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Core Lab Joe

Core Lab Joe

Canada
Dad, IT guy, Self-Hosting Evangelist! https://www.reddit.com/r/corelabtech/
22
Apr
A picture of Core Lab Custom Server/NAS while being built, on a floor beside oragizer bin, with drive cables hanging out and side, top panels removed.

The "Core Lab" Monster: My 80+TB DIY NAS Build (2026)

Forget off-the-shelf simplicity. Explore the architecture of a 17-drive, 80TB+ DIY NAS. From enterprise SAS hardware to ZFS pool optimization, this is the blueprint for a "forever" server built for maximum data density and local ownership.
18 min read
22
Apr
Closeup of a brand new motherboard, black, labelled MSI and is in fact, an MSI X570 Pro-A motherboard.

Best Homelab Hardware Guide (2026): Servers, Mini-PCs, CPUs & Parts

Construct your Digital Fortress. From silent N100 "Gatehouse" nodes to massive "Command Center" storage servers, this is the battle-tested hardware we trust to hold the line in 2026.
23 min read
18
Apr
Infographic comparing OMV8/Truenas, Unraid, Synology/Ugreen for use as affordable scrap-lab OS. You'll notice the "Ease of Use" changes from left (3/5) to right (5/5), along with the price!

Homelab on a Budget: Your Zero-to-Hero Guide (2026)

For years, I’ve been fascinated by the "homelab" - a personal, self-built environment for experimentation, learning, and,
6 min read
17
Apr
Cyberpunk digital fortress representing a self-hosted homelab with servers, Docker, networking, firewalls, and privacy-focused infrastructure. Canadian flag in backround.

🗺️ Start Here: Turn Your "Trash" Hardware Into a Digital Fortress

Learn self-hosting, Docker, homelabs, networking, Plex or Jellyfin, automation, and cybersecurity. Turn scrap hardware into a secure digital fortress with Core Lab.
10 min read