From hardware to reliable service

Build Your Home Server

Test-backed setup decisions for Windows, Docker, storage, networking, media and unattended recovery.

EQi12 as a Windows Home Server

The complete build: WOL, AC recovery, Docker startup, 12.57-hour monitoring, backup restoration and deployment limits.

Virtualization, VT-d, Secure Boot, TPM, S3 sleep, State After G3 and a safe evidence-first configuration process.

Set up the native Windows path, force a controlled transcode and prove QSV from the FFmpeg log.

Separate Windows, login, WSL2, Docker, Compose, health checks and persistent data across reboot.

Generate an Nginx, PostgreSQL and Redis Compose file, deploy it, add health checks and make it survive reboots.

Verify a stack with pg_dump, Redis DUMP/RESTORE and config export, with measured recovery times and one byte-level trap.

Map the physical adapter, configure BIOS and driver controls, disable Fast Startup and test S5 and S3 separately.

Configure State After G3, run three controlled cycles and time service recovery rather than only POST.

What actually matters when buying a mini PC home server: CPU, RAM, storage, network and real power draw, with measured data.

Verified Linux install walkthrough: official ISO + SHA-256 check, Rufus 4.15 USB, UEFI boot and hardware detection, all photographed.