Why Hardware Decisions Matter More Than You Think Most homelab guides jump straight to “buy this processor, buy this RAM” without explaining why. The hardware you choose determines what you can run, how many VMs you can spin up simultaneously, and whether your lab feels responsive or sluggish. Get it right upfront and you’ll save yourself from hitting walls six months later. This page focuses purely on hardware — what to look for, what to avoid, and what gives you the best value for a Windows Server homelab specifically. The Three Approaches — New, Used or Repurposed Before buying anything, decide which route suits your budget and goals. Repurpose an…