Best hardware for low-power virtualization server?

Hardware
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Hello,
I’m considering the switch fro RPi to VM for my Hassio setup, and I’d also like to have other simple VMs on there, like a NAS, light webserver, etc. I don’t expect them to be under very heavy load, and I’d like to keep the power usage as low as possible. A fast-ish network interface would be important.

Any suggestions?

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An intel NUC?

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Or if you don’t want to pay the NUC premium price: https://minipcxcy.aliexpress.com/store/group/i7-i5-i3-PC/4362012_516515342.html

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I too think NUCs are overpriced for what they are.

I use a HP ProDesk 600 G1 Desktop Mini PC that I found on Facebook marketplace for $50.00. Get a model with a processor that ends in T (ie i5-4590T) for a low power option. Draws ~10-15 watts from the wall.
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04240180#AbT0

Dell makes an optiplex and Lenovo makes a Thinkcenter with similar form factor. These are decently easy to find as the 3rd and 4th gen intels are being phased out of office use.

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I use an ASRock Deskmini. It can support a full Intel CPU w/ fan and has space for 2 internal SSD’s.