Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Can you build a genuinely usable homelab using only the cheapest components from AliExpress? In this video, I build a complete 10-inch homelab using no-name AliExpress hardware, including a router, switch, mini PC, storage, and a 3D-printed rack. I test performance, power consumption, network speeds, and storage reliability to find out whether this is a budget win or just future e-waste.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Here's my blog post for the build - the-diy-life.com/i-built-an-aliexpress-homelab-is-it-surprisingly-good-or-total-e-waste
PURCHASE LINKS
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Unlike with most of my builds, I've left these links here for reference only. I don't think that these components are good value for money and don't recommend that you buy them.
Mini PC - aliexpress.com/item/1005004309764539.html
Ethernet Switch - No longer listed
2.5" SATA SSDs - aliexpress.com/item/1005009872663831.html
AX3000 Router - aliexpress.com/item/1005009409934537.html
SATA Adaptors - aliexpress.com/item/1005005667830177.html
These are ok to buy:
Patch Leads - aliexpress.com/item/1005006256986557.html
M6 Brass Inserts - aliexpress.com/item/1005008666672949.html
PETG Filament - aliexpress.com/item/1005009587425789.html
120mm Fan - aliexpress.com/item/1005006828339473.html
Tools & Equipment Used:
Bambulab H2D - us.store.bambulab.com/products/h2d
USB C Pencil Screwdriver - amzn.to/3KyIHG9
Brass Insert Tool - amzn.to/3FTj14P
Some of the above parts are affiliate links. By purchasing products through the above links, you’ll be supporting my projects, at no additional cost to you.
CHAPTERS
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0:00 Intro
1:06 AliExpress Parts I Bought
4:46 Making The 10" Rack
6:21 Completing The Build
7:38 Testing The Homelab
10:12 Drive Scam
12:24 Final Thoughts
If you've got any ideas for Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or other Electronics projects or tutorials you'd like to see, let me know in the comments section.
Can you build a genuinely usable homelab using only the cheapest components from AliExpress? In this video, I build a complete 10-inch homelab using no-name AliExpress hardware, including a router, switch, mini PC, storage, and a 3D-printed rack. I test performance, power consumption, network speeds, and storage reliability to find out whether this is a budget win or just future e-waste.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------------
Here's my blog post for the build - the-diy-life.com/i-built-an-aliexpress-homelab-is-it-surprisingly-good-or-total-e-waste
PURCHASE LINKS
---------------------------------------------------
Unlike with most of my builds, I've left these links here for reference only. I don't think that these components are good value for money and don't recommend that you buy them.
Mini PC - aliexpress.com/item/1005004309764539.html
Ethernet Switch - No longer listed
2.5" SATA SSDs - aliexpress.com/item/1005009872663831.html
AX3000 Router - aliexpress.com/item/1005009409934537.html
SATA Adaptors - aliexpress.com/item/1005005667830177.html
These are ok to buy:
Patch Leads - aliexpress.com/item/1005006256986557.html
M6 Brass Inserts - aliexpress.com/item/1005008666672949.html
PETG Filament - aliexpress.com/item/1005009587425789.html
120mm Fan - aliexpress.com/item/1005006828339473.html
Tools & Equipment Used:
Bambulab H2D - us.store.bambulab.com/products/h2d
USB C Pencil Screwdriver - amzn.to/3KyIHG9
Brass Insert Tool - amzn.to/3FTj14P
Some of the above parts are affiliate links. By purchasing products through the above links, you’ll be supporting my projects, at no additional cost to you.
CHAPTERS
---------------------------------------------------
0:00 Intro
1:06 AliExpress Parts I Bought
4:46 Making The 10" Rack
6:21 Completing The Build
7:38 Testing The Homelab
10:12 Drive Scam
12:24 Final Thoughts
If you've got any ideas for Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or other Electronics projects or tutorials you'd like to see, let me know in the comments section.
