Desktop Power in a Tiny Homelab

Miniature rack-mount systems are perfect for homelabs. They provide a nice and tidy way to store and transport tools that are essential for experimentation and hacking. But by their very nature, these tiny racks are limited in the type of hardware that they can support. If you’re looking to house powerful computers and GPUs, you should probably look elsewhere. Raspberry Pis and other single-board computers are much more suitable for a miniature rack.

But you can only do just so much with a Raspberry Pi. In terms of raw computing horsepower and expandability, they are no competition for a desktop machine. Michael Klements didn’t want to upgrade to a full-sized rack, but also didn’t want to compromise on computing power, so he had to come up with another solution. Ultimately, he ended up squeezing a Mini-ITX motherboard into a 10-inch Lab Rax server rack to support more peripherals and improve computing performance.

Klements started with a custom 3D-printed chassis designed specifically for the compact rack format. By opting for a Mini-ITX motherboard, he was able to strike a balance between size and capability, opening the door to full PCIe expansion, multiple SATA drives, and standard DDR4 memory — features typically out of reach for small-form-factor homelabs.

The custom 2U shelf was designed in Fusion 360 and printed using PETG filament for improved heat resistance over PLA. The design incorporates mounting points for the motherboard, a cutout for the IO shield, and integrated cable management features. There’s also a front-facing cutout for a 12mm push-button power switch, complete with LED indication, giving the system a polished, semi-professional appearance.

Power delivery is handled through two flexible options depending on system requirements. For low-power builds, a compact picoPSU can be used, keeping things lightweight and efficient. For more demanding setups, including those with GPUs, a modular GaN-based power supply provides up to 500 watts in a small, near-silent package. A separate 3D-printed bracket mounts the PSU neatly at the rear of the rack, maintaining a clean and modular layout.

The motherboard is mounted on standoffs within a printed tray, with the IO shield snapped into place for proper alignment. The power button is wired directly to the motherboard headers, and cables are routed through built-in channels to keep everything organized.

Klements also explored two design orientations: one with front-facing IO for easy access, and another with rear-facing ports for a cleaner, more traditional rack aesthetic. The latter includes a custom front panel with ventilation and power controls.

The entire chassis can be printed using around 240 grams of filament, costing just a few dollars. The result is a highly capable, modular rack-mounted PC that dramatically expands what’s possible in a 10-inch homelab — without the need for expensive, off-the-shelf server hardware.