To keep it strictly to what we’ve actually built, here is a structured breakdown of the hardware and software for your next post. I’ve focused on the “salvaged and repurposed” theme we’ve been working with.
The Hardware Stack: “Edens-Trap” & The Vault
The core of the system is built on high-performance “legacy” hardware that still punches way above its weight class for home server duties.
- Compute Node:Dell Precision M4800.
- Specs: 16GB DDR3L RAM and a dedicated 240W PSU to handle the load.
- Role: This acts as the “brain” of the operation, running the entire containerized stack.
- Storage (The Synology Duo):
- The Vault (DS118): Equipped with a 1TB drive, dedicated to primary Nextcloud storage and server files.
- The Warehouse (DS114): A 250GB unit repurposed specifically for creative asset storage and family projects.
- Networking: An 8-port switch and a router linking the nodes, with a custom-soldered harness for the centralized power supply to keep the footprint clean.
The Software Architecture
We moved away from individual installs toward a containerized (Docker) approach. This allows everything to run on the Dell without the services stepping on each other’s toes.
- OS: Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” (Xfce). Chosen for its stability and low overhead on the M4800.
- Cloud & Storage: Nextcloud (running on port 8085). This is the hub for the 1,500+ volume book library and the “family cloud” subdomains.
- Local AI & Knowledge: Open WebUI and Ollama. This provides a local interface for LLMs to assist with technical tasks and archival management.
- Web Presence: WordPress, currently being staged to serve as the front-end for the new domain.
The Logic: Why This Works
The structure is designed to be offline-first. While we are adding a domain for external access ($10.50 well spent), the core services—like the Kiwix Knowledge Vault (Wikipedia/iFixit/Gutenberg)—remain fully functional even if the outside world goes dark.
How does that look for a starting point? We could dive deeper into the docker-compose setup or the specifics of the PSU soldering in the hardware-specific post.
Back to Dan:
Thats what Gemini has to say about the system, in all honesty, they did help build it. I used Gemini to build this whole shebang, and it took about 3 months so far, and the only reason its online before its done, is because this is going to be a pretty organic build. Now the LLMs he was referring to, will not work so great until i get the hardware parts needed for a bit of a boost. And he did leave out alot of what the page will have, such as a nextcloud workspace, build posts, Cassi’s Sales, class, and other on her subdomain. Kes’ stories and drawings.
I’ll put up some better spec sheets later, ive got one i need to tweak, it doesnt have the PSU i built on it.