ᐅ Intel/Windows applications – NUC, mini PC, or server. What do you recommend?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently considering the idea of a central computer.
The computer should run the following applications so that I can remote access them from my Mac (M1 & Intel):

- ETS Professional
- Gira Project Assistant
- Unifi Controller
- Possibly VirtualBox to experiment with Home Assistant

In other words, I want to have all the programs that don’t run natively on Macs or require an Intel chipset (or both, I’m not sure which work on Windows for ARM) on a central computer that I can access remotely.

Since none of these are “classic” server applications, I was thinking of using a mini PC or NUC with Windows 10 running 24/7 in a 19" rack.
Does it make sense to switch to server hardware designed for 24/7 operation, like a DELL PowerEdge or similar? Those usually run only server versions of Windows, and the rest feels like a workaround again.

Regards,
Harv

Hi Harv, what system are you running your Visio on, or are you not using one?
For me, programs like Visio, Unifi, weather, etc. all run on a Peaknx Control Pro. It runs very smoothly without any issues.

If you are technically inclined, build a small server with Debian yourself.

I have one: an ITX motherboard with an Intel CPU (Pentium J3710), 8GB of RAM, and multiple SSDs in RAID. It currently has an uptime of 420 days. It runs Unifi, Nextcloud, and Home Assistant.
I’m only going to upgrade the RAM.

Otherwise, I would tend to go for an Intel NUC. I wouldn’t consider specialized server hardware necessary for home users.

The visualization is the least important part of everything. Currently, it runs on an X1, but I can imagine upgrading it at some point. However, first I need a Windows system to run the other apps since I don't want to deal with Boot Camp, and with the M1 chip, it's not really an option anyway.

The requirement is that ETS, GPA, and the UniFi Controller run on it, so no Debian or similar.

I can share positive long-term experiences with NUCs. They have a low failure rate. Even one NUC that was initially set up just as a test with an i5, 16GB RAM, and SSD ran smoothly as a server for about 5 years without any failures. It’s better to avoid Atom, Pentium J, or Celeron CPUs, as you’ll constantly be frustrated by the 100% CPU load that occurs with every mouse click. Is a NAS with, for example, Synology’s VMM not an option? Those are also available in 19-inch (48 cm) racks and with shallow installation depths.

At my desk, an i3 NUC with an SSD runs day and night without ever failing or crashing. Windows 10 Professional is installed.