Methodology
How SizeMyHomeLab turns workloads into hardware requirements
SizeMyHomeLab starts with the services you intend to run. Product availability and affiliate relationships are evaluated only after the technical requirement has been calculated.
1. Workload profiles
Each supported workload has a structured profile describing its relative CPU, memory, storage, networking and acceleration needs. Extra questions appear only when a choice materially changes the result.
2. Combined requirement
Selected workloads are combined into a single HomeLab requirement. The sizing engine accounts for concurrency, workload-specific settings and sensible operating headroom rather than simply adding every published maximum together.
3. Minimum, recommended and headroom targets
The result distinguishes a minimum viable target from the recommended target and additional growth headroom. This is intended to make trade-offs visible instead of automatically pushing every user toward the largest system.
4. Capability matching
Products are matched by capability: compute class, memory ceiling, storage suitability, networking, expansion and acceleration where relevant. A retailer or affiliate relationship cannot make an incompatible product eligible.
5. Commercial sources come last
Once compatible products exist, SizeMyHomeLab can look for retailer offers. Affiliate offers may be used as purchase destinations, but commercial status does not override technical compatibility.
Limitations
HomeLab workloads vary with configuration, versions, media formats, datasets, user behaviour and future growth. Results are planning estimates, not guarantees. Always verify exact product specifications and current retailer information before purchasing.