The homelab build planner built for real homelab constraints.
HomelabConfig is a free homelab parts picker and system planner, like PCPartPicker but built for servers, NAS boxes, rack gear, and the workloads that drive them.
Our approach
Homelab planning should be as clear as building a desktop PC. The complexity is in the constraints: power budgets, rack unit space, drive bay counts, and noise levels, not in the interface. The homelab builder keeps those constraints visible at every step so nothing becomes a surprise after purchase.
Why HomelabConfig?
Existing tools either oversimplify (spreadsheets) or overcomplicate (enterprise DCIM software). HomelabConfig is purpose-built for the homelab community. Start with a starter template, browse the part catalog, and build from there.
What it checks
- Part compatibility: form factors, PCIe lanes, drive interfaces
- Power budgeting: idle and load draw, UPS sizing
- Rack planning: rack unit fit across all components
- Drive bay planning: raw capacity and expansion headroom
- Noise targets: suitable for closet and office installs
Affiliate disclosure
Some hardware links on this site use affiliate codes. These links never affect recommendations or compatibility data. Read the full affiliate disclosure for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HomelabConfig?
HomelabConfig is a homelab build planner, a PCPartPicker-style tool built specifically for homelab servers, NAS boxes, network gear, and rack builds. It covers compatibility checking, power budgeting, drive bay planning, and rack space so you can design the whole system before buying anything.
Is HomelabConfig like PCPartPicker for homelabs?
That is the closest comparison. PCPartPicker is focused on consumer desktop builds. HomelabConfig models the constraints that matter in a homelab: idle power draw, drive bay count, rack unit space, noise targets, VLAN-capable networking, and UPS sizing. The interface is intentionally familiar but the data model is built for homelab workloads.
What homelab builds does HomelabConfig support?
It covers the full range: single-board NAS builds, multi-drive ZFS servers, Proxmox virtualization nodes, pfSense or OPNsense network cores, and mixed racks with multiple systems. The builder scales from a single server and switch to a full rack with separate compute, storage, and network tiers.
Does it cover quiet homelab builds?
Yes. The templates and planning categories include noise, airflow, and idle-power considerations from the start. The quiet rack guide covers how to check these constraints before buying rack hardware.
Can I use HomelabConfig for a small NAS or a full server rack?
Both. The layout scales from a single server and switch to a multi-system rack with dedicated storage and backup tiers. Start with a template that matches your use case and expand from there.
Is HomelabConfig free to use?
Yes. The homelab build planner, part compatibility checker, and starter templates are all free. Some links to hardware on retail sites are affiliate links; see the affiliate disclosure for details.
Ready to start planning?
Open the homelab builder, pick a template, and start checking compatibility and power draw before you spend anything.