Perfect Homelab Server? - Minisforum MS-A2 Review

This little machine nearly beat my This little machine nearly beat my full-size desktop in a CPU benchmark, full-size desktop in a CPU benchmark, full-size desktop in a CPU benchmark, and it's not even trying. It might just and it's not even trying. It might just and it's not even trying. It might just be the ultimate home lab device. In this be the ultimate home lab device. In this be the ultimate home lab device. In this video, I'm going to show you how I set video, I'm going to show you how I set video, I'm going to show you how I set it up as a Proxmark server, run some it up as a Proxmark server, run some it up as a Proxmark server, run some benchmarks, and create a Kubernetes benchmarks, and create a Kubernetes benchmarks, and create a Kubernetes cluster with Talos, and by the end, I'll cluster with Talos, and by the end, I'll cluster with Talos, and by the end, I'll tell you whether it's worth adding to tell you whether it's worth adding to tell you whether it's worth adding to your home lab. Minis Forum sent me this your home lab. Minis Forum sent me this your home lab. Minis Forum sent me this MSA2 for free to review, but they're not MSA2 for free to review, but they're not MSA2 for free to review, but they're not sponsoring this video, and they have no sponsoring this video, and they have no sponsoring this video, and they have no influence in my opinion about it. So, influence in my opinion about it. So, influence in my opinion about it. So, let's get into it. Here's the Minis Form let's get into it. Here's the Minis Form let's get into it. Here's the Minis Form MSA2 fresh out of the box. As you can MSA2 fresh out of the box. As you can MSA2 fresh out of the box. As you can see, it's compact, about the size of two see, it's compact, about the size of two see, it's compact, about the size of two paperback novels, but very space paperback novels, but very space paperback novels, but very space efficient compared to what it packs efficient compared to what it packs efficient compared to what it packs inside. Under the hood, it's powered by inside. Under the hood, it's powered by inside. Under the hood, it's powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, which is a mobile class chip sporting 16 which is a mobile class chip sporting 16 which is a mobile class chip sporting 16 cores and 32 threads, and it boosts up cores and 32 threads, and it boosts up cores and 32 threads, and it boosts up to 5.4 GHz. There's also a Zen 4 option to 5.4 GHz. There's also a Zen 4 option to 5.4 GHz. There's also a Zen 4 option with the Ryzen 7 7945HX, with the Ryzen 7 7945HX, with the Ryzen 7 7945HX, but mine has the newer Zen 5 chip for but mine has the newer Zen 5 chip for but mine has the newer Zen 5 chip for even more efficiency. For memory, it even more efficiency. For memory, it even more efficiency. For memory, it supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM, and supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM, and supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM, and the storage options include three PCIe the storage options include three PCIe the storage options include three PCIe 4.0 M2 slots, great for building a fast, 4.0 M2 slots, great for building a fast, 4.0 M2 slots, great for building a fast, high-capacity HomeLab system. Minis Form high-capacity HomeLab system. Minis Form high-capacity HomeLab system. Minis Form sent me a standard version with only 32 sent me a standard version with only 32 sent me a standard version with only 32 GB of RAM, but I plan to upgrade it to GB of RAM, but I plan to upgrade it to GB of RAM, but I plan to upgrade it to 96 GB later. The MSA2 includes a 96 GB later. The MSA2 includes a 96 GB later. The MSA2 includes a half-height physical PCIe x6 slot half-height physical PCIe x6 slot half-height physical PCIe x6 slot electrically PCIe 4.0* 8 that can be electrically PCIe 4.0* 8 that can be electrically PCIe 4.0* 8 that can be split into 2 * 4 lanes which means that

split into 2 * 4 lanes which means that split into 2 * 4 lanes which means that you can add extra nicks NVME expansion you can add extra nicks NVME expansion you can add extra nicks NVME expansion or even a lowprofile GPU down the road. or even a lowprofile GPU down the road. or even a lowprofile GPU down the road. In terms of networking, this unit In terms of networking, this unit In terms of networking, this unit includes dual 10Gbps SFP plus ports and includes dual 10Gbps SFP plus ports and includes dual 10Gbps SFP plus ports and dual 2.5Gbps dual 2.5Gbps dual 2.5Gbps RJ45 Ethernet ports. That's very rare in RJ45 Ethernet ports. That's very rare in RJ45 Ethernet ports. That's very rare in this size and it's super useful for this size and it's super useful for this size and it's super useful for virtualization, SE storage, or workloads virtualization, SE storage, or workloads virtualization, SE storage, or workloads that need some serious throughput. On that need some serious throughput. On that need some serious throughput. On the outside, you'll find basic IO, USBA, the