and maintenance.
How it works
- 1Pick your workloads and constraints (budget, noise, power).
- 2The engine compares real architecture layouts side by side.
- 3Each layout gets cost, energy, reliability, upgradability and maintenance verdicts.
What you get
- One powerful server vs mini PC + NAS vs server + NAS vs separated compute/storage
- Per-workload separation verdicts: keep on main / consider separating / separate
- A clear recommendation with the reasoning behind it
Frequently asked questions
One box or several — which is cheaper?
Usually one box: a single server has the lowest upfront cost, footprint and maintenance. Splitting pays off when storage is large or when the compute must stay up even if the disks fail.
What do I get from the architecture comparison?
One powerful server vs mini PC + NAS vs server + NAS vs separated compute/storage Per-workload separation verdicts: keep on main / consider separating / separate A clear recommendation with the reasoning behind it
When should I separate a workload?
Separate on-demand or heavy conflicting workloads (gaming, big AI) and large media pools that deserve their own NAS. Keep lightweight always-on services (Home Assistant, networking, personal cloud) on the main box.