Mini PCs · NAS · Drives · Homelab
More terabytes per dollar.
We benchmark budget mini PCs, crack open external drives, and price out every NAS path — so you build the home server you want without paying the brand tax.
EXTERNAL DESKTOP
WDBCKA0120HBK
- INSIDE
- WD WHITE LABEL · CMR
- 3.3V PIN MOD
- REQUIRED (KAPTON)
- SAVINGS VS INTERNAL
- ~40%
- SHUCK VERDICT
- ● GO
Featured guides
Fresh off the bench
GMKtec NucBox G3 vs Beelink Mini S12 Pro: The True N100 Budget King Comparison
GMKtec G3 or Beelink Mini S12 Pro — both use the N100, but which is the better buy? We compare specs, build quality, thermals, BIOS features, and value at current prices.
Mini PC Storage Upgrade: What Slot Do You Have and What Goes In It?
Before buying an SSD for your mini PC, you need to know if your slot is SATA or NVMe, and whether it fits 2242 or 2280 drives. We explain how to find out before you waste money.
Where to Buy a Mini PC: Amazon vs. Official Brand Stores vs. AliExpress Compared
Amazon, the brand's official store, or AliExpress? We compare mini PC buying options across price, warranty coverage, return policies, and seller legitimacy.
Free tools
Run the numbers first
NAS Storage Planner
Drive count, capacity, RAID level in — usable space, redundancy, and cost-per-TB out.
RUN →Power Cost Calculator
Your electricity rate vs N100, N97, and Ryzen builds — yearly cost, side by side.
RUN →Shucking Lookup
Search WD and Seagate externals: what drive is inside, and whether you'll need the 3.3V mod.
RUN →Essential reading
The rack
Best Shucking Hard Drive 2024 Guide
If you’ve ever found yourself in need of large storage space, you’ve probably come across external…
READ → 2UN100 Mini PC Power Consumption
In the realm of Mini PCs, the Intel® Processor N-series N100 CPU chip stands as a…
READ → 3USynology NAS vs DIY Building your own
Choosing between a pre-built NAS (Network Attached Storage) from brands like Synology or QNAP and assembling…
READ → 4UShucking Hard Drives and SSD still Worth It in 2024?
In the constantly evolving landscape of data storage, the practice of shucking—removing the internal drive from…
READ → 5UWhat Is ZFS and Do You Actually Need It for a Home NAS?
ZFS is the gold standard for data integrity, but do home NAS builders actually need it?…
READ → 6UHow to Self-Host Nextcloud on a Mini PC: Replace Google Drive for Free
Nextcloud turns your mini PC into a private Google Drive replacement. This step-by-step guide covers Docker-based…
READ →Deal alerts
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