outside, you'll find basic IO, USBA, the outside, you'll find basic IO, USBA, USBC, a headphone jack, power button. USBC, a headphone jack, power button. USBC, a headphone jack, power button. All simple and practical. In short, a All simple and practical. In short, a All simple and practical. In short, a small form factor powerhouse with an AMD small form factor powerhouse with an AMD small form factor powerhouse with an AMD CPU, lots of RAM and storage potential CPU, lots of RAM and storage potential CPU, lots of RAM and storage potential and enterprisegrade networking. Not bad and enterprisegrade networking. Not bad and enterprisegrade networking. Not bad for a bareoint starting point for your for a bareoint starting point for your for a bareoint starting point for your home lab. As you may know, I am a big home lab. As you may know, I am a big home lab. As you may know, I am a big fan of bare metal Kubernetes home labs. fan of bare metal Kubernetes home labs. fan of bare metal Kubernetes home labs. So, I actually don't have any So, I actually don't have any So, I actually don't have any virtualization servers in my current virtualization servers in my current virtualization servers in my current home lab setup. I only run Kubernetes home lab setup. I only run Kubernetes home lab setup. I only run Kubernetes clusters, no VMs, and they all run on clusters, no VMs, and they all run on clusters, no VMs, and they all run on thin clients that I clustered up through thin clients that I clustered up through thin clients that I clustered up through Talos. So, this device looks like a Talos. So, this device looks like a Talos. So, this device looks like a perfect candidate for a Proxmox server, perfect candidate for a Proxmox server, perfect candidate for a Proxmox server, so I can also start running VMs as well.

so I can also start running VMs as well. so I can also start running VMs as well. And that's what we're going to be doing And that's what we're going to be doing And that's what we're going to be doing in this video. I was really glad when in this video. I was really glad when in this video. I was really glad when Minis Forum reached out to me because I Minis Forum reached out to me because I Minis Forum reached out to me because I had actually been looking into this form had actually been looking into this form had actually been looking into this form factor for a while. I've been looking to factor for a while. I've been looking to factor for a while. I've been looking to upgrade my HomeLab and considered buying upgrade my HomeLab and considered buying upgrade my HomeLab and considered buying a rack and getting a rack mounted a rack and getting a rack mounted a rack and getting a rack mounted server. For example, the 45 Drives Home server. For example, the 45 Drives Home server. For example, the 45 Drives Home Lab HL15 was something I considered. Lab HL15 was something I considered. Lab HL15 was something I considered. Hey, 45 Drives, if you're watching this, Hey, 45 Drives, if you're watching this, Hey, 45 Drives, if you're watching this, you should definitely send me one. you should definitely send me one. you should definitely send me one. However, I didn't go down that route However, I didn't go down that route However, I didn't go down that route because I live in a small one-f flooror because I live in a small one-f flooror because I live in a small one-f flooror apartment and I'm very sensitive to apartment and I'm very sensitive to apartment and I'm very sensitive to noise. I was almost about to buy a rack noise. I was almost about to buy a rack noise. I was almost about to buy a rack and one of these 45 home lab servers and one of these 45 home lab servers and one of these 45 home lab servers when I came across a review that showed when I came across a review that showed when I came across a review that showed me the noise level of these types of me the noise level of these types of me the noise level of these types of servers. It sounded like an airplane. servers. It sounded like an airplane. servers. It sounded like an airplane. And since my apartment also tends to get And since my apartment also tends to get And since my apartment also tends to get really hot in the summer, I knew this really hot in the summer, I knew this really hot in the summer, I knew this was not going to be an option. Having a was not going to be an option. Having a was not going to be an option. Having a constant hum in the background will constant hum in the background will constant hum in the background will simply drive me insane. and that is not simply drive me insane. and that is not simply drive me insane. and that is not worth it. So that's when I started worth it. So that's when I started worth it. So that's when I started investigating this mini PC form factor. investigating this mini PC form factor. investigating this mini PC form factor. I heard that these have much more lower I heard that these have much more lower I heard that these have much more lower noise levels. So let's find out if noise levels. So let's find out if noise levels. So let's find out if