These machines can be found used for about 100-250 usd/eur. Most often found with 6 core cpu-s (8400t/9400t), single 8gb ram sticks and smaller 256/512gb M.2 nvme drive, and wifi configurations.
What is this is good for?
homelab
k8s nodes
NAS/router
dev/test boxes
Models covered:
M720q
M920q/x
P330 tiny (Same as M920q but with 2x m.2, ie like an M920x)
Model
RAM
Storage
USB
Video
Network
spec sheet
M720q
2x32GB DDR4
2.5" SATA + M.2 2242/2280*
USB 3.1 Gen1/Gen2 + USB-C
HDMI + DP
1Gbit
spec sheet
M920q
2x32GB DDR4
2.5" SATA + M.2 2242/2280**
USB 3.1 Gen1/Gen2 + USB-C
HDMI + DP
1Gbit
spec sheet
M920x
2x32GB DDR4
2.5" SATA + 2x M.2 2242/2280
USB 3.1 Gen1/Gen2 + USB-C
HDMI + DP
1Gbit
spec sheet
P330
2x32GB DDR4
2.5" SATA + 2x M.2 2242/2280
USB 3.1 Gen1/Gen2 + USB-C
HDMI + DP
1Gbit
spec sheet
* can be modded with additional M.2 SATA slot
** can be modded with additional M.2 NVME slot
Common CPU configurations
CPU
Cores
Threads
Why
i5-8500T
6
6
best value / very common
i5-8400T
6
6
cheaper alternative
i7-8700T
6
12
highest performance in class
i5-9500T
6
6
newer stepping, stable
i5-9600T
6
6
slightly higher boost
i7-9700T
8
8
8 cores for heavy workloads
i3-8100
4
4
low core count, not worth it
i3-9100
4
4
weak for multi-tasking
Celeron / Pentium (G49xx, G54xx)
2
2–4
too slow for most homelab use
M920q extra M.2 nvme
M720q extra M.2 sata mod
* Requires custom BIOS, and hardware beyond the riser
You can replace the M.2 Wifi card for 2.5G Ethernet
To be able to add a pcie card you will need a PCIE expansion riser card.
The following cards have been reported to fit these machines
Image
Name
Purpose
Notes
connect3 Mellanox ConnectX-3
(single/dual) 10Gbit SFP+, 40Gbit QSFP+, InfiniBand 56Gbit
Sold under many brands, different products have different capabilities, ConnectX4 is preferred since it allows for lower c-states saving power
connect4 Mellanox ConnectX-4
(single/dual) 10Gbit SFP+, 25Gbit SFP28, 40Gbit QSFP+, 50Gbit QSFP28, 100G QSFP28, InfiniBand 100Gbit
Sold under many brands, different products have different capabilities, great models for 25Gbit are CX4121C/CX4121A
intel550 Intel X550
2x 10Gbit Ethernet
The ethernet 10Gbit might run too hot without an added fan
intel520 Intel X520
2x 10Gbit SFP+
intel710 Intel X710
2x 10Gbit SFP+
thunderbolt Thunderbolt Card
40 Gbit thunderbolt
i350-t4 Intel i350-AM4
4x Gbit ethernet
FujitsuD2755-A11 Fujitsu D2755-A11
2x 10Gbit SFP+
Image
Name
Purpose
Notes
h200perc Dell PERC H200
2x SAS (6Gbps)
Can be broken out into 2x 4 Sata with a breakout cable
tishric TISHRIC ASM1166
6x SATA (6Gbps)
Image
Name
Purpose
Notes
quadro Quadro K1200
4GB VRAM GPU
rtxa2000 RTX A2000
12GB VRAM GPU
t600 NVIDIA T600/1000
4GB/8GB VRAM
Image
Name
Purpose
Notes
oculink Oculink Card
Oculink SFF 8612 interfaces through a PCIe x8 slot
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4231309
LowCostMiniPcs.com
Local marketplaces, vinted, craigslist, facebook marketplace.
