Choosing homelab servers & mini pcs comes down to how much of the setup you want to complete yourself. The Intel NUC entries are barebone computers with different starting points, while the nitrokey Nextbox is presented as a self-hosted Nextcloud server with storage and memory named in its title. The central decision is straightforward: spend less upfront and assemble the hardware, or choose a more server-focused configuration.
Quick take
The listed price spread is $460.01, creating a clear divide between the Intel NUCs and the nitrokey Nextbox. The Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH is the simplest one-unit starting point, while the Lot of 2 NUC7i7BNB PCs is aimed at buyers who want two matching barebone units. The NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 adds Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics and a broader listed use range. The nitrokey nextbox is the focused choice for a self-hosted Nextcloud setup with a 1TB SSD and 8GB of RAM named in the title.
Listed-price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH Barebone PC | USD 79.99 | |
| Intel NUC NUC7i7BNB Barebone PCs | USD 119.99 | |
| Intel NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 | USD 249.99 | |
| nitrokey nextbox Nextcloud server | USD 540.00 |
Decision matrix
- For a single custom mini PC build: The Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH is the most direct starting point. Its title clearly identifies a barebone PC and names the missing RAM, SSD, and AC.
- For a two-unit homelab plan: The NUC7i7BNB entry is a lot of two, with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth listed for the barebone PCs. The title also calls out missing back covers.
- For graphics-oriented homelab work: The NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 has Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics named in its attributes, along with an i7-8809G processor.
- For self-hosted Nextcloud: The nitrokey nextbox is the only entry explicitly titled as a self-hosted Nextcloud server and is identified as a Nextbox server.
Product notes
Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH Barebone PC
This Intel NUC is a practical single-unit starting point for a custom homelab because it is identified as a Mini PC and is listed as suitable for Homelab use. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are named features, which can simplify the initial hardware setup. The limitation is explicit: the title says no RAM, no SSD, and no AC. It is also marked used. Choose it when adding the core components yourself is part of the plan; the barebone format means the listed computer is not the same as a configured server with memory and storage already installed.
Lot of 2 Intel NUC NUC7i7BNB Barebone PCs
The NUC7i7BNB entry is a sensible match for a homelab that benefits from two units rather than one. Its title identifies a lot of two Intel NUC barebone PCs, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are listed features. That quantity is the main reason to choose it over a single-unit purchase. The limitation is the condition of the hardware package: the title calls out missing back covers, along with no RAM, no SSD, and no AC. Both units are marked used, so this is a build-to-finish choice rather than a server configuration with the main components already named.
Intel NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 Intel Core i7-8809G
This Intel NUC is the graphics-oriented entry in the group. Its title names an Intel Core i7-8809G, while the attributes identify Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics and list Homelab and Hypervisor among suitable uses. Those details give it a clear role for buyers considering a more capable-looking mini PC platform for graphics or virtualization projects. The limitation remains the unfinished hardware configuration: no RAM and no SSD are named, and the description says no power adaptor. It is also marked used, so the buyer is choosing the processor and graphics platform rather than a complete ready-to-deploy server.
nitrokey nextbox 1TB SSD 8GB Ram
The nitrokey nextbox is the clearest fit for a self-hosted Nextcloud project. Its title names a 1TB SSD and 8GB of RAM, while the attributes identify the Nextbox product line and classify it as a server. The title also directly frames it around a highly secure, self-hosted Nextcloud use case, making its purpose more specific than the general-purpose NUC entries. The limitation is the listed USD 540 price, which is the highest in this comparison, and the condition is marked used. Choose it when the server role and named storage configuration matter more than starting with barebone hardware.
Final recommendation by use case
- Lowest entry price: Choose the Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH at USD 79.99 if a single barebone Mini PC with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth suits your build plan.
- Two-machine setup: Choose the Lot of 2 Intel NUC NUC7i7BNB PCs when the quantity is more useful than having one unit, while accepting the missing back covers.
- Graphics-focused projects: Choose the Intel NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 for the entry that specifically names Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics and the i7-8809G processor.
- Self-hosted Nextcloud: Choose the nitrokey nextbox for its explicitly named Nextcloud server role, 1TB SSD, and 8GB RAM.