that's true. The first step is to get that's true. The first step is to get that's true. The first step is to get this baby up and running. But before I this baby up and running. But before I this baby up and running. But before I get into installing Proxmox, only 21% of get into installing Proxmox, only 21% of get into installing Proxmox, only 21% of you are subscribed. You can support my you are subscribed. You can support my you are subscribed. You can support my work completely for free. Just click the work completely for free. Just click the work completely for free. Just click the subscribe button, be a legend, and do it subscribe button, be a legend, and do it subscribe button, be a legend, and do it now because I have to buy food. Thank now because I have to buy food. Thank now because I have to buy food. Thank you. Now, let's get into installing you. Now, let's get into installing you. Now, let's get into installing Proxmox. I installed a bootable USB Proxmox. I installed a bootable USB Proxmox. I installed a bootable USB using DD, which I did on Arch Linux, by using DD, which I did on Arch Linux, by using DD, which I did on Arch Linux, by the way, and the Minis Forum came with the way, and the Minis Forum came with the way, and the Minis Forum came with Windows 11 pre-installed as the default Windows 11 pre-installed as the default Windows 11 pre-installed as the default boot option. So, I had to change the boot option. So, I had to change the boot option. So, I had to change the boot order in the BIOS. I also had to

boot order in the BIOS. I also had to boot order in the BIOS. I also had to disable secure boot and then my Proxmox disable secure boot and then my Proxmox disable secure boot and then my Proxmox installer booted right up. After installer booted right up. After installer booted right up. After installing and configuring Proxmox with installing and configuring Proxmox with installing and configuring Proxmox with a static IP address in the correct VLAN a static IP address in the correct VLAN a static IP address in the correct VLAN of my home network, I could log into the of my home network, I could log into the of my home network, I could log into the Proxmox web interface. Before doing Proxmox web interface. Before doing Proxmox web interface. Before doing anything else, I wanted to run a quick anything else, I wanted to run a quick anything else, I wanted to run a quick benchmark on the minis forum to see what benchmark on the minis forum to see what benchmark on the minis forum to see what it's capable of. So, I've just opened it's capable of. So, I've just opened it's capable of. So, I've just opened the Proxmox interface in my browser the Proxmox interface in my browser the Proxmox interface in my browser here, and it all worked perfectly. And here, and it all worked perfectly. And here, and it all worked perfectly. And now, I'm going to be using Geekbench to now, I'm going to be using Geekbench to now, I'm going to be using Geekbench to do a benchmark. So, in order to do that, do a benchmark. So, in order to do that, do a benchmark. So, in order to do that, first we're going to open up a shell to first we're going to open up a shell to first we're going to open up a shell to the to the machine here. And it's the to the machine here. And it's the to the machine here. And it's actually super easy, but I have the actually super easy, but I have the actually super easy, but I have the commands over here. So, I'm going to be commands over here. So, I'm going to be commands over here. So, I'm going to be using wget to download the Geekbench using wget to download the Geekbench using wget to download the Geekbench archive. So let's just make deer archive. So let's just make deer archive. So let's just make deer geekbench geekbench geekbench and w get that. So that will take a few and w get that. So that will take a few and w get that. So that will take a few seconds to download and when that's done seconds to download and when that's done seconds to download and when that's done we're going to unzip it and then we are we're going to unzip it and then we are we're going to unzip it and then we are going to run the Geekbench 6 benchmark. going to run the Geekbench 6 benchmark. going to run the Geekbench 6 benchmark. So we have downloaded it. Now I can just So we have downloaded it. Now I can just So we have downloaded it. Now I can just unzip it. And when that's done we will unzip it. And when that's done we will unzip it. And when that's done we will just cd into that directory and run the just cd into that directory and run the just cd into that directory and run the Geekbench 6 script over here. And here Geekbench 6 script over here. And here Geekbench 6 script over here. And here we go. So, it's now running the we go. So, it's now running the we go. So, it's now running the benchmark and it will soon show up in my benchmark and it will soon show up in my benchmark and it will soon show up in my benchmark overview on the Geekbench benchmark overview on the Geekbench benchmark overview on the Geekbench website. So, now our benchmark is done.

