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obsidian-vault/infrastructure/homelab-2026-guide.md
Funky (OpenClaw) 0b204174c1 Add comprehensive 2026 homelab guide + GPU passthrough for 3D printing 
- 2026 best practices for homelab stack
- Hardware recommendations (mini PCs, specs)
- Software stack (Nginx Proxy Manager, Gitea, PBS, Komodo)
- GPU passthrough tutorial for CAD/3D printing workstation
- How it applies to Fred's 3D print farm business
- Immediate action plan with priorities

Research from VirtualizationHowTo.com + Reddit Proxmox community
2026-02-05 14:25:03 +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:

# 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)

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
  1. 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)
  1. 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:

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

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