This $216 AliExpress Homelab Sounds Too Good to Be True

Can you build a genuinely usable homelab using only the cheapest components from AliExpress? In this video, I build a complete 10-inch homelab using no-name AliExpress hardware, including a router, switch, mini PC, storage, and a 3D-printed rack. I test performance, power consumption, network speeds, and storage reliability to find out whether this is a budget win or just future e-waste. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION --------------------------------------------------- Here's my blog post for the build - https://www.the-diy-life.com/i-built-an-aliexpress-homelab-is-it-surprisingly-good-or-total-e-waste/ PURCHASE LINKS --------------------------------------------------- Unlike with most of my builds, I've left these links here for reference only. I don't think that these components are good value for money and don't recommend that you buy them. Mini PC - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004309764539.html Ethernet Switch - No longer listed 2.5" SATA SSDs - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009872663831.html AX3000 Router - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009409934537.html SATA Adaptors - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005667830177.html These are ok to buy: Patch Leads - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006256986557.html M6 Brass Inserts - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008666672949.html PETG Filament - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009587425789.html 120mm Fan - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006828339473.html Tools & Equipment Used: Bambulab H2D - https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/h2d USB C Pencil Screwdriver - https://amzn.to/3KyIHG9 Brass Insert Tool - https://amzn.to/3FTj14P Some of the above parts are affiliate links. By purchasing products through the above links, you’ll be supporting my projects, at no additional cost to you. CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 1:06 AliExpress Parts I Bought 4:46 Making The 10" Rack 6:21 Completing The Build 7:38 Testing The Homelab 10:12 Drive Scam 12:24 Final Thoughts If you've got any ideas for Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or other Electronics projects or tutorials you'd like to see, let me know in the comments section.