Choosing homelab servers & mini PCs forces a practical choice: do you need one compact node, two matching units, graphics capability, or boot storage for an existing server? The Intel NUC entries are compute choices, while the Supermicro item is storage rather than a computer. The right pick depends on whether you are building compute capacity or adding a focused storage component.
Quick take
- Single-unit build: Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH is the direct fit for a compact homelab computer with built-in wireless features.
- Two-unit experiment: The Lot of 2 Intel NUC NUC7i7BNB supports a small multi-node setup, though its back covers are missing.
- Graphics-oriented work: Intel NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 Hades Canyon is the choice with Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics and named hypervisor use.
- Boot-storage assignment: Supermicro DM064-PHI is a 64GB SATA DOM for server boot or embedded storage, not a complete mini PC.
Listed-price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Relative price marker |
|---|---|---|
| Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH | $79.99 | |
| Lot of 2 Intel NUC NUC7i7BNB | $119.99 | |
| Intel NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 | $249.99 | |
| Supermicro DM064-PHI SATA DOM | $99.99 |
The listed prices cover three compute choices and one storage module, so price should be considered alongside the role each item is meant to fill.
Decision matrix
- One compact homelab node: Choose the NUC7i7BNH for its Mini PC form factor, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and named homelab suitability.
- Two matching nodes: The NUC7i7BNB lot is the relevant choice because it contains two units with the i7-7567U CPU; missing back covers are the key trade-off.
- Graphics-oriented compute: Hades Canyon brings Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics and suitable-use labels that include gaming, graphic design, engineering coding, homelab, and hypervisor work.
- Server boot media: The DM064-PHI fits a defined storage role through its SATA DOM design, removable feature, and server boot-drive application.
Product notes
Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH i7-7567U Barebone PC
The Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH i7-7567U Barebone PC suits a single-node build where a Mini PC form factor is central. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are listed, and homelab is named among its suitable uses, giving the use-case match a clear basis. The limitation is the barebone configuration: it includes no RAM, no SSD, and no AC, leaving the build dependent on adding core components. It is also listed as used. Choose it when you want one compact NUC with integrated wireless and are comfortable assembling the rest of the system; the lowest listed price reinforces that hands-on role rather than a ready-to-run package.
Lot of 2 Intel NUC NUC7i7BNB Barebone PC
The Lot of 2 Intel NUC NUC7i7BNB Barebone PC is the natural choice for a small two-unit lab, with two NUCs using the i7-7567U CPU. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth give each unit a useful connectivity starting point. The limitation is physical as well as setup-related: back covers are missing, and the lot also has no RAM, no SSD, and no AC. Used condition adds to the hands-on nature of the build. Select the lot when two matching nodes matter more than finished enclosures; its listed price sits above the single NUC and below the Hades Canyon entry.
Intel NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 Intel Core i7-8809G
Intel NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 Intel Core i7-8809G stands apart through its Hades Canyon model and Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics. Homelab and hypervisor are both named among suitable uses, alongside engineering coding, gaming, and graphic design. Those attributes make it a sensible pick when the lab also has a graphics-oriented workload. The limitation is the highest listed price in the comparison, plus no RAM, no SSD or HDD, and no power adaptor. It is used, so room for the missing setup pieces remains important. Choose it for the graphics and named workload fit, not simply because of its processor number.
Supermicro DM064-PHI SSD 64GB SATA DOM Disk-On-Module
Supermicro DM064-PHI SSD 64GB SATA DOM Disk-On-Module serves a different purpose from the Intel NUC computers. Its 64GB capacity, SATA III interface, removable feature, and server boot-drive application make it a focused choice for boot storage or embedded storage in a compatible setup. The limitation is scope: it is a storage module, not a complete mini PC, and its stated compatibility is with select Supermicro server systems. Used condition is also listed. Choose it when the job is adding a compact boot device to an appropriate server environment; the $99.99 price should not be treated as a substitute for a compute node.
Final recommendation by use case
For a single compact homelab computer, choose the Intel NUC NUC7i7BNH. For two-node experimentation, choose the Lot of 2 Intel NUC NUC7i7BNB. For a graphics-oriented homelab or hypervisor build, choose the Intel NUC BOXNUC8i7HNK1 Hades Canyon. For a server boot-storage assignment, choose the Supermicro DM064-PHI. The listed range from $79.99 to $249.99 is meaningful, but the role comes first: a barebone NUC, a two-unit lot, a graphics-focused NUC, and a SATA DOM solve different problems.
