# Homelab 2026 Starter Stack + 3D Printing GPU Passthrough

**Research compiled for Fred's homelab and 3D print farm business**

*Source: VirtualizationHowTo.com + Reddit r/Proxmox community*

---

## 🎯 Why This Matters for You

**Your situation:**
- Already running Proxmox (10.0.10.3, 10.0.10.2, 10.0.10.4)
- Planning 3D print farm business with your son
- Need CAD/slicing software for 3D printing
- Want modern, efficient homelab stack

**What you'll learn:**
1. **2026 best practices** for homelab hardware and software
2. **GPU passthrough** to run Windows VM with CAD software (Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, etc.)
3. **How this fits your 3D print farm** business needs

---

## Part 1: Ultimate Homelab Stack for 2026

### Hardware Recommendations

**The Modern Mini PC Approach** (you already have Proxmox servers, but good to know for expansion):

**Ideal Specs:**
- **CPU:** Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 (uniform, efficient)
- **RAM:** 32-64GB DDR5 (sweet spot despite high 2025/2026 prices)
- **Storage:** Two NVMe drives (mirrored or separate workloads)
- **Network:** 2.5Gb or 10Gb
- **Power draw:** 20-50 watts (vs. your older servers drawing 100+ watts idle)

**Why mini PCs are trending:**
- Quiet, compact, efficient
- Enterprise-grade performance
- Great models: Minisforum MS-A2, MS-02, MS-01; Beelink SER9 Max

**Your setup:** You already have Proxmox hosts, but this is good to know if you want to add a dedicated node for 3D printing/CAD work later.

---

### Software Stack - The 2026 Essentials

#### 1. **Proxmox VE 9.1** (Foundation) ✅ You already have this!

**What's new in 9.1:**
- **OCI container image support** (NEW) - More efficient than traditional containers
- **vTPM support** for VMs
- **Better SDN (software-defined networking)**
- **Improved backup features**
- No license shenanigans
- Huge community, tons of scripts

**Why it's still #1:** Best balance of power and simplicity for home labs

---

#### 2. **Container Management: Komodo or Portainer**

**Komodo** (New kid on the block - 2025/2026 favorite):
- **Free and fast**
- Modern UI
- Easy Docker deployment and monitoring
- Lighter weight than Portainer
- Perfect for your n8n + container stack

**Portainer** (The 800lb gorilla):
- More features, more complex
- GitOps built-in
- Like "VMware vCenter for containers"
- You already know Docker/containers, so either works

**Recommendation for you:** Try Komodo - it's simpler and you said n8n node definitions are problematic. Komodo might be easier.

---

#### 3. **Nginx Proxy Manager** (Reverse Proxy) ✅ You should add this!

**Why you need this:**
- Manages all your services behind one IP
- **Auto LetsEncrypt SSL certificates** (no more manual cert renewals!)
- GUI-based (way easier than editing Nginx configs)
- Perfect for exposing services safely

**What it does:**
- HTTPS termination
- Automatic renewals
- Domain/subdomain routing (homeassistant.nianticbooks.com, n8n.nianticbooks.com, etc.)
- Access lists and authentication
- Organizes internal vs external access

**Your use case:**
- Right now you probably access services by IP:port (10.0.10.24:8123, etc.)
- With NPM: nice URLs (homeassistant.local or via your Caddy VPS)
- Combined with your Caddy VPS = secure remote access to everything

---

#### 4. **Gitea** (Self-hosted Git) - You need this!

**Why:**
- Store your Docker Compose files in Git (you said you lose track of configs)
- Version control for infrastructure
- Backup your n8n workflows as code
- Store 3D printing business documentation

**Lightweight and fast:**
- Runs as a container
- Looks like GitHub
- Supports issues, pull requests, branches
- **Gitea Actions** = CI/CD built-in (run automation on git push)

**Your use case:**
- Store Obsidian vault in Gitea (private repo on your network)
- Document infrastructure changes
- Track 3D print farm business code (if you automate anything)

---

#### 5. **Proxmox Backup Server (PBS)** ✅ Critical!

**You need this running ASAP:**
- Free, from Proxmox team
- Deduplication, compression, incremental backups
- Fast restores
- Can run on same host (separate disk) or dedicated mini PC/NAS

**Your setup idea:**
- Install PBS on one of your Proxmox nodes
- Point to OMV storage (10.0.10.5) for backup target
- Schedule automated backups of all VMs/containers
- **INCLUDES backing up your OpenClaw container!**

**3-2-1-1-0 rule:**
- 3 copies of data
- 2 different media
- 1 offsite (your VPS? Backblaze B2?)
- 1 offline (USB drive, fireproof safe)
- **0 errors** after verification ← Most important!