website. So, now our benchmark is done. website. So, now our benchmark is done. So, I can just close the terminal and So, I can just close the terminal and So, I can just close the terminal and for good measure I'll just exit the for good measure I'll just exit the for good measure I'll just exit the shell first and then it's closed. So, shell first and then it's closed. So, shell first and then it's closed. So, let's check out the benchmark results. let's check out the benchmark results. let's check out the benchmark results. And I'm comparing this against my my And I'm comparing this against my my And I'm comparing this against my my main desktop machine which I built last main desktop machine which I built last main desktop machine which I built last year. And this one contains an AMD Ryzen year. And this one contains an AMD Ryzen year. And this one contains an AMD Ryzen 9 99 950X 32 cores and um also an Nvidia 9 99 950X 32 cores and um also an Nvidia 9 99 950X 32 cores and um also an Nvidia 4090, but we're not testing the the GPU 4090, but we're not testing the the GPU 4090, but we're not testing the the GPU here at all. But I I I built this one here at all. But I I I built this one here at all. But I I I built this one last year, and this is when the these last year, and this is when the these last year, and this is when the these Ryzen 9 chips just came out. So, it was Ryzen 9 chips just came out. So, it was Ryzen 9 chips just came out. So, it was the best one that I could get one year the best one that I could get one year the best one that I could get one year ago. Um, I'm running Arch Linux by the ago. Um, I'm running Arch Linux by the ago. Um, I'm running Arch Linux by the way and I have not done any particular way and I have not done any particular way and I have not done any particular like optimization or tuning of the CPU. like optimization or tuning of the CPU. like optimization or tuning of the CPU. I basically just installed Arch and it I basically just installed Arch and it I basically just installed Arch and it is working blazingly fast. So I I is working blazingly fast. So I I is working blazingly fast. So I I haven't bothered to to optimize it too haven't bothered to to optimize it too haven't bothered to to optimize it too much yet. Uh, so no overclocking, no much yet. Uh, so no overclocking, no much yet. Uh, so no overclocking, no tuning or anything like that. Just a tuning or anything like that. Just a tuning or anything like that. Just a base install of of Arch Linux basically. base install of of Arch Linux basically. base install of of Arch Linux basically. And that that is the benchmark that And that that is the benchmark that And that that is the benchmark that we're um comparing it against. Also, I we're um comparing it against. Also, I we're um comparing it against. Also, I ran the benchmark on the Arch Linux ran the benchmark on the Arch Linux ran the benchmark on the Arch Linux machine while I had a few containers machine while I had a few containers machine while I had a few containers running, a browser open, etc. So, it's running, a browser open, etc. So, it's running, a browser open, etc. So, it's not okay, I'm sh ashamed to admit, but not okay, I'm sh ashamed to admit, but not okay, I'm sh ashamed to admit, but it's not a completely clean benchmark, it's not a completely clean benchmark, it's not a completely clean benchmark, but it will serve the purpose here. And but it will serve the purpose here. And but it will serve the purpose here. And the results are actually really the results are actually really the results are actually really impressive. So when we compare the minis impressive. So when we compare the minis impressive. So when we compare the minis form with mimir that is the the nickname form with mimir that is the the nickname form with mimir that is the the nickname I gave my my workstation is it is only I gave my my workstation is it is only I gave my my workstation is it is only 8% 7.9 uh% slower slower than the my my

8% 7.9 uh% slower slower than the my my 8% 7.9 uh% slower slower than the my my topofthe-line consumer grade desktop PC topofthe-line consumer grade desktop PC topofthe-line consumer grade desktop PC that I built last year. 8%. I mean that I built last year. 8%. I mean that I built last year. 8%. I mean that's freaking insane. that's freaking insane. that's freaking insane. And especially if you compare the price And especially if you compare the price And especially if you compare the price like this, this thing cost me several like this, this thing cost me several like this, this thing cost me several thousand and actually the the the CPU thousand and actually the the the CPU thousand and actually the the the CPU alone is more expensive than a an MSA2 alone is more expensive than a an MSA2 alone is more expensive than a an MSA2 as far as I know. So, at least at the as far as I know. So, at least at the as far as I know. So, at least at the time when I bought it. So, this is time when I bought it. So, this is time when I bought it. So, this is actually really impressive. So, that's actually really impressive. So, that's actually really impressive. So, that's the single core score. On the multi-core the single core score. On the multi-core the single core score. On the multi-core score, it's even it's it's only 4% score, it's even it's it's only 4% score, it's even it's it's only 4% slower than my than my main workstation. slower than my than my main workstation. slower than my than my main workstation. I mean, it's it's absolutely crazy. So I mean, it's it's absolutely crazy. So I mean, it's it's absolutely crazy. So yeah it is it done it did really well. yeah it is it done it did really well. yeah it is it done it did really well. You can see here in the single core You can see here in the single core You can see here in the single core performance uh in terms of file performance uh in terms of file performance uh in terms of file compression 86% 88% 88%. So it is all up compression 86% 88% 88%. So it is all up compression 86% 88% 88%. So it is all up in the 80% asset compression is 97%. in the 80% asset compression is 97%. in the 80% asset compression is 97%. So it is all up there. There are like no So it is all up there. There are like no So it is all up there. There are like no real lows here that I can I can spot.

