Proxmox server on Macbook Mini

[bjochym]

Hi,
I have an offer to buy a Macbook Mini 2018 A1993 32GB RAM 256GB/512GB i7 6 cores for $400 for my first home lab server. I want to learn virtualization, try to install Zabbix, Gitlab runner module, some basic Linux/Sys Admin tools. Is it worth it or not?

Thank you for all your advises

 

[ctrl_alt_delete]

on the assumption its this model:
The Apple Mac mini "Core i7" 3.2 (Late 2018/Space Gray) features a 14 nm "Coffee Lake" 3.2 GHz Intel "Core i7" (8700B) processor with six independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 12 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of user upgradable 2666 MHz DDR4 PC4-21300 SDRAM, 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of onboard PCIe-based SSD storage, and an "integrated" Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics processor that shares system memory.

I expect you could run a small home server with Proxmox on that to experiment, I myself started with 1xHP EliteDesk Mini i7-9700 and now have 3 in a cluster. When I had one I experimented with VM's, LXCs and K8s. Also tried Casa OS all ran fine.

Also look at Trigkey / Beelink on amazon, newer low power some with 2 NICs, Amazon deals bring some of these down to low price.

I would see what other models you could get on Ebay, you may find a SFF IBM, Dell or HP there cheaper. Good luck.

 

[davidthornton]

I’ve got one of these Mac Mini’s. Will Proxmox install on this? I’ve read conflicting posts about whether it will or will not. Some mention issues with a T2 chip.

 

[dMopp]

The Intel ones will be fine

 

[davidthornton]

The Intel ones will be fine

Thank you. I tried it and it worked (Mac Mini 2018 i7 (A1993). There's a 60 second freeze on boot due to issues with bluetooth and possibly wifi adapters. Any solution would be greatly received.

 

[dMopp]

Afaik only with firmware-non-free drivers but don’t ask me which one :O