Why I Chose the BMAX B4 Plus 🖥️
During the Black Friday sales, I came across an amazing deal on AliExpress: the BMAX B4 Plus , a compact Mini PC with an Intel N100 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB M.2 SATA SSD—all for just €112. The specs immediately caught my attention as a potential homelab setup, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to experiment.
First Steps: Installing Proxmox VE 🛠️
As soon as I received the Mini PC, I installed Proxmox VE , a powerful virtualization platform. My goal was to turn this budget device into a multifunctional homelab capable of running:
- A multimedia server with Jellyfin and the *ARR stack ( Sonarr , Radarr , Overseerr , etc.).
- Network tools like AdGuard Home .
- Secure password management with Vaultwarden .
- And much more!
Proxmox VE allowed me to manage virtual machines and Linux containers easily, making it the perfect choice for this project.
How Does the BMAX B4 Plus Perform? ⚙️
1. Hardware Overview
- Processor: Intel N100 (4 cores, efficient for light workloads).
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (plenty for virtualization and multiple containers).
- Storage: 512GB M.2 SATA SSD (fast enough for most use cases, with room for expansion).
- Ports: Multiple USB ports, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet for connectivity.
The BMAX B4 Plus offers solid performance for a budget homelab, especially for tasks like hosting services or running lightweight virtual machines.
2. Real-World Performance
Running Proxmox VE on this Mini PC has been a smooth experience. With Jellyfin handling 1080p/4K video streams, the Intel N100 barely breaks a sweat. The 16GB of RAM ensures multiple containers can run simultaneously without noticeable slowdowns.
Is It Worth the Price? 💸
For just €112, the BMAX B4 Plus is a steal for homelab enthusiasts on a budget. While it’s not a powerhouse, it’s more than capable of handling small-scale tasks like:
- Hosting personal media servers.
- Running development environments.
- Acting as a lightweight NAS or file server.
If you’re looking to dip your toes into virtualization and homelab setups, the BMAX B4 Plus is an excellent entry point.
Limitations to Consider ⚠️
While the BMAX B4 Plus is impressive for its price, it does have some limitations:
- Storage: The 512GB SSD can fill up quickly, especially when hosting large media libraries. Luckily, it supports storage expansion via external drives or a 2.5-inch SSD/HDD.
- Processor Power: The Intel N100 is efficient but not designed for heavy workloads like transcoding 4K videos.
- Network: Lacks Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet, which might be a drawback for advanced network setups.
Final Thoughts: Is the BMAX B4 Plus for You? 🤔
The BMAX B4 Plus is a great choice for anyone looking to start a homelab without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for:
- Students and hobbyists experimenting with virtualization.
- Hosting small-scale services for personal use.
- Learning about networking and server management.
At €112, it offers unbeatable value and has exceeded my expectations as a budget homelab.
If you’re considering setting up your first homelab or want an affordable way to explore virtualization, the BMAX B4 Plus is definitely worth a look.
Have questions about setting up your own homelab? Let me know in the comments or check out my other guides for more inspiration! 🚀