real lows here that I can I can spot. real lows here that I can I can spot. And even the multi-core performance in And even the multi-core performance in And even the multi-core performance in terms of file compression was even more terms of file compression was even more terms of file compression was even more efficient surprisingly. So yes, it's efficient surprisingly. So yes, it's efficient surprisingly. So yes, it's definitely has it packs a lot of power definitely has it packs a lot of power definitely has it packs a lot of power and it also has 32 cores, right? It it and it also has 32 cores, right? It it and it also has 32 cores, right? It it has 62 62 cores but 32 threads. So I has 62 62 cores but 32 threads. So I has 62 62 cores but 32 threads. So I think this is a really really good uh think this is a really really good uh think this is a really really good uh machine for virtualization in a home lab machine for virtualization in a home lab machine for virtualization in a home lab setting especially if you consider the setting especially if you consider the setting especially if you consider the the form factor. And yes, it's not a the form factor. And yes, it's not a the form factor. And yes, it's not a servergrade uh CPU like a Xeon or servergrade uh CPU like a Xeon or servergrade uh CPU like a Xeon or something like that, but it will serve something like that, but it will serve something like that, but it will serve its purpose for sure. So, now that we its purpose for sure. So, now that we its purpose for sure. So, now that we have the benchmarking out of the way, have the benchmarking out of the way, have the benchmarking out of the way, let's actually do something with our let's actually do something with our let's actually do something with our Proxmark server. And what I'm going to Proxmark server. And what I'm going to Proxmark server. And what I'm going to be doing is of course create a be doing is of course create a be doing is of course create a Kubernetes cluster using Talos Linux. Kubernetes cluster using Talos Linux. Kubernetes cluster using Talos Linux. So, I've been using Talos for almost two So, I've been using Talos for almost two So, I've been using Talos for almost two years now, and I absolutely love it. And years now, and I absolutely love it. And years now, and I absolutely love it. And I've done it the the normal way with I've done it the the normal way with I've done it the the normal way with generating the config files if you're generating the config files if you're generating the config files if you're familiar with that. But last winter I familiar with that. But last winter I familiar with that. But last winter I switched to CDRO omni which is like the switched to CDRO omni which is like the switched to CDRO omni which is like the SAS version of of Talos Linux and they SAS version of of Talos Linux and they SAS version of of Talos Linux and they have a home lab license which I highly have a home lab license which I highly have a home lab license which I highly recommend you check out. It's like 10 recommend you check out. It's like 10 recommend you check out. It's like 10 bucks a month or something but it makes bucks a month or something but it makes bucks a month or something but it makes this stuff super easy. So what I'm going this stuff super easy. So what I'm going this stuff super easy. So what I'm going to be doing is I I'm going to generate to be doing is I I'm going to generate to be doing is I I'm going to generate an installation media. So what you do is an installation media. So what you do is an installation media. So what you do is you just pick your talos version and you you just pick your talos version and you you just pick your talos version and you can add a label to it. So for example can add a label to it. So for example can add a label to it. So for example proxmox and then you can add initial proxmox and then you can add initial proxmox and then you can add initial kernel uh arguments and for example

kernel uh arguments and for example kernel uh arguments and for example extensions. So if I want to have my extensions. So if I want to have my extensions. So if I want to have my Synology Icecuzzi setup working Synology Icecuzzi setup working Synology Icecuzzi setup working properly, I need to install icecuzi properly, I need to install icecuzi properly, I need to install icecuzi tools for example. So you generate your tools for example. So you generate your tools for example. So you generate your your installation media and you press your installation media and you press your installation media and you press download and this is then going to download and this is then going to download and this is then going to generate a specific custom ISO for you generate a specific custom ISO for you generate a specific custom ISO for you that is already configured to connect to that is already configured to connect to that is already configured to connect to your Omni instance. So now my ISO is your Omni instance. So now my ISO is your Omni instance. So now my ISO is downloaded and I just go into Proxmox downloaded and I just go into Proxmox downloaded and I just go into Proxmox and I go to my storage and then I hit and I go to my storage and then I hit and I go to my storage and then I hit upload and then I uploaded the ISO that upload and then I uploaded the ISO that upload and then I uploaded the ISO that I generated and that is all I need to I generated and that is all I need to I generated and that is all I need to do. So now we're ready to just create a do. So now we're ready to just create a do. So now we're ready to just create a new virtual machine. And I'm just going new virtual machine. And I'm just going new virtual machine. And I'm just going to name this Talos to name this Talos to name this Talos Proxmox01. Proxmox01. Proxmox01. Let's just call it Talos01. Let's just call it Talos01. Let's just call it Talos01. And for the OS, I am then going to pick And for the OS, I am then going to pick And for the OS, I am then going to pick out the A ISO that I generated and out the A ISO that I generated and out the A ISO that I generated and uploaded. And next we will give it um uploaded. And next we will give it um uploaded. And next we will give it um some resources of course. So let's see. some resources of course. So let's see. some resources of course. So let's see. Uh disks is fine. So let's give it four Uh disks is fine. So let's give it four Uh disks is fine. So let's give it four cores.

