René Welches

TECH NOTES TO MYSELF

Upgrading My 'Frankenstein-cluster': MOREFINE M8 Replaces the MINIX

A newer, faster node for $120 net after selling the old one

I picked up a MOREFINE M8 mini PC (Intel N150, 16GB DDR4, 1TB NVMe) for $219.99 and sold my old MINIX NEO J50C-4 Plus on eBay for $100, netting a solid upgrade for just $120.

Posted by Rene Welches on Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Expanding My Proxmox Cluster: Minisforum UM700 for $69

Adding a refurbished mini PC to my homelab cluster

A $75 refurbished Minisforum UM700 (Ryzen 7 3750H) makes a perfect second node for a Proxmox cluster. Step-by-step guide on creating a cluster, joining nodes, and understanding quorum with practical command references.

Posted by Rene Welches on Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Last Modified on Thursday, January 29, 2026

Starting My Homelab Journey

Building a Proxmox-based homelab with GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra and setting up SSL certificates

Starting a homelab with a $256 GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (Ryzen 7 7730U) and Proxmox VE. Includes setting up self-signed SSL certificates for secure HTTPS across all homelab services including Home Assistant.

Posted by Rene Welches on Monday, December 8, 2025
Last Modified on Thursday, January 29, 2026