Initial commit: Infrastructure audit and documentation

- Complete infrastructure audit (Feb 5, 2026) - 2026 homelab best practices guide - Current infrastructure notes (TOOLS.md) - README with quick reference
2026-02-05 16:09:40 +00:00
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+# 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*