cores. cores. And let's give it 8192 8 GB of RAM. And let's give it 8192 8 GB of RAM. And let's give it 8192 8 GB of RAM. Network is just default and confirm. So Network is just default and confirm. So Network is just default and confirm. So this is now going to create start this is now going to create start this is now going to create start creating that virtual machine. And when creating that virtual machine. And when creating that virtual machine. And when it's created, I am going to start it. it's created, I am going to start it. it's created, I am going to start it. Start. And when that's done, then we Start. And when that's done, then we Start. And when that's done, then we should it it should show up in our Omni should it it should show up in our Omni should it it should show up in our Omni dashboard pretty quickly. So in Omni I dashboard pretty quickly. So in Omni I dashboard pretty quickly. So in Omni I just go to my machines and as you see I just go to my machines and as you see I just go to my machines and as you see I already have several machines running. already have several machines running. already have several machines running. This is my actual home lab which I have This is my actual home lab which I have This is my actual home lab which I have clustered in several um several clustered in several um several clustered in several um several clusters. So I'm running three single clusters. So I'm running three single clusters. So I'm running three single node clusters at the moment. And here node clusters at the moment. And here node clusters at the moment. And here you go. Our new machine has now already you go. Our new machine has now already you go. Our new machine has now already been um added to my Omni instance. And been um added to my Omni instance. And been um added to my Omni instance. And what I can do now is I can uh click this what I can do now is I can uh click this what I can do now is I can uh click this machine and now I see the I can see machine and now I see the I can see machine and now I see the I can see what's going on. I can check out the what's going on. I can check out the what's going on. I can check out the logs and then I can apply patches to it logs and then I can apply patches to it logs and then I can apply patches to it and I can create a new cluster because and I can create a new cluster because and I can create a new cluster because this is basically a pool of machines this is basically a pool of machines this is basically a pool of machines that exists in my in my in my home lab that exists in my in my in my home lab that exists in my in my in my home lab in my in my um data center you could say in my in my um data center you could say in my in my um data center you could say and I can just pick and choose these and I can just pick and choose these and I can just pick and choose these machines and combine them. I can delete machines and combine them. I can delete machines and combine them. I can delete them and uh recombine them into new them and uh recombine them into new them and uh recombine them into new clusters. So, let's just create a new clusters. So, let's just create a new clusters. So, let's just create a new cluster.

cluster. cluster. Create a cluster. And I'm going to um Create a cluster. And I'm going to um Create a cluster. And I'm going to um call this one Talos Proxmox. call this one Talos Proxmox. call this one Talos Proxmox. And let me see. Let's not do encryption. And let me see. Let's not do encryption. And let me see. Let's not do encryption. Let's just keep it simple for now. And Let's just keep it simple for now. And Let's just keep it simple for now. And I'm just going to pick this machine. And I'm just going to pick this machine. And I'm just going to pick this machine. And this is going to be the control plane. this is going to be the control plane. this is going to be the control plane. So, all I had to do was just to pick out So, all I had to do was just to pick out So, all I had to do was just to pick out the control plane here. And now I'll the control plane here. And now I'll the control plane here. And now I'll just create cluster. uh it will be a just create cluster. uh it will be a just create cluster. uh it will be a single node cluster for now and then I single node cluster for now and then I single node cluster for now and then I can add another node. So now this is can add another node. So now this is can add another node. So now this is configuring and let's just create a new configuring and let's just create a new configuring and let's just create a new VM so that we can add a multi-node VM so that we can add a multi-node VM so that we can add a multi-node cluster as well. So let's see let's call cluster as well. So let's see let's call cluster as well. So let's see let's call this one talos this one talos this one talos 02. Next we're going to give this the 02. Next we're going to give this the 02. Next we're going to give this the same ISO. That's the beauty of it. So same ISO. That's the beauty of it. So same ISO. That's the beauty of it. So you just upload the same is use the same you just upload the same is use the same you just upload the same is use the same ISOs and then it's gets added to your ISOs and then it's gets added to your ISOs and then it's gets added to your machine pool in Omni 8192 machine pool in Omni 8192 machine pool in Omni 8192 and let's just everything default. So and let's just everything default. So and let's just everything default. So now our cluster is uh currently now our cluster is uh currently now our cluster is uh currently installing. So let's check out if we can installing. So let's check out if we can installing. So let's check out if we can see some logs here. Here is the machine see some logs here. Here is the machine see some logs here. Here is the machine console logs. Here we go. We can see console logs. Here we go. We can see console logs. Here we go. We can see it's actually installing now. And this it's actually installing now. And this it's actually installing now. And this is so beautiful because you can install is so beautiful because you can install is so beautiful because you can install a you create an image. it already has a you create an image. it already has a you create an image. it already has the latest version and then it pulls in the latest version and then it pulls in the latest version and then it pulls in the latest um everything that it needs the latest um everything that it needs the latest um everything that it needs all of the drivers etc and uh after all of the drivers etc and uh after all of the drivers etc and uh after basically a few minutes then the whole basically a few minutes then the whole basically a few minutes then the whole the cluster should be up and running so the cluster should be up and running so the cluster should be up and running so as we see now the cluster is already

as we see now the cluster is already as we see now the cluster is already completely ready my control plane is completely ready my control plane is completely ready my control plane is running running and I can I can just running running and I can I can just running running and I can I can just check out the monitoring I can see check out the monitoring I can see check out the monitoring I can see what's going on I can check out the the what's going on I can check out the the what's going on I can check out the the console logs everything and and this is console logs everything and and this is console logs everything and and this is why I love Omni so much it's making home why I love Omni so much it's making home why I love Omni so much it's making home my home labing life so much easier and my home labing life so much easier and my home labing life so much easier and it's definitely worth the money for me. it's definitely worth the money for me. it's definitely worth the money for me. And then what I can do now is I created And then what I can do now is I created And then what I can do now is I created the new VM here in Proxmox. So I have the new VM here in Proxmox. So I have the new VM here in Proxmox. So I have two VMs now, Talos one and Talos 2. And two VMs now, Talos one and Talos 2. And two VMs now, Talos one and Talos 2. And when we check out the machines, we see when we check out the machines, we see when we check out the machines, we see that uh a new machine has actually been that uh a new machine has actually been that uh a new machine has actually been added already. So what I can do now is I added already. So what I can do now is I added already. So what I can do now is I can go to my cluster and then I go to my can go to my cluster and then I go to my can go to my cluster and then I go to my Talos Proxmox cluster. And this this is Talos Proxmox cluster. And this this is Talos Proxmox cluster. And this this is what I love so much about about this what I love so much about about this what I love so much about about this whole setup. So instead of having to whole setup. So instead of having to whole setup. So instead of having to generate all of the manifests and to go generate all of the manifests and to go generate all of the manifests and to go through the IP addresses etc. it's through the IP addresses etc. it's through the IP addresses etc. it's actually quite a lot of work if you do actually quite a lot of work if you do actually quite a lot of work if you do it a lot like I like I do because I it a lot like I like I do because I it a lot like I like I do because I experiment a lot. But here in this Talos experiment a lot. But here in this Talos experiment a lot. But here in this Talos Proxmox cluster, all I need to do is Proxmox cluster, all I need to do is Proxmox cluster, all I need to do is just click cluster scaling. And then just click cluster scaling. And then just click cluster scaling. And then I'll I see I have one available machine I'll I see I have one available machine I'll I see I have one available machine which is this new VM that I just which is this new VM that I just which is this new VM that I just created. And all I do is I just click W0 created. And all I do is I just click W0 created. And all I do is I just click W0 because I want to add a worker node because I want to add a worker node because I want to add a worker node update and boom, this machine is now update and boom, this machine is now update and boom, this machine is now going is now added to my cluster and going is now added to my cluster and going is now added to my cluster and it's now automatically configuring it as it's now automatically configuring it as it's now automatically configuring it as a worker node. I mean all this is just a worker node. I mean all this is just a worker node. I mean all this is just so cool and I absolutely love this so cool and I absolutely love this so cool and I absolutely love this complete setup. So this is what I'm complete setup. So this is what I'm complete setup. So this is what I'm going to be using my Proxmox server for going to be using my Proxmox server for going to be using my Proxmox server for mainly uh to be I can very easily create

mainly uh to be I can very easily create mainly uh to be I can very easily create like testing clusters or create separate like testing clusters or create separate like testing clusters or create separate environments that I'm that I like to do environments that I'm that I like to do environments that I'm that I like to do for my work and for my experimentation. for my work and for my experimentation. for my work and for my experimentation. So that's that's a great use case. But So that's that's a great use case. But So that's that's a great use case. But also I can just create you know Linux also I can just create you know Linux also I can just create you know Linux VMs when I want to test out a few VMs when I want to test out a few VMs when I want to test out a few distros or something like that. Yeah. So distros or something like that. Yeah. So distros or something like that. Yeah. So far, this minis form is performing far, this minis form is performing far, this minis form is performing exceptionally well and because of the exceptionally well and because of the exceptionally well and because of the form factor, I absolutely love it that I form factor, I absolutely love it that I form factor, I absolutely love it that I can use it for this use case. I don't can use it for this use case. I don't can use it for this use case. I don't own proper sound testing equipment, so own proper sound testing equipment, so own proper sound testing equipment, so I'll lean on other reviews online here. I'll lean on other reviews online here. I'll lean on other reviews online here. Surftheome.com tested the Minism at 39 Surftheome.com tested the Minism at 39 Surftheome.com tested the Minism at 39 dBA in idle and under load it was in the dBA in idle and under load it was in the dBA in idle and under load it was in the 50 dBA range. As I said, I am very 50 dBA range. As I said, I am very 50 dBA range. As I said, I am very sensitive to noise and I don't like to sensitive to noise and I don't like to sensitive to noise and I don't like to have machines humming in the background. have machines humming in the background. have machines humming in the background. It's literally the only thing that I'll It's literally the only thing that I'll It's literally the only thing that I'll hear when that happens. So, my hear when that happens. So, my hear when that happens. So, my subjective verdict is that it's actually subjective verdict is that it's actually subjective verdict is that it's actually a bit noisy. I would not like to have a bit noisy. I would not like to have a bit noisy. I would not like to have this on my desk as a daily driver, for this on my desk as a daily driver, for this on my desk as a daily driver, for example, because you can definitely hear example, because you can definitely hear example, because you can definitely hear it in idle, especially if you're a bit it in idle, especially if you're a bit it in idle, especially if you're a bit sensitive to that stuff like me.

sensitive to that stuff like me. sensitive to that stuff like me. However, for my use case, I have it in a However, for my use case, I have it in a However, for my use case, I have it in a separate closet with a closed door, and separate closet with a closed door, and separate closet with a closed door, and in that situation, I cannot hear it at in that situation, I cannot hear it at in that situation, I cannot hear it at all, even when it's under load or while all, even when it's under load or while all, even when it's under load or while I was doing the benchmark. Finally, I was doing the benchmark. Finally, I was doing the benchmark. Finally, let's talk about power consumption. It let's talk about power consumption. It let's talk about power consumption. It idles at 25 W and can go up quite a bit idles at 25 W and can go up quite a bit idles at 25 W and can go up quite a bit from there. Under load, it will sit at from there. Under load, it will sit at from there. Under load, it will sit at 135 145 W easily, which will go up from 135 145 W easily, which will go up from 135 145 W easily, which will go up from there if you add cards and adjust power there if you add cards and adjust power there if you add cards and adjust power limits. So, that's definitely something limits. So, that's definitely something limits. So, that's definitely something to consider, too. I love this thing. to consider, too. I love this thing. to consider, too. I love this thing. It's powerful, compact, and I'll It's powerful, compact, and I'll It's powerful, compact, and I'll probably buy more of these as my home probably buy more of these as my home probably buy more of these as my home lab grows. The form factor is perfect, lab grows. The form factor is perfect, lab grows. The form factor is perfect, especially if, like me, you live in a especially if, like me, you live in a especially if, like me, you live in a smaller apartment and you don't have a smaller apartment and you don't have a smaller apartment and you don't have a basement or something like that and you basement or something like that and you basement or something like that and you can't stand noisy machines humming away can't stand noisy machines humming away can't stand noisy machines humming away in the background. This gives you a ton in the background. This gives you a ton in the background. This gives you a ton of freedom without taking over your of freedom without taking over your of freedom without taking over your space or your sanity. And with 16 cores, space or your sanity. And with 16 cores, space or your sanity. And with 16 cores, enterprise networking, and real enterprise networking, and real enterprise networking, and real expansion options, you're not limited of expansion options, you're not limited of expansion options, you're not limited of what you can run. I've seen people 3D what you can run. I've seen people 3D what you can run. I've seen people 3D print rack mounts for these. So maybe print rack mounts for these. So maybe print rack mounts for these. So maybe it's finally time for me to build a it's finally time for me to build a it's finally time for me to build a proper rack. just not with the big proper rack. just not with the big proper rack. just not with the big servers that sound like jet engines, but servers that sound like jet engines, but servers that sound like jet engines, but just with a few more of these instead.

just with a few more of these instead. just with a few more of these instead. In short, I highly recommend this device In short, I highly recommend this device In short, I highly recommend this device and I'm definitely going to get more of and I'm definitely going to get more of and I'm definitely going to get more of these. Make sure you subscribe to not these. Make sure you subscribe to not these. Make sure you subscribe to not miss out on any content. And if you want miss out on any content. And if you want miss out on any content. And if you want to see my Kubernetes home lab, check out to see my Kubernetes home lab, check out to see my Kubernetes home lab, check out this video. See you in the next one.