800 G2

  • $130

  • i7 6700

  • 32GB DDR4

  • 256gb SSD

  • no M.2 slot

800 G3

  • $130

  • i7 7700

  • 16GB DDR4

  • 256GB SSD

  • GT 730 2GB (who cares, though)

OptiPlex 5050

  • $109

  • i5 7500

  • 16GB DDR4

  • 256GB M.2

Which one for a beginner homelab? Yes, a previous thread suggested something full size, but going to start with this. I figure I can probably still stuff those PCI SATA cards in here.

Feels hard to decide. They all have their ups and downs based on things I could upgrade.