---

#### 6. **Core Containers to Run**

**From the "15 containers that make home lab better" list, here's the essentials:**

**Monitoring & Logging:**
- **Dozzle** - Real-time container log viewer (one screen, all logs)
- **Netdata** - System monitoring (CPU, RAM, disk, network)
- **Uptime Kuma** ✅ You already have this (10.0.10.26)

**Management:**
- **Komodo** - Container stack management
- **Nginx Proxy Manager** - Reverse proxy with SSL
- **Gitea** - Git repository

**Security & Services:**
- **Vaultwarden** ✅ You already planned this (10.0.10.27 Week 1)
- **Pi-hole** - DNS-level ad blocking (also planned)
- **Mailrise** - Unified notification bridge (emails become push notifications)

**Automation:**
- **n8n** ✅ You already have this (10.0.10.22)

---

## Part 2: GPU Passthrough for 3D Printing Lab

### The Use Case (From Reddit)

**What someone built:**
- Proxmox host
- Windows 10 VM with GPU passthrough
- GPU: NVIDIA card (prices dropped in late 2024/2025)
- Purpose: Run CAD software (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc.) and slicing software (PrusaSlicer, Cura, etc.)

**Why GPU passthrough matters:**
- CAD software needs GPU acceleration
- 3D rendering and complex models
- Slicing large files with previews
- Remote access to Windows VM = access CAD from anywhere

---

### How It Works

**The Setup:**
1. **Proxmox host** with dedicated GPU (not the iGPU used for Proxmox console)
2. **Windows 10/11 VM** with GPU passed through
3. **RDP or remote desktop** to access VM
4. Install CAD software, slicers, 3D printing tools
5. Access from any device (your PC, iPhone, Mac)

**The Result:**
- Full GPU acceleration for CAD
- Can run multiple 3D printing tools
- Centralized 3D printing workstation
- Your son can access the VM too (collaborative design work)

---

### Requirements

**Hardware:**
- Dedicated GPU (NVIDIA or AMD)
  - Don't use iGPU (Proxmox needs it for console)
  - Budget options: GTX 1060, 1660, RTX 3060
  - Pro options: RTX 4060, 4070 (better CAD performance)
- CPU with VT-d / AMD-Vi (virtualization extensions) ✅ Your Ryzen CPUs support this
- Motherboard with IOMMU support ✅ Your Proxmox hosts likely support this

**Software:**
- Proxmox with IOMMU enabled in BIOS
- GPU drivers inside Windows VM
- Remote desktop software (built-in RDP or Parsec for better performance)

---

### Configuration Steps (High-Level)

**1. Enable IOMMU in BIOS:**
- Boot into BIOS on Proxmox host
- Enable VT-d (Intel) or AMD-Vi (AMD)
- Save and reboot

**2. Enable IOMMU in Proxmox:**
Edit `/etc/default/grub`:
```bash
# For Intel
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet intel_iommu=on iommu=pt"

# For AMD
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet amd_iommu=on iommu=pt"
```

Update grub: `update-grub && reboot`

**3. Load VFIO modules:**
Edit `/etc/modules`:
```
vfio
vfio_iommu_type1
vfio_pci
vfio_virqfd
```

**4. Blacklist GPU drivers on host:**
(So Proxmox doesn't try to use the GPU)
```bash
echo "blacklist nouveau" >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
echo "blacklist nvidia" >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
update-initramfs -u
```

**5. Create Windows VM in Proxmox:**
- Machine: q35
- BIOS: OVMF (UEFI)
- Add EFI disk
- **Add PCI device** (your GPU)
- Set CPU type to "host" (important for passthrough)
- Enable "PCIe" checkbox on GPU device

**6. Install Windows + GPU drivers:**
- Install Windows normally
- Install NVIDIA/AMD drivers inside Windows
- Verify GPU is recognized (Device Manager)

**7. Remote Access:**
- Enable RDP in Windows
- Or install Parsec (better for CAD/gaming performance)
- Access VM from anywhere on your network

---

### For Your 3D Print Farm Business

**Use cases:**
1. **Centralized CAD workstation** - You and your son access same VM
2. **Slicing station** - Queue up print jobs, generate G-code
3. **Design library** - Store all STL files, designs in one place
4. **Remote access** - Work on designs from your bus route (when parked, obviously!)
5. **Backup everything** - VM backups = CAD software + settings + files all backed up together

**Software you'd run:**
- **Fusion 360** (free for hobbyists/small business)
- **PrusaSlicer** or **Cura** (slicing)
- **Blender** (if doing custom modeling)
- **Bambu Studio** (for your Bambu A1)
- **OctoPrint / Mainsail** web UIs (manage printers remotely)

**Workflow:**
1. Design in Fusion 360 (with GPU acceleration)
2. Export STL
3. Slice in PrusaSlicer/Bambu Studio
4. Send to printer (via OctoPrint or direct USB)
5. Monitor prints via webcam + OctoPrint

---

### Budget GPU Options (2026 Prices)

**Entry Level ($150-250 used):**
- GTX 1060 6GB - Good for basic CAD
- GTX 1660 Super - Better performance, still affordable

**Mid-Range ($250-400):**
- RTX 3060 12GB - Excellent CAD performance, good value
- RTX 4060 - Newer, more efficient

**Pro Level ($500+):**
- RTX 4070 - Great for complex CAD assemblies
- RTX 4080 - Overkill for most home use

**Recommendation for you:** RTX 3060 or RTX 4060 - sweet spot for price/performance for CAD work.

---

## How This Fits Your Current Setup

### Your Proxmox Infrastructure

**Current hosts:**
- main-pve (10.0.10.3)
- pve-router (10.0.10.2)
- pve-storage (10.0.10.4)

**Option 1: Add GPU to existing host**
- Install GPU in main-pve (if there's a PCIe slot)
- Pass through to Windows VM
- Use for CAD/3D printing workstation

**Option 2: Dedicated 3D printing node**
- Buy a mini PC with PCIe slot OR desktop with GPU
- Install Proxmox
- Cluster it with your existing nodes
- Dedicated to 3D print farm workloads

**Option 3: Use iMac (10.0.10.11)**
- Your iMac already has GPU
- Install Windows via Boot Camp or Parallels
- Not ideal (macOS CAD apps are limited), but works short-term

---

### Immediate Action Plan

**This Week:**
1. ✅ **Install Nginx Proxy Manager** container
   - Makes all services accessible via nice URLs
   - Auto SSL certificates
   - 30-minute setup

2. ✅ **Install Gitea** container
   - Start version-controlling your infrastructure
   - Store Docker Compose files, n8n workflows, notes
   - 15-minute setup

3. ✅ **Set up Proxmox Backup Server**
   - Install on one of your Proxmox nodes
   - Point to OMV (10.0.10.5) for storage
   - Schedule backups of all VMs/containers
   - 1-hour setup

**Next Week:**
4. **Research GPU options**
   - Check if main-pve has free PCIe slot
   - Look at used GPU market (Facebook Marketplace, eBay)
   - Budget: $200-300 for RTX 3060 used

5. **Test GPU passthrough** (once GPU acquired)
   - Follow configuration steps above
   - Create Windows 10 VM
   - Install Fusion 360, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio
   - Test remote access via RDP

**Month 1:**
6. **Centralize 3D printing workstation**
   - Move all CAD/slicing to Windows VM
   - Set up file sharing (SMB) to OMV for STL library
   - Configure remote access (VPN or Caddy reverse proxy)

7. **Document workflow for your son**
   - How to access VM
   - How to use CAD software
   - How to slice and send prints
   - Collaborative design process

---

## Key Takeaways

### What You Should Implement Now

**High Priority (This Week):**
1. **Nginx Proxy Manager** - Makes everything easier to access
2. **Gitea** - Version control for your infrastructure
3. **Proxmox Backup Server** - Protect your work (VA docs, business plans, everything!)

**Medium Priority (Next Week):**
4. **Komodo** - Replace or augment Portainer, simpler UI
5. **Dozzle** - Real-time log viewer (helps with debugging n8n, containers)
6. **Pi-hole** - DNS ad blocking (already planned, but bump up priority)

**Lower Priority (Month 1-2):**
7. **GPU passthrough setup** (once you buy GPU)
8. **Netdata** - System monitoring
9. **Mailrise** - Unified notifications

---

### Why This Matters for Your Business

**3D Print Farm Business:**
- **Centralized workstation** = you + your son collaborate on designs
- **GPU acceleration** = faster CAD, complex models, better workflow
- **Remote access** = work from anywhere (bus parking lot, home, vacation)
- **Professional setup** = looks good if you show clients your process

**Homelab Improvements:**
- **Better organization** (Gitea for code, Nginx Proxy Manager for access)
- **Better backups** (PBS protects your VA docs, business plans, everything)
- **Better monitoring** (Uptime Kuma + Netdata + Dozzle)
- **Professional skills** = you learn modern DevOps tools (good for HomelabHub.AI business too!)

---

## Resources

**Setup Guides:**
- [Proxmox PCI Passthrough (Official Wiki)](https://pve.proxmox.com/wiki/PCI_Passthrough)
- [Nginx Proxy Manager Docker Setup](https://www.virtualizationhowto.com/2023/10/setting-up-nginx-proxy-manager-on-docker-with-easy-letsencrypt-ssl/)
- [Gitea Installation Guide](https://docs.gitea.io/en-us/install-with-docker/)
- [Proxmox Backup Server Documentation](https://pbs.proxmox.com/docs/)

**Communities:**
- r/Proxmox on Reddit
- r/homelab on Reddit
- r/3Dprinting on Reddit
- Proxmox forums (forum.proxmox.com)

**Your existing resources:**
- Your Proxmox infrastructure (already solid foundation)
- Your Caddy VPS (already handling reverse proxy externally)
- Your OMV storage (great for backup target)
- Your son's 3D printing interest (built-in business partner!)

---

**Questions? Want me to help you install any of these? Just ask!** 🚀

*Saved to Obsidian vault: infrastructure/homelab-2026-guide.md*
