Performance isn’t key. But I like performance, lol. I also wasn’t aware of their more recent practices. So thank you.

I’ll have to check out the HP mini. As I said, just barely scratched the surface on researching this, and its more of a thought than a project at the moment, lol.

I just can’t afford (and cool) enterprise level stuff at home. It was free (to me) so no big loss other than buying a better CPU used ~50 bucks. I’ve spent more on worse ideas lol.

Cost and a personal bias, also I’ve seen more helpful communities amongst Linux and FOSS advocates than trying to deal with a big brand.

I’ve done a lot of IT stuff in my life, even before working in IT.

I’ve seen too many issues from big brands, and its usually caused by the company.

I have a Pi 2 from way back. I’ve thrown so many distros at that thing over time, and without fail I don’t run into any problems I didn’t personally create while learning or through human error.

I understand all too well that those big brands have support for businesses, warranties, etc. It makes them cost effective long term for business. At a personal level I just don’t see the benefits outweighing the negatives.

Again, personal bias. Same core reason I avoid apple products, bias, though I mainly dislike apples cost combined with their closed off, well, everything.

I’ve got enterprise level hardware, rack moubtable all that jazz.

Between the cost of power, and the heat it generates (which uses more AC and thus power) its not feasible to run it.

I’m looking into clustering some raspberry pis for a more power (and heat) efficient hardware as my next project. Barely scratched the surface of research though.

So hey, if anyone has any tips or links, it would be much appreciated.

Personally I prefer simple connectors, but I’ve been making cables for 20+ years.

I understand OPs frustration though.

Then again, I’m the type to put in my own drops at home, and include a service loop so I can repunch/crimp whatever I need to without yanking the cable from upstairs to down lol.