Useful accessories for your homelab

In addition to the computer itself, there are small things that make your life easier. This is the list for a starting homelab.

For the installation

• USB stick of 8 to 16 GB. To install operating systems like Proxmox. A second stick always comes in handy.
• Keyboard and monitor or an HDMI capture adapter. For when your server won’t boot or your network locks up. A cheap USB-HDMI adapter lets you see the server’s screen on your laptop.
• HDMI dummy plug. A server without a monitor sometimes doesn’t boot properly. Such a plug pretends there’s a monitor connected.

Network and cables

• Network cables in different lengths. A few short cables (0.5 and 1 meter) keep your rack tidy.
• A cable tester. Checks if all wires are correct and saves hours of searching.
• Velcro straps and labels. Put a label on each cable showing where it goes. You’ll thank yourself in a year.
• A small unmanaged switch to connect additional devices. More about choices in choosing network equipment.

Power and monitoring

• A power meter or smart plug with measurement. You can see what you’re consuming and track it in Home Assistant.
• A UPS. See efficient, quiet and safe.
• A power strip with switch or a device with individual outlets, so you can turn off one component.

For the Raspberry Pi

• The official power supply. A Pi 4 requires 5 V and 3 A (15 watts), a Pi 5 requires 5 V and 5 A (27 watts) with USB-C. A weak power supply causes strange issues.
• A case with cooling. A Pi 5 needs a cooler under load.
• A good SD card or USB SSD. See memory and storage.
• Breadboards and resistors for electronics projects. Help with pins and resistors can be found in our tools: GPIO pinout and LED resistor.

For smart home

• A Zigbee or Thread dongle for Home Assistant. Put it a bit away from your computer with a USB extension cable to prevent interference.
• Zigbee sensors and smart plugs. They work locally without cloud.

Tools

• A small set of screwdrivers for opening mini PCs and drive holders.
• An antistatic wrist strap if you work a lot inside computers.
• A spare SSD or drive to test new things with.