Seeking affordable, reliable, compact and passive-cooled hardware for headless HA setup

Hardware
1

I’m looking for a compact hardware replacement for my current Raspberry Pi 4 to run Home Assistant. It will need to fit in a wooden cabinet with other devices like a cable modem, firewall, and switch.

Key Requirements:

  • Very compact size
  • Low-TDP and passive cooling (for low heat and noise)
  • Reliable 24/7 operation

Specific Needs:

  • Ethernet port
  • At least one USB port for OTBR (via SkyConnect), Zigbee (Sonoff dongle), and Bluetooth antenna (for BLE signals)
  • Single COM port (for headless use and quick laptop connection in case of issues)
  • PoE powered (preferred but optional)
  • No need for video ports, WiFi, or built-in Bluetooth

I’m considering Intel Alder Lake N-series processors (N50/N95/N97/N100/N200) for their balance of performance and efficiency. However, finding compact hardware designed for 24/7 headless server use has been a challenge.

I’m debating between running Home Assistant barebone or on a VM (Proxmox). Barebone could increase stability (essential since it’s responsible for heating my plants during winter), but VM would allow me to run a few additional services like Samba (basic NAS and cloud backup needs currently handled by a second Pi 4).

I’ve looked into firewall hardware, but they tend to be expensive due to extra features like multiple Intel i226V Ethernet ports, which I don’t need. I’m also cautious about no-name brands on Aliexpress due to concerns about safety and quality control.

Any recommendations on hardware that fits these requirements would be appreciated. I’m particularly interested in hearing why you think a specific device would be a great fit. Ideally, I’m looking for something in the ~200 EUR/USD range when configured with 8GB RAM and a 250GB SSD.

Thanks in advance!

2

I use a thin client with 4 gb ram with Ubuntu server and docker (ha core). Added a sata 2.5” drive stuffed inside.
It has all you’re asking apart the ram.

All mini pc I’ve found in my limited search had all a fan so can be a little noisy

3

Thanks. Can you list the exact device and its energy usage so I can check if it fits my requirements? (passive, tiny)?

4

The on I’m using is a Praim Atomino but it seems to be available only in Italy, there are similar products from other bra:

5

Thanks. I checked the specs, it’s way too large and consumes way too much energy (up to 60W). It also has no COM port. I’m searching for something that fits into the palm of your hand, with <25W max – a Pi replacement, but built for 24/7.

6

Care to share where you got that number? Datasheet says idle and no peripheral around 4W. In use I estimate around 15/20w with normal load.

Mine (different brand/model but similar specs, intel cpu) is rated at 13w with normal use.

It consumes like 4 RPi4 but has really more power, can connect many devices and used/regurbished costs nothing

7

There’s no information about energy usage at the tech specs of the device, but the spec sheet recommends a 60W PoE accessory. I assume they would list a 30-40W accessory otherwise. And I’m certainly no expert, but I learned that TDP isn’t peak. And https://www.cpubenchmark.net lists the CPU as with a typical usage of 15W.

8

Oh, just FYI, I am looking for something like the Protectli V1210 but with 8GB and a newer (more performance per watt) CPU.