To start this great project of mine, Im going to just be using what I already have. While I do plan to invest in some proper homelab hardware in the distant future, that doesnt offset the fact that it will be ridiculously expensive.
Instead, I am going to be using all of my old computers in a cluster to achieve the same result. Old laptops are great, they have a built in battery backup, draw very little power, and have a built in console for troubleshooting.
And the best part is this isn’t even all my computers! I have 2 more raspberry pi’s not in use, a mini pc, and an old gaming laptop
Update
I have now set up the computers in the dorm, and have a full image of all of them in one place! (Warning, a little insane looking)
When my 3d printer arrives, I plan to print a proper mounting rack for all the computers, but as of now, I have them all organized as follows:
Setup Plans
Found this useful thread with a guy who did something similar to what I am planning. I will have to purchase a network switch, but besides that I should be good to go.
Updates
I am consider Using Bare Metal Nixos and Debian Over Proxmox for this project now due to some of the reasons highlighted under Bridging my University Wifi to host